International

January 21, 2011

Tony Blair’s note told President Bush ‘count on us’

Tony Blair privately assured US President George Bush "you can count on us" in the run-up to the Iraq war. The private…

January 21, 2011

South Korea rescues Samho Jewelry crew from pirates

South Korean navy commandos have stormed a cargo ship which had been seized by pirates in the Arabian Sea. All 21…

January 21, 2011

Iran nuclear talks under way in Istanbul

Major world powers have begun two days of talks with Iran over its controversial nuclear programme. Diplomats meeting in Turkey are expected to revive a fuel-swap plan, where Iran gives up nuclear material in return for fuel for a research…

January 21, 2011

Southern Sudan referendum: ‘Massive vote to split’

With most votes counted in Southern Sudan's referendum, 99% of people have opted for independence from the north, officials say. Official results are due next month but correspondents say the result is not in doubt. However, the former rebels now…

January 21, 2011

Tunisia starts three days of mourning

Tunisia is beginning three days of mourning to honour those who died in the unrest that led to the fall of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. At least 78 people have been killed since a wave of protests began last in January. A new, interim…

January 20, 2011

Hu says China not seeking arms race or domination

Chinese President Hu Jintao has said China has no interest in pursuing an arms race or exerting military…

January 20, 2011

FBI charges 127 alleged mobsters in north-east US

US federal agents have charged 127 suspected mobsters in multiple investigations into New York's organised crime…

January 20, 2011

Tunisia to legalise banned polical parties

Tunisia's new government says it will recognise all banned political groups, including Islamists, and grant an amnesty to all political prisoners. The announcement comes after the new cabinet held its first meeting - nearly a week after President…

January 20, 2011

Sonia Peres, wife of Israeli president, dead at 87

Sonia Peres, the wife of Israeli President Shimon Peres, died at her Tel Aviv home Thursday morning, a president's spokeswoman said. She was 87. The president was making his way to Tel Aviv from Jerusalem on Thursday, said spokeswoman Meital…

January 20, 2011

At least 32 killed in attack on pilgrims in Iraq

At least 32 people were killed and 150 others wounded in two explosions targeting Shiite pilgrims Thursday in Karbala, about 60 miles (100 km) south of Baghdad, police officials said. It was the latest of several terrorist attacks across Iraq…