Nairobi Standoff.. Muslim Brotherhood Ban.. Merkel Wins

Written By Unknown on Monday, September 23, 2013 | 7:12 AM

NAIROBI, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Thick smoke poured from the besieged Nairobi mall where Kenyan officials said their forces were closing in on Islamists holding hostages on Monday, three days after a raid by Somalia's al Shabaab killed at least 62 people.

Egypt Bans Muslim Brotherhood

Merkel Wins Third Term

Assad: Syria Will Allow Access To Chemical Sites

The Syrian president said the government won't have "any problem" taking experts to weapons sites, but added some might be difficult to reach because of ongoing fighting between the Syrian army and rebels battling the regime, whom he called "gunmen."

Concordia Captain Blames Helmsman For Shipwreck

"In my experience, there wouldn't have been the crash" had the helmsman promptly had carried out the proper maneuver, Schettino said.

Pussy Riot Member Declares Hunger Strike

She also says the prison's deputy warden threatened her last month, saying "Things never will be bad for you because there is nothing bad in the next world."

Iran's President Urges 'Interaction' At UN

In New York this week for the U.N General Assembly, Iran's Hassan Rouhani is urging talks with the West about Iran's nuclear program and international sanctions.

Amanda Knox Defends Decision Not To Return To Italy

"I have plenty to fear because I was already imprisoned wrongfully, I was already convicted wrongfully and this is everything to fear, this, as an innocent person, is the ultimate nightmare, this does not make sense," she told ITV's Daybreak.