The US soldier suspected of killing Afghan civilians, Robert Bales, is to be charged with 17 counts of murder, US officials tell the BBC.

Indigenous people from Ecuador's Amazon region stage a march against mining plans, as government supporters hold their own rally in favour.

France faces calls for an inquiry into possible intelligence failures after a series of killings by a self-described al-Qaeda militant in the south.

The US is expected to announce its candidate for the next president of the World Bank as the deadline for nominations approaches.

Mali's military coup against President Amadou Toumani Toure draws condemnation from African neighbours, as well as the UN and the World Bank.

Australian police say they have broken up a child pornography network, with the arrest of at least 13 men across the country.

Irish political party Fianna Fail says it will seek to expel former leader and prime minister Bertie Ahern in the wake of the Mahon Tribunal.

The Louvre in Paris was the most visited art museum last year, according to the Art Newspaper.