News
Woody Allen's words inspire new Hope movie to look on bright side of death
Woody Allen once said that he was not afraid of death, he just didn't want to be there when it happened. That sentiment has been taken up by Hope08 to form the central element of the latest film from www.hopeinfo.co.uk.
Tearfund urges supporters to help make history in climate change efforts
Leading Christian relief and development agency Tearfund is this week urging people to take part in the UK wide I Count Week of Action on climate change.
Saudi inter-faith call seen as less than seems
A surprise call by King Abdullah this week for an interfaith dialogue fits with Saudi Arabia's policy of promoting moderation to combat militancy but will probably not lead to dramatic meetings soon, observers say.
Cries against injustice mar journalists' Tibet tour
A group of Tibetan monks shouted in tears over the lack of religious freedom in their nation as foreign reporters passed by on an official tour of Tibet's capital Wednesday.
Vatican distances Pope from views of baptised Muslim
The Vatican sought on Thursday to put distance between Pope Benedict and the political views of a Muslim whom he baptised over Easter weekend, known in Italy for his stinging attacks on Islam.
Iraq assembly holds emergency session
Iraqi lawmakers will hold an emergency session on Friday in an attempt to end violence in the oil city of Basra after an army crackdown on Shi'ite militia sparked fighting across the south and mass protests in Baghdad.
Colombia offers to free rebels in hostage swap
Colombia will free hundreds of guerrilla fighters if rebel leaders release politician Ingrid Betancourt, who is in ill health after being held hostage for years in secret jungle camps, the government said.
North Korea raises tensions with missile launch
North Korea test-fired several short-range missiles on Friday, South Korea said, in what analysts saw as a show of anger at Washington and the new conservative government in Seoul.
Tibet protesters jump into U.N. compound in Nepal
About a dozen pro-Tibet protesters jumped the walls of a building housing the offices of the United Nations in Nepal on Friday, seeking UN intervention following the unrest in the Himalayan region.
Comoros demands France extradite rebel leader
Comoros demanded on Thursday that France hand over a rebel leader wanted by the Indian Ocean archipelago for crimes against humanity, and its troops fired tear gas to quell protests against the former colonial power.
Opponents say Mugabe undermining election
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's opponents joined together on Thursday and accused him of plotting to rig Saturday's election, the toughest battle of his 28 years in power.
Taliban declares start of new Afghan offensive
The Taliban announced the start of a spring offensive in Afghanistan, promising "painful strikes" to force all enemy soldiers to leave, according to a Web message seen by a U.S.-based monitoring service on Thursday.
Dutch fear anger as anti-Koran film hits Web
The Netherlands government tried to defuse Muslim anger after the release of a film by a Dutch lawmaker that accuses the Koran of inciting violence and shows an image of the Prophet Mohammad primed to explode.
Opening of Heathrow T5 ends in chaos
The opening of London Heathrow Airport's 4.3 billion pound Terminal 5 ended in chaos on Thursday with its new baggage handling system suspended and dozens of flights cancelled.
Sarkozy and Brown pledge market turmoil action
Britain and France vowed to respond to financial market problems on Thursday and called on banks to declare the full extent of the damage to their operations caused by the credit crunch.
Britain and France sign civil nuclear pact
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Gordon Brown agreed on Thursday to cooperate on civil nuclear technology, improving French companies' chances of leading the UK's nuclear power push.