SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – As war spreads across the Middle East, U.S. rivals and allies in Asia are preparing for the consequences, which include possible economic shock and long-term security threats. Here’s a look at how the fighting in the Middle East is impacting the Koreas, Japan and China.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The State Department on Monday designated Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations separately called out the country for engaging in what he said was “hostage diplomacy.”

Editorials from The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Guardian and others

WASHINGTON (AP) – Rep. Kevin Kiley of California said Monday that he’s dropping his Republican Party affiliation and will serve as an independent, a change he said will take place immediately. The two-term congressman faces a tough reelection battle following the redrawing of the state’s congressional boundaries.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday criticized the United States and South Korea for proceeding with their annual joint military exercises at a perilous moment for global security, and warned that any challenge to the North’s safety would bring “terrible consequences.”

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has ordered that a shipment of Ukrainian cash and gold seized last week by Hungarian authorities be held in custody for up to 60 days while his country’s tax authority investigates the case.

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) – The party of Colombian President Gustavo Petro secured a victory in congressional elections, but will have to build coalitions with other parties to carry out announced reforms, including a controversial push to rewrite the nation’s constitution.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – Venezuelan lawmakers on Monday began debating a bill proposed by acting President Delcy Rodríguez to regulate the country’s mining industry and create conditions to attract crucial foreign investment.