US government to expand rights of same-sex married couples

US Attorney General Eric Holder will expand government recognition of same-sex marriages in all federal courtrooms and prisons on Monday, and ensure they receive the same benefits as heterosexual married couples.

IN BRIEF (Page 11)

Pro-nuke candidate wins Tokyo election

Yoichi Masuzoe, a former health minister backed by Japan's ruling party, won Tokyo's gubernatorial election on Sunday, defeating two candidates who had promised to end nuclear power.

Iran says warships sailing toward US to protest Persian Gulf build-up

An Iranian naval officer said a number of warships have been ordered to approach US maritime borders as a response to Washington's stationing of US vessels in the Persian Gulf, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Saturday.

Pentagon to request more defense funds

The US Defense Department plans to ask Congress for $4.5 billion in extra missile defense funding over the next five years as part of the fiscal 2015 budget request, say congressional sources and an expert.

Gridlock sinking Thai businesses

Bangkok's middle classes have been at the heart of a three-month protest movement to topple Thailand's government, but as the strife drags on and the economy wilts, the capital's business owners are starting to feel the pain.

New US envoy 'well-prepared' for role

Max Baucus, the newly approved next US ambassador to China, is expected to be a "good communicator" between the two countries, observers said.

Virginia House OKs textbook change in win for South Korea

Virginia's state legislature approved on Thursday a bill requiring school textbooks to include the Korean name for the sea between Japan and South Korea in a major win for Seoul.

Moscow accuses US of fomenting Ukraine coup

An East-West struggle over Ukraine turned nastier as Moscow accused the United States of fomenting a coup and Washington pointed a finger at Russia for leaking a recording of US diplomats discussing how to shape a new government in Kiev.

Obama 'pragmatic' with Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin may seek to look like the tough guy in joint appearances with President Barack Obama, but Obama said in an interview that he and Putin have a pragmatic and respectful relationship.

EU set to lift all tariffs on US imports

The European Union will offer to lift tariffs on nearly all goods imported from the United States as part of negotiations surrounding the world's largest free trade deal, people familiar with the proposal have told Reuters.

Evacuations imminent in besieged Syrian city

Scores of trapped civilians awaited evacuation on Friday from rebel-held areas in the besieged Syrian city of Homs as Damascus finally confirmed it will join new peace talks next week.