North Korea ‘planning to launch long range rocket’
The United States insisted that it would not tolerate a nuclear-armed North Korea, as reports suggested that the isolated regime was planning to launch another long-range rocket capable of striking the US.
Germany gets tough on executive pay
The toughest crackdown in Europe against excessive boardroom pay was launched by German legislators when they backed a bill that will cap executive compensation
London’s Big Ben, Still Ticking At 150
Low-tech, yet accurate to the second, the huge clock lends Victorian charm to one of the world’s great cities — and greatest skylines. It first began keeping time on May 31, 1859 and emerged from the bombing raids of World War II as an enduring symbol of Britain’s indomitable spirit.
Berlin vote heralds big spending cuts
The next government is set to crack down on spending and drastically raise taxes after the lower house of parliament adopted measures that come close to banning deficits beyond 2016
China silences human rights lawyers as Tiananmen date looms
Chinese authorities effectively disbarred some of the country s leading civil rights lawyers yesterday, dealing a blow to a group than has done more to hold the Government to account than any other in recent years.
Carla s ex-lover joins president s kitchen cabinet
A FORMER lover of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, France s first lady, has joined an informal kitchen cabinet of left-wing advisers around Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president.
Ukip confident it can beat Labour in EU poll
The fringe group, which wants Britain’s departure from the European Union, is hoping to pick up many of the votes cast by disgruntled former Labour and Tory supporters after the MPs’ expenses scandal
Spector sells murder castle to fund appeal
THE pop music producer Phil Spector is selling his 30-room mansion in Los Angeles to fund an appeal against his 19-year prison sentence for murdering a Hollywood actress there.
Sri Lanka’s crucial role in Indian Ocean power struggle
For a tiny, teardrop-shaped fragment in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka punches far above its weight. Its location off the southeastern coast of India may have put it right in the line of the 2004 tsunami, but it also puts it in pole position to exploit the growing geopolitical struggle unfolding in the Indian Ocean.
Iraq ex-trade minister arrested
Police detained Iraq’s former trade minister in connection with graft allegations involving food rations, ordering a plane in which he was flying to Dubai to turn back, witnesses and officials said
Top Gun takes on Taliban upside down
THE Royal Navy s Top Gun pilot and veteran of almost 200 missions in Afghanistan has relived the hair-raising aerial manoeuvres used against a Taliban stronghold.
Jailed American Journalists Face Trial In N. Korea
Weeks after the release of journalist Roxana Saberi from a prison in Tehran, two other American journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, are being held in North Korea — and reportedly will be standing trial Thursday.
Pakistan: Swat valley insurgency to be ‘cleared within days’
Battle for a Taliban town of terror
Well-dressed thief steals 6 million worth of Chopard jewels in Paris
French police are hunting a gentleman robber who pulled off a spectacular daylight robbery, stealing more than 6 million ( 5.2 million) worth of jewels from one of the most exclusive stores in central Paris.
