The White House expresses disappointment on the barring of UN nuclear inspectors from a site in Iran, calling the visit a "failure" for Tehran.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai urges Afghans "not to resort to violence" after protests over the burning of the Koran at a US airbase near Kabul.

The four Republican candidates prepare to spar in a crucial TV debate days ahead of two key primaries in the US states of Arizona and Michigan.

Chile reopens its main border crossing with Peru after closing it earlier this week when rain washed landmines onto the road.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard announces a ballot for the leadership of the Labor party to end a damaging split in the organisation.

The director of a Mexican prison and 28 guards are arrested on suspicion of helping a mass breakout and the murder of 44 other inmates.

African and Western leaders are to discuss the future of Somalia, including the threat from terrorism and piracy, at a major conference in London.

The killings of two Western journalists in Homs among 60 reported deaths across Syria spark further outrage towards the Damascus government.