world
Crane accident cuts power to one-third of Vietnam
HANOI, Vietnam — One mistake by a clumsy crane operator caused a 10-hour blackout over about a third of Vietnam, exposing the fragility of the nation’s power grid.
Mexico cartel dominates, torches western state
LA RUANA, Mexico (AP) — Michoacan is burning. A drug cartel that takes its name from an ancient monastic order has set fire to lumber yards, packing plants and passenger buses in a medieval-like reign of terror.
Puerto Rico legislator targets parents of dropouts
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A legislator in Puerto Rico has submitted a bill that would increase fines and jail time for parents whose children skip classes or drop out of school.
Palestinians have little faith in Kerry effort
RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Palestinians believe the U.S. effort to restart peace talks is doomed, and they’re preparing instead to resume their campaign of seeking membership in key international organizations as soon as next month, officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Kerry: US, allies, ready to step up aid rebels
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — The U.S. and several key allies looked again Wednesday for a strategy to end Syria’s civil war, their united efforts unable at the moment to stem the Assad regime’s military gains and Washington still unwilling to join those providing the rebels with lethal military aid.
Ukrainian journalists disrupt government session
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian reporters on Wednesday disrupted a government session chaired by the prime minister, suggesting his family members could be the next victims of official inaction after police in Kiev stood by while pro-government activists attacked two journalists covering an opposition protest.
El Salvador president meets pope amid Romero hopes
VATICAN CITY (AP) — El Salvador’s president meets with Pope Francis on Thursday amid mounting indications that the stars have finally aligned to move slain Archbishop Oscar Romero onto the first key stage on the path toward possible sainthood.
Polish man gets quick face transplant after injury
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A 33-year-old Polish man received a face transplant just three weeks after being disfigured in a workplace accident, in what his doctors said Wednesday is the fastest time frame to date for such an operation. It was Poland’s first face transplant.
Syrian opposition urges rebels to join key battle
BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s main opposition alliance on Wednesday urged fighters from around the country to reinforce a rebel-held town under attack by President Bashar Assad’s troops and their allies from the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group.
EU bid to label Hezbollah wing terror group
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is reassessing whether to declare the Lebanese party Hezbollah’s military wing a terrorist organization, a move it has long shied from despite pressure from the U.S., officials said Wednesday.
Costa Rican volcano spews ash, smoke
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Scientists say one of Costa Rica’s largest volcanos is spewing clouds of ash and gas, setting off a small-scale evacuation.
UN: New reports of chemical weapons use in Syria
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N.’s top Mideast envoy says there are mounting reports of chemical weapons use in Syria.
Israeli air force chief warns of Syrian attacks
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s air force chief warned Wednesday that tensions with Syria could escalate into a “surprise war” and that Israel needs to be ready.
Iran’s Ahmadinejad looks to outsider options
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad vowed Wednesday to use what clout he has left to challenge the ruling by election overseers to block his protege from the June 14 ballot to pick Iran’s next president. His chances of success are likely very small.
Iran expands nuke technology; uranium enrichment facilities upgraded
VIENNA (AP) — The U.N. atomic agency on Wednesday detailed rapid Iranian progress in two programs that the West fears are geared toward making nuclear weapons, saying Tehran has upgraded its uranium enrichment facilities and advanced in building a plutonium-producing reactor.
