• 7 Killed in Blast Targeting Lebanese Christian MP

  A powerful bomb killed a Christian parliament member in a suburb outside of Beirut Wednesday – a week ahead of Lebanon’s presidential vote.

• China Engaged in 'Softer' Crackdown Ahead of Olympics

  China is gearing up for its “coming out party” – otherwise known as the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing – expecting A-list guests that include U.S. President George W. Bush and Academy Award winning director Steven Spielberg.

• 8.2 Quake Strikes Indonesia; Triggers Tsunami

  A powerful magnitude-8.2 quake struck the west coast of Indonesia Wednesday evening, triggering a small tsunami and sending hundreds of people in affected cities fleeing into the streets.

  

• Taliban Beat Christian Ex-Hostages for Refusing Islam

  Some of the 5 South Korean men freed from captivity last week reported being beaten by their Taliban abductors for refusing to convert to Islam or for protecting their female colleagues, a hospital chief said Monday.

• Korean Pastors Repent for Aggressive Overseas Mission

  Pastors from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church met at Youngdong Presbyterian Church in Jongno, downtown Seoul, to reflect on mission works in light of the abduction of 23 Korean church volunteers nearly two months ago in Afghanistan.