Millions of Iranians voted in high-stake elections on Friday that could shift the balance of power within the hardline-controlled Islamic elite by ushering in a reformist comeback or help conservatives tighten their grip on power. The contest is seen by some analysts as a...

French oil giant Total has been convicted and fined in a retrial over corruption charges related to the UN's Oil-for-Food programme. The company had been among a number of firms and individuals accused of bribing Iraqi officials in exchange for contracts as part of the programme. Former Iraqi...

An official says a small plane with 11 people on board has crashed in mountainous western Nepal. Government official Padamlal Lamichane said at least one person had died according to initial reports. He said the plane belonging to Kasthamandap Airlines appeared to have technical trouble...

Two suicide bombers blew themselves up at a Shi'ite mosque in Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 15 people, police and medical sources said. A further 50 people were wounded...