June 2009 Headlines

Iran's Christian Revolution Gains Momentum

The Islamic regime has found it is incapable of reversing the rapid spread of Christianity.

Remembering The Longest Day - June 6, 1944

June 6 marks the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France.

Democracy in Bhutan for Non-Christians Only

In the tiny kingdom of Bhutan, located in South Asia, you are guaranteed freedom of religion -- if you are a Buddhist. For a follower of Christ, it's another story.

Young Christians Stand Against Human Trafficking

The international human trafficking crisis is often hidden in plain sight, but a group of Christians are bringing the issue to light, hoping to defeat it.

U.S. Military Medical Teams Help Heal Relations

CBN News recently traveled to Ethiopia, where the military is working against terrorism with a U.S. military medical team.

Film Tells Story of Hidden Stonings in Iran

The story of another Iranian woman who faced torture and death has been made into a movie.

Northern Ireland: Finding Peace after 'The Troubles'

A new spate of killings has raised questions as to whether the time known as "the troubles" is making a comeback in Northern Ireland.

Gas Train Derails in Italy, Kills 13, Burns 50

A freight train derailed, setting off an explosion and fire that killed at least 12 people and injured at least 50, officials said Tuesday.

Iran Declares Election Fight Over, Vote Valid

Iran's highest ruling body has confirmed the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president.

Iraqis Celebrate National Sovereignty Day

U.S. forces complete their withdrawal from Iraqi cities and towns as Iraq's leaders declared Tuesday, June 30 as National Sovereignty Day.

Young Girl Survives Yemen Plane Crash

A passenger jet from Yemen with 153 people on board crashed in the Indian Ocean early Tuesday as it tried to land on the island nation of Comoros.

Ousted Honduran President Vows Return

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya says he will return to his country Thursday, and plans to bring the leaders of Argentina and Ecuador with him.

U.S. Military Says Four Soldiers Killed in Baghdad

Four U.S. soldiers were killed in combat on the eve of the withdrawal of American troops from Baghdad and other Iraq cities.

Fireworks Over Baghdad as Iraqis Take Control

Iraqi forces assumed formal control of Baghdad and other cities Tuesday after American troops handed over security.

Remains of the Apostle Paul Found?

Pope Benedict announced that fragments of bone dating to the first or second century have been discovered in a tomb in the Basilica of St. Paul in Rome.

U.S., Israel Bump Heads over Settlements

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak meets Monday with U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell in New York City.

Iran: No Downgrade of Ties with Britain

Iran dismissed the idea of downgrading diplomatic relations with Britain on Monday despite soaring tensions between the two countries.

Argentina's 'First Couple' Suffer Political Setback

Argentina's first couple suffered a stunning setback in an election seen as a referendum on their political dynasty.

Honduran President Exiled From Country

The president of Honduras has been ousted and forced from the country by his own military. 

Iraqi Forces Ready to Take Control?

U.S. forces will redeploy to bases outside of Iraqi cities on Tuesday. But with recent attacks -- is this the right time for the Iraqis to take charge of security?

U.S. Withdraws from Iraqi Cities Despite Violence

By Tuesday, all but a small number of American soldiers will have left Baghdad and other urban areas, handing over security to Iraqi soldiers.

Honduran Military Ousts President Ahead of Vote

Soldiers ousted the democratically elected president of Honduras on Sunday and Congress named a successor.

Pakistani Forces Kill 11 Taliban Militants

Warplanes and helicopter gunships pounded suspected militant positions in Pakistan's troubled northwest on Sunday.

Afghan Minister Says Drug Strategy is 'Perfect'

Gen. Khodaidad, who like many Afghans goes by one name, said that Afghanistan has achieved "a lot of success" with its anti-drug strategy.

Iranian Police Clash With up to 3,000 Protesters

Police used tear gas and truncheons to break up Iran's first post-election demonstration in five days.

U.S Announces Shift in Afghanistan Drug Policy

The United States has announced a new drug policy for opium-rich Afghanistan.

N. Korea Threatens to Shoot Japanese Spy Planes

The North has designated a no-sail zone off its eastern coast from June 25 to July 10 for military drills.

