Obama

Barack Obama had ordered NSA to halt eavesdropping on IMF and World Bank within last few weeks.

SWIFT agreement, signed after 9/11, allows US to track bank transfer data in EU to scrutinise terrorists' financial transactions.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said US spying violates other countries' sovereignty.

SEA posts links to video supporting Syrian regime on US president's official social media accounts.

Tokyo turned down US citing lack of resources and legal issues.

US Senate earlier agreed on last-minute deal to raise US debt ceiling and end deadlock.

Washington sources claim Republicans and Democrats have brokered 11th-hour truce to avert default and end months-long gridlock.

US would default on its debt if ceiling is not raised before 17 October.

Daniel Stewart's chief economist gives us the snapshot for the week ahead

Britain's Royal Mail's shares leap 36% in on their London trading debut.

Markets across the region enjoy a 1% rally.

Democrats refuse to buy Republican proposal for short-term extension of Treasury's borrowing powers as it is not tied to plan to re-finance government.

Taliban tells Americans not to trust US politicians, who 'suck blood of own their people'.

Obama loses opportunity to engage major Southeast Asian capitals.

US Senate Majority leader Harry Reid threatens to veto amended Republican bill to avert shutdown.

Golden Girls's 2014 calendar contains skimpily dressed models minus nudity.

Supreme leader advocates flexibility as Obama sees diplomatic opportunity.

Benjamin Netanyahu and John Kerry to discuss US-Russia agreement on eliminating Syria's chemical weapons arsenal.

Russian president says military strike on Syria could spark new terror attacks and worsen Middle East situation.

David Cameron to table Security Council resolution on timetable to collect Assad's chemical weapons.

Landing ship Nikolai Filchenkov, with unidentified cargo on board, likely heading towards Syrian coast.

Warning comes after US intelligence intercepts Iranian order to target interests in Middle East if Syria attacked.

US and France push for action against Assad regime while Russia insists on credible evidence on chemical weapons use.

Commons vote against military action in reprisal for Ghouta gas attack undermines prime minister at St Petersburg summit.

Russian president says no tangible proof that Assad regime had hand in Ghouta gas attack.

US military chief Martin Dempsey says Russia could come to Assad's aid if attacked.

Vatican says Syria crisis cannot be solved through military intervention.

Demanding credible evidence on alleged use of chemical weapons by his forces, Syrian president warns of regional war.

President Bashar-al Assad redeploys troops and weapons in residential areas as US ramps up plans for Syria assault.

Brent crude prices fluctuate sharply on fears of supply disruption in case of US-led action.