Iraqi prime minister’s coalition, secular rival both claim to be ahead in historic vote count

Iraqi parties both claim to be ahead in election

Parties predict Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki’s coalition will lead parliamentary vote

Iraqi PM’s coalition seen leading vote

BAGHDAD — Early estimates from a range of Iraqi parties on Monday predicted a coalition led by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki would take the lead in the parliamentary election, though official results were not expected for a few days.

Hundreds slaughtered in Nigeria including infants in latest religious violence flare-up

Hundreds slaughtered in Nigeria religious violence

Vatican launches appeal to help dwindling Christian community in Holy Land

Vatican appeals for Holy Land Christians

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican has launched an appeal for support for Christians in the Holy Land, seeking to stem the exodus from the ancient community.

Philippine health chief takes on powerful Catholic church to hand out condoms to fight AIDS

Philippine health chief, church fight over condoms