Canada didn’t need a complex game plan to wear down its biggest nemesis or punish Alex Ovechkin. Canada simply needed to be Canada. The Canadians ended 50 years of Olympic hockey frustration against the Russians, surging into the Olympic semifinals with a 7-3 romp over the world champions Wednesday by going back to the game [...]

AP – The Afghan government took official control of the southern Taliban stronghold of Marjah on Thursday, installing an administrator and raising the national flag while U.S.-led troops worked to root out final pockets of militants. Read more

AP – Sludge from an oil spill snaking along the Po River reached the province of Parma on Thursday, raising fears that the home of Italy’s famed prosciutto, parmesan cheese and other agricultural staples might be at risk of water contamination. Read more

AP – Syrian President Bashar Assad defied U.S. calls to loosen ties with Iran on Thursday, saying his long-standing alliance with Tehran remains strong despite overtures from Washington intended to shift his loyalties. Read more

AP – New Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych vowed Thursday to create “a European state outside of any bloc,” but the crippling lack of consensus in his government was clear in the half-empty hall during his inaugural address. Read more