AP - Indonesian television says a passenger ferry with more than 200 people onboard sank in rough waters near Sumatra island.

AP - Rescuers worked in frigid cold to reach 21 miners trapped underground Sunday as the death toll from a huge gas explosion in a northern Chinese mine jumped to 87 — the deadliest blast to hit the beleaguered industry in nearly two years.

AP - The walls that the rockets blew out have not been repaired, and the plaster is a dense scattershot of bullet holes. Dozens of holes, blasted by grenades, pockmark the linoleum floors.

AP - The Israeli military says its aircraft have attacked two weapons-making factories and a smuggling tunnel in the Gaza Strip.

AP - Romanians began voting for a new president on Sunday in an election that could open the door to an international loan aimed at ending the country's deep recession.

Time.com - What we learned from the American President's journey through the Middle Kingdom

AFP - Polls opened Sunday in Romania's presidential election, as the country struggles with a severe recession and the political turmoil following the government's fall mid-October.

AP - Iran will begin large-scale air defense war games Sunday aimed at protecting its nuclear facilities from possible attack, a senior military commander said Saturday, reflecting the country's concern that Israel could make good on threats to strike militarily.

AP - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is inviting his mentor Fidel Castro to visit Venezuela during the coming months.

AFP - South Africa coach Peter de Villiers and captain John Smit agreed that the world champions were back on track following their 32-10 win over Italy here.