Afghan neighbor Tajikistan ratifies base deal with Russia
Tajikistan's parliament ratified a deal with Russia on Tuesday to extend by three decades Moscow's military presence in the volatile Central Asian nation, which may face new security threats after NATO troops leave neighbouring Afghanistan.
Russia doubts mid-November date for Syria peace talks
Russia expressed doubt on Tuesday that Western nations can persuade Syrian opposition representatives to take part in an international peace conference in time for it to take place in mid-November.
From Syria to South China Sea, navies cruise back into vogue
After a quarter century of Middle Eastern land wars and a sharp fall in big powers' naval spending after the Cold War, sea power is back in vogue in response to the rise of China and Western reluctance to deploy ground troops in conflicts like Syria.
Iranian Official Says Tehran Ready To Discuss Limits To Uranium Enrichment
Iran's deputy foreign minister says Tehran is willing to discuss limits to its uranium enrichment but will not suspend the process completely.
Turkey's Erdogan announces Kurdish reforms
Turkey's PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced major political reforms, including new Kurdish rights and a reversal of the headscarf ban.
Chuck Hagel in South Korea for military talks
US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel is in South Korea for talks, where the eventual transfer of military control to Seoul is expected to be a key issue.
U.S., Russia agree on Syria U.N. chemical arms measure
Ending weeks of diplomatic deadlock, the United States and Russia agreed on Thursday on a U.N. Security Council draft resolution that would demand Syria give up its chemical arms, but does not threaten military force if it fails to comply.
Europe's plan to address weak banks risks unraveling
The European Central Bank's (ECB) plan to test the health of the euro zone's largest lenders without the means to plug any holes it uncovers risks foiling what some see as the bloc's final chance to put its financial crisis behind it.
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