Political chaos pushes US up against debt deadline
A day of political disarray Tuesday pushed America to within hours of a debt default deadline, but two veteran senators chased a last-gasp deal to stave off a sudden shock to the global economy.
Conflicts, energy top agenda as Hollande visits S.Africa
French leader Francois Hollande arrived in South Africa Monday for a two-day state visit in which he is set to push for greater cooperation on African crises with the continental powerhouse.
'You should be afraid of me': S.Africa's Malema
South Africa's fiery young politician Julius Malema told a rally of his new party on Sunday that a "giant" has been born which should be feared and will fight for the poor.
UN names envoy for Syria chemical weapons
The head of the United Nations on Sunday named Sigrid Kaag to lead the UN's joint mission with the chemical weapons watchdog tasked with eliminating Syria's arsenal.
14 October 2013
US lawmakers split despite October 17 debt deadline
The United States is still facing a potentially devastating sovereign debt default, after senators failed to agree on terms to reopen the federal government and raise the country's borrowing limit.
14 October 2013
Venezuela holds US-operated oil ship in spat with Guyana
Venezuela on Friday said it has detained a US-operated oil exploration ship sent from Guyana in disputed waters off its coast, in a fresh border spat between the two neighbors.
African summit attacks 'unfair' ICC
The ICC was under fire over its "unfair" and "totally unacceptable" treatment of Africa, with African Union ministers calling for cases against Kenyan and Sudanese leaders to be deferred.
12 October 2013
US denies plotting against Gambia leaders
The United States refuted Thursday what it said were "baseless accusations" that it was plotting against the government of the tiny west African nation of Gambia.
US report says little progress on China rights
A US government commission said Thursday that China's human rights record has not improved under the country's new leadership and raised concerns on issues from minority rights to forced abortion.
12 October 2013
UN Council backs Ban's Syria disarmament plan
The UN Security Council on Thursday backed a plan by UN leader Ban Ki-moon for a joint mission with the global chemical arms watchdog to destroy Syria's weapons.