AFP - Barclays said on Thursday that net profit slumped 35 percent in the first half, hit by write-downs of 2.1 billion dollars (1.4 billion euros) for the US subprime housing and credit crises.

AP - When illustrating America's close ties to Asia, never forget the elephants.

AP - Osama bin Laden's former driver is expected to ask the Pentagon jury that convicted him of a war crime to spare him from life in prison Thursday, his defense lawyers said.

AP - Israel is building up its strike capabilities amid growing anxiety over Iran's nuclear ambitions and appears confident that a military attack would cripple Tehran's atomic program, even if it can't destroy it.

AP - At least two women who have protested being evicted from their homes ahead of the Olympics were rounded up and taken to a police station, amid ramped up efforts Thursday by activists to use the games to spotlight their causes.

AP - President Bush praised the spread of freedom in Asia while training a harsh spotlight Thursday on the region's democratic laggards, sharply criticizing oppression and human rights abuses in China, Myanmar and North Korea.

AFP - Beijing remained shrouded in smog on Wednesday as the hours ticked down to the showpiece opening Olympic ceremony, but despite complaints from some athletes organisers insisted air quality was safe.

AFP - Zimbabwe's rival parties issued a joint statement Wednesday calling on their supporters to halt all political violence in a sign that power-sharing talks may have moved closer to an agreement.

AFP - French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute Wednesday to "historic, unfailing and immovable friendship" between Paris and Beijing and awarded China a "gold medal" for its Olympic preparations.

AP - Iraqi lawmakers failed Wednesday to agree on a provincial election law and adjourned for the month, casting doubt whether U.S.-backed balloting can be held this year in the country's 18 provinces.

AP - Army officers upset with the president's overtures toward Islamic hard-liners staged a coup in Mauritania on Wednesday, overthrowing the first government to be freely elected in this sprawling desert nation in more than 20 years.

AP - With all eyes on Beijing, President Bush bluntly told China that America stands in "firm opposition" to the way the communist government represses its own people, a rebuke delivered from the heart of Asia on the cusp of the Olympic Games.