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Blast hits UN observer convoy in Syria

A roadside blast hit troops escorting UN observers in Syria’s south on Wednesday, a day after envoy Kofi Annan warned that his peace plan could be the last chance to avoid civil war. The explosive device, which... Full story

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Kidnappings threaten Pakistan aid work

The grisly murder of a Red Cross worker and a video showing an American hostage pleading for his life highlight a perilous security situation in Pakistan that aid groups say is endangering their work. Full story

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Israelis divided on shock coalition deal

Israelis are divided on premier Benjamin Netanyahu’s move to form a shock coalition government with the Kadima opposition party and scrap plans for early elections, several polls showed on Wednesday. Full story

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Obama leads Romney, helped by independents

The president, Barack Obama, extended his lead over Republican challenger Mitt Romney to 7 percentage points because of increased support from independent voters and some optimism over the US... Full story

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S African rhinos at mercy of smuggling network

Petty hunters, corrupt wildlife officials and Asian traffickers have all been snared in South Africa’s crackdown on rhino poaching as special prosecutors battle syndicates feeding the trade in horns. More than 160 people are currently before the courts, exposing the complex... Full story

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Queen’s Speech sets out British government fightback

Queen Elizabeth II gave her ‘Queen’s Speech’ to Britain’s parliament Wednesday, setting out government policy for the coming year as the ruling coalition sought to fight back after a dismal month. Full story

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Mayawati spent Rs 86 crore to renovate bungalow

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati spent a staggering Rs. 86 crore of government funds to renovate her sprawling Mall Avenue bungalow when she was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh with some... Full story

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Bomber in al-Qaeda plot was double agent

The man ordered by al-Qaeda’s branch in Yemen to blow up a US-bound airliner was a double agent who infiltrated the group and volunteered for the suicide attack, with Saudi intelligence likely playing... Full story

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Air India pilots extend strike, flights cancelled

Some 50 more pilots from India’s national carrier Air India joined a second day of industrial action on Wednesday, taking the total to 150 and forcing more international flights to be cancelled, officials said. Full story

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Afghan ambushes kill nine

Five Afghan policemen and four bodyguards assigned to protect an education chief have been killed in two ambushes blamed on Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday. Full story

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Blind activist challenges China over house arrest

Blind activist Chen Guangcheng challenged China’s central government Wednesday to prove that it had not ordered his illegal house arrest, and to punish those who turned his home into a prison. Full story

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Jordan king pushes for polls in ‘last test’ for reform

Jordan’s King Abdullah II, facing popular demands for political changes, seeks to pave the way for crucial general polls before the end of 2012, a move seen by experts as ‘the last test’ for reform. Full story

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Sarkozy holds ‘emotional’ last French cabinet meet

Outgoing French leader Nicolas Sarkozy’s cabinet met for its last session on Wednesday as president-elect Francois Hollande held talks with top Socialists to gear up for next month’s parliamentary vote. Full story

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Twin attacks kill four in central Iraq

Insurgents killed four people, including a man and his son, in two attacks in Diyala province in central Iraq on Wednesday, the police and medical officials said. ‘Insurgents raided the house of a man working... Full story

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Deadline looms for Sudan, South to pull back forces

Sudan and South Sudan faced a United Nations deadline on Wednesday to pull troops back from their disputed border, as the South alleged violation of a ceasefire in effect since May 4. Full story

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