For Hire: Husband, Mother or Companion, Lonely in Japan

I am not sure I agree with Duncan Bartlett byline for Rent-a-friend in Japan (BBC, January 12) that 'Japanese still like to use their money to have fun'. This segment of From our own correspondent starts with a visit to Cat Cafes where for a fee time pressed Japanese can...

Source: Saudi hosts Afghan peace talks with Taliban reps

Oh that will really do a lot of good. It's like catching Bin Laden and Bush planning further attacks on America."LONDON, England (CNN) -- In a groundbreaking meeting, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia recently hosted talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban militant...

How Gilani played firm with US top soldier

" Prime Minister Yousuf Gilani played firm with United States military chief Admiral Mike Mullen and his other generals in their meeting this week emphasising that President George Bush had personally made a commitment to respect democracy and the sovereignty of Pakistan...

Deal on US troops in Iraq 'close'

What the angle here? Pulling out the troops and declaring US troops' immunity from prosecution. War crimes should be punished. "Iraq's foreign minister has said Iraq and the US are "very close" to a deal on the future of US forces in Iraq. Hoshyar Zebari says both sides were...

US rivals clash over immigration

"US presidential rivals Barack Obama and John McCain have clashed over their commitment to immigration reform. Addressing a conference of Hispanic officials in Washington, Mr McCain, the Republican candidate, said the US must secure its borders. Mr Obama, the Democratic...

Suicide bomb hits Pakistan police

"Suicide bomb hits Pakistan police Blood and body parts littered the street At least eight policemen have been killed and more than 20 people...