New York Times intl News

New York Times intl News

Torrential Rain and Mudslides in Brazil Kill 257

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 07:33 PM PST

Summer rains sent tons of red mud and torrents of water rushing down mountainsides in towns outside Rio, enveloping homes of rich and poor alike and killing at least 257 people in 24 hours. Some survivors clung to trees to escape the water and landslides.

SKorean Central Bank Raises Rate to 2.75 Percent

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 06:06 PM PST

South Korea's central bank unexpectedly raised its key interest rate Thursday for the second time in three months amid persistent concerns over inflation.

Obama Calls for New Era of Civility in U.S. Politics

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 06:58 PM PST

The president offered the nation's condolences to the victims of the Tucson shooting rampage, urging Americans to usher in a new era of civility in memory of the fallen.

Lacking Leverage, U.S. Grasps for a Solution in Lebanon

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 06:49 PM PST

Critics say the Obama administration's engagement in Lebanon has been episodic, in part because it is preoccupied with bigger problems in the region.

A Warning as Markets Cool in Asia

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 07:04 PM PST

Inflation and corruption remain problems in India and some other Asian countries where stock markets have attracted Western investors.

Geithner Urges New Start for U.S.-China Relations

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 06:33 PM PST

As the United States prepares for a visit from China's president, the Treasury secretary suggested a fresh start in relations.

Figures on Global Climate Show 2010 Tied 2005 as the Hottest Year on Record

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 06:01 PM PST

New government figures also show that 2010 was the wettest year since record-keeping began in 1880.

The Vanishing Mind: China, in a Shift, Takes On Its Alzheimer’s Problem

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 07:00 PM PST

The country is beginning to educate the public and the medical community about dementia, and big cities are making plans to build new nursing homes.

Yemen and Turkey Deepen Ties With New Accords

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 01:24 PM PST

During a visit to Yemen by President Abdullah Gul of Turkey, agreements were reached on cooperation, notably in the economic, military and health sectors.

Rapid Increase of Diabetes Strains Region's Health Agencies

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 01:24 PM PST

Six countries in the Middle East-North Africa region are among the top 10 in the world in prevalence of the disease, according to the International Diabetes Foundation.

EADS Chief Skeptical About ‘Golden Shares’ for Paris and Berlin

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 10:09 AM PST

The main shareholders have revived the idea to give France and Germany a veto over strategic decisions, but Louis Gallois said the idea faced an uphill battle with regulators.

‘Hero of Ukraine’ Award Revoked

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 12:20 PM PST

Ukraine's president said an award bestowed on one of the most divisive figures in the country's modern history had been officially revoked.

Braced for the Snowy Worst, City is Underwhelmed

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 12:57 PM PST

City officials sent out a full-fledged assault force, but the storm was far less disruptive than the recent blizzard.

The Caucus: Palin Stirs Backlash Over ‘Blood Libel’ Statement

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 03:33 PM PST

Sarah Palin used an emotionally laden phrase in a video denunciation of those who blamed political rhetoric for the shootings.

Mayhem Spreads in Tunisia; Curfew Decreed

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 03:01 PM PST

Troops fired tear gas as the first major protest hit the capital since rioting over poverty and unemployment began three weeks ago.

Chinese Authorities Raze an Artist’s Studio

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 06:45 PM PST

Ai Weiwei said he suspected that officials destroyed his studio because of his political activities.

Report on Crash Shifts Blame to Polish Leaders

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 09:46 AM PST

A Russian-led investigation has concluded that senior officials pressured the crew to land under dangerous conditions.

Bond Sale a Success in Portugal

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 06:33 PM PST

Portuguese officials said the successful auction vindicated their plan to finance debt through the markets rather than ask for help from Europe's rescue fund.

Hezbollah Forces Collapse of Lebanese Government

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 03:33 PM PST

A crisis over an investigation of the assassination of a former prime minister prompted the dissolution.

Tunisia’s Interior Minister Is Fired

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 05:44 AM PST

The interior minister has been fired after protest violence in which at least 23 died and left authorities struggling to keep the country under control.