U.S. State Department designates Hamas leader as terrorist
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. State Department said on Wednesday it had designated Ismail Haniyeh, leader of the Islamist Palestinian group Hamas, as a terrorist.
For Saudi tycoons freed from detention, cheers and a business challenge
RIYADH (Reuters) – Cheering supporters greeted Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal when he arrived at his skyscraper offices in Riyadh after his release from detention in an anti-corruption crackdown.
UK government will hand over Brexit analysis after damaging leak
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain’s government said on Wednesday it would hand over to parliament a leaked report that suggested Brexit would hurt the economy, trying to deflect accusations that ministers are badly prepared for leaving the European Union.
Defying U.S., Russia says no case for U.N. action against Iran
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Russia does not believe there is a case for United Nations action against Iran, Russia’s U.N. ambassador said on Wednesday after traveling to Washington to view pieces of weapons that Washington says Tehran gave Yemen’s Houth…
Israel, Lebanon clash over offshore energy, raising tensions
BEIRUT/TEL AVIV (Reuters) – Israel described as “very provocative” on Wednesday a Lebanese offshore oil and gas exploration tender in disputed territory on the countries’ maritime border, and said it was a mistake for international firms to participat…
North Korea hits back at U.S., calls Trump administration ‘racist’
GENEVA (Reuters) – North Korea struck back at the United States on Wednesday, accusing the Trump administration of being a billionaires’ club that harbors a “policy of racism” while denying freedom of the press and health coverage to citizens.
German parties agree on climate as coalition talks progress
BERLIN (Reuters) – Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives agreed with their would-be Social Democrat (SPD) partners on Wednesday on climate targets for 2030, a sign of steady progress in coalition talks which both sides aim to conclude within a week….
Lebanon’s Berri says government might stumble over tension
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said on Wednesday the work of Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri’s government work could be obstructed by political tension, al-Manar TV reported, as a row involving President Michel Aoun showed no …
More than 200 companies have Israeli settlement ties: U.N.
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United Nations human rights office said on Wednesday it had identified 206 companies so far doing business linked to illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and it urged them to avoid any complicity in “pervasive” violations…
Israel, Lebanon argue over offshore energy block, Beirut slams ‘threat’
BEIRUT/TEL AVIV (Reuters) – Israel described as “very provocative” on Wednesday a Lebanese offshore oil and gas exploration tender in disputed territory on the countries’ maritime border, and urged international firms not to bid.
