US imposing new sanctions on Russia

WASHINGTON - The United States has said it will impose new sanctions on Russia for "illegally using a chemical weapon" in an attempt to kill a former spy and his daughter in the United Kingdom this year - a claim denied by Moscow.

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US sanctions sour ties with Europe

BRUSSELS/TEHERAN - The United States has intensified pressure on the Iranian government after slapping tough economic sanctions on Teheran, whilst widening a disagreement with the European Union over a landmark nuclear accord.

Shanshan churning toward Japan

TOKYO - A powerful typhoon was churning toward Japan on Wednesday, prompting the weather agency to warn of heavy rain and strong winds and forcing airlines to cancel scores of flights.

Canada seeks to cool Saudi dispute

OTTAWA - Canada plans to seek help from the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom to defuse an escalating dispute with Saudi Arabia, sources said on Tuesday, but close ally the United States made clear it would not get involved.

Najib charged with money laundering

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's former prime minister Najib Razak was hit with new charges on Wednesday linked to a multibillion-dollar financial scandal that contributed to his shock election defeat in May.

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Tourist exodus as quake toll hits 105

MATARAM, Indonesia - Terrified holidaymakers rushed for boats and planes to leave Indonesia's Lombok island on Tuesday after it suffered a second deadly quake within a week, as rescuers scrambled to reach remote areas where survivors are in urgent need of food and shelter.

Optimism after talks lead to peace deal, govt reforms

African security experts have hailed the signing of a new peace deal between South Sudan's warring parties, saying it brings stability and hope for the people of the youngest nation in Africa.

Star witness against Manafort admits embezzling, hiding accounts

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia - Rick Gates, a longtime business associate of US President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, on Monday testified that he helped Manafort file false tax returns and hide his foreign bank accounts.

Challenges await govt's anti-corruption campaign

Corruption is an overwhelming issue in Afghanistan's government machinery and has wreaked havoc on the country's economy and shredded its international reputation.

British Army launch program to combat suicide bombers

The British Army is about to send a specialist training team to work with victims of sexual violence and exploitation in some of the world's most dangerous areas, to help them avoid being recruited as suicide bombers.