Corey Flintoff

In Libya, refugees are streaming out of Sirte, the last major town still in the hands of forces loyal to ousted dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Cut off from the rest of the country, without electricity, many knew nothing of recent rebel advances, including the fall of the capital, Tripoli.

Gharyan, just 55 miles south of Tripoli, is a prime objective of rebels in the country's western mountains. The government says the city is firmly on the side of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, but many residents have reportedly left, and the real extent of government support is unclear.

The Vatican is facing a new round of charges that leaders in the church hierarchy tried to cover up allegations that some priests abused children, but the cases involved date back decades. Here's a timeline of key events.

Ash from an Icelandic volcano is causing big and costly disruptions in Europe but, so far, it's nothing compared with the havoc caused by the country's economic eruption a year and a half ago. How can a remote island in the North Atlantic, with only about 320,000 people, be the source of so much damage?

Ash from an Icelandic volcano is causing big and costly disruptions in Europe but, so far, it's nothing compared with the havoc caused by the country's economic eruption a year and a half ago. How can a remote island in the North Atlantic, with only about 320,000 people, be the source of so much damage?

The attempted bombing of a Northwest Airlines passenger jet over Detroit is just the latest in a string of attacks that have been linked to al-Qaida, the terrorist network led by Osama bin Laden, and its affiliates. Here is a timeline of attacks and bombing plots claimed by or linked to al-Qaida — either directly or indirectly — over a nearly two-decade span.

Days after it was revealed that Iran has been building a secret nuclear enrichment plant, Iran staged a show of force, testing missiles that could reach Israel or U.S. bases in the Middle East. Will Iran's tactics provoke tighter international sanctions?

Two American journalists who were pardoned by North Korea have been reunited with their families. Former President Bill Clinton helped gain their release. Now analysts speculate if Clinton's visit created a new opening for North Korea to return to negotiating talks over its nuclear program.

The tumult of Iran's presidential election is just the most visible part of a power struggle with deep roots in the country's theocratic government. Here's a look at the inner circles of Iranian political power.

Somali pirates in the waters off the Horn of Africa nation have hijacked more than 40 ships this year, demanding — and often getting — millions of dollars in ransom. The European Union has launched an effort to protect ships in the area.