Americas

Drug that caused Michael Jackson overdose death is now used in Missouri executions

The anesthetic propofol is causing a stir among critics who say the US state cannot guarantee a drug untested for lethal injection will not cause pain and suffering for the condemned. Read Article Drug that caused Michael Jackson overdose death is now used in Missouri executions

Businessman who helped lock up 'Merchant of Death' gets prison sentence

A South African businessman who helped put a Russian arms dealer known as The Merchant of Death behind bars for 25 years was rewarded with a five-year prison term for charges stemming from the same US sting operation. Read Article Businessman who helped lock up 'Merchant of Death' gets prison sentence

Eclipse 'ring of fire' wows Asian, US sky-gazers

Millions turned their eyes to the sky on both sides of the Pacific as a solar eclipse created a 'ring of fire' from Asia to the western United States, where it was greeted with whoops in California. Read Article Eclipse 'ring of fire' wows Asian, US sky-gazers

Cash-strapped Europe's reluctance in Obama's Afghan strategy

A peace activist wears a mask depicting Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen during a protest in Brussels, Belgium 20 May 2012. Peace activists of Intal group staged a protest as world leaders are assembling in Chicago for the NATO Summit on 20-21 May. Thierry Roge / EPA

US president will detail his strategy in Afghanistan after troops leave in 2014, but faces European scepticism and question marks on its commitment to provide long-term funding for Afghan armed forces that are to take over. Read Article Cash-strapped Europe's reluctance in Obama's Afghan strategy

Three men accused of plotting attacks on Nato summit

Three men were accused of planning terrorist attacks during the Nato summit in Chicago, where world leaders including US President Barack Obama are gathering this weekend. Read Article Three men accused of plotting attacks on Nato summit

Pakistan authorises opening of Nato supply routes to Afghanistan

Islamabad had risked being excluded from a Nato summit in Chicago this weekend if it failed to reopen the routes, but the road to patching up US-Pakistan relations is far far from over. Read Article Pakistan authorises opening of Nato supply routes to Afghanistan

Washington's $1bn election-year gift for Israel's 'arms dome'

Additional aid from the US is earmarked for Israeli missile defence amid heightened tension over Iran. Read Article Washington's $1bn election-year gift for Israel's 'arms dome'

Obama supports same-sex marriage

President's comments may force Republican rival Romney into more conservative standpoint as he woos independent voters. Read Article Obama supports same-sex marriage

Double agent's 'stunning coup' in foiling Al Qaeda bomb plot

Saudi spy thwarts attack and delivers three knock-out blows to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and escapes to safety to Saudi Arabia via the UAE. Read Article Double agent's 'stunning coup' in foiling Al Qaeda bomb plot

Is Al Qaeda's bomb master back?

Foiled suicide attack bears hallmarks of Ibrahim Hassan Al Asiri, who was behind Christmas underwear strike and turning his brother into a bomber. Read Article Is Al Qaeda's bomb master back?

North Carolina voters slam the door shut on gay marriage

North Carolina voters overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as solely between a man and a woman, but not much is expected to change immediately. Read Article North Carolina voters slam the door shut on gay marriage

Medical report calls for focus on children to tackle America's bulging waistlines

Two in three American adults are too fat, medical experts say, calling for a renewed focus on schools as the place where eating habits take hold for life. Read Article Medical report calls for focus on children to tackle America's bulging waistlines

Rima Fakih, first Arab-American Miss USA, handed probation sentence

The 26-year-old former beauty queen has been sentenced to probation and community service in a drink driving case. Read Article Rima Fakih, first Arab-American Miss USA, handed probation sentence

Sound & Vision

Video: Outrage over carnage in Syria Watch Video
Video: Egypt presidential candidate Shafiq vows no return to the past Watch Video
Video: No celebration as Facebook marks first week as a publicly traded company Watch Video
Video: Egypt voting polls close as Muslim Brotherhood claims lead Watch Video
Video: African Union forces advance on Al Shabaab rebels Watch Video
Video: Qatar misses out on 2020 Olympics Watch Video
Video: Egyptians vote for president Watch Video
Video: Hopes for a better life ahead of Egyptian elections Watch Video
Video: Saudi Arabia pledges $3.25 billion in aid to Yemen Watch Video
Video: Suspected pirates face trial in Paris Watch Video

THE MOST FROM THE NATIONAL

View History

Clear

EDITOR'S PICKS

Video: Bloodshed in Beirut

A night of fighting in the Lebanese capital claims at least two lives and wounds dozens Video: Bloodshed in Beirut

Keeping ahead of the pack in a rickshaw revolution

Starting this month, the Delhi government's transport department will issue 45,000 new licenses for auto rickshaws — time for the current drivers to make their three-wheeler stand out in style. Keeping ahead of the pack in a rickshaw revolution

South Sudan economy in shambles

South Sudan’s decision to shut down its oil flow was either extreme brinkmanship or economic suicide. South Sudan economy in shambles

Washington's $1bn election-year gift for Israel's 'arms dome'

Additional aid from the US is earmarked for Israeli missile defence amid heightened tension over Iran. Washington's $1bn election-year gift for Israel's 'arms dome'

Street artists fear they're being edged out of modern India

The artists and musicians of a New Delhi slum fear an enforced move will destroy the vibrant community that helps keep their skills alive. Street artists fear they're being edged out of modern India