Militants Killed in Shootout in South Pakistan

Pakistani security forces raided a Taliban hideout in the southern city of Karachi Saturday and pounded suspected militant training camps.

Iran Pledges 'Crushing' Response to U.S. Critiques

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad vowed Saturday to make the U.S. regret its criticism of Iran's postelection crackdown.

U.S. Prepares to Give Reins to Iraqi Troops

U.S. forces will re-deploy to bases outside of Iraqi cities on Tuesday and Iraqi forces will be in charge of security.

Obama Scoffs at Ahmadinejad Apology Demand

President Barack Obama scoffed at the idea that he should apologize to Iran's leaders for criticizing their violent crackdown on demonstrators.

U.K. Preacher Threatened for Anti-Gay Remarks

British street preacher Andy Robertson says all he wants from his community in eastern England is the freedom to disagree.

OB Provides Mobile Clinic for Central America

CBN's Operation Blessing's new state-of-the-art dental clinic is on its way to Central America.

Mexico President Concerned Over Country's Future

The president of Mexico said his country's future is at stake and warned of a failing democracy.

Iran Cleric Calls Protesters 'Worthy of Execution'

Unrest continued in the streets of Iran as Ahmed Khatami called for harsh consequences for leaders of the protests.

Fans Around the World Mourn Jackson's Death

Fans from around the world continue to mourn the death of the man who called himself the "King of Pop."

Motorcycle Explodes in Baghdad Market

A booby-trapped motorcycle exploded in a crowded bazaar Friday in Baghdad, killing at least 11 people and wounding dozens.

Air France: Flight 447 Pilot's Body Retrieved

Search crews in the mid-Atlantic have retrieved the bodies of the chief pilot of Flight 447 and a flight attendant, Air France said Thursday.

Al Qaeda Claims Responsibility in Aid Worker Death

A North African branch of Al Qaeda is claiming responsibility for the death of a Christian aid worker from the U.S.

Iran's Crackdown on Demonstrators Continues

Violence continued in Iran Thursday as the Islamic Republic clamped down even harder on protesters taking to the streets to protest the nation's recent election.

U.S.: Iraq Withdrawal Despite Risks

The Obama administration has concluded that the risk of a security collapse in Iraq is too slight to slow plans for withdrawing U.S. troops.

N. Korea Warns of Nuclear 'Fire Shower'

N. Korea said U.S. pledge to provide nuclear defense of S. Korea invites a potential 'fire shower of nuclear retaliation.'

Iranian Protesters Take to the Cover of Darkness

As the Iranian government steps up its crackdown, demonstrators have found another way to voice their frustration.

Obama to Send Ambassador to Syria

President Barack Obama has decided to send an ambassador to Syria in ongoing efforts to reinstate diplomatic relations with the country.

Andres Weakens to Tropical Storm, Back to Sea

A weakening Tropical Storm Andres was heading out to sea Wednesday after flooding homes.

N. Korean Ship Could Test New UN Sanctions

An American destroyer was tailing a North Korean ship suspected of transporting weapons toward Myanmar.

Witnesses Report Clashes Around Iran Parliament

Riot police in Iran's capital fired tear gas and bullets in the air Wednesday in clashes with protesters.

Iran's Khamenei: Casualty in Vote Crisis?

Just a few weeks ago, it would have been unthinkable for the Iranian people to defy the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Technology Proves Bigger than Iranian Gov't

Getting information out of Tehran is becoming more difficult, but people aroung the world are using technology to help Iranians get the word out.

Jones Visits as Afghanistan Prepares for Election

The people of Afghanistan are preparing for a presidential election of their own.

Obama 'Appalled, Outraged' by Unrest in Iran

During his press conference, Tuesday, President Obama used some of his strongest language yet towards the Iranian regime.

Tropical Storm Andres Strengthens

Tropical Storm Andres was expected to grow into the Pacific season's first hurricane Tuesday.

Iran's Top Electoral Body Rules Out Do-Over

Despite the protests and the charges of fraud, the results of Iran's presidential election will stand.

Pope Wants World to Open Borders to Refugees

Pope Benedict is calling on the countries of the world to open their borders to refugees, despite the problems they create.

