A powerful typhoon has struck the Philippines, triggering floods, cutting power and halting work in the capital Manila. Typhoon Nesat also forced the closure of the Philippine Stock Exchange and the US embassy in the city.

September 27, 2011 Palestinian Statehood Bid at UN to Continue Wednesday The UN Security Council says it will meet Wednesday to formally consider the Palestinian bid for statehood and full UN membership, a move many see as certain to fail.

DAMASCUS - Will the Arab Spring eventually reach Saudi Arabia? This question seems to be on everybodys mind, from think-tanks in the United States to traditional cafes in Damascus and Baghdad.