Indonesia's Military Chief says he understands why Australia wants to turn back asylum-seeker boats. General Docs has told the Jakarta Post he's discussed the issue with Australia's defense force. It follows claims by an asylum seeker that the navy towed the boat for five days before abandoning it at sea. 

 

In Iraq, more than 13,000 families have fled Fallujah ahead of an expected military assault on the city. The government has been trying to oust Sunni militants who have taken control of Fallujah and parts of Ramadi. There are growing fears of a humanitarian crisis as supplies of food, water and medicines run low. 

 

US basketball star Dennis Rodman has sung happy birthday to North Korea's Kim Jong-UN before a large crowd in the capital Pyongyang. Rodman was joined by a team of former NBA players for an exhibition match to celebrate the dictator's birthday. Rodman's visit has caused a storm of controversy. 

 

Australia's actress Cate Blanchett has been nominated for a Bafta Award for her role in Woody Allen's latest film "Blue Jasmine". The space thriller "Gravity" led the pack, receiving 11 nominations in Britain's equivalent of the Oscars.