U.S., Kyrgyz Reach Deal on Air Base

A parliamentary committee on Tuesday backed a deal that allows the United States to ship non-lethal military supplies through a Kyrgyz air base to Afghanistan.

Sarkozy: Burqas Unwelcome in France

The French government has taken another step closer to banning the Muslim veils known as burqas.

French Navy Searches for Flight 447 Transponders

French military ships searching for the black boxes of Flight 447 have detected sounds in the Atlantic depths, but they are not from the Air France plane's flight recorders.

Iran's Electoral Body: Will Not Re-Do Election

Iran's top electoral body, the Guardian Council, said it has found "no major fraud" in the June 12 voting results.

Inside Iran's Basij Militia: Islam's Radical Believers

The Basij is one of the most committed enemies of the United States in the world today. Tens of thousands serve full time and follow a radical ideology.

N. Korean Ship Carries Weapons to Myanmar

A North Korean-flagged ship under close watch in Asian waters is believed to be heading toward Myanmar.

Taliban Commander Killed in Pakistan

A Taliban faction leader who criticized the terror group's Pakistani head over attacks that killed civilians was fatally shot Tuesday.

Sarkozy: Burka Not Welcome Here

French President Nicolas Sarkozy called the Muslim burka a "debasement of women," which was not welcome in France.

Iranian Woman's Death Seen as Martyrdom

Amateur video has emerged showing the brutal killing of a woman identified as "Neda."  Some are calling her Iran's Joan of Arc. 

Escaping Torture: An Iranian's Journey to the U.S.

Ahmad Batebi managed to escape the beatings and torture of the Iranian regime and make his way to America.

Sarkozy Says Burqas are 'Not Welcome' in France

President Nicolas Sarkozy said the practice of wearing the Muslim burqa is a sign of the 'debasement' of women and that it won't be welcome in France.

Key Trial Underway for Israel's Messianic Jews

A long-awaited trial is underway in Israel, where Messianic Jews are suing the chief Rabbi of the town and a powerful anti-missionary organization.

New Rule: No Fighting Near Afghan Homes

U.S. spokesman saying top U.S. general will soon change rules of engagement.

Oil Falls as Optimism on Economy Wanes

Oil prices fell to near $68 a barrel Monday on concerns over a weak U.S. economy and the dollar's rise.

Bombs Hit Baghdad, More than a Dozen Dead

Deadly bombings killed at least 13 people in the Baghdad area as Iraqi officials braced for withdrawal of U.S. troops from major cities.

Russian Leader Wounded in Attack

The president of Ingushetia was hospitalized in critical condition after an assassination attempt Monday morning.

Iran Protests: Dying in Vain or Making an Impact?

Iran's Revolutionary Guard is threatening to crush any further opposition protests, saying they will confront demonstrators if they take to the streets again.

Mexico Praises Operation Blessing for Aid

Mexico's president and officials from the Ministry of Health are praising CBN's Operation Blessing for its contribution to helping the people of Mexico.

Afghan Firefight Challenges U.S. Troops

Missiles and strafing runs from fighter jets destroyed much of a Taliban compound, but the insurgents had a final surprise for a pair of U.S. Marines.

White House: U.S. Ready for N. Korea Attack

North Korea reminded the U.S. on Monday that it has nuclear weapons and warned it will strike back if attacked.

Mousavi Defiantly Calls for Continued Protests

It was unclear Monday whether protesters would dare to continue massive demonstrations after a bloody crackdown.

Eastern China Factory Blast Kills Workers

An explosion at a factory in eastern China killed 16 people and injured dozens early Sunday, authorities said.

Iraqi Police Say Bombing Has Al-Qaida Signature

Police and rescue crews sifted through the rubble of a mosque and dozens of damaged homes Sunday.

N. Korea Criticizes U.S. Nuclear Protection

North Korea has accused the United States of plotting atomic war against the communist regime.

Rockets Hit U.S. Base in Afghanistan

A rare rocket attack on the main U.S. base in Afghanistan early Sunday killed two U.S. troops and wounded six other Americans.

Struggle Among Iran's Clerics Bursts into the Open

A backstage struggle among Iran's ruling clerics burst into the open Sunday.

