Soldiers who led military coups to become state leaders

JOHANNESBURG (AP) – Weeks of nationwide Gen Z protests in Madagascar sparked by power and water shortages escalated and led to a military coup that forced President Andry Rajoelina into exile. Army officer Col. Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as the new leader of the Indian Ocean nation.

US stocks rally to records, but Brent oil also tops $100

NEW YORK (AP) - The U.S. stock market set more records but caution still hung over Wall Street. The S&P 500 rallied 1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.7%, and the Nasdaq composite set its own record after climbing 1.6%. The price for a barrel of Brent crude oil briefly topped $102.

Army colonel takes over as Madagascar's president

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) – An army colonel who seized power in a military coup was sworn in as Madagascar’s new leader Friday in a lightning-fast power grab that ousted the president and sent him fleeing the country and into hiding.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

HONG KONG (AP) – The Hong Kong government is seeking to confiscate millions of dollars in funds and corporate shares it says are linked to crimes committed by jailed former media tycoon Jimmy Lai, according to a court document seen by The Associated Press on Tuesday.

How 2 AP reporters landed an interview with Madagascar's coup leader

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) – The head of an elite Madagascar military unit ousted the African island country’s president in a coup, capping weeks of youth-led protests over water and power cuts, the high cost of living and endemic poverty, among other issues.

Iran fires on container ship in Strait of Hormuz

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard opened fire Wednesday on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging the ship and further raising the stakes as planned ceasefire talks in Pakistan failed to materialize.

Madagascar's president rose to power off youth discontent

JOHANNESBURG (AP) – Andry Rajoelina was a young, man-of-the-people mayor when he led popular protests against the Madagascar government 16 years ago. The uprising resulted in a military-backed coup that brought Rajoelina to power as the transitional leader of his Indian Ocean country at the age of just 34.

Editorials from The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Madagascar coup leader 'taking the position of president'

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) – The leader of Madagascar’s military coup told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he is “taking the position of president” and that the armed forces would be in charge of the African island nation for up to two years before any elections are held.