Pacific Trade Talks in Hawaii Said to Near End Without Deal

Negotiators from the U.S. and 11 Asia-Pacific countries are unlikely to sign off on a free-trade agreement after a four-day meeting in Hawaii, according to a person briefed on the talks.

Europe Vows at G-7 to Fight Crises From Russia to Syria, Greece

European leaders assured U.S. President Barack Obama that they’re up to dealing with regional crises from the Russia-Ukraine standoff and jihadism in the Middle East to the upsurge in migration across the Mediterranean Sea.

Pacific and European trade deals may be back on track as US Senate votes again

The US Senate reached a compromise on Wednesday to advance Barack Obama’s sweeping trade agenda, one day after a failed vote dealt an early blow to the White House’s pursuit of new free trade agreements with Asia and Europe.

Obama to visit India in January: White House

Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama will travel to India in January for its Republic Day celebrations, and talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the White House said Friday.

U.S. hiring accelerates, jobless rate hits six-year low

(Reuters) - U.S. employers ramped up hiring in September and the jobless rate fell to a six-year low, bolstering bets the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates in mid-2015.

Ukraine, Afghanistan issues to dominate NATO Summit

WASHINGTON: The current situation in Ukraine and the security transition in Afghanistan at the end of the year will dominate the proceedings of the NATO Summit next week, according to White House officials.

Summit sees US boost security assistance to Africa

Washington (AFP) - The United States will step up its support for the African militaries battling Islamic extremists or conducting dangerous peacekeeping missions, President Barack Obama said.

U.S. risks fiscal crisis from rising debt: CBO

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — The U.S. risks a fiscal crisis if it doesn’t get large and continuously growing federal debt under control, the Congressional Budget Office said Tuesday.

US, China vow greater economic and security cooperation

BEIJING — The United States and China vowed today to improve their economic and security cooperation, saying they wouldn't let persistent differences over maritime claims, cyberhacking and currency hamper a relationship critical to global peace and prosperity.

Obama congratulates new India PM Modi

Washington (AFP) - US President Barack Obama congratulated Narendra Modi and said he was looking forward to working with him after he was sworn in as Indian prime minister on Monday.

Fast-Food Workers Stage Worldwide Protests Over Minimum Wage

Fast-food workers seeking higher pay protested around the globe at chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s amid a broader debate about raising the minimum wage.

Trade, security on agenda for Obama in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Opening the first visit to Malaysia by a U.S. president in nearly half a century, Barack Obama looked ahead Saturday to economic and security talks with Prime Minister Najib Razak, who leads a southeast Asian nation with an important role in Obama's efforts to forge deeper ties with the region.

Japan to arm remote western island, risking more China tension

(Reuters) - Japan is sending 100 soldiers and radar to its westernmost outpost, a tropical island off Taiwan, in a deployment that risks angering China with ties between Asia's biggest economies already hurt by a dispute over nearby islands they both claim.

Kerry hails Morocco reforms, regional security efforts

Rabat (AFP) - Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday pledged US support for Moroccan reforms and efforts to promote regional stability, while also highlighting the social challenges faced by Rabat.

European leaders ask Obama to allow increased exports of US shale gas

European leaders on Wednesday asked Barack Obama to share the US's shale gas bonanza with Europe by facilitating gas exports to help counter the stranglehold Russia has on the continent's energy needs.

Bank Rossiya Becomes First Russian Lender Under U.S. Sanctions

OAO Bank Rossiya, a St. Petersburg-based lender owned by associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin, became the first financial institution to face U.S. sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

Heavier sanctions on Russia could backfire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Underlying talk about taking harsh punitive measures against Russia for its military incursion into Ukraine are economic complications and worries that sanctions levied against Moscow could backfire on the U.S. and Europe.

Rouhani Seeks Economic Fix as Iran Commemorates Revolution

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had foreign-policy successes to showcase when he spoke in Tehran’s Azadi Square today to mark the 35th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic revolution.

Economy slowly exits the Great Recession

WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy is showing more strength than at any time since the Great Recession began six years ago. Employers are hiring.

U.S. nears decision to split leadership of NSA, Cyber Command: sources

(Reuters) - The White House is nearing a decision on splitting up the eavesdropping National Security Agency and U.S.