AP-GfK poll: Obama approval hits 60 percent

President Barack Obama's approval rating has hit its highest point in two years - 60 percent - and more than half of Americans now say he deserves to be re-elected, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll taken after U.S. forces killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

In worrisome signs for Republicans, the president's standing improved not just on foreign policy but also on the economy, and independents - a key voting bloc in the November 2012 presidential election - caused the overall uptick in support by sliding back to Obama after fleeing for much of the past two years.

Ex-Israeli spymaster opposes Iran attack

Israel's recently retired spy chief says a military strike against Iran's nuclear program would be "stupid," Israeli media reported Sunday.

His remarks challenge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's position that Iran won't curb its nuclear ambitions unless it thinks it is threatened with military action.

Israel considers Iran to be its most formidable foe and like the West, does not believe Tehran's claims that it is not developing nuclear weapons.

Fortunes of Britain's super rich climb

LONDON (AP) -- The fortunes of Britain's wealthiest individuals appear to have turned.

The 1,000 richest people in Britain increased their collective wealth by 18 percent in the past year and are now worth 395.8 billion ounds ($647.8 billion), according to a list published by the Sunday Times newspaper.

The newspaper will release in its Sunday edition its annual rundown of Britain's 1,000 richest individuals and families.

Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal's family members held onto their position as the wealthiest people in Britain with a fortune of 17.5 billion pounds - but they are 22 percent poorer than a year earlier thanks to a drop in the share price of ArcelorMittal.

Norway feels sting of China's Nobel anger

OSLO, Norway (AP) -- Norway used to be China's top fresh salmon supplier, sending steadily growing volumes to exclusive restaurants in Beijing and Shanghai.

But since the Norwegian Nobel Committee gave the Nobel Peace Prize to imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, Norwegian salmon exporters say their fish is being held up for days or even weeks by Chinese food safety inspectors - devastating its freshness.

"We cannot get fish in there at all," said Henning Beltestad, the CEO of Norway's Leroey Seafood Group.

Beijing warned relations with the oil-rich Scandinavian nation of 5 million people would suffer when Liu was declared winner of the peace prize for his calls for political change in China. Six months later, the Norwegians are stunned by how stubbornly China is sticking to its word.

Settlers use tourism to draw Israelis to West Bank

PSAGOT, West Bank (AP) -- Perched atop a West Bank hill, the Binyamin region visitors center invites travelers to look past the military jeeps patrolling the surrounding area and enjoy nature, archaeological sites and bucolic vineyards.

Jewish settlers are promoting tourism to draw Israelis who might otherwise never set foot in the West Bank, an occupied area Palestinians want as part of a future state. Proponents hope that drawing visitors will help increase support for retaining the territory, while critics say the tourism campaign, like Jewish settlements, is a foothold that stands in the way of making peace.