PARIS (AP) — After weeks crossing the high seas, Claude Levi-Strauss breathed in his first lungful of the New World, a perfume tinged with pepper or tobacco. » Full Story

CAIRO (AP) — A sharp deterioration in Egypt’s relations with Israel is further complicating Washington’s faltering efforts to move the Middle East peace process forward.

The U.S. » Full Story

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s election commission chairman says he has warned lawmakers that if they do not have an agreement in place on an election law by the end of Thursday, the country’s nationwide vot... » Full Story

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mauricio Fernandez couldn’t have been happie. » Full Story

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A moderate earthquake hit southern Iran early Wednesday, injuring 269 people and cutting power and telephone lines, state radio reported. » Full Story

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — The death toll from Tropical Storm Mirinae rose to 57 in Vietnam on Wednesday as authorities stepped up rescue and relief operations in the affected central regions. » Full Story

KABUL (AP) — Britain’s defense ministry says five British soldiers have been killed in a gunfire attack in the southern Afghan province of Helmand. Afghan authorities say the attacker was a policeman. » Full Story

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea claimed Tuesday that it has successfully weaponized more plutonium for atomic bombs, a day after warning Washington to agree quickly to direct talks or face the... » Full Story

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Rival pirates and militia groups have fought for control over a British couple held hostage for more than a week, an Islamic militia commander and a local elder said. » Full Story