LA Times News

LA Times News

Japan must take broader military role in East Asia, Gates says

Posted: 13 Jan 2011 05:55 PM PST

The U.S. and Japan need to broaden their military alliance to deal with any threats from North Korea and China, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates says. U.S. bases in Japan are a valuable deterrent, he says.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on Friday urged Japan to broaden its military role in East Asia to deal with emerging threats from North Korea and China and to recognize the importance of having U.S. forces on its territory.

Amid drug violence, Acapulco watches tourism recede

Posted: 13 Jan 2011 06:04 PM PST

Although officials insist tourism remains robust in Acapulco, merchants say months of carnage have scared away visitors. The rising death toll has prompted many Mexicans to skip the resort.

The black-and-white photos still hang in the faded Hotel Los Flamingos. Over there is the muscled star of "Tarzan," Johnny Weissmuller, who owned the hotel for a time during Acapulco's heyday. There's Maureen O'Sullivan. Tyrone Power. Errol Flynn. Fred MacMurray.

Clinton tells Mideast leaders to open up political, economic systems

Posted: 13 Jan 2011 06:04 PM PST

In a visit to Qatar, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton warns that the region's problems will worsen unless its leaders tackle corruption and allow greater political and economic freedoms.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday bluntly challenged Middle Eastern leaders to open up their political systems and economies, warning that "the region's foundations are sinking into the sand."

Brazil's flash floods and mudslides leave 415 dead

Posted: 13 Jan 2011 06:04 PM PST

Rescue crews are working to reach survivors after torrential summer rains devastated the area around Rio de Janeiro. Nearly 14,000 have been left homeless. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff promises aid for the region.

Emergency crews were working feverishly to reach survivors of flash floods and mudslides in Brazil that have killed at least 415 people and left nearly 14,000 homeless after torrential summer rains, authorities said Thursday.

In south Sudan, the future beckons and sobers

Posted: 13 Jan 2011 06:04 PM PST

Residents of Juba, capital of south Sudan, may be reshaping the arrogance and cruelty of colonial-era borders, but what exactly lies ahead is unknown as they stand hours to cast independence ballots.

Sparks flew as blacksmiths fanned fires and Stephen Jada, a welder with ambitions far larger than his tin shack, rested in the shade and spoke of how this gritty, once forgotten sliver of the world was about to blossom.

Tunisia president appeals for peace, pledges reform

Posted: 13 Jan 2011 04:47 PM PST

After weeks of escalating protests, President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali promises to ease civil liberties and curb corruption, and he indicates he won't seek another term.

Tunisia's longtime president, rocked by weeks of unprecedented nationwide protests against his rule, suggested Thursday that he would abide by a constitutional age cap for head of state by not running again for office in 2014. He also promised freedom of speech, including lifting restrictions on the press and Internet as well as opening up the political system of his tightly controlled nation of 10 million.

South African singer-songwriter's melody unchained in prison

Posted: 13 Jan 2011 04:01 PM PST

Larry Joe finds in solitary confinement the peace of mind he needed to develop his talent. A producer helps him make a CD in a cell-turned-studio.

Larry Joe can see only seven stars in his small slice of sky.

Hillary Clinton urges Middle Eastern states to open governments, economies

Posted: 13 Jan 2011 03:24 AM PST

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tells an international meeting that the regions should share power with civic and volunteer groups to overcome their problems. She also calls corruption a threat.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday bluntly challenged Middle Eastern leaders to open their political systems and economies, warning that "the region's foundations are sinking into the sand."

2 Israeli brothers heading to U.S. on drug, racketeering charges

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 10:18 PM PST

Itzhak and Meir Abergil are part of one of Israel's most powerful crime families, authorities say. They are accused of recruiting members of a Los Angeles street gang to distribute Ecstasy across Southern California.

Two brothers reputedly at the head of one of Israel's most powerful organized crime families were en route to the United States on Wednesday to face drug trafficking and racketeering charges for their alleged roles in a massive Los Angeles-based Ecstasy ring, authorities said.