Soldiers, police cast ballots in Iraq election

Security personnel cast their ballots nationwide on Monday ahead of Iraq's first election since US troops withdrew, amid attacks on voting centers and fears the country is slipping into all-out conflict.

Obama sets new sanctions on Russia

Pro-Moscow rebel forces take control of another eastern Ukrainian town

683 Islamists get death sentence

An Egyptian court sentenced Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie and 682 other alleged Islamists to death on Monday, a lawyer and prosecutor said, after two brief sessions the defense partly boycotted.

Palestinians seek to expand UN ties

The Palestine Liberation Organization's central council adopted a plan on Sunday to pursue attempts to join 60 United Nations bodies and international agreements.

Kerry warns of 'apartheid'

US Secretary of State John Kerry told a group of senior international officials that Israel risks becoming an "apartheid" state if it does not make peace soon, a US news website reported.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Obama calls for improved human rights in Malaysia

US president defends 7-week-long search for missing Flight MH370

South Africa marks 20th anniversary of apartheid's end

South African President Jacob Zuma led celebrations on Sunday to mark the 20th anniversary of post-apartheid democracy in the country, saying it was closer to achieving the dream of a united multiracial nation.

Abbas calls Holocaust 'heinous crime'

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Sunday the Holocaust was "the most heinous crime" of modern history and expressed his sympathy for the victims, a rare acknowledgment by an Arab leader of Jewish suffering during the Nazi genocide.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

US tech giants settle class-action lawsuit

Terms of deal not yet revealed in Silicon Valley recruiting dispute

Director of Hobbit trilogy changes title of final film

The final installment of the blockbuster Hobbit film trilogy has been given a new name, director Peter Jackson announced on Thursday.