Prosecutors had suspected Mr Lieberman had laundered illicit funds, but there was apparently insufficient evidence to take the matter to trial.

"The X Factor (US)" judge bested two other huge artists, country princess Taylor Swift and R'n'B star Rihanna.

In "Wolverine", Logan finds himself in Japan; returning as the titular mutant hero is none other than Hugh Jackman.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who arrived in Afghanistan on December 12, was in Kandahar before the blast.

Schools and businesses were closed in Dhaka and other major cities and towns during the eight-hour shutdown.

President Bashar al-Assad's forces are "losing more and more control and territory", deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.