Obama to Iran's Leaders: Stop 'Unjust' Actions

President Barack Obama on Saturday challenged Iran's government to halt a "violent and unjust" crackdown on dissenters.

UN Brings Attention to World's Refugees

Saturday was World Refugee Day, an annual event created by the UN to draw attention to the plight of refugees and internally displaced people.

Afghan Gov't Welcomes U.S. Admission of Error

Afghanistan's government welcomed Saturday a U.S. report accepting blame for a bombing run that killed dozens of villagers.

Tehran Protesters Battle Police in Streets

Thousands of protesters defied Iran's highest authority Saturday and marched on waiting security forces that fought back with baton charges.

UN: World Hunger Reaches 1 Billion Mark

The global financial meltdown has pushed the ranks of the world's hungry to a record 1 billion.

Officials: 50 Militants Dead in Pakistan Fighting

Pakistani troops backed by jet fighters and artillery have killed about 50 militants in a volatile northwestern tribal region.

The Iranian Regime: Is Change Really Coming?

A panel made up of CBN News team members discusses the recent Iranian unrest in a roundtable discussion.

Iran Threatens Crackdown Against Opposition

Iran's government threatened harsh action Saturday if opposition supporters take to the streets again.

World Hunger Climbs to Historic High

A UN study reveals more than 1 billion people in the world are undernourished -- that's one out of every six people.

Photos of Murdered German Bible School Students

Two German Bible School students were brutally murdered while volunteering at hospital in Yemen this month.

Google to Step up Anti-porn Efforts in China

Google Inc. said it was working to block pornography reaching users of its Chinese service.

U.S. Keeps Watch, N. Korea Missile Threat Real

A Japanese newspaper has reported the communist regime could fire a missile toward the islands of Hawaii around the Fourth of July holiday.

U.S. Condemns Iran for Protestor Crackdown

Congress voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution to support Iran's citizens as they stand for an election recount.

Can Sanctions Stop Iran's Nuclear Program?

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadenijad has compared his country's nuclear program to a train with no brakes--and no reverse gear.

Oil Rises Above $71 Amid Falling Inventories

Oil prices rose above $71 a barrel Thursday, halting this week's decline as falling U.S. crude inventories suggested demand is improving.

Somali Official and Others Killed in Bombing

A suicide bombing outside a hotel in western Somalia killed at least 20 people Thursday including the national security minister.

Pope Deplores Priests' Infidelities to Their Vows

Pope Benedict XVI called Thursday for a "frank and complete acknowledgment" of the Catholic Church's weakness.

China Sells U.S. Treasury Bonds

China is selling some its U.S. treasury bonds over concerns of the future of the dollar.

N. Korea Plans to Fire Missile Toward Hawaii

North Korea may fire a long-range ballistic missile toward Hawaii in early July, a Japanese news report said Thursday.

Iranians Continue Mass Demonstrations, Protests

Demonstrators in Iran continue to openly defy President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for the fourth straight day.

Autopsies Suggest Air France Jet Broke Up in Sky

Autopsies revealed fractures in the legs, hips and arms of Air France disaster victims.

Israel's FM in U.S. To Discuss Palestinian State

These will be the highest level talks since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first proposed the idea Sunday.

Iran's Citizen Journalists Give Inside Look Online

Tech-savvy, young Iranians are using blogs, Websites, and Twitter to organize huge protest rallies and share images of the unrest with the outside world.

Iran Regime Facing Crisis After Election

At the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Tuesday, a panel of Iran experts tried to piece together the complicated puzzle that is the Iranian regime.

North Korea Warns U.S. of Military Action

On Wednesday, the communist regime vowed "one-thousand-fold retaliation with a "merciless military strike" if the U.S. infringes on its sovereignty.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Warns Online Media

The country's most powerful military force warned of a crackdown against online media in its first pronouncement on the deepening election crisis.

Danger Rises for American Missionaries in Yemen

American missionaries have increasingly become targets of Muslim harrassment in the months since 9/11.

U.S. Journalists Admit Guilt in N. Korea

Two U.S. journalists have admitted to crossing into North Korea illegally.

Foreign Hostages Killed in Yemen

Three foreign workers have been killed in Yemen.  Six other foreign workers, including three children, are still missing.

