Pre-dawn attack temporarily shuts down Kabul airport

Gunmen carried out a pre-dawn rocket attack on Kabul International Airport on Thursday, temporarily shutting down the facility and setting off a gunbattle with security forces in which four attackers were killed, officials said.

Modi plans to clean up sacred Ganges

Standing on the banks of the Ganges a day after his election triumph, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to succeed where numerous governments have failed in cleaning up the filthy river beloved of India's Hindus.

Iran nuclear talks may be extended

Iran and six world powers are working to finalize the terms of a likely extension of negotiations over Teheran's nuclear program beyond a July 20 deadline. An announcement may come as early as Friday, Western diplomats said.

DPRK, ROK hit impasse at Asian Games negotiations

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea failed to reach any agreement on Thursday during working-level talks to discuss the DPRK's participation in the ROK-hosted Asian Games

Israel: New truce deal sealed

But Hamas denies claim as rocket attack marks end of five-hour lull

Moscow brands fresh sanctions 'blackmail' as jet is shot down

The United States and the European Union bolstered sanctions against Russia over its alleged support of separatists in Ukraine, drawing an angry rebuke on Thursday from Moscow which said the measures amounted to "blackmail".

US spying: 'Stupidity beyond belief '

The United States has badly underestimated the level of anger in Germany over its spying operations and the damage could be long-lasting if Washington fails to back off, former US officials said on Wednesday.

Australia abolishes divisive carbon tax; PM dubbed 'environmental vandal'

Australia's government repealed a much-maligned carbon tax on the nation's worst greenhouse gas polluters on Thursday, ending years of contention over a measure that became political poison for the lawmakers who imposed it.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Assad sworn in for another term as Syrian leader

President says foreign powers backing rebels will pay price

Typhoon kills 12, shuts down Manila

A typhoon killed at least 12 people as it churned across the Philippines and shut down the capital, cutting power and prompting the evacuation of more than 370,000 people, rescue officials said on Wednesday.

Israeli operations intensify

Homes of Hamas leaders targeted; Palestinian death toll climbs to 208