Unclear whether truck attack in Israel inspired by Islamic State
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel’s government has been quick to suggest a Palestinian who rammed a truck into a group of Israeli soldiers at the weekend was inspired by Islamic State, raising questions over how it came to that conclusion.
U.S. Navy ship fired warning shots at Iranian vessels
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S. Navy destroyer fired three warning shots at four Iranian fast-attack vessels near the Strait of Hormuz after they closed in at high speed and disregarded repeated requests to slow down, U.S. officials said on Monday.
Ex-premier Valls seen lagging in bid for French Socialist presidential ticket
PARIS (Reuters) – The campaign of French presidential hopeful Manuel Valls is losing steam as the Socialists enter a crucial week in picking their candidate, polls show, a scenario that could help Emmanuel Macron.
Kenyan president signs election amendments law despite opposition rigging fears
NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta approved a law on Monday requiring back up plans for an August election if electronic voting systems fail, despite fierce opposition from rivals who say any manual arrangements will open the ballot to…
Cyprus leaders seek deal in ‘historic opportunity’ for peace
GENEVA (Reuters) – The leaders of both sides of ethnically divided Cyprus began new unification talks on Monday but sought to temper hopes of a swift breakthrough, though its U.N. envoy said a deal to resolve one of Europe’s most enduring conflicts was…
Cruz meeting with Taiwan president has ‘no bearing’ on U.S. China policy: White House
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A weekend meeting between Republican U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, has no bearing on U.S. policy on China, the White House said on Monday.
Austria police investigate Afghans over New Year’s sexual assaults
VIENNA (Reuters) – Austrian police are investigating six Afghan refugees over sexual attacks on 18 women during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the western province of Tyrol, a police officer involved with the case said on Monday.
Liberals rebuff Italy’s 5-Star request to join them in EU parliament
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The group of Liberals in the European Parliament rebuffed a request from Italy’s anti-establishment 5-Star Movement to join them after they split with the anti-EU UK Independence Party (UKIP), the Liberals’ leader said on Monday.
Pakistan counts transgender people in national census for first time
LAHORE, Pakistan (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Pakistan will count transgender people in its national census for the first time when it surveys its population in March this year following a top court ruling on Monday.
German government says closely examining reports of Russian fake news campaigns
BERLIN (Reuters) – German government officials on Monday said they were carefully examining an unprecedented proliferation of fake news items amid intelligence agency reports of Russian efforts to influence the country’s parliamentary election in Septe…