Election Protests Continue in Streets of Iran

For the fourth day in a row, Iranians flooded their streets demanding another election of the country's president.

Obama: Iranian Voters' Voices Should Be Heard

President Barack Obama said the world is inspired by the outpouring of Iranian political dissent.

Obama, Lee Discuss N. Korea Nuclear Threat

Obama met with South Korea's leader Tuesday at the White House to discuss North Korea's nuclear threat.

 

Russia Challenges Dollar, China Offers Loans

China and Russia sought greater international clout at a summit Tuesday, with China promising a $10 billion loan to Central Asian countries.

Jews' Jewelry from Holocaust Donated to Memorial

As a slave laborer in Auschwitz, Meyer Hack was forced to sort through the tattered clothing stripped off inmates before they were sent to the gas chambers.

Limited Recount Possible in Iran's Disputed Election

Post-election protests over Iran's presidential race have turned deadly and the Iranian government says it is ready to conduct a recount.

Finding Justice for N. Korea's Christians

Todd Nettleton of the Voice of the Martyrs talks about the threat North Korea made against the ministry and the suffering Christians are facing in that country.

Italy Right-Wing Guard Sparks Outrage

Italy's interior minister is defending plans to allow citizen patrols amid outrage over a new right-wing guard.

Netanyahu: Palestinian State Only with Conditions

The White House welcomed Benjamin Netanyahu's support for the creation of a Palestinian state.

Gen. McChrystal Takes Command in Afghanistan

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, a four-star American general with a long history in elite special operations, took charge of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan on Monday.

U.S., S. Korea Locate N. Korea Nuke Test Sites

The U.S. and South Korea have pinpointed 11 underground sites in North Korea where it could conduct a third nuclear test, ahead of summit talks.

Iran's Supreme Leader Calls for Vote Fraud Probe

In a stunning turnaround, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered an investigation into claims of election fraud.

Pakistan to Launch Offensive Against Taliban Chief

Pakistan said it will pursue an army operation against the country's top Taliban commander.

North Korea Warns of Nuclear War

North Korea's communist regime has warned of a nuclear war on the Korean peninsula.

Ahmadinejad Defends Vote as Real and Free

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Sunday his re-election was "real and free" and cannot be questioned - despite accusations of mass voter fraud.

Taliban Claim Responsibility for Slaying Cleric

The Taliban claimed responsibility Saturday for recent suicide attacks in Pakistan, including the assassination of a leading moderate cleric.

G-8 Finance Chiefs Prep for Economic Recovery

The Group of Eight industrialized nations are acknowledging "signs of stabilization in our economies."

North Korea Says It Will 'Weaponize' Its Plutonium

North Korea vowed Saturday to step up its atomic bomb-making program.

Clashes Erupt in Iran Over Disputed Election

Supporters of the main election challenger to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad clashed with police and set up barricades of burning tires Saturday.

Netanyahu to Address 'Two-State Solution'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will deliver a major foreign policy speech this Sunday. 

Can Mousavi Bring 'Change' to Iran?

Change has been the main platform for candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, but a closer look at his record suggests that there will be little change in the philosophy of the Iranian regime if he's president.

Mideast Watches Iran's Presidential Campaign

Three candidates are opposing incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the future stability of the Middle East is hanging in the balance.

Woman Defends Book on John Paul II

She was one of a handful of people by his bedside when he died, and visited him in the hospital when he survived an assassination attempt.

Thatcher Breaks Arm in Fall

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher broke her arm in a fall Friday.

U.S. Ship Helps Search for MIAs in Vietnam

A U.S. Navy ship is participating in the search for the remains of more than 1,000 U.S. servicemen missing from the Vietnam War, the first time an American vessel has taken part, embassy officials said Friday.

Families Ask N. Korea to Show Compassion

The families of two American journalists sentenced to 12 years in a North Korean labor prison are expressing concerns about the women's health.

OB Provides Relief for Waterless Haitian Hospital

A hospital in Haiti treats more than 200 patients a day, but has no running water.

Iran Awaits Outcome of Pivotal Election

In the week's leading up to election day, Iran's highly controversial President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad has been fighting for his political life.

