Middle East
N. Korean leader watches 'drone' attack drill: KCNA
Mar 20, 2013 12:11 EDT
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw a live fire military drill using drones and cruise missile interceptors, state media said Wednesday, amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.
Philippines seeks UN protection for peacekeepers
Mar 20, 2013 12:10 EDT
The Philippines has asked the United Nations to provide more protection to its peacekeeping forces, Manila said Wednesday after announcing its troops would remain in the Golan Heights after a recent abduction.
Hagel plans Israel visit to boost defence ties
Mar 20, 2013 12:02 EDT
US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel plans to visit the Jewish state in April to boost cooperation between the two countries, Israel's defence ministry said on Wednesday.
Obama hit by car trouble in Israel
Mar 20, 2013 11:50 EDT
US President Barack Obama lost his first choice of wheels on Wednesday, after one of his hulking armoured limousines broke down in Israel.
Syria, rebels seek world action on chemical arms
Mar 20, 2013 11:47 EDT
Syria's regime and rebels on Wednesday called for international investigations into an attack a day earlier in which each side accuses the other of having used chemical weapons.
Nearly as many Afghan troops killed as NATO since 2001
Mar 20, 2013 11:35 EDT
Almost 3,000 Afghan police and soldiers have been killed in the last 12 months, nearly the same as the number of NATO deaths in Afghanistan in the last 11 years of war, Kabul said Wednesday.
Kabul, US 'reach deal' on forces pullout
Mar 20, 2013 09:54 EDT
The United States and Kabul appeared Wednesday to reach an agreement on the pullout of coalition forces from a strategic province, nearly a month after an ultimatum from Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Obama vows peace on first visit to Israel as president
Mar 20, 2013 08:58 EDT
"Peace must come to the Holy Land," Barack Obama said Wednesday as he landed in Israel for the first time as US president in a bid to ease tensions with his hosts and to frame policy on Syria and Iran.
Israel extends Obama effusive welcome on historic trip
Mar 20, 2013 08:52 EDT
Israel on Wednesday gave an effusive welcome to Barack Obama, praising him for his "unshakeable" support and defence of the Jewish state at a ceremony as he arrived for his first visit as US president.
Erdogan says comments on Zionism 'misunderstood'
Mar 20, 2013 08:19 EDT
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in remarks published Wednesday that his controversial comments branding Zionism a crime against humanity had been misunderstood.
Tunisia must repeal criminal defamation law: HRW
Mar 20, 2013 08:03 EDT
Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on Tunisia to "urgently" repeal its criminal defamation law, which can lead to two years in jail and which it said has a "chilling effect" on freedom of speech.
Pakistan president sets election for May 11
Mar 20, 2013 07:55 EDT
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari announced Wednesday that general elections would be held on May 11, in what will mark the first democratic transition of power in the country's history.
Pakistan President 'sets election for May 11'
Mar 20, 2013 07:13 EDT
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari announced Wednesday that general elections would be held on May 11, in what will mark the first democratic transition of power in the country's history.
UP fitness wristbands step up to Android gadgets
Mar 20, 2013 06:53 EDT
UP fitness wristbands have got in stride with Android, keeping in step with the popularity of smartphones powered by the free Google software.
Obama in Israel on first trip as US president
Mar 20, 2013 06:51 EDT
Barack Obama landed in Israel on Wednesday for the first time as US president, on a mission to ease past tensions with his hosts but facing scepticism about his plans to thwart Iran's nuclear threat.
Iraq's people yet to feel benefit of oil boom
Mar 20, 2013 06:00 EDT
Iraq's economy is expanding and government coffers are swelling, but Sabah Nuri, like many Iraqis who still struggle with poverty and poor services, has yet to see the benefits of rising oil exports.
Obama heads for Israel with ambitions trimmed
Mar 20, 2013 05:41 EDT
Barack Obama headed to Israel on Wednesday for the first time as US president, on a mission to ease past tensions with his hosts but facing scepticism about his plans to thwart Iran's nuclear threat.
'Iceman' Raikkonen to feel heat at Malaysia GP
Mar 20, 2013 04:54 EDT
Kimi Raikkonen ignited the Formula One season with a stunning win in Australia but the "Iceman" will feel heat from his rivals this weekend at the notoriously demanding Malaysian Grand Prix.
Qaeda claims wave of Iraq attacks that killed 56
Mar 20, 2013 03:55 EDT
Al-Qaeda's Iraqi affiliate said it was behind a wave of attacks that killed 56 people and wounded more than 220, in a statement posted on jihadist Internet forums on Wednesday.
Syria regime, rebels trade chemical weapons accusations
Mar 20, 2013 03:52 EDT
The US and UN were attempting to verify claims and counterclaims by Syrian troops and insurgents that chemical weapons were used for the first time in the two-year conflict.
