BEIRUT (AP) – Syrian troops exchanged fire with rebels in the contested northern city of Aleppo on Thursday in a renewed bout of fighting that could further mar peace talks underway in Geneva. Government warplanes, helicopter gunships and artillery were bombarding rebel-held parts of the city and its suburbs, according …

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – In a military buildup certain to inflame tensions with China, the United States said Thursday it will be conducting joint South China Sea patrols – and eventually air patrols – with the Philippines, while dispatching U.S. troops and combat aircraft there on more frequent rotations. The …