N. Korea may be Prepping New Nuclear Test

A U.S. government official says North Korea may be preparing for its third nuclear test.

Chinese Muslims Once at Gitmo, Now in Bermuda

Four Chinese Muslims once held at Guantanamo Bay are resettling into their new home in Bermuda.

Somalia Trains First Naval Force in Decades

Somalia is fighting back against piracy.

Venezuela Bans Coke-Zero

The nation of Venezuela has decided to ban Coke Zero.

Mattress Worth a Million Tossed by Accident

An Israeli woman has mistakenly thrown away a mattress worth a million dollars.

WHO Declares Swine Flu Pandemic

H1N1 has grown worse worldwide in recent weeks -- so much so that the World Health Organization has declared it an official pandemic.

Quick Hits: Suzanne Scholte on North Korea

In this edition of Quick Hits, CBN News Senior Reporter George Thomas interviews Suzanne Scholte of the North Korean Freedom Coalition.

U.S. Contractors to be Released in Baghdad

Five U.S. contractors detained during an investigation into the slaying of another American will be freed after a week in Iraqi custody.

Pakistan Hotel Bombing Under Investigation

Investigators searched a wrecked luxury hotel in northwestern Pakistan for evidence Wednesday after a bold suicide bombing killed 11 people.

Chinese Gitmo Detainees Have New Home

There are 17 Guantanamo detainees that will soon have a new home.

Israeli Official: Settlements Not the Real Issue

A senior Israeli official says Palestinian terrorism, not Israeli settlements, is the real problem to lasting peace.

N. Korean Banks Accused of Illegal Transactions

Up to 20 North Korean bank accounts are suspected of being involved in illegal transactions.

Israeli, U.S. Officials Discuss 'Natural Growth'

U.S envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell is in Jerusalem meeting with Israeli officials.

China Defends Anti-Porn Software Requirement

China is requiring personal computers sold in the country to carry software that blocks online pornography and other Web sites.

U.S. Releases Iraqi Militia Leader

The U.S. has released an Iraqi Shiite militia leader who is accused in the 2007 killing of five American soldiers.

U.S. Envoy Visits Israel to Resume Peace Talks

U.S. Envoy George Mitchell is in the Middle East pushing for a quick restart of peace talks.

Death of Somali Teen a Mystery to Minnesota Family

A 17-year-old's family is trying to find out why he was killed under mysterious circumstances in Somalia.

Chinese Leaders Concerned About U.S. Deficit

Top Chinese leaders are worried about the enormous U.S. federal deficit and they are looking to diversify their foreign currency holdings away from the dollar.

Terrorists Bomb Pakistan Hotel

A bombing Tuesday at a luxury hotel in Pakistan killed at least five people and injured dozens.

Europeans Make Switch to Right in EU Elections

Europeans took a political lurch to the right over the weekend. Voters in 27 countries their cast ballots for candidates to fill the 736 seats in the European Parliament.

Vertical Stabilizer of Downed Air France Plane Key

The recovery of Air France Flight 447's tail section could provide key clues as to why the airliner with 228 people on board went down in the Atlantic.

Gunmen Kill Worshippers at Thailand Mosque

Police say five or six men shooting automatic rifles opened fire Monday on a mosque in Narathiwat province.

Casting Crowns: Casting Nets in N. Korea Part II

One of the most popular Christian music groups in the world was recently invited to perform inside North Korea.  This is the second part of a two-part interview. 

Casting Crowns: Casting Nets in North Korea

You wouldn't think this would be a positive time in U.S.- North Korean relations. But this past April, the Christian music group Casting Crowns was invited to perform inside North Korea.

 

Citizen Militias in Pakistan Fight Taliban

A local police chief says as many as 1,600 tribesman are now taking part in the militia.

China Quarantines New Orleans Mayor, Wife

Chinese authorities have quarantined New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and his wife after a passenger on their flight exhibited flu-like symptoms.

Pro-Western Supporters Win Lebanon Elections

Some observers described the vote as a showdown between American and Iranian influence in the Middle East.

Funerals Begin for Victims of Mexico Daycare Fire

Parents and family members of the victims filled churches to pay their respects.

Violence Flares-up on Israel-Gaza Border

Violence on the Israel-Gaza border has left four Palestinian gunmen dead on Monday.

