News

Botched Manila coup a warning to would-be plotters

The Philippine government prepared fresh charges on Friday against the leaders of yet another botched coup and hunted for others as public apathy and a show of force sent a strong message to serial seditionists.

Bhutto gears for Pakistani poll as Sharif for boycott

Former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto was gearing up on Friday for a January election as another opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, hoped to persuade her to boycott the vote.

Australia wants Iraq toops home by mid 2008

About 550 Australian combat troops in Iraq should be withdrawn by about the middle of next year, Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd said on Friday, setting a broad timetable for the soldiers to return home.

Churches must be brave in face of HIV - Archbishop

The Archbishop of Canterbury is reaching out to churches with a message of hope and encouragement to be brave, imaginative and honest in the face of the global HIV and Aids pandemic.

Switchfoot's Foreman returns to indie roots

Switchfoot's Jon Foreman is returning to his indie roots by launching four solo EPs over the coming months, following the band's departure with Columbia Records.

Denzel Washington - 'I read the Bible every day'

Denzel Washington one of Hollywood's most powerful Christians.

Australian archbishop - approval of female bishops 'shaky'

Sydney archbishop says recent decision of Anglican Church in Australia to allow ordination of women as bishops is "shaky".

Middle East leaders need to 'walk the talk,' says Palestinian bishop

A Palestinian Christian leader is cautiously optimistic about this week's Israeli-Palestinian peace talk agreement, commenting that the leaders now need to "walk the talk."

Christmas is about Jesus Christ - Salvation Army Commissioner

Salvation Army Commissioner reminds believers that it is Jesus who takes centre stage at Christmas.

'God Delusion' publisher may face prosecution

The publisher of the Turkish edition of Richard Dawkins' bestseller "The God Delusion" could face prosecution after a complaint that it insulted believers.

Iran and EU face tough nuclear talks

Chances of a breakthrough appear slim when Iran's main nuclear negotiator meets Europe's top diplomat on Friday in a last effort to avert tougher sanctions over Tehran's disputed atomic programme.

Russia's Putin tells citizens to vote for his party

President Vladimir Putin, ignoring criticism he is using his post for campaign purposes, told Russians on Thursday to vote for his United Russia party in Sunday's parliamentary election.

North Korea nuclear disabling 'going smoothly'

A team of experts in North Korea to oversee the disabling of its atomic facilities said on Thursday they were satisfied with progress as the reclusive country prepares to host the U.S. envoy to nuclear talks.

French police keep tight grip on riot-hit suburb

Hundreds of French riot police deployed on Wednesday night in the tense Paris suburb where the death of two boys in a motorcyle accident triggered violent clashes earlier in the week.

Olmert says Palestinian state crucial for Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said after peace talks in Washington that failure to negotiate a two-state solution with the Palestinians could threaten Israel's long-term survival.

Musharraf starts second term facing sea of woe

Pakistan's Pervez Musharraf began his second term as president on Thursday, facing widespread resentment at home, pressure from Western allies to tackle Islamist militancy and a difficult shift to life as a civilian.