Fifteen US states try to block Obama clean power plan
Fifteen US states have petitioned a federal court to block new rules by President Barack Obama's administration to encourage clean power and cut harmful carbon emissions from power plants.
Kerry complains to Moscow about Iran general's visit
US Secretary of State John Kerry called his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Thursday to express concern about a visit to Moscow by the commander of Iran's covert forces.
Iran's FM, Syria's Assad discuss fight against 'terror'
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, and called on regional countries to "fight terrorism and extremism".
13 August 2015
Ukraine bans dozens of 'fascist' Russian books
Kiev's public relations war with Moscow scaled new heights as Ukraine released a list of prominent Russian reporters and authors whose books will be banned from sale.
'Leading everywhere': Donald Trump barrels ahead
The Donald Trump bullet train charged full speed ahead, as the unfiltered US presidential hopeful slammed China, Barack Obama's administration and Republican rival Jeb Bush.
12 August 2015
Australian PM stymies gay marriage push, for now
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said his government would remain opposed to gay marriage during the current parliament, but suggested the issue could be put to a popular vote after the next election.