North Korea could be almost ready to carry out its threat to conduct a nuclear test, a US research institute said, pointing to recent satellite photos.

North Korea has stopped construction on a launch pad where intercontinental-range rockets could be tested, according to an analysis of new satellite imagery.

The United States will push ahead with more targeted drone strikes and special operations raids and fewer costly land battles like Iraq and Afghanistan in the continuing war against al-Qaida, says a new counter-terrorism strategy.

The US Ambassador to South Korea today urged South Koreans to set aside their culture of collective guilt and not assume responsibility over the murder of 32 students and faculty members at Virginia Tech University.

Georgian prime minister Zurab Nogaideli told an American audience that the former Soviet republic was successfully redirecting its economy away from Russia and turning towards the West.