Syrian forces pound flashpoints
Syria has continued its bombardment of the rebellious province of Homs, as the leader of a major opposition grouping quit.


Donna Summer, Queen of Disco, dies at 63
Singer Donna Summer, who became the Queen of Disco with hits such as Love to Love You Baby, has died at 63.


US ready to strike Iran, says envoy
Washington's envoy to Israel says the US has plans in place to attack Iran if necessary to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.


Spanish bank hit by report of withdrawals
A report that depositors are rushing to withdraw their money from a recently nationalised bank has spread fresh fears about Spain's banks.


Buffett buys up 63 US newspapers
US billionaire Warren Buffett is making another foray into newspapers, agreeing to buy 63 titles from Media General.


Ahmadinejad wants to attend Olympics
Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wants to attend the London Olympics to support his country's athletes but says Britain doesn't want to host him.


Outcry over royal lunch guests
Human rights activists say "royal tyrants" are on the guest list for a Diamond Jubilee lunch with foreign monarchs at Windsor Palace.


UK urges action to resolve euro crisis
The British prime minister has urged Europe to sort out its currency crisis or risk the collapse of the eurozone.


France's new Socialist govt gets to work
French ministers have adopted a 30 per cent pay cut in a gesture of shared sacrifice by leaders who must now reduce massive debt and tackle unemployment.


Terminator actor Nick Stahl missing in LA
Actor Nick Stahl has been reported missing by his wife, Los Angeles police say.


Egypt police acquitted of protester deaths
Fourteen Egyptian policemen have been acquitted of killing protesters during last year's uprising.


Cameron 'told how to treat Murdoch'
British PM David Cameron refused to play ball when he was instructed by media executives on how to deal with Rupert Murdoch, the Leveson inquiry heard.


Yemen army pushes into al-Qaeda stronghold
Continued fighting in Yemen's south has pushed back al-Qaeda insurgents but the military is wary of a counterattack.


Spain in recession amid European drama
Another day of financial and political drama in Europe is set to be discussed in a video conference between key leaders.


Afghan suicide squad kills 7, wounds 12
Afghanistan's security problems have been underlined as suicide attackers stormed a government compound in the country's southwest.