In brief: Mayor threatens murder in new video

Toronto – A new video that surfaced Thursday showed Toronto Mayor Rob Ford threatening to “murder” someone and “poke his eyes out” in a rambling rage, deepening concerns among both critics and allies that he is no longer fit to lead Canada’s largest city.

Moments after the video was posted online, the mayor told reporters that he was “extremely, extremely inebriated” in it and “embarrassed” by it. The context of the video is unknown, and it’s unclear who the target of Ford’s wrath is.

Despite immense pressure, the mayor has refused to resign or take a leave of absence.

Man behind attack on teen to lead Taliban

Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan – The ruthless commander behind the attack on teenage activist Malala Yousafzai as well as a series of bombings and beheadings was chosen Thursday as the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, nearly a week after a U.S. drone strike killed the previous chief.

The militant group ruled out peace talks with the government, accusing Pakistan of working with the U.S. in the Nov. 1 drone strike. Islamabad denied the allegation.

Mullah Fazlullah was unanimously appointed the new leader by the Taliban’s leadership council, or shura, after several days of deliberation, said the council’s head, Asmatullah Shaheen Bhitani.