German FinMin warns on Greek bailout deal
BRUSSELS — (AP) — Hours after Greece made the unpopular decision to slash government spending in an attempt to ease its debt crisis, Germany's finance minister questioned whether the deal goes far enough to earn a crucial euro130 billion bailout. More »
Suffering deepens in bombarded Syrian city of Homs
BEIRUT (AP) — Between blasts of rockets and mortar fire, Syrians used loudspeakers to call for blood donations and medical supplies Thursday in the stricken city of Homs, where a weeklong government offensive has created a deepening humanitarian crisis. More »
Police issue warrant for ex Maldives president
MALE, Maldives (AP) — A court in the Maldives issued an arrest warrant Thursday for former President Mohamed Nasheed, one day after his supporters rampaged in the capital and his claim of being ousted in a coup left unclear the stability of the fledging Indian Ocean democracy. More »
Famed Spain judge convicted of misusing authority
MADRID (AP) — The Spanish superstar judge who won global fame for aggressively taking on international human rights cases was convicted Thursday of overstepping his jurisdiction in a domestic corruption probe and barred from the bench for 11 years, completing a spectacular fall from grace for one of Spain's most prominent people. More »
Brazil: Rio police holding strike vote
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Police are threatening a strike that could prompt violence during this tropical city's popular Carnival bash in spite of government approval Thursday of a police pay raise. More »
On thin ice, and a long course, with the Dutch
HINDELOOPEN, Netherlands (AP) — As I lace up my ice skates while sitting on the banks of the Zijlroade river Thursday, grizzled men old enough to be my father glide past me, leaning into the bone-chilling wind and effortlessly propelling themselves across the frozen surface. More »
Mexican army finds 15 tons of pure methamphetamine
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — The historic seizure of 15 tons of pure methamphetamine in western Mexico, equal to half of all meth seizures worldwide in 2009, feeds growing speculation that the country could become a world platform for meth production, not just a supplier to the United States. More »
Guerlain perfume heir accused of racism in trial
PARIS (AP) — An heir to the Guerlain perfume empire went on trial Thursday in Paris on charges he made racist insults on national television. More »
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood wants government sacked
CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood called Thursday on the ruling generals to sack the military-appointed government, saying it has failed to manage the deteriorating security and economic situation in the country. More »
Mexico City modern metro meets ancient Aztec life
MEXICO CITY (AP) — After two hours' grueling drive southeast from the center of Mexico City, through paralyzing traffic jams and clouds of throat-burning smog, the bleached-white haze of air pollution gives way to pale-blue sky. More »