Sixty percent of Americans support the US and allied military action in Libya to impose a no-fly zone to protect civilians from forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.

A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.9 on March 24 morning jolted the Kanto region surrounding Tokyo, registering lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

The Thai cabinet has agreed to extend the enforcement of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in seven Bangkok districts for another 30 days after it expires on March 25.

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates has resigned after parliament rejected an austerity budget.

European Union (EU) leaders are meeting Thursday to finalize a response to the year-long debt crisis and discuss the current military attacks against Libya, which have divided the 27-nation bloc.

At least 10 people have been killed and dozens wounded after Syrian police opened fire on people protesting against the deaths of anti-government demonstrators in Deraa, witnesses say.

Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, who was widely considered as of the great actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age, passed away in Los Angeles early Wednesday. She was 79.

Radiation danger from Japan's tsunami-smashed nuclear plant loomed on March 23 with water in Tokyo showing hazardous levels for infants and the US becoming the first nation to block food imports.

Medical workers in areas hit by the recent earth quake and tsunami in Japan are on duty 24 hours a day to help victims while they themselves are worried about the safety of their relatives.

Western powers pounding Libya's defenses will end up in the ‘dustbin of history’, said leader Muammar Gaddafi as his troops held back rebel advances despite four nights of attacks from the air.