News
China favours execution by lethal injection
China will expand the use of lethal injections to replace execution by gunshot, state media said on Thursday of a country which kills more convicts than anywhere else.
Truce dead as Sri Lanka war seen to escalate
Sri Lanka's 25-year civil war with Tamil Tiger rebels will likely escalate into the bloodiest period of fighting between the foes the island has seen after the government scrapped a tattered truce, experts say.
Pakistan postpones election until February 18
Pakistan put off its general election by 6 weeks to February 18 on Wednesday following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, over the objections of the main opposition parties which fear a delay will work against them.
Israeli troops kill 5 Palestinians in Gaza clashes
Israeli troops killed three Palestinian gunmen and two civilians on Thursday during a raid into the Gaza Strip, the army and hospital officials said.
Chinese farmers 'happier' but wealth gap grows
China's more than 700 million farmers are happier than before despite a growing wealth gap, while poor urban residents are being squeezed by rising food and property prices, a top government think tank said on Thursday.
South Africa's Zuma trial said unlikely before August
The corruption trial of Jacob Zuma, leader of South Africa's ruling ANC, was unlikely to take place any earlier than the already scheduled August starting date, his lawyer Michael Hulley said on Thursday.
Pakistan army told to urge Musharraf to quit
The Pakistan army should urge President Pervez Musharraf to quit during the next two months, a Brussels-based think-tank said in a report on the deteriorating situation following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
TobyMac wins Gospel Music Channel Video of the Year
The first-ever Gospel Music Channel Video Awards gave away its top award to tobyMac's "Boomin'" for Video of the Year for 2007.
Church of England speaks out in gay clergy debate
The Church of England has indicated its opposition to Anglican provinces that choose to intervene in other churches without authorisation.
Church body presses for peaceful solution to Kenya crisis
World Council of Churches presses for peaceful solution to Kenya crisis, tells churches to "do their part in pursuing the common good of their communities and country".
Is Huckabee's faith too strong for the White House?
Faith and politics has played a prominent role in this presidential race, but some are wondering if the biggest religion card player - former Baptist minister Mike Huckabee - has gone too far with mixing religion and public duty.
Rail passengers face more delays
Millions of rail passengers suffered delays, disruption and above-inflation fare rises on Wednesday as they made a bleak return to work after the Christmas break.
Syria halts cooperation over Lebanon
Syria said on Wednesday it was suspending diplomatic cooperation with France on ending the political crisis in Lebanon, after similar action by Paris.
Tutu arrives in Kenya amid violent unrest
Archbishop Desmond Tutu arrives in Kenya to assist in mediation process as ethnic clashes further jeopardise the country's stability.
U.S. will hold North Korea to nuclear commitments
The United States will hold North Korea to its pledge to account for its nuclear programs, the State Department said on Wednesday as Pyongyang remained silent after failing to meet a year-end deadline to give a full accounting of its nuclear arms program.
Cancer hospital evacuated after fire
A fire tore through the top floor of a world-leading cancer hospital in London on Wednesday, forcing the evacuation of all staff and patients, including some who were already undergoing operations.