World | WPN World People News

Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem is vowing to strike back at any Western military attack with what he calls "surprise" defenses.

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is traveling in Southeast Asia in a bid to strengthen ties with the militaries of partners and allies in the face of China's growing influence in the region. Hagel has arrived in Brunei for a meeting of defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN.

The United States has postponed a meeting with Russian officials scheduled for later this week to discuss the situation in Syria, as Washington weighs its response to allegations that Syrian forces used chemical weapons last week.

Israeli soldiers inspect a vehicle entering the village of Azzun Atma through the West Bank Barrier.

Across the Philippines on Aug. 26, "National Heroes Day," tens of thousands of people turned out to demonstrate against discretionary funds given to lawmakers that critics say are not being used as intended and instead are funneled to corrupt organizations.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre right) addresses a press conference in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

High-ranking U.S. lawmakers of both major parties are urging prompt action in response to evidence that chemical weapons have been used in Syria.

Rebel and government forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo suffered heavy casualties in a fifth day of fighting north of the city of Goma. A doctor near the front line said medical services are overwhelmed by the number of wounded.

The Humanitarian Coordinator, along with United Nations humanitarian agencies including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Program (WFP) and the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) strongly condemn the killing of innocent civilians by military strikes during the fighting between the Congolese Army (FARDC) and M23 rebel group.