As Iraq's president convalesces, its government roils
Iraqi finance minister says he holds prime minister responsible for his kidnapped staff, likely stoking already tense situation
World
Syria launches more Scud missiles at rebels
As the fighting in Damascus at a Palestinian refugee camp dies down, Syria's army appears to focus anew on rebels in Aleppo
French village spared from Mayan doom wary of fame
Bugarach's status as one of Earth's last refuges from prophecy prompts mayor to take action to keep out New Agers seeking salvation
U.N. seeks a global ban on female circumcision
In 2010, an estimated 70M girls worldwide underwent genital mutilation, a common religious or spiritual practice in many places
China TV airs "V for Vendetta," stunning many
Most had assumed famous anti-government film had been banned in China, and its airing may be a sign of seriousness about reform
U.S. "aware" of jailed Iranian-American pastor in Iran
Activists believe Idaho-based pastor Saeed Abedini was arrested in Iran for trying to convert Muslims, which is punishable by death
Christmas in Nicaragua
Each year members of the school of clowns "Club of Clowns" visit hospitalized children before Christmas to make them laugh as part of an alternative therapy
Putin wary, but admits change needed in Syria
Russia's view toward longtime ally continues slowly shifting, but Putin concerned about "endless civil war"
Syrian minister seriously injured after bombing
Also, rebels are clashing with a pro-government Palestinian group for control of the Yarmouk refugee camp, located in the capital's southern part
Hundreds arrested in China over doomsday rumors
A fringe Christian group believing in the Mayan end-of-the-world day - Dec. 21 - puts authorities on edge in China
Ikea monkey's owner protests for his return
Seven-month-old Darwin, a rhesus macaque, was found wandering around a Toronto Ikea and taken by animal services
South Korea elects its first female president
Park Geun-hye, daughter of a divisive military strongman from country's authoritarian era, vows new effort with North Korea
Study: Latin Americans are world's happiest people
Poll of 150,000 around the world found seven of the world's 10 happiest countries were Latin American; Panama and Paraguay tops
Egypt: Mubarak back to prison
Ex-president was earlier transferred to a Cairo military hospital for an X-ray of his head, says security official
Army seeks death penalty in Afghan massacre case
Staff Sgt. Robert Bales' lawyer slams attempt at death penalty as "totally irresponsible," citing his multiple tours and PTSD
First on CBS
Trump's oil and gas stocks gained millions during Iran war
Investigation
Betting companies cap winners while lavishing losers with rewards
Israeli election to test Netanyahu's ability to hold power
Texas dad deported to Ghana was then forced to go to Mali, he says
Live
Iran shrugs off Trump's attack threats, says diplomacy ongoing
Duchess Meghan confronted dad over child abuse claims last year
Violent crime victimization fell 25% in 2025, DOJ survey shows
Anthropic files for IPO as it competes for AI dominance