Conservative Parties Take Victories in Europe

Conservative parties scored victories in the European parliament election despite a record low turnout.
   

First Wave of U.S. Troops Begin Afghan Mission

Some 7,000 of the new U.S. troops ordered to Afghanistan are fanning out across the dangerous Afghan south on a mission to defeat the Taliban insurgency.

N. Korea Sentences U.S. Journalists to 12 Years

Two American journalists have been convicted of "a grave crime" and sentenced to 12 years in prison by a North Korean court.

Air France Tail Found; U.S. Helps Hunt Black Boxes

With 17 bodies pulled so far from the Atlantic, Brazilian and French military ships have no doubt they've located the wreckage of Air France Flight 447.

Pakistanis Avenge Mosque Blast, Attack Taliban

Hundreds of Pakistanis banded together and attacked Taliban strongholds in a troubled northwestern region.

More Bodies Found in Atlantic Air France Crash

Search ships methodically worked through a "sea of debris" from a doomed Air France jet Sunday, recovering 15 more bodies.

Europe Leans Right Ahead of EU Parliament Voting

Europe was leaning to the right ahead of European Parliament elections Sunday.

Obama Ends Trip Abroad, Sightseeing with Family

President Barack Obama spent a few hours as a tourist this weekend, seeing Paris with his wife and two young girls.

Lebanon's Pro-Western Majority Declares Victory

Lebanon's pro-Western coalition declared victory early as local television stations reported.

US: Insurgents Using Teens to Stage Iraq Attacks

Insurgents are increasingly using teenagers to stage attacks against American and Iraqi security forces.

Fire Kills Children in Mexican Daycare Center

A fast-moving fire killed dozens of children in a day care center in northern Mexico despite desperate attempts of firefighters.

Ambush Kills Aides to Pro-Taliban Pakistani Cleric

Militants ambushed a military convoy in Pakistan's volatile northwest on Saturday.

World Leaders Pay Tribute on D-Day's 65th Anniv.

On the 65th anniversary of the Allies' D-Day landings, President Barack Obama on Saturday paid tribute.

Bodies, Ticket Found Near Air France Crash Site

Searchers found two bodies in the Atlantic Ocean near where the jetliner is believed to have crashed.

Obama: North Korea Must Engage in Diplomacy

President Barack Obama on Saturday suggested a new, stronger response to North Korean nuclear and missile testing.

Deadly Suicide Bomb Rocks Mosque in Pakistan

The government says a suicide bomber is to blame for the attack on a mosque near Peshawar.

Gas-powered Bus Bursts into Flames in China

At least 25 people are dead and dozens hurt after a natural gas-powered commuter bus burst into flames in southwestern China.

Lebanon to Hold Crucial Elections Sunday

Voters will decide between the Iranian and Syrian-backed Hezbollah party and a Sunni-led coalition that is supported by the United States.

Cholera Rages in Zimbabwe

The situation in Zimbabwe is going from bad to worse.

Tiananmen 20 Years Later: Has China Changed?

June 4 marks the 20th anniversary of a deadly Chinese government crackdown on pro-democracy protestors. Has China changed since then?

Obama's Speech Leaves Israelis Wondering

As President Obama stresses his new outreach to the Muslim world, some in Israel are wary of what this relationship means for the Jewish people.

Christians Gather for Global Day of Prayer

Christians gathered around the world Sunday for the Global Day of Prayer.

France Urges 'Prudence' in Search for Debris

Investigators are now looking closely at the airspeed of Air France flight 447, trying to determine why it went down.

Obama in Germany, Muslims React to Speech

President Barack Obama called Friday for a redoubling of efforts toward separate Israeli and Palestinian states.

OAS Leaders Vote to Lift Ban on Cuba

Communist Cuba could be re-admitted into the Organization of American States, a move the U.S. favors.

Deep-Sea Explorers May Lose Treasure to Spain

Florida deep-sea explorers who raised an estimated $500 million treasure from the 200-year-old wreck of a Spanish galleon should give all the loot back to Spain, a federal magistrate judge said.

