LA Times News

LA Times News

Egypt's mood is subdued this Ramadan

Posted: 12 Aug 2012 12:00 AM PDT

After enduring political unrest and economic collapse, Egyptians are more somber than festive as they mark Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.

CAIRO — Chickens huddle in crates near the butcher's block. A shopkeeper stacks mangoes, his hands sticky, drawing flies. Laborers linger in thinning shade and mothers tilt toward home with groceries. A thirst rises. It will be hours before it's quenched.

Iran earthquakes kill more than 180; toll could rise

Posted: 12 Aug 2012 12:00 AM PDT

The twin quakes, one a magnitude 6.4, strike a relatively lightly populated region in northwestern Iran. The epicenter is near the town of Ahar.

TEHRAN –- More than 180 people were reported killed and 1,300 injured Saturday when twin earthquakes struck mountainous northwestern Iran, sending entire villages crashing to the ground.

Afghan worker kills three U.S. troops on Helmand base

Posted: 11 Aug 2012 07:12 PM PDT

Hours after three U.S. Marines were killed, an Afghan working on a jointly run U.S. and Afghan installation at a police ambushes American troops.

KABUL, Afghanistan — An Afghan worker on a military base in southern Afghanistan opened fire and killed three U.S. troops, military officials said Saturday, bringing the toll to six American military fatalities in 24 hours at the hands of allies.

In Mexico, Olympic gold is a welcome chance to celebrate

Posted: 11 Aug 2012 05:20 PM PDT

Crowds pour into the capital's streets as the team defeats Brazil to claim its first-ever medal in men's soccer. 'Mexico needs heroes,' says one exultant fan. 'This team, this is it.'

MEXICO CITY — Mexico needed this.