Islamic State convoy in Syria appears to have turned back, U.S.-led coalition says
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A convoy of Islamic State fighters appears to have turned back after U.S.-led airstrikes thwarted its attempt to reach territory held by the militant group in eastern Syria, the head of U.S.-led forces fighting Islamic State said on …
Despite derision, Britain’s PM May might well be able to carry on… for now
LONDON (Reuters) – It was meant to silence her critics, but by pledging to lead the Conservative Party into the next election, British Prime Minister Theresa May instead unleashed a wave of derision from her foes.
Iraqi prime minister declares victory over IS in Tal Afar
ERBIL, Iraq/BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraqi Prime Minister Hayder al-Abadi declared victory over Islamic State militants in Tal Afar and the entire province of Nineveh on Thursday, despite continued fighting in the small town of al-‘Ayadiya.
U.S. pressure or not, U.N. nuclear watchdog sees no need to check Iran military sites
VIENNA (Reuters) – The United States is pushing U.N. nuclear inspectors to check military sites in Iran to verify it is not breaching its nuclear deal with world powers. But for this to happen, inspectors must believe such checks are necessary and so …
Russia gears up for major war games, neighbors watch with unease
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia is preparing to hold large-scale military exercises it says will be of a purely defensive nature, amid concerns in neighboring nations that the drills may be used as a precursor for an invasion.
Pakistani court declares ex-military leader a fugitive in Bhutto murder case
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (Reuters) – A Pakistani anti-terrorism court on Thursday declared ex-military leader Pervez Musharraf a fugitive in the murder case of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and acquitted five people in the killing.
China sets mid-October date for key Communist Party congress
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s ruling Communist Party will hold a once-every-five-years congress starting on Oct. 18, state media said on Thursday, at which President Xi Jinping will look to further stamp his authority on the party.
As reality of Trump risk sinks in, Tokyo tries to keep ties tight
TOKYO (Reuters) – Six months after Japan’s premier bonded with Donald Trump on a golf course amid hopes he’d be a pragmatic partner, a consensus is emerging that Tokyo must reduce risks from the unpredictable president by forging ties with his more mai…
Heavy civilian casualties in Raqqa from air strikes: U.N.
GENEVA (Reuters) – Civilians caught up in the battle for the Syrian city of Raqqa are paying an “unacceptable price” and attacking forces may be contravening international law with their intense air strikes, the top United Nations human rights official…
France unveils labor reforms in first step to re-shaping economy
PARIS (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron’s government announced reforms to loosen labor regulations and drive down unemployment, drawing criticism from unions but limited support for the street protests that have hindered previous reform bids…
