Top Stories - AFP

COPENHAGEN (AFP) - The first cracks appeared among developing countries at the UN climate talks on Wednesday, revealing divisions between emerging giants and nations most exposed to the ravages of global warming. Full Story »

KABUL (AFP) - NATO commanders on Wednesday warned US Defence Secretary Robert Gates of the challenges involved in recruiting Afghan soldiers and police, which the US military hopes will number 287,000 by July 2011. Full Story »

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has sacked Baghdad's security chief over a string of coordinated car and truck bombings claimed by an Al-Qaeda group that killed 127 people. Full Story »

ROME (AFP) - The sale of the RU486 abortion pill in Italy was given a final green light on Wednesday, despite protests from the Vatican and members of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's government. Full Story »

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Parents who let their kids romp in the mud and eat food that has fallen on the floor could be helping to protect them against maladies like heart disease later in life, a US study showed Wednesday. Full Story »

LONDON (AFP) - Britain announced a one-off tax on bankers' bonuses Wednesday, as it admitted facing a sharper recession and higher state borrowing ahead of elections next year that the government is tipped to lose. Full Story »

DOHA (AFP) - The emir of Qatar called on Wednesday for the alignment of gas prices with oil prices at the opening of a forum of gas exporting countries. Full Story »

MILAN, Italy (AFP) - Inter Milan eased into the Champions League knock-out rounds with a dominant 2-0 victory over Rubin Kazan in Group F at the San Siro on Wednesday to possibly save coach Jose Mourinho's job. Full Story »

KIEV (AFP) - Reigning champions Barcelona clinched a place in the Champions League knockout stage with a 2-1 win over hosts Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday, with Lionel Messi netting an 86th-minute goal to secure top spot in their group. Full Story »

MADRID (AFP) - Spain on Wednesday handed back to the United States a robot which last week completed the first underwater crossing of the Atlantic Ocean to help monitor climate change by tracking temperatures. Full Story »