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North Korea is defending its human rights record, even while acknowledging it runs labor camps that have been slammed by rights groups as inhumane.

Asylum-seekers and economic migrants take to the seas, waiting out the dangerous journey in the boat's cramped cargo space.

Suspected U.S.-led airstrikes have struck near a key Syrian town along the Turkish border, where Kurdish fighters have spent weeks trying to hold off an advance by Islamic State militants.

North and South Korean warships exchanged warning shots near a disputed sea border Tuesday, days after the two sides agreed to high-level talks that many hope could improve inter-Korean relations.

EP president Martin Schulz and Italian president of the Chamber of Deputies Laura Boldrini

Australian jets have flown their first combat mission over Iraq as part of the international effort to combat Islamic State militants.

Hong Kong protesters ignored the government’s ultimatum to quit their occupation of the Central business district for the start of the workweek Monday morning, but they created pathways allowing workers to reach their offices. After the night passed and riot police did not try to forcibly remove the demonstrators before dawn as some feared, the number of demonstrators again ebbed as the day began.

Baghdad, Iraq

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong are threatening to take over several government buildings if the territory's Beijing-friendly chief executive does not resign Thursday.

White House officials are condemning Israel's plans to go ahead with construction in East Jerusalem, saying the move poisons the atmosphere for peace. The statements came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office Wednesday.