Supposed relic from Jesus' manger arrives in Bethlehem as Christmas gift from pope
A fragment of wood reputed to be from the manger where Jesus was laid after his humble birth arrived in Bethlehem as a gift from the Vatican on Saturday, kicking off Christmas season at the town revered as the place of Jesus' birth. The wood ...
Japan-South Korea friction flares again after GSOMIA intel pact rescue
Japan and South Korea take fresh swipes at one another, raising questions about whether relations between the U.S. allies will improve after reaching a last-minute deal to rescue an expiring intelligence-sharing pact.
GSOMIA lives, but what's next for Japan and South Korea ties?
After South Korea’s surprise announcement to remain a party to a key intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, wartime labor, the issue at the heart of strained bilateral ties, remains far from being resolved.
Rome will return relics of Jesus' supposed manger to Bethlehem before Christmas
Wooden relics said to be from the manger that held the infant Jesus will be returned from Rome to Bethlehem in time for the Christmas season, Palestinian officials said on Friday. Bethlehem's mayor, Anton Salman, told the Palestinian news agency WAFA the move followed President ...
Julia Roberts once floated for role as African-American slavery hero Harriet Tubman
A Hollywood movie studio executive once suggested that Julia Roberts could play Harriet Tubman, the 19th century escaped slave who is seen as an African-American icon. Gregory Allen Howard, the co-writer of the new biopic "Harriet," starring Cynthia Erivo, said the idea was floated 25 ...
No progress by Japan and South Korea defense chiefs over intel pact in Bangkok
During ministerial talks between the Japanese and South Korean defense chiefs in Bangkok, little progress is made over a bilateral military intelligence-sharing pact set to expire this month.
Right disputed islands answer brings sweet revenge for 'Jeopardy' champ
It was sweet revenge for "Jeopardy" contestant James Holzhauer. The professional sports gambler from Las Vegas who won more than $2.5 million on the game show last summer beat the Chicago librarian who ended his 32-game winning streak back in June. The rematch took place in ...
South Korea reiterates intent to end GSOMIA intel-sharing pact with Japan as planned
In a symbolic deal between two major U.S. allies in northeast Asia, South Korean officials confirm plans Seoul will terminate a military intelligence-sharing pact with Japan.
Japanese Foreign Ministry adds Korean-language explanation for Rising Sun flag to website
The Foreign Ministry has added a Korean-language explanation of the Rising Sun flag to its website, a move aimed at addressing the backlash over the decision not to ban it at venues for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The move came Friday in the ...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday he was considering attending Russia's May 9 Victory Day commemorative events after President Vladimir Putin extended an invitation. "I appreciate the invitation. It is right in the middle of political season, so I'll see if I can do it, ...
Lights, camera ... cut! Japan soul-searching over freedom of expression
Withdrawn endorsements for films and art exhibitions are re-igniting a debate in Japan over self-censorship, exposing a struggle to balance freedom of expression with a cultural penchant for avoiding conflict. The latest controversy arose when Japan last week canceled its endorsement of an art exhibition ...
'Friendly and serious' Abe-Moon talks belie reluctance to compromise on both sides
While Moon stressed the need to resolve outstanding bilateral issues through dialogue, there are no signs of a concession by either side over wartime labor compensation.
