WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (UPI) — Defense Secretary Robert Gates is calling for balance between military and soft power, according to a mandated review of the U.S. Defense Department’s mission.

MANILA, Philippines, Jan. 30 (UPI) — Despite a breakdown in peace negotiations and a recent surge of violence on the Philippines’ Mindanao Island, an outgoing adviser says future peace is possible.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (UPI) — The head of the U.S. Northern Command says in order to keep the United States and its neighbors safe from attack, the military has to anticipate threats.

PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, Jan. 30 (UPI) — A Haitian neighborhood recently controlled by violent gangs is now secure after an increased presence of U.N. troops in the region.

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Jan. 30 (UPI) — The fresh violence in the Darfur region of Sudan is a violation of cease-fire agreements and damages any chance of peace, a U.N.-African Union official said.