Iraqis desperate to return to homes rigged with bombs by Islamic State
BASHIQA, Iraq (Reuters) – Khedr Selim trod gingerly through the rubble of his old home, desperate to move back in with his family after two years on the run, but terrified in case Islamic State fighters, driven out at last, had wired the house to explo…
From wintry Lithuania, NATO sends Russia a signal of resolve
PABRADE, Lithuania (Reuters) – Troops from 11 NATO countries including the United States rehearsed battle skills in a snowy Lithuanian forest on Friday, and the leader of the Baltic state voiced confidence that U.S. commitment to Europe’s defense would…
Russia not serious in talks with Aleppo rebels, says senior opposition official
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A senior Syrian opposition official accused