• As Obama Heads to Malaysia, Human Trafficking Stance Questioned

  U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Malaysia on Friday for a Southeast Asia leaders' summit comes amid allegations by U.S. lawmakers and rights groups that his administration ignored Malaysia's abuse of trafficking victims such as Baser to secure the country's help sealing a high-profile trade deal and strengthen ties to offset China's growing political clout.

  

• U.S. Refugee Chief Tells Lawmakers 'Syrians Are Less Of a Threat' Than Other Groups, Sparking Controversy

  The head of the State Department's refugee bureau told a congressional panel on Thursday that Syrians trying to enter the United States pose "less of a threat" than other populations, sparking a harsh exchange with a Republican lawmaker.

  

• EU To Tighten External Border Checks In Attempt to Boost Security After Paris

  The European Union will tighten checks at external borders of the passport-free Schengen area, including for its own citizens who enjoy free movement within the bloc, to boost security after the attacks in Paris by armed militants.

  

• Global Fight Against Tuberculosis Hinges On India Stepping Up Funding: WHO

  India is critical to the global fight to end an epidemic of tuberculosis by 2030 and must step up funding to control the disease, the World Health Organization said, citing concerns over broader cutbacks in government health programs.

  

• At Least Two Die In Police Raid On Terrorist Group Planning New Paris Attack

  A woman suicide bomber blew herself up in a police raid on Wednesday that sources said had foiled a jihadi plan to hit Paris's business district, days after a wave of attacks killed 129 across the French capital.