world
Social Democrats narrowly beat Merkel's bloc in German vote
Germany's center-left Social Democrats won the biggest share of the vote in a national election Sunday, narrowly beating outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel 's center-right Union bloc in a closely fought race that will determine who succeeds the long-time leader at the helm of Europe's biggest economy.
Rowdy celebrations erupt in Norway as COVID restrictions end
Police in Norway on Sunday reported dozens of disturbances and violent clashes including mass brawls in the Nordic country's big cities after streets, bars, restaurants and nightclubs were filled with people celebrating the end of COVID-19 restrictions that lasted for more than a year.
Haitians returning to a homeland that's far from welcoming
Deported from the United States, Pierre Charles landed a week ago in Port-au-Prince, a capital more dangerous and dystopian than the one he'd left four years before. Unable to reach his family, he left the airport alone, on foot.
Man in Poland gets 25-year sentence for murder, cannibalism
A court in Poland convicted a man on Monday of instigating a murder in 2002 and participating in subsequent cannibalism and handed him a 25-year prison term.
Taliban, ex-Afghan government dispute ends with no UN speech
The dispute between Afghanistan's new Taliban rulers and its former government over who should speak at the United Nations' annual meeting of world leaders finally has an answer: no one.
UK's Johnson finally agrees to meet COVID-bereaved group
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Tuesday finally meet with members of the COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaigning group, who for more than a year have sharply criticized his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Egg thrown at French President Macron during food trade fair
French President Emmanuel Macron was hit on the shoulder Monday by an egg thrown at him by a man during a visit to an international food trade fair in the French city of Lyon.
Qatar Airways says losses reach $4.1 billion amid pandemic
Qatar Airways announced on Monday that it suffered a more than $4 billion loss in revenues over the last year, as lockdowns triggered by the coronavirus pandemic slashed demand for long-haul travel.
Police swoop on Balkan cartel's European 'cocaine pipeline'
Law enforcement agencies from eight European countries pounced on a Balkan crime organization allegedly running the continent's largest cocaine distribution network, making 61 arrests and seizing more than four metric tons (4.4 tons) of the drug, authorities said Monday.
Uncertain start to post-Merkel era after close German vote
The party that narrowly beat outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel's bloc pushed Monday for a quick agreement on a coalition government, but Europe's biggest economy could still be in for weeks of uncertainty after an election that failed to set a clear direction.
Israeli PM denounces Iran, ignores Palestinians in UN speech
Israel's new prime minister appealed to the international community Monday to stand together against Iran, accusing Tehran of marching toward the development of a nuclear weapon and threatening to act alone if the world does not take action.
Jailed Belarus opposition leader wins European rights prize
The Council of Europe on Monday awarded its major human rights prize to jailed Belarus opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, who was arrested last year after she tore up her passport at the border to prevent her forced expulsion from the country.
UK mulls calling in army to help ease gas shortages at pumps
Lines of cars formed at British gas stations for a fourth day on Monday, as the government mulled sending in the army to help ease the supply disruptions, triggered by a shortage of truck drivers.
Strong quake hits Greek island of Crete; 1 dead, 20 injured
A strong, prolonged earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of at least 5.8 struck the Greek island of Crete on Monday, killing one person and injuring 20, while damaging homes and churches and causing rock slides near the country's fourth-largest city.
Judge suspends probe into Lebanon port blast amid challenges
The lead judge investigating last year's massive blast in Beirut's port suspended his work in the case Monday after he was formally notified that a former Cabinet minister had submitted a request to recuse him.
Iran, Saudi sides continue tension-easing talks in Baghdad
Representatives from Iran and Saudi Arabia have held a new round of talks in Baghdad, two Iraqi officials said Monday, in the first such meeting between the regional foes since a new president was sworn in in Tehran.
China: 2 Canadians in prisoner swap freed for health reasons
Two Canadians detained in late 2019 who were allowed to return to Canada in a prisoner swap were released on bail for health reasons, China's Foreign Ministry said Monday.
Azerbaijan, Armenia mark anniversary of their war
Azerbaijan and Armenia are marking the first anniversary of the start of their six-week war in which more than 6,600 people died and that ended with Azerbaijan regaining control of large swaths of territory.
ICC prosecutor seeks to resume Afghanistan war crimes probe
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court sought urgent clearance Monday from the court's judges to resume investigations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan, saying that under the country's new Taliban rulers "there is no longer the prospect of genuine and effective domestic investigations" in the country.
Monsoon rain may worsen floods in Thailand, Bangkok prepares
Seasonal monsoon rains may worsen flooding that has already badly affected about a third of Thailand, officials said Monday as flood gates and pumping stations were being used to reduce the potential damage.