Prime Minister John Key will seek an opportunity today to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of Apec in Bali.

The absence of US President Barack Obama from the Apec leaders summit leaves a gaping hole, and a lot of disappointment, if not misery, writes Audrey Young.

Eighty per cent of the Republicans in the House of Representatives don't have to worry about what the general public thinks, writes Gwynne Dyer.

Better to have patience and aim for a comprehensive trade pact, PM says.

US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew has issued a categorical warning that the United States will default on its US$16.7 trillion debt.

Australian Coalition frontbencher Malcolm Turnbull says his colleagues would have been "absolutely satisfied" that they were doing the right thing.

Prime Minister John Key says he can understand why United States President Barack Obama won't give in to the demands of Republicans who want to delay his healthcare law.

In a stealthy seaside assault in Somalia and in a raid in Libya's capital, US military forces struck out against Islamic extremists who have carried out terrorist attacks.

A man who poured a can of gasoline on his head and set himself on fire on the National Mall in the nation's capital has been airlifted to the hospital, police and fire officials said.

US President Barack Obama's decision to scrap his Asia trip is a setback for his much-advertised pledge to shift the focus of foreign policy to the Pacific and a boost for China's attempt to gain influence in the region.

When Caroline Kennedy appeared at a United States' Senate confirmation hearing, it was no surprise the Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations was raised.

The past may be another country, but in the ongoing political saga that is Hillary Clinton's life, the past is always lurking in the wings ready to spring a nasty surprise.