Actor David Carradine Found Dead in Bangkok

Actor David Carradine, star of the 1970s TV series "Kung Fu" has been found dead in the Thai capital, Bangkok.

Outline: Obama's Major Speech Points

President Barack Obama received a standing ovation when he arrived for his speech, and another one when he completed it.

Chinese Student Leader Remembers Tiananmen

Bob Fu remembers well those days in 1989 -- he was a student leader in the Tiananmen protests.

Israel Conducts Largest Civil Defense Drill in History

Imagine what life would be like if you lived under the threat of a ballistic missile attack.

Air France Says No Hope for Survivors

Air France has told families of passengers on Flight 447 that the jetliner broke apart and they must abandon hope that anyone survived.

Two U.S. Journalists on Trial in North Korea

 Two American journalists faced trial Thursday in North Korea on accusations of illegal entry and "hostile acts" in a case that could send them to a labor camp for 10 years.

OAS Ends Cuba Suspension After 47 Years

The Organization of American States cleared the way for Cuba's possible return to the group by lifting a 47-year ban on the communist-run country.

Obama: 'New Beginning Between U.S., Muslims'

President Barack Obama called for a "new beginning between the United States and Muslims" Thursday in Cairo, Egypt.

China Bars Journalists from Tiananmen Square

Foreign journalists were barred from Tiananmen Square on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the bloody crackdown on 1989 pro-democracy protests.

Bin Laden Threatens Americans in New Tape

Osama bin Laden has threatened Americans in a new audio tape.

Oil above $68 as Traders Eye Weaker Dollar

Oil prices hovered above $68 a barrel Wednesday in Asia near a seven-month high.

U.S. Warns NKorea its Nuke Test on Wrong Path

A senior American diplomat urged Pyongyang to return to disarmament talks.

More Debris from Crashed Air France Jet Found

A French accident investigator said Wednesday there were no signs of problems with Air France Flight 447 before takeoff.

Obama Visits Saudi King Before Muslim Speech

President Barack Obama is beginning his latest bid to open a dialogue with the Muslim world by paying a call on Saudi King Abdullah.

Gitmo Detainee Dies of Apparent Suicide

A Yemeni detainee at Guantanamo Bay has died of an apparent suicide, U.S. military officials said Tuesday.

Kim Jong Il Names Youngest Son as Successor

It's been announced that 26-year-old Kim Jong Un will eventually succeed his father.

U.S. Inviting Iranian Diplomats to July 4 Parties

The Obama administration has authorized U.S. embassies around the world to invite Iranian officials to Independence Day parties.

Israel Conducts Largest-Ever Civil Defense Drill

The drill is part of a five-day exercise aimed at testing the country's readiness for an enemy military strike.

Obama Bound for Arab World, Set to Give Speech

President Obama is continuing his efforts to improve ties with the Muslim world.

Pakistan Court: Free Alleged Mumbai-linked Cleric

A Pakistani court ordered the release of a cleric because there was insufficient evidence to link him to last year's deadly Mumbai attacks.

Officials Confirm Missing Jet Crashed in Ocean

Brazilian military pilots spotted an airplane seat, an orange buoy, and other debris and signs of fuel in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday.

North Korea Prepares Missiles as Heir Announced

North Korea prepares to test-fire more missiles as leader Kim Jong Il moved to anoint his third son as heir to the world's first communist dynasty.

Police: Group of 400 Abducted in NW Pakistan

Suspected militants armed with rockets, grenades and automatic weapons abducted some 400 students, staff and relatives in northwest Pakistan Monday.

Bomb Explodes at Baghdad Produce Market

A bomb exploded Monday at a wholesale produce market in southern Baghdad, killing four people and wounding 14, Iraqi police officials said.

Pakistan Lifts More Curfews in Swat Towns

The military lifted curfews Monday in seven towns in the Swat Valley in a further sign of confidence that its offensive against the Taliban there is making progress.

Missing Jet Hit Thunderstorms Over Atlantic

Brazilian authorities are conducting a search and rescue mission off of Brazil's northwestern coast, looking for Air France Flight 447.

N. Korea Preparing Long-Range Missile Launch

North Korea has transported its most advanced missile, believed to be capable of reaching Alaska, to a launch site on its west coast near China, news reports said Monday.