Unique lapis lazuli stone helps fuel nation's long-term conflict

Afghanistan's mineral wealth is helping fuel the war that has long ravaged the country, with armed anti-government groups - including the Taliban - earning up to $20 million a year from illegal mining of lapis lazuli, a London-based corruption watchdog said on Monday.

Malls in international shopping haven suffer as locals, tourists curb spending

After serving only a handful of customers in five hours on a recent weekday, Sam Goh said he was worried the sportswear shop he manages, LIV ACTIV, will eventually join other brands in leaving Singapore's Orchard Road shopping boulevard.

Severe turbulence injures several on Malaysia Airlines flight

An unspecified number of passengers and crew were injured when a Malaysia Airlines flight from London to Kuala Lumpur was hit by severe turbulence, the carrier said, as photos emerged showing a cabin strewed with debris and upended meal carts.

Israelis march through Jerusalem's Old City

Thousands of Israelis marched through Jerusalem's Old City amid high tensions on Sunday to commemorate the capture of the city's eastern sector in the 1967 Mideast war.

Ex-banker takes narrow lead in presidential election

Both candidates are fiscal conservatives who would maintain a free-market model

Miss USA to take a break from Army

The newly crowned Miss USA is a 26-year-old Army officer from the District of Columbia who gave perhaps the strongest answer of the night when asked about women in combat.

Rare attack on security compound kills 5

Jordan's government spokesman said a terrorist attack on a local office of the national intelligence agency on Monday killed five employees, suggesting Islamic militants were involved.

Swiss say 'no thanks' to basic income for all

The Swiss on Sunday flatly rejected a radical proposal to provide the entire population with a basic income.

3 dead, 9 hospitalized in night train wreck

A late-night passenger train slammed into the rear of a halted freight train in eastern Belgium, killing three people and injuring at least nine others, authorities said on Monday.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Warriors' bench buries Cavs

Stephen Curry realizes every last man on the bench can mean so much to winning a championship.

Ali battling respiratory problems

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali is hospitalized in Arizaona with what two people familiar with his condition say might be more serious problems than his previous hospital stays.