World

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – An Afghan official says that one policeman was killed and three were wounded when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in central Uruzgan province. The province’s deputy police chief, Mohammad Aslam Kochia, says the bomb exploded when the police vehicle drove over it in Tarin Kot, the …

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar’s top diplomat is denying an Israeli claim that the Gulf nation will expel a leader of the Hamas militant group. Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah dismissed as “just rumors” suggestions Hamas political bureau head Khaled Mashaal is leaving his country for Turkey. He was …

LONDON – Following a year that’s seen the conflict in Ukraine and the rise of the Islamic State, geopolitical issues are considered to be the biggest threat to global stability over the coming decade, according to experts polled by the World Economic Forum. In its 2015 Global Risks Report, published …

LONDON – The widow of a man killed in the 2005 terrorist attacks on the London transportation system has been jailed for stealing money from the compensation fund intended for her son. Louise Gray was sentenced Monday to two years and eight months in prison after stealing 43,000 pounds ($65,000) …

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s embattled president pledged Wednesday night to strengthen safety net programs and he rejected devaluing the currency during a long-delayed speech addressing the socialist country’s deteriorating economy. President Nicolas Maduro had promised several times in the past month to make announcements regarding the South American country’s worsening …

CAIRO – Images of a slain protester, blood running down her face and hair as her body was lifted from the ground, have touched off powerful criticism of Egypt’s government on the anniversary of a revolution initially sparked by police brutality. The photos and videos show a heavily armed police …

PARIS – The head of France’s air force says the crash of a NATO jet in Spain that left 11 people dead, including nine French airmen, came after the Greek crew tried to eject from the plane during a failed takeoff. Gen. Denis Mercier said Thursday the crash was entirely …

MANILA, Philippines – Melco Crown Entertainment has formally opened its $1 billion casino and entertainment resort in the Philippine capital. The company’s co-chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho said the opening Monday of the City of Dreams Manila is part of the company’s plans to have casinos across Asia. It operates …

BRUSSELS – The top NATO commander says any move to provide Ukraine with lethal defensive weapons must take into account any possible angry reaction from Russia. U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove says any action the U.S. or other Western nations take “could trigger a more strident reaction from Russia.” …

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia’s beleaguered Prime Minister Tony Abbott emerged politically wounded after withstanding a leadership challenge from within his own party Monday, with many analysts doubting he can survive to lead his conservative government to next year’s elections. The polarizing leader’s grip on power has slipped since last month …