Merkel’s allies, further defying SPD, seek cuts to tax and asylum seeker benefits
BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany’s Bavarian conservatives are pressing for corporate tax cuts and cuts to welfare payments for asylum seekers, which could complicate talks with the Social Democrats (SPD) on forming a new government.
2017 safest year on record for commercial passenger air travel: groups
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Airlines recorded zero accident deaths in commercial passenger jets last year, according to a Dutch consulting firm and an aviation safety group that tracks crashes, making 2017 the safest year on record for commercial air travel…
Gunman kills two Christians at alcohol store south of Cairo: security sources
CAIRO (Reuters) – A masked gunman shot dead two Christian brothers at their alcohol shop south of Cairo on Monday, security sources said.
Iran protests continue for fifth day, at least 10 killed
DUBAI (Reuters) – Anti-government demonstrations continued for a fifth day in Iran on Monday, after 10 people were killed during the biggest protests since the pro-reform unrest of 2009.
New York family of five among the dead in Costa Rican plane crash
(Reuters) – A family of five from the New York City suburb of Scarsdale was aboard a plane that crashed minutes after takeoff from a popular beach resort in Costa Rica on Sunday, killing all 12 people aboard, a relative and the family’s rabbi said.
Israel indicts Palestinian teenage girl who punched soldier: army
OFER PRISON, West Bank (Reuters) – Israel indicted a 16-year-old Palestinian girl on Monday on charges including assault for punching an Israeli soldier in the face two weeks ago, an incident which made her into a hero for Palestinians and was seen as …
Syria’s Assad names new defense and other ministers: state TV
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday issued a decree appointing new ministers for defense, industry and information, state television reported.
Trump says U.S. has gotten ‘nothing’ from Pakistan aid
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the United States has “foolishly” handed Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years while getting nothing in return, and pledged to put a stop to it.
Ten killed in Iran protests and security forces repulse attacks: state TV
DUBAI (Reuters) – Ten people were killed during protests in Iran on Sunday and armed demonstrators tried to seize police stations and military bases but were repulsed by security forces, state television said on Monday.
After tough year, Hong Kong democracy protesters sound warning to China on New Year’s day
HONG KONG (Reuters) – After a year that saw democracy advocates in Hong Kong jailed and ousted from public office, thousands marched through the streets of Hong Kong on New Year’s Day to warn China not to meddle further in the city’s affairs and underm…
