US upbeat on Taliban peace, warns Afghan leaders

The United States voiced optimism on Tuesday about reaching an accord to end the war in Afghanistan as a partial truce held with the Taliban, warning rival leaders in the Kabul government not to scuttle the "enormous opportunity."

Down to business for Trump in India

US President Donald Trump moves from sightseeing and speech-making to tough trade talks in India on Tuesday, as First Lady Melania visits a Delhi school to witness a "happiness class".

Hamburg voters punish Merkel party

Voters in German city-state Hamburg punished Chancellor Angela Merkel's crisis-racked conservatives in a regional election on Sunday, while the incumbent centre-left held off a challenge from the Greens according to exit polls.

Pompeo lands in Saudi for talks focused on Iran

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo landed in Riyadh Wednesday for talks with Saudi leaders focused on countering Tehran, his first visit since a top Iranian general's killing sent regional tensions soaring.

EU leaders to face off in 'very tough' budget summit

EU leaders are to hold a Brussels summit Thursday to set a seven-year budget despite splits between some stingy rich nations, poorer ones wanting to preserve spending and others wanting to fund grand global ambitions.

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