IN BRIEF (Page 7)

Tensions triggered over possible move

A possible move by the United States to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital this week ignited regional debates over the impact the decision would have on peace efforts in the Middle East.

Squash a perfect match for girl refugees in Jordan

AMMAN, Jordan - Elevenyear-old Syrian refugee Raghda Hasriyeh whacks a ball against the wall of a squash court as she practices in front of her parents.

Efforts needed for sustainable projects

Good government policies and implementation, coupled with strong collaboration with the private groups and the civil society, will help countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative build green and sustainable projects, experts said.

'Super beans' feed hopes in Africa's hunger-prone areas

NWOYA, Uganda - Richard Opio dipped a dirt-stained hand into the pinkish beans, marveling at the dramatic changes they've made for his family. They used to harvest two sacks of normal beans; now they take in six.

'Kwaussie' wins Australia's word of the year

SYDNEY - Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe is one, and so is Barnaby Joyce, Australia's deputy prime minister whose dual citizenship almost brought down the government.

N. Ireland broadens Brexit horizons

Northern Ireland, once an industrial powerhouse, wants closer ties with China to safeguard against economic uncertainty as the United Kingdom prepares to exit from the European Union.

May in Brussels for moment of truth with EU

UK Prime Minister Theresa May was scheduled to meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday for crunchtime talks that could determine whether Brexit negotiations can continue into a second phase.

Yemen rattled by raids as clashes spread

SANAA, Yemen - A wave of air raids rattled the country's crisis-hit capital on Monday, witnesses said, as clashes between rebels and supporters of ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh spread beyond Sanaa.

Police: Potsdam explosive package not 'terrorism'

BERLIN - German authorities investigating the delivery of a package containing powerful firecrackers, wires and nails to a pharmacy near a Christmas market in the city of Potsdam said on Sunday that it was criminal activity rather than "terrorism".

Democrats stand united against GOP tax bill

WASHINGTON - Rarely unified, Senate Democrats stood together in opposing the GOP revamp of the tax code despite the traditional popularity of tax cuts and warnings from President Donald Trump and Republicans about the political cost in next year's midterm elections.

US quits talks on global migration pact

UNITED NATIONS - The United States has quit negotiations on a voluntary pact to deal with migration because the global approach to the issue was "simply not compatible with US sovereignty," said US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.