Syrian army sends more troops across Euphrates, close to U.S.-backed forces
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian troops crossed to the eastern side of the Euphrates river in Deir al-Zor on Monday, state media and a monitoring group reported, increasing their presence in an area where U.S.-backed forces have also advanced.
Turkish tanks drill on Iraqi border week before Kurdish vote
ANKARA/BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Turkish tanks carried out drills at the Iraqi border on Monday, the army said, a week before a referendum across that frontier on Kurdish independence that Ankara has called a threat to its national security.
Trump says he will make decision ‘very soon’ on Iran nuclear deal
NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said he believed “we really have a chance” to make peace between Israel and the Palestinians and said he would unveil a decision on the Iran nuclear deal “very soon.”
Saudi Shura Council to vote on curbing autonomy of morality police
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council, an influential advisory body to the government, will vote on a proposal to merge the religious police into the ministry of Islamic affairs, local media reported, further curbing the force’s authority.
Bomb blast hits Syrian town of Qamishli, injuries reported: state TV
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A motorbike exploded in the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli on Monday, wounding at least four people, Syrian state television reported.
Putin watches as Russia intensifies war games that have rattled West
MOSCOW (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin observed Russia’s biggest war games in years on Monday, watching as his forces successfully repelled an imaginary enemy and launched a tank-led counter offensive, part of an exercise that has rattled the West…
Congo ban on non-biometric passports sparks outcry
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – A sudden decision forcing all Congolese nationals to travel on biometric passports from next month has provoked a backlash from lawmakers already vexed by revelations about the documents’ high cost.
People smugglers test new migrant sea route through Romania
BUCHAREST (Reuters) – About 500 migrants from the Middle East reached Romania across the Black Sea from Turkey in about a month, coastguards said on Monday, in a sharp increase the European Union says shows smugglers are testing alternative routes into…
Despite by-election loss, Pakistan opposition claims momentum for 2018
LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) – Pakistani opposition leader Imran Khan’s party said on Monday it had built momentum in a by-election for ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s parliamentary seat, despite finishing second, but the biggest inroads were made b…
In first visit, Trump urges reform so U.N. can meet full potential
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the United Nations for bloated bureaucracy and mismanagement on his first visit on Monday to U.N. headquarters, calling for “truly bold reforms” so it could be a greater force for world …
