Australia PM makes surprise visit to Afghanistan
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has made a surprise visit to Afghanistan, seeking assurances from President Hamid Karzai that he is doing all he can to halt "insider attacks".
15 October 2012
Obama team hits back hard at Romney over Libya
Top Democrats accused Republican White House hopeful Mitt Romney on Sunday of "cravenly" politicizing the deadly attack on the US consulate in Benghazi to further his presidential ambitions.
EU to sanction Iran, Syria, help Mali reconquer its north
Europe's foreign ministers will sharply ramp up the pressure on Iran and Syria at talks Monday, while taking a "big step" in Africa by agreeing to assist Mali reconquer its north from rebels and Islamist extremists.
Australia defends refugee policy after boat surge
Canberra insisted on Monday that a new deterrent policy of locking up refugees on remote Pacific islands was working despite a weekend surge in arrivals and self-harm attempts among detainees.
15 October 2012
US berates Russia for aiding Syrian regime
The US has denounced Russia's policy of aiding the Syrian regime as "morally bankrupt," as tensions between Damascus and Ankara escalate over cargo seized from a Syrian passenger plane.
14 October 2012
Veteran US diplomat takes charge in Libya
A month after the killing of US ambassador Chris Stevens, Washington said Thursday it has brought a veteran diplomat out of retirement to head up its Libya team vowing to help build the new democracy.
14 October 2012
Canada bars US extremist pastor Terry Jones
Notorious US pastor Terry Jones said Thursday he has been barred from entering Canada after an anti-Islam video he backs triggered violent protests across the Muslim world.
13 October 2012
Sarkozy resurfaces at New York bank conference
Five months after losing re-election, an unshaven French ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy appeared Thursday at a New York banking conference and reportedly said he looked forward to a "new life."
13 October 2012
Iran still 'good way away' from nuclear weapon: Biden
Iran is still "a good way away" from acquiring a nuclear weapon, US Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday, insisting the United States would stop Tehran before it was too late.
VP pick Ryan bows to Romney line on abortion
US vice presidential hopeful Paul Ryan stood by his pro-life credentials Thursday but said a White House led by Mitt Romney would not try to ban rape victims from seeking abortions.
13 October 2012
Syria, Turkey trade accusations over jet's cargo
The war of words between Syria and Turkey escalated on Thursday when Ankara said it had found military supplies on a passenger plane it intercepted en route between Moscow and Damascus.