Muslim leader urges Indonesians to boycott Starbucks over LGBT stand
JAKARTA (Reuters) – A leader of Indonesia’s second-largest Muslim organization has called for a boycott of Starbucks , saying that the international coffee chain’s pro-gay stand risks ruining the “religious and cultured” core of the Southeast Asian nat…
U.S., Philippines hold naval patrol to deter Islamist militants
MANILA (Reuters) – The United States and Philippine navies held a joint naval patrol on Saturday in dangerous southern Philippine waters, amid rising international concern about Islamist militancy and piracy in the region.
Hong Kong’s first female leader a ’tilted bridge’ over troubled water
HONG KONG (Reuters) – Carrie Lam, who was sworn in as Hong Kong’s first female leader on Saturday, is a former student activist who climbed the rungs of the civil service over 36 years, and a tough, capable and possibly divisive Beijing-backed leader.
China’s Xi talks tough on Hong Kong as tens of thousands call for democracy
HONG KONG (Reuters) – Chinese President Xi Jinping swore in Hong Kong’s new leader on Saturday with a stark warning that Beijing won’t tolerate any challenge to its authority in the divided city as it marked the 20th anniversary of its return from Brit…
Australian counter terrorism police charge two teens with weapons offences
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australian counter terrorism police on Saturday charged two teenage men with selling weapons and drugs, but the public has been assured there is no imminent security threat associated with the arrest.
Lockheed wins $3.8 billion Black Hawk helicopter contract: Pentagon
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Lockheed Martin Corp’s Sikorsky Aircraft Corp subsidiary was awarded a U.S. Army contract worth $3.8 billion for Black Hawk helicopters for sale to Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon said on Friday.
Northern Irish political paralysis can’t last for much longer, Britain warns
DUBLIN (Reuters) – Britain’s Northern Ireland minister said he still believes a successful conclusion is possible in talks to restore power-sharing in the province, but that the period without devolved government cannot continue for much longer.
Italy head of state says early elections unlikely: report
ROME (Reuters) – Italian President Sergio Mattarella said on Friday that early national elections this year were unlikely.
Qatar to comply with new U.S. airline security measures: minister
MONTREAL (Reuters) – Qatar will comply with enhanced security measures for flights to the United States designed to prevent expanding an in-cabin ban on laptops, the country’s minister of transport said on Friday.
Pell case shows poor judgment, will stain Pope Francis legacy, victims say
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – The charging of a top Vatican official, Cardinal George Pell, with sex-abuse crimes this week will permanently stain the legacy of Pope Francis, exposing poor judgment in his appointment, victims of sexual abuse said.
