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.

BRUSSELS, Jan. 29 (UPI) — Without the willingness of top leaders in Guinea-Bissau to work together, the country could face destabilization, an International Crisis Group report says.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (UPI) — President Barack Obama Thursday announced plans to nominate a cybercrimes expert as the U.S. Homeland Security Department’s next general counsel.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (UPI) — A recent audit of the National Nuclear Security Administration says the agency’s excess weapons at U.S. storage facilities are not always properly managed.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Jan. 29 (UPI) — With food and medical aid rapidly depleting in the face of an escalating conflict in northern Sri Lanka, humanitarian aid workers say the situation is dire.

VIENNA, Jan. 29 (UPI) — The European Union announced its support for continuing the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s mission in Georgia, despite Russia opposition.