Turkey to detain 99 suspects in widening post-coup probe: Anadolu
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkish authorities issued detention warrants for 99 suspects including doctors and lawyers and have so far detained 78 of them, the state-run Anadolu agency said on Thursday, as part of a widening crackdown since last year’s faile…
No joke: China government warns northern cities to get serious in war on smog
BEIJING (Reuters) – Some northern Chinese cities failed to improve air quality by much last month, hitting the smog-prone region’s overall results in a drive against pollution, the government said as it warned provincial officials to comply with string…
Kuwait’s emir leaves hospital after successful medical tests: agency
DUBAI (Reuters) – Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-Sabah was discharged from hospital on Thursday after successful medical tests, state news agency (KUNA) reported, one day after he was admitted following a cold.
Philippines president likely to return police to drugs war soon: spokesman
MANILA (Reuters) – There is a “strong likelihood” Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will lift a suspension on police from his war on drugs, his spokesman said on Thursday, a move likely to alarm activists who accuse police of committing murder under…
Myanmar, Bangladesh to ink Rohingya return deal amid concern over army’s role
NAYPYITAW (Reuters) – Myanmar expects to sign an accord on Thursday over terms for the return of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled to Bangladesh, a government official said, amid concern that Myanmar’s powerful generals could prov…
Iraqi forces launch operation to clear desert bordering Syria of Islamic State
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraqi forces launched an operation on Thursday to clear the desert bordering Syria of Islamic State, a final campaign to rid Iraq of the militant group, the military said in a statement.
Cambodian opposition’s parliament seats reallocated to smaller parties after ban
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – Parliamentary seats held by Cambodia’s recently banned opposition party were reallocated on Thursday to smaller parties that had failed to win any seats in the last election, the National Election Committee said.
Exclusive: India pares back planned funding for crucial public health scheme
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India has approved a three-year budget for its flagship public health program almost 20 percent lower than what the health ministry said was needed, according to sources and previously unreported government documents reviewed by R…
China’s internet regulator denounces its former chief now under investigation
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s internet regulator had said it will purge the “evil influence” of its former top official who the ruling Communist Party has put under investigation for suspected corruption.
Australia urges strong, sustained U.S. engagement in Asia, warns on China
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia called on Thursday on the United States to build a strong presence in Asia and bolster ties with “like-minded” partners while warning against China’s rising influence.
