L.A. Times - World News

Scotland likely to hold a vote on independence from Britain

By Henry Chu, Los Angeles Times — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 18:23:00 PST

Nationalists have been dreaming of divorce for years, but many Scots want to stay part of the United Kingdom. A referendum could be held in 2014.

This castled city where highlands and lowlands meet has been fought over many times by the Scots and the English, never more bloodily than in the 13th century battle depicted in the Oscar-winning movie "Braveheart."

Syria opposition reports more than 100 deaths in Homs

By Patrick J. McDonnell and Rima Marrouch, Los Angeles Times — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 20:58:00 PST

The reports of new bloodshed come as diplomats grapple with the worsening crisis in Syria. The U.N. and Arab League are considering a joint observer mission.

Greece agrees to more cuts but fails to secure new aid

By Anthee Carassava, Los Angeles Times — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 21:29:00 PST

European finance ministers want near-bankrupt Greece to prove it can deliver on pledges to slash spending before they approve a new $170-billion bailout.

Greece's political leaders on Thursday agreed to a fresh series of severe spending cuts, but the deal, strung with high drama and suspense, fell short of securing a new $170-billion bailout from foreign creditors that is needed to stave off a chaotic default.

Maldives issues arrest warrant for ex-President Mohamed Nasheed

By Mark Magnier, Los Angeles Times — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 18:46:00 PST

It is unclear what charges the former Maldives president faces. The upheaval in the strategic Indian Ocean nation has sparked concern that China may exploit the unrest.

A criminal court issued an arrest warrant Thursday for deposed Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed amid fear of further violence in the Indian Ocean nation after rioting the day before. It wasn't immediately clear what the charges against him were in the confusing and fast-evolving political crisis.

Apparent drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban and Al Qaeda figure

By Alex Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

The killing of Badar Mansoor comes as the United States steps up its pace of drone missile attacks following a six-week hiatus after Pakistani soldiers' death.

An apparent U.S. drone strike early Thursday in northwest Pakistan killed a top Pakistani Taliban commander also serving as a key Al Qaeda operative, local officials said.

Spain court convicts Judge Baltasar Garzon, known for rights cases

By Lauren Frayer, Los Angeles Times — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 21:06:00 PST

The Spanish jurist, famous for going after dictators such as Chile's Augusto Pinochet, is convicted of overstepping his authority and barred from the bench.

Spain's most famous judge, heralded abroad for seeking to put dictators behind bars, was found guilty Thursday of overstepping his authority in a corruption investigation here.

In Latin America, Chinese cars are gaining buyers

By Adriana Leon and Chris Kraul, Los Angeles Times — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 17:51:00 PST

Chinese brands, with their low prices, are selling like hot cakes as Latin America's consumer class expands amid rising incomes.

Greek leaders agree to new spending cuts in bid to avert default

By Anthee Carassava — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:33:47 PST

The nation says it has struck an agreement on adopting harsh new measures needed to avoid a disastrous bankruptcy.

The nation says it has struck an agreement on adopting harsh new measures needed to avoid a disastrous bankruptcy.

Aleppo, Syria, long loyal to the government, appears to waver

By Los Angeles Times Staff — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 18:01:00 PST

The nation's second-largest city looks increasingly divided over the uprising. Major unrest there would be a significant blow to President Bashar Assad.

In the apartment of an elderly Aleppo woman, the TV was tuned to the pro-government channel Al Dunya.

India group's prosthetic device a boon for thousands of amputees

By Mark Magnier, Los Angeles Times — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:41:00 PST

Makers of India's Jaipur Foot rapidly craft low-cost customized prosthetic devices that have changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of impoverished amputees.

Shopkeeper Mauji Lal was boarding a train four years ago when the crowd pushed him onto the tracks and he was run over. Doctors amputated his right leg and four toes on his left foot. Hobbling on a walker, he got back on a train last month for the 20-hour trip across India to this western city.