Two cities suffer contrasting fate after Berlin Wall

In the German city of Dresden, trumpet player Ludwig Guettler takes pride in the soaring spires of the Baroque Frauenkirche church, rebuilt from the ruins of World War II, and sees them as a symbol of his city's vibrant economic and cultural life.

El Salvador's street gangs use rape, sexual abuse to terrorize communities

In a country terrorized by gangsters, it is left to the dead to break the silence on sexual violence.

Ozone treaty working despite anomaly

New Zealand government scientists said on Thursday that an international treaty to stop the use of ozone-depleting gases was still working despite a study showing new damage to the ozone layer in the Northern Hemisphere.

Thai PM mulls over calls to lift-martial law

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is ready to consider lifting martial law in some parts of the country to help boost a struggling tourism sector and economy, a deputy prime minister said on Thursday.

Tension in East Jerusalem soars in holy site dispute

A surveillance balloon floated and helicopters flew overhead on Wednesday in East Jerusalem, while police vehicles were deployed at main intersections and more police were patrolling the streets. Arab neighborhoods in East Jerusalem looked like a war zone.

Unrest exploited, official says

Israel's foreign minister berated right-wing politicians on Thursday for exploiting tensions in Jerusalem, underscoring concerns that an increasingly violent dispute over a major holy site may be spinning out of control.

Russia pulls out of nuke summit

Russia said on Wednesday it has decided not to engage in preparations for a nuclear summit in Washington, arguing that it serves little purpose and gives too much weight to the United States.

Long-held detainee returns to Kuwait

One of the longest-held prisoners at the United States detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Kuwaiti Fawzi al-Odah, arrived back in his homeland on Thursday, according to Kuwaiti political science professor Ghanim al-Najjar, who closely follows the issue of Kuwaiti detainees at Guantanamo.

Australian health minister defends Ebola ban

Australian Health Minister Peter Dutton has defended Australia's restriction on migration from Ebola-affected countries after the World Health Organization demanded justification for the move.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Sand offers Netherlands new bulwark against sea

The Netherlands, a country with only half its land exceeding 1 meter above sea level, will strengthen weak links along its northwestern coastal area by 2016 with an innovative "sand solution".

Mexican police detain 'imperial couple' over 43 missing students

The end of the road for the fugitive "imperial couple" who owned jewelry stores and ruled a southern Mexican city came in a scruffy working-class neighborhood of the nation's capital.