But, Robert Gates says he does not know whether the Iranian government is behind some of the explosives aimed at coalition troops

President pledges to extend stay of 3,200 US troops by four months in preparation for NATO offensive in the spring

Deployment comes amid UN warnings that rising chaos and violence there could undermine AU's peacekeeping mission before it starts

Pyongyang has agreed to shut down and seal its primary nuclear facilities within 60 days and allow inspectors to verify the process

Ban Ki-moon says he is disappointed by government's refusal to grant visas to delegation that was scheduled to arrive in Khartoum Tuesday

But, some union leaders refuse to renew negotiations with government until it lifts martial law

Labor activists say low-skilled workers need to be protected; business sector argues measure would mean government intervention in Hong Kong's famously free market

Critics say president's new powers unprecedented, and constitute severe blow to democratic rule

VOA's Phuong Tran reports on challenges faced by young mother in Senegal, as health officials launch effort to stop disease from being passed to next generation

Scientists say new pictures show an underground setting for water could have been conducive for life on Mars