North Korea says Kim Jong Il has died
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il died Saturday on a train trip, a tearful state television announcer has reported.

Russia seizes Iran-bound radioactive material
Russia said Friday it had seized radioactive materials from the luggage of a passenger planning to fly from Moscow to Tehran.

In Cuba, old clunkers and Soviet cars now for sale
Want to buy a blue 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air for $11,000 or a Soviet-made Lada 1600 for $15,000?

New U.N. climate deal struck, critics say gains modest
Countries from around the globe agreed on Sunday to forge a new deal for the first time to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

As U.S. leaves, Iraqi forces still under construction
Iraq's rebuilt military is a long way from matching up with regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Iran and Israel.

Hospital fire kills at least 73 in eastern India
A fire ripped through a hospital in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata on Friday, killing at least 73 people.

Egypt's Islamists claim most seats in run-off vote
The Muslim Brotherhood said on Wednesday it had won most seats in an opening round of run-offs in Egypt's staggered parliamentary vote.

Blasts across Afghanistan target Shi'ites, 59 dead
A suicide attack killed dozens of Shi'ite Muslims at a crowded Kabul shrine on Tuesday.

Afghanistan's allies pledge to stay for long-haul
The West used an Afghanistan meeting on Monday to signal enduring support for Kabul as allied troops go home.

Biden prods Turkey on new Iran sanctions
Vice President Biden has urged Turkey to pass new sanctions against Iran.

Britain pulls embassy staff out of Iran
Britain has evacuated all its diplomatic staff from Iran a day after protesters stormed and ransacked its embassy.

Pakistan warns NATO attack threatens Afghanistan peace bid
Pakistan ratcheted up pressure on NATO on Monday over a cross-border attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers at the weekend, threatening to drastically reduce cooperation on peace efforts in Afghanistan.

Egypt protesters battle on to end army rule
Street clashes flared in Cairo again Wednesday as protesters derided an agreement forged by Egypt's ruling generals and mostly Islamist parties for a swifter transfer to civilian rule.

The EU and the clatter of high ideals
Failed by squabbling politicians, wracked by faithless financial markets, the EU may flinch these days in the glare of world scrutiny.

Egyptian police battle protesters, 33 dead
Cairo police fought protesters demanding an end to army rule for a third day on Monday and the death toll rose to 33.