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China's property sector crisis fuels fears of contagion
Troubled Chinese property giant Country Garden risks defaulting on its bond payments next month, which could have disastrous consequences for the world's second-largest economy.
Ukraine vows long fight to counter Russia's 'grip' on Africa
Ukraine will make "long-term" efforts to deepen ties with African countries as it seeks to counter Russia's influence on the continent, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told AFP this week.
Alldritt to lead France against Fiji as Willemse and Cros return
La Rochelle backrow forward Gregory Alldritt will captain France against Fiji in Saturday's Rugby World Cup warm-up against Fiji as Paul Willemse and Francois Cros are recalled by the tournament hosts.
Spain MPs elect new speaker with Catalan separatists in focus
Spain's new parliament began meeting Thursday after an inconclusive July election with lawmakers to choose a new speaker in a closely-watched vote in which the hardline Catalan separatist party JxCat will play a key role.
Israel says US okays 'landmark' missile defence deal with Germany
Israel said the United States on Thursday approved the "landmark" sale of the Arrow 3 hypersonic missile defence system to Germany, in the country's biggest military deal worth $3.5 billion.
Israel says US okays Arrow 3 missile defence system sale to Germany
Israel said the United States on Thursday approved the sale of the Arrow 3 hypersonic missile defence system to Germany, in the country's biggest ever military deal worth $3.5 billion.
Where summer heat hits hard: Mideast and North Africa
Climate change has impacted the Middle East and North Africa where summer is already very hot. Many in Iraq, Syria, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia still labour in the heat.
Most markets drop as US rate, China fears dent global optimism
Most Asian markets joined a global sell-off Thursday on fresh worries the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates again, while China's economic woes continued to shred traders' nerves.
'Silent threat': Bahrain to build walls against rising sea
Already battling extreme heat, Bahrain is scrambling to ward off another environmental threat: rising seas that could swallow parts of its coast, the island nation's oil and environment minister told AFP.
'How to win graciously': Sportsmanship melts hearts at World Cup
Unless there is an uncharacteristic outbreak of hostility and flurry of red cards in Sunday's final, opposing players consoling each other after games will be among the enduring images of the Women's World Cup.
South Africa and Russia, the 'strange bedfellows'
South Africa's hosting of a BRICS summit next week has turned a spotlight on ties between Pretoria and the Kremlin that are cosy and, for some, a puzzle.
Morning-after pill more effective when taken with painkiller: study
Women who took a prescription painkiller alongside a morning-after pill had more success preventing pregnancies than those who only took the emergency contraceptive, according to a new medical study from Hong Kong.
Ireland's fishermen fear species migration as sea temperatures soar
When he finished school Daragh McGuinness knew he wanted to join a fishing crew but now, at 23, he fears climate change may kill off the industry that has sustained his family for generations.
Under-fire Jones rants at 'negativity' as Wallabies head to World Cup
Under-pressure Wallabies coach Eddie Jones on Thursday lashed out at "all the negativity" as the team departed for the World Cup after what he called the "worst press conference I've ever had in world rugby".
Pakistan police guard Christian colony after mob attack over 'blasphemy'
Police were guarding a Christian neighbourhood in central Pakistan on Thursday, after hundreds of Muslim men rampaged through its streets setting fire to churches and ransacking homes over accusations of blasphemy a day earlier.
Big potential for green hydrogen in North Africa: report
By 2050 North Africa could become a leading exporter of green hydrogen with Europe its main market, according to a recent report projecting the future of an industry still in its infancy.
'Fuel of the future': Gulf states bet on 'green' hydrogen
After riding a fossil-fuel boom for decades, Gulf Arab states are eyeing "green" hydrogen as they try to transition their economies and ease the climate crisis at a stroke.
Spain's parliament opens with Catalan separatists in focus
Spain's parliament reconvenes on Thursday after an inconclusive July general election, with all eyes on hardline Catalan separatist party JxCat which unexpectedly emerged as kingmaker.
England eye 'incredible' chance to end 57-year World Cup drought
Skipper Millie Bright said her team were embracing an "incredible opportunity" to do something an English side has not managed since 1966 -- win a World Cup.
Canada far north city ordered to evacuate as wildfires advance
Residents of one of the largest cities in Canada's far north were ordered Wednesday to flee amid warnings that raging wildfires could reach it by the weekend.
Nicaragua seizes Jesuit university
A Jesuit university in Nicaragua said Wednesday it is suspending classes and all other activities after the leftist government announced the seizure of all its assets, accusing the school of terrorism.
Asia extends global stocks retreat as US rate, China fears build
Asian stocks joined a global sell-off Thursday on fresh worries the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates again, while China's economic woes continued to shred traders' nerves.
Hawaii officials say 'no regrets' about lack of wildfire sirens
Embattled officials in Hawaii who have been criticized for the lack of warnings as a deadly wildfire ripped through a town insisted Wednesday that sounding emergency sirens would not have saved lives.
New species of snake found in Peru named after Harrison Ford
Scientists working in Peru have named a new species of snake after Harrison Ford in honor of the "Indiana Jones" actor's support for conservation work.
In a first, Ecuador to vote on oil drilling in the Amazon
To some, Ecuador's jungle is a home and a valuable tool in fighting climate change, to others, it is a vital solution to a struggling economy.
West African military chiefs to meet over Niger coup
West African military chiefs are set to meet Thursday in Ghana to coordinate a possible intervention aimed at reversing Niger's coup.
'In a sauna': Hong Kong's labourers swelter as temperatures rise
Dressed in a full-body protective suit, an elderly pest control worker could last no more than 15 minutes spraying pesticide along a Hong Kong pavement before the summer heat became too much.
No bars to Uruguay's rugby inmates
The smiles of the tryscorers and the grimaces of the tackled are the same as you will find on any rugby field in the world.
Matildas World Cup semi-final smashes Australia TV records
The Matildas' crushing Women's World Cup semi-final loss to England was the most watched television show in Australia on record, data showed Thursday, as their exploits captivated the nation.
WHO holds first traditional medicine summit
The World Health Organization holds its first summit on traditional medicine on Thursday, with warnings that treatments rooted in natural products can be effective alternative healthcare only if scientifically proven.
'No time to dwell' as heartbroken Australia target World Cup bronze
Australia coach Tony Gustavsson has told his deflated team they have "no time to dwell" on their crushing Women's World Cup semi-final loss to England, with a third-placed playoff still to come.
Djokovic makes winning US return in Cincinnati as rival retires
Novak Djokovic made a winning return in his first appearance on U.S. soil for two years on Wednesday, reaching the third round of the ATP/WTA Cincinnati Open when Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retired hurt.