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Migration crisis is focus of AU summit

Infrastructure continues to be on the front burner in Africa's development agenda, experts said as the African Union summit concluded on Monday in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Chinese best informed in Japan poll of foreigners

In what appears to be improved ties between Beijing and Tokyo, Chinese citizens topped the list of foreigners aware of both Japan's upcoming imperial succession and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, according to a recent survey by a Japanese think tank.

Seoul, Washington sign new deal for US troops

SEOUL - The Republic of Korea and the United States struck a new deal on Sunday that increases Seoul's contribution to the cost of the US military presence on its soil, overcoming previous failed negotiations that caused worries about their decadeslong alliance.

US likely to withdraw its troops from Syria in weeks

The United States is likely to start withdrawal of ground troops from Syria within weeks, but the exact timing depends on the situation in Syria, said the top commander overseeing US forces in the Middle East.

Acting Pentagon chief arrives in Afghanistan

KABUL - Acting US defense secretary Patrick Shanahan arrived in Afghanistan on an unannounced visit on Monday as the United States leads a push for peace talks with the Taliban.

Pompeo's 5-nation tour 'overdue'

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo started his five-nation tour in Europe on Monday to counter the so-called China and Russia influence, but experts said those nations should be free to make their own decisions.

US shutdown talks stall ahead of deadline

WASHINGTON - As the White House refused to rule out the possibility that the federal government would shut down again, negotiators clashed over whether to limit the number of migrants authorities can detain, creating a new hurdle for a border security compromise acceptable to Congress.

Female acts and rap songs win big at the 61st Grammy Awards

LOS ANGELES, California - Women and rap triumphed at the Grammys on Sunday as female acts took home top prizes including album of the year and best new artist. Childish Gambino also made history when his hit This Is America became the first rap-based track to win record and song of the year awards.

May lukewarm about Corbyn's customs union call

Britain's prime minister appears to have ruled out incorporating a key idea from the leader of the opposition Labour Party into her reworked Brexit withdrawal deal, according to Rory Stewart, the nation's prisons minister.

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Bid by Thai princess for PM turned down

BANGKOK - Thai Princess Ubolratana's unprecedented attempt to become the country's next prime minister was abruptly dismissed on Saturday after her party agreed to comply with a command from the king opposing the plan.