Latest news from the wires: Associated Press and Reuters
 

British soldier killed in southern Afghanistan

Britain's Defense Ministry says a British soldier has been killed in southern Afghanistan. The ministry said Sunday that the soldier from the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles, was killed in an explosion Saturday near Sangin in central Helmand province. (AP, 4:32 a.m.)

China sends panda expert to Taiwan to aid breeding

Nothing like a little time apart to rekindle the affections that could lead to a baby panda. (AP, 4:01 a.m.)

Japanese FM says no base deal during Obama visit

Japan's foreign minister said Sunday that no deal on relocating U.S. troops on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa can be expected during President Barack Obama's visit this week, saying the issue needs more time to resolve. (Associated Press Writer, 3:11 a.m.)

Dalai Lama visits town near Tibet, angering China

The Dalai Lama brushed off Chinese protests and traveled Sunday to a remote Himalayan town near the Tibetan border to lead five days of prayers and teaching sessions for Buddhist pilgrims. (Associated Press Writer, 2:52 a.m.)

Police: Suicide bomb in Pakistan market kills 12

A suicide bomber apparently targeting an anti-Taliban mayor struck a crowded market Sunday in northwest Pakistan, killing the mayor and 11 other people and injuring dozens, police said. (Associated Press Writer, 3:53 a.m.)

To defang Taliban, some look to private schools

The schoolhouse is so tiny that dozens of pupils have to sit outdoors. They're lucky if their teachers have more than a basic education. And the chanting of math equations and Quranic verses gets so loud that the children have a hard time hearing themselves. (Associated Press Writer, 2:42 a.m.)

Pakistanis defy Taliban on catwalk

KARACHI - Some women strode the catwalk in vicious spiked bracelets and body armor. Others had their heads covered, burqa-style, but with shoulders - and tattoos - exposed. Male models wore long, Islamic robes as well as shorts and sequined T-shirts. (Associated Press, 12:07 a.m.)

US, Afghanistan investigate role of NATO air strike in deaths

KABUL, Afghanistan - US and Afghan authorities yesterday investigated whether a botched NATO air strike was to blame for the death of Afghan soldiers and police during a search for two American paratroopers missing in a Taliban-infested area of the country’s west. (Associated Press, 12:08 a.m.)

Japan says no base deal during Obama visit

Japan's foreign minister said Sunday that no deal on relocating U.S. troops on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa can be expected during President Barack Obama's visit this week, saying the issue needs more time to resolve. (Associated Press Writer, 12:02 a.m.)

To defang Taliban, some look to private schools

The schoolhouse is so tiny that dozens of pupils have to sit outdoors. They're lucky if their teachers have more than a basic education. And the chanting of math equations and Quranic verses gets so loud that the children have a hard time hearing themselves. (Associated Press Writer, 11/7/09)

UN: About 200 staff to be pulled from Afghanistan

The U.N. says hundreds of its staffers will be temporarily pulled out of Afghanistan in the wake of an Oct. 28 attack that killed five of its workers, but it's still determining exactly how many. (AP, 11/7/09)

Afghan ministry: NATO strike kills Afghan forces

U.S. and Afghan authorities investigated Saturday whether a botched NATO airstrike was to blame for the death of Afghan soldiers and police during a search for two American paratroopers missing in a Taliban-infested area of the country's west. (Associated Press Writer, 11/7/09)

Obama to meet Myanmar, other ASEAN leaders

President Barack Obama will meet leaders of Southeast Asian nations, including Myanmar, in a high-level affirmation of Washington's new policy of engaging the military-ruled country despite its dismal human rights record. (Associated Press Writer, 11/7/09)