The U.S. State Department called on Cuba on Monday to release an American who is serving a 15-year sentence on the island.

Mali-Al-Qaeda

Military operations to stop the growth of al Qaeda's influence in northern Africa will only make the violent situation there worse if done prematurely, the top U.S. commander for the region warns.

Israel-Settlements

Britain summoned the Israeli ambassador to the UK on Monday over Israel's decision to build thousands of new homes in occupied Palestinian territory -- the latest fallout over Israel's refusal to roll back the plan and the Palestinian Authority getting upgraded status at the United Nations.

Syria-Civil-War

The United States warned Syria on Monday not to use chemical weapons amid intelligence reports indicating President Bashar al-Assad's regime could be preparing to take that step as it escalates its fight against rebel forces.

Vatican-Pope-Twitter

The Vatican revealed the new personal Twitter account for Pope Benedict XVI, @Pontifex on Monday, meaning the leader of the global Catholic church will officially join millions of people around the globe on the social media site.

Colombia-FARC

Colombian military combat planes opened fire on hidden rebel camps over the weekend, killing at least 20 members of the country's largest guerrilla group just days after negotiators finished a round of peace talks. A top faction leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia guerrillas was among the casualties, Gen. Mario Valencia told reporters Monday.

U.S.A.

Alaska-Serial-Killer

A suspected serial killer admitted to at least seven other murders before killing himself in jail after his arrest in the death of an Alaska barista. Now the FBI wants the public's help to trace Israel Keyes' travels over the years in the hopes of identifying any additional victims.

US-Sandy-Federal-Funds

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo visited Washington on Monday, telling White House officials and members of Congress that his state needs billions of dollars in federal assistance to rebuild and repair after Superstorm Sandy.

New-Jersey-Train-Derail

The day before a train derailed on a New Jersey bridge, sending several cars into the water and hazardous chemicals into the air, railroad workers responded to a report of alignment problems with the structure, the chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board said Monday.

Fort-Hood-Judge-Removed

A military appeals court has removed the judge who had been overseeing accused Fort Hood shooter Maj. Nidal Hasan's court-martial, saying the judge was biased.

US-Space-Voyager

Are we there yet? If you're Voyager 1, the answer is no. NASA officials have been saying for months that the space probe is soon to become the first man-made object to leave the solar system, but it's found a new region at the far edge of the system instead.

California-Coast-Guard-Death

Two Mexican nationals were charged Monday in the death of a Coast Guardsman, who succumbed to his injuries after authorities said his boat was rammed by those on a suspect panga-style boat.

ENT-Katt-Williams-Arrest