TOKYO (AFP) - The Bank of Japan Wednesday said it would extend emergency steps launched last year to boost the economy by doubling short-term loans available to banks to 20 trillion yen (220 billion dollars).

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's central bank announced Wednesday it would leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.1 percent as it fights stubborn deflation and weak demand in the world's number two economy.

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan (AFP) - A second US missile strike in a restive Pakistani tribal area bordering Afghanistan Wednesday killed at least two militants, security officials said.

MIRANSHAH, Pakistan (AFP) - A US missile strike Wednesday killed at least four militants in a restive tribal area bordering Afghanistan, security officials said.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFP) - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and his main rival Iyad Allawi are set to win the same number of seats in Iraq's parliament, according to an AFP projection based on 80 percent of votes cast.