Obama tells Egypt's Morsi to 'protect' democracy
US President Barack Obama warned Tuesday that his Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Morsi has a "responsibility to protect" the democratic principles advanced by the 2011 uprising.
US House speaker urges senators to get 'off their ass'
House Speaker John Boehner laid bare the Republican leadership's exasperation Tuesday over looming US budget cuts, as he demanded senators get "off their ass" to forge a compromise and avert a crisis.
27 February 2013
Italian leftist leader seeks way out of deadlock
Italian leftist leader Pier Luigi Bersani admitted Tuesday he had "come first but not won" key elections and asked parties to help him push through reforms amid a political deadlock that sent markets tumbling.
27 February 2013
Iran, world powers respond to counter-offers
World powers and Iran were due Wednesday to respond to offers presented by both sides in a final day of talks aimed at breaking a decade of deadlock over Tehran's nuclear drive.
Hagel confirmed as next US secretary of defense
The US Senate confirmed Chuck Hagel to be secretary of defense Tuesday, ending a long and acrimonious nomination process and handing President Barack Obama a boost as he fills his second-term cabinet.
27 February 2013
Australia dismisses Assange fears as 'fantasy'
Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr has dismissed as "fantasy" claims by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange that Sweden's case against him is a conspiracy to have him extradited to the United States.
Chavez congratulates Castro for re-election
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who is convalescing in a Caracas hospital, issued a statement Monday congratulating President Raul Castro for his re-election to a final five-year term.
World powers, Iran bid to break nuclear stalemate
World powers meet negotiators from Iran in Kazakhstan on Tuesday in the hope of reaching a breakthrough in the decade-long crisis over its nuclear programme, despite low expectations after years of dashed hopes.
26 February 2013
Kerry in London to start first official tour
John Kerry will push his Russian counterpart to apply pressure on Syria when they meet during the new US Secretary of State's marathon tour of allies.
26 February 2013
High risks for Obama in new spending fight
Barack Obama may have the upper hand against Republicans in a high-risk new spending showdown, but a drawn-out clash would likely damage the economy and put his presidential legacy on the line.