Thousands evacuated after weekend bombing in Syria

RASHIDIN, Syria - Thousands of Syrians were evacuated from besieged towns on Wednesday with tight security in place after a weekend bombing against those leaving government-held areas killed dozens, including 70 children.

Former UK chancellor George Osborne quits as MP

George Osborne, who as chancellor of the exchequer was part of the drive by David Cameron's government to boost economic ties with China, said on Wednesday he will not seek re-election as an MP.

Standard raised for Australian citizenship

SYDNEY - Australia plans to raise the bar for handing out citizenships by lengthening the waiting period, adding a new "Australian values" test and raising the standard for English language as part of a shake up of its immigration program.

Chinese, Iranian firms to renovate nuke plant

Chinese and Iranian enterprises have agreed to renovate the Arak heavy water reactor, a key part of an international deal over Iran's nuclear program, and the first commercial contracts will be signed this weekend, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in Beijing on Thursday.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Chinese investors breathe new life into rural Ukraine

KIEV, Ukraine - Newly sown fields, well-kept houses and modern farms - the rural area surrounding Koryukovka settlement shines like a pearl among the string of abandoned villages in a remote corner of Ukraine's northern Chernigov region.

Gunman targeting whites chose three men at random

FRESNO, California - A 39-year-old man went on a shooting spree in the central California city of Fresno on Tuesday, killing three people and injuring another before being arrested, authorities said.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Holiday brings hope of renewal

CAIRO - Millions of Egyptians celebrated a national holiday marking the beginning of spring in an attempt to overcome national grief after recent deadly church attacks.

Mobile bookstore steering revival of Iraq's literary love

BAGHDAD - The Iraqis guarding Baghdad's many checkpoints, on the lookout for car bombs and convoys, don't know what to make of Ali al-Moussawi when he pulls up in a truck displaying shelves of glossy books.

No refuge from poaching scourge

GENEVA - Illegal poaching, logging and fishing of sometimes critically endangered species is taking place in nearly half of the world's most protected natural sites, environmental campaigners WWF warned on Tuesday.

Second lease of life for abused bears

ZHYTOMYR, Ukraine - Dental treatment by the best vets, open-air accommodation and fresh fish instead of dubious leftovers and abuse - life has changed markedly for brown bears rescued from Ukrainian circuses and restaurants.