SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Looking to take a harder line after North Korea’s recent nuclear test and rocket launch, Seoul and Washington will begin talks as early as next week on deploying a sophisticated U.S. missile defense system in South Korea, officials said Friday. The new tough stance follows …

ATHENS, Greece (AP) – Greek farmers wielding shepherd’s staffs and throwing rocks clashed Friday with riot police in central Athens during a two-day protest against the government’s plans to impose new tax hikes and overhaul the pension system. Riot police used tear gas to repel them. Separate clashes broke out …

MOSCOW (AP) – When Patriarch Kirill meets Pope Francis this week, the historic event will allow the head of the Russian Orthodox Church to assert Russia’s leading role in the Eastern Christian world. It may also allow Kirill, a skillful political player with close ties to President Vladimir Putin, to …