As far right reaps votes, immigrants face tougher times in Netherlands
GRONINGEN, Netherlands (Reuters) – Dozens of migrants are sheltering on a former hospital ship in a Dutch canal, beneficiaries of a “Bed, Bath, Bread” program for asylum seekers. But their hopes of settlement are dimming with the anti-immigrant right p…
Two Malaysians leave North Korea, leaving nine stranded
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Two Malaysian U.N. employees were allowed to leave North Korea on Thursday, a spokeswoman for the U.N.’s World Food Programme (WFP) said, while the Malaysian government negotiated for a travel ban to be lifted on nine citizens …
Singapore considers harsher penalties for child sex crimes after public outcry
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore is considering harsher punishments for sex offences against minors, the law minister said, after a U.S. martial arts instructor was jailed for four years for having consensual sex with two 15-year-olds, prompting a rare …
Australia shuffles right as ruling party flirts with nationalists
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Retired policeman John Browner lives in the sort of town that might have voted for U.S. President Donald Trump – a proud place going through tough times that feels ignored by the political establishment.
Japan PM Abe’s support dives in wake of school scandal: online poll
TOKYO (Reuters) – Support for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has plunged after questions were raised in parliament about a murky land deal involving an elementary school to which his wife had ties, according to an online poll published on Wednesday…
Philippine environment minister says still has President’s support
MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines’ environment minister on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte has assured her that he would reappoint her if a congressional panel does not make an immediate decision on her confirmation.
Rocks, rip tides kill unwary Asian visitors on Australian beaches
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Notices in several languages emblazoned with the symbol of the skull and crossbones caution against the risk of being swept off the rocks at Maroubra Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
China developing stealth drones to evade anti-aircraft missiles
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s largest missile maker is developing military drones with stealth abilities that can evade anti-aircraft weapons, the official China Daily said on Thursday, in another advance for the country’s ambitious military modernizatio…
Macron consolidates lead over Le Pen in French election polls
PARIS (Reuters) – Centrist Emmanuel Macron saw his position as favorite to win France’s presidential election boosted on Thursday in two polls, with one showing him ahead of far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the first round of the two-stage contest.
Ex-Panama leader Noriega still critical after brain surgery
PANAMA CITY (Reuters) – Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega remained in an induced coma in critical condition following two brain surgeries on Tuesday to remove a benign tumor, his lawyer said on Wednesday.
