ExxonMobil profit hits record on oil surge


NEW YORK - Surging oil prices helped US energy giant ExxonMobil to a 14 percent jump in quarterly net profit to 11.68 billion dollars in results Thursday short of most forecasts on Wall Street.   details

SKorea court rules parents may know baby's sex


SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea's top court ruled Thursday that parents have the right to know the sex of their unborn babies, sparking concerns the decision might result in more sex-selection abortions.

The Constitutional Court overturned a law that prohibited doctors from informing parents of the sex of the foetus, which it said was "out of step with social changes" and in breach of the rights of medical workers.   details

US monthly toll in Iraq at lowest since invasion
by Benjamin Morgan

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Eleven US soldiers were killed in Iraq in July, the lowest monthly toll since the 2003 invasion, according to Pentagon figures, highlighting what US commanders say is a marked drop in overall violence.

The number compares with the deadliest month of November 2004 when 137 American troops were slain, a toll by independent website icasualties.   details

Turmoil ahead for Israel after PM says he will resign
by Patrick Moser

JERUSALEM - Israel was bracing Thursday for weeks of political turmoil after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's shock announcement he would step down in September, casting a shadow over Middle East peacemaking.

Wednesday's announcement opened the way for political jockeying within Olmert's centrist Kadima party, which is scheduled to hold an unprecedented leadership vote on September 17, and renewed calls for snap elections.   details