U.S. pledges $140 million to Lebanon in Syrian refugee aid
BEIRUT (Reuters) – The United States will give Lebanon an additional $140 million to assist Syrian refugees and the communities hosting them, the State Department said on Wednesday, during a state visit by the Lebanese Prime Minister.
China steps up warning to Botswana over Dalai Lama visit
BEIJING (Reuters) – China stepped up its warning to Botswana on Wednesday over a planned visit by exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama next month, demanding the African nation respect China’s core interests.
Aleppo’s limping recovery shows limits of battered Syrian state
ALEPPO, Syria (Reuters) – In eastern Aleppo, bodies still lie under the rubble, graveyards are full, people are short of electricity and bread, and some children take classes in mosques because their schools have been ruined by war.
Moscow warns new U.S. sanctions take ties into uncharted waters
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia warned on Wednesday that new U.S. sanctions against Moscow approved by the House of Representatives take already battered ties into uncharted waters and said it was close to taking retaliatory measures of its own.
Rouhani says Iran will respond to any new U.S. sanctions
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Iran will reciprocate if the United States imposes new sanctions on it, president Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday according to state media, casting further doubt over the outlook for the 2015 Iran nuclear accord.
Brexit ‘implementation phase’ would be in UK interest: minister
LONDON (Reuters) – It is in Britain’s national interest to have an “implementation phase” when it leaves the European Union, Brexit-supporting environment minister Michael Gove said on Wednesday.
Thai king’s birthday celebrations mark consolidation of power
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Authorities in Thailand are going all out to mark the birthday of new King Maha Vajiralongkorn this week as part of wider moves to consolidate his power and build his reputation as he emerges from his late father’s shadow.
In Chongqing, Bo Xilai’s support endures in face of Beijing’s new assault on his legacy
CHONGQING, China (Reuters) – In this steamy metropolis of more than 30 million people on the banks of the Yangtze River, it doesn’t take much to find people who still talk in reverential terms about Bo Xilai, Chongqing’s incarcerated and disgraced former Communist Party head who was removed from office more than five years ago.
After IS, Mosul rebuilds monuments, mosques – and society
MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) – Faisal Jeber arrested and interrogated suspected Islamic State militants during the battle for Mosul. Now he is taking up a new fight that could be just as crucial to the city’s future.
Baby Charlie Gard to die in hospice, parents seek more time with him
LONDON (Reuters) – A British judge gave the parents of Charlie Gard until noon on Thursday to agree arrangements for his death with the hospital caring for him, failing which he would be transferred to a hospice where his ventilation tube would be remo…
