US wrestles with Russia over chemical weapons use

The allegations of chemical weapons use in Syria seem like a front for settling scores between major powers and that was obvious in the recent tweets by US President Donald Trump against Russia.

Xi mourns victims of crash in Algeria

President Xi Jinping sent a condolence message on Thursday to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika over the military transport plane crash that killed 257 people in the worst aviation disaster in the North African nation's history and plunged the country into mourning.

Facebook chief open to idea of regulation

WASHINGTON - Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that regulation of social media companies is "inevitable" and disclosed that his own personal information has been compromised by malicious outsiders.

New ripples of uncertainty after Ryan retires

WASHINGTON - US House Speaker Paul Ryan's abrupt announcement that he will retire rather than seek another term in Congress as the steady if reluctant wingman for President Donald Trump sent new ripples of uncertainty through a Washington already on edge and a Republican Party bracing for a rough election year.

UK will be 'less green' after it leaves EU

Britain's natural environment is likely to deteriorate after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, according to a report commissioned by Friends of the Earth.

Council 'paralyzed' on new Syria probe

The United Nationals Security Council remained "paralyzed" on investigating the recent alleged chemical weapons use in Syria with Russia and the United States continuing to shoot down each other's proposals on Tuesday.

Absence at summit 'shows attitude'

LIMA, Peru - The announcement that US President Donald Trump will not attend the 8th Summit of the Americas to be held this week in the Peruvian capital reflects the "low priority" of Latin America on Washington's agenda, said Peruvian analysts.

Algerian military plane crash kills 257

ALGIERS, Algeria - State TV said 257 people were killed when a military plane carrying soldiers crashed soon after takeoff in a farm field in northern Algeria on Wednesday.

Facebook is 'working with investigation'

WASHINGTON - Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said his company is working with special counsel Robert Mueller in the sweeping Russia investigation, during his first appearance before Congress on Tuesday over a data breach scandal.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Russia-US relations seeing new flashpoint

WASHINGTON - The alleged Syrian chemical attack is becoming a new flashpoint for relations between the United States and Russia that many already see as having hit rock-bottom.

Zuckerberg gets serious for hearings

WASHINGTON - Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg placed the blame for privacy and security lapses at the world's largest social network squarely on himself as he girded for appearances this week on Capitol Hill before angry lawmakers.