Latest fromInternational Politics
US govt shutdown: Both sides dig in
National monuments are barricaded, war cemeteries in Europe closed, 800,000 workers at home with no pay - and the US shutdown has no end in sight.
Signs of a shutdown
Across the US national parks and memorial buildings are closed due to a shutdown of the government.
Boehner's reputation on the line
Republican Speaker John Boehner faced a choice between two unappetising gambles on Monday night. He chose the grimmer of the two.
Kiwis back taking more refugees
New Zealanders strongly support a move to take 150 refugees from Australian detention centres and resettle them here, a Herald-DigiPoll survey has found.
Markets brace for shutdown
The US Government began a partial shutdown for the first time in 17 years yesterday, putting as many as 800,000 federal employees in limbo.
Gillard talks of pressure she endured as PM
Julia Gillard has spoken out about her "murderous rage" and her determination not to cry in public.
Japan's firms grow in confidence
Japanese manufacturers are increasingly optimistic about the business outlook in the months ahead.
US government fails to avoid shutdown
The US Congress has missed a midnight deadline for blocking a partial government shutdown, after a bitter battle over changes in the nation's health care law.
Obama: Americans being 'held hostage'
US President Barack Obama has accused Republicans of pandering to the "extreme right wing'' of their party as a government shutdown looms.
Keep the Iran sanctions, Netanyahu urges Obama
Despite soothing assurances from Iran's new leaders, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu implored US President Barack Obama to keep punishing sanctions in place against Tehran.
Q and A: US govt shutdown
In just a few hours, the US federal government is set to close its doors. Here's an explanation of how it came about.