Gunmen attacked a camp for a construction company in rural northern Nigeria, killing a guard and kidnapping seven foreign workers from Britain, Greece, Italy, and Lebanon, authorities said.

The fallout from the failed hostage rescue bid in Nigeria was continuing today after William Hague insisted it had been impossible to inform the Italian authorities in advance.

Syria has lashed out at the Arab League’s ultimatum to agree by today to allow an observer mission into the country or face sanctions.

New Italian leader Mario Monti has formed a government without a single politician, picking bankers, diplomats and business executives in hope of ensuring escape from looming financial disaster.