US confronts new north Africa crisis The United States was rocked Thursday by a new crisis spurred by Islamic militants amid a deadly hostage-taking in Algeria, prompting warnings to US interests in north Africa to boost security.
19 January 2013
Anxiety mounts over deadly hostage raid in Algeria Western governments voiced alarm over the fate of dozens of foreigners seized by Islamists at a gas plant in the Algerian desert after several hostages were killed in a dramatic rescue operation.
19 January 2013
As Australia bushfires rage, warning of more heatwaves Firefighters were battling scores of wildfires raging in Australia Saturday, as a government commission warned that climate change had raised the risk of scorching heatwaves becoming more frequent.
13 January 2013
'Strong warning' to Assad over chemical arms: Clinton US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday issued a "strong warning" to the regime of Bashar al-Assad over the potential use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people.
04 December 2012
Australia readies for first plain pack cigarettes All cigarettes sold in Australia will be in identical, plain packages from Saturday in a world first after the government overcame legal challenges from the tobacco industry.
02 December 2012
Afghan president warns on immunity for foreign troops Afghan President Hamid Karzai has warned of possible problems ahead over the sensitive issue of immunity from prosecution for any American or NATO soldiers deployed in the country after 2014.
19 October 2012
Iran warns against Syrian use of chemical weapons Iran on Monday added its voice to warnings against Syria ever using chemical weapons in its increasingly large-scale war with anti-government insurgents.
02 October 2012
Netanyahu and Abbas make rival UN pitches The leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority both address the UN on Thursday, one seeking recognition for his state, the other warning of a dire threat to his.
28 September 2012
Australia slams 'sick joke' cigarette packs Australia slammed as a "sick joke" Wednesday new cigarette packs on sale as part of the national phase-in to plain packaging which play on drab branding and claim it's "what's on the inside that counts."
Philippines told to brace for more rains Philippine authorities warned Monday an approaching storm could bring more heavy rain to the capital and surrounding areas that are still reeling from devastating floods that have left 92 dead.
13 August 2012
US warns Syria against using chemical weapons US President Barack Obama has warned Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad it would be a "tragic mistake" to unleash chemical weapons, after Damascus admits it has a stockpile and will use them if attacked.
24 July 2012
Anger in China's capital as record rains kill at least 37 Beijing residents reacted angrily on Monday after the worst rains to hit the Chinese capital in more than 60 years left at least 37 people dead, with another seven still missing.