BBC World
The latest stories from the World section of the BBC News web site.
Updated: 11 min 37 sec ago
Homes set ablaze in San Francisco
Several homes have been set ablaze near San Francisco International Airport, after a reported explosion.
Categories: World
US Koran burning event 'on hold'
The pastor of a US church at the centre of a row over plans to burn copies of the Koran says the event has not been cancelled, but is only "on hold".
Categories: World
US judge challenges army gay ban
A federal judge rules that a ban on homosexuals serving openly in the US military is unconstitutional, in the latest challenge to the law.
Categories: World
Nadal eases into US Open semis
World number one Rafael Nadal reaches the US Open semi-finals for the third time with victory over fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.
Categories: World
Versailles cartoon art controversy
An exhibition by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami at the Palace of Versailles is surprising visitors.
Categories: World
Iran to release US woman hiker
Iran is set to release on Saturday Sarah Shourd - one of three detained US hikers held since last July and accused of espionage, officials say.
Categories: World
Why Koran burning was cancelled
The pastor of a small US church who planned to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of 9/11 has cancelled his protest.
Categories: World
UN urges Kosovo and Serbia talks
The UN adopts a resolution calling for direct talks between Serbia and Kosovo, in a move seen as a breakthrough in the long-running dispute.
Categories: World
Academies 'may be risky strategy'
The government spending watchdog warns the expansion of the academies programme could risk being poor value for money.
Categories: World
US pastor cancels Koran burning
US pastor Terry Jones cancels his Koran-burning event, claiming those behind an Islamic centre near New York's "Ground Zero" had agreed to relocate it.
Categories: World
Chilean MPs join hunger protest
Four Chilean congressmen join a hunger strike by indigenous Mapuche prisoners against anti-terror laws dating back to military rule.
Categories: World
Investors bet on prisoner rehab
A "payment-by-results" project to cut reoffending is being officially launched, with investors getting a return only if reoffending drops.
Categories: World
US Muslims' views on their country
As Muslims around the world begin the Eid festival, marking the end of Ramadan, US citizens reflect on the standing of their religion in their country.
Categories: World
Taiwan pole climbing celebration
Taiwan has celebrated the end of 'Ghost Month' with an unusual contest dating back at least two centuries.
Categories: World
US slips in competitiveness poll
The United States has been overtaken by Sweden and Singapore in the World Economic Forum's competitiveness survey.
Categories: World
Gang strike paralyses El Salvador
Much of El Salvador's public transport grinds to a halt after street gangs force a shutdown to protest at anti-gang legislation.
Categories: World
Al-Qaeda men escape Baghdad jail
Four prisoners with ties to al-Qaeda have escaped from the US-controlled section of Baghdad's Karkh prison, US officials say.
Categories: World
Global economy slowing, says OECD
The global economic recovery is slowing faster than forecast, but a return to recession is unlikely, an economic group says.
Categories: World
Iran is to release US woman hiker
Iran is set to release on Saturday Sarah Shourd - one of three detained US hikers held since last July and accused of espionage, officials say.
Categories: World
