North Korea's leaders are preparing to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea. They've hinted at plans to mark the occasion by sending a satellite into orbit. Leaders of other countries are concerned that may be a cover for the launch of a long-range ballistic missile.

Security in Afghanistan is worsening as the role of the United States comes under fresh scrutiny. President Barack Obama has apologized for a tragic airstrike on a hospital during the battle for the northern city of Kunduz.