Lebanese army identifies sergeant killed by extremists

Lebanon's military says it has identified the remains of a soldier beheaded by Islamic militants.

Pakistan politicians seek negotiated settlement to crisis

Rival Pakistani politicians explored on Wednesday the possibility of a negotiated solution to weeks of protests aimed at the removal of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Putin: Ukraine solution 'very close'

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday his views and those of his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko were "very close" on finding a political solution to the conflict in Ukraine, and called for both sides to observe a cease-fire.

Japan Cabinet reshuffle prioritizes economy

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday carried out his first Cabinet reshuffle since December 2012 and prioritized the subject of revitalizing Japan's economy.

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Ancient markings 'bring Neanderthals even closer to us'

Markings dating back 40,000 years suggest Neanderthals were considerably more sophisticated than previously thought, researchers say.

UN climate chief: Time running out

The UN's top official on climate change, Christiana Figueres, warned on Tuesday that time is running out for meaningful action on global warming, citing the plight of low-lying Pacific nations that face ever-rising seas.

Sharif asserts control of Pakistani parliament

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired a joint session of parliament on Tuesday as a deepening crisis over violent protests demanding his resignation prompted fears of an army intervention.

Palmer digs govt out of hole on mining tax

Australia agreed on Tuesday to dump a hotly disputed profits tax on mineral resources after the government struck a surprise deal with senators, including mining tycoon Clive Palmer.

Sailor suicide highlights Japan's violent culture

Japan's navy has admitted that a sailor killed himself aboard ship earlier this year after being persistently bullied by a superior officer. It was the latest incident to come to light related to the country's little-discussed hazing culture.

Modi courts investors during trip to Tokyo

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sought to reassure investors that his reformist agenda would translate into better governance for Asia's third-largest economy.

Ebola outbreak threatens food security

The world's worst Ebola epidemic has put harvests at risk and sent food prices soaring in West Africa, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said on Tuesday, warning the problem will intensify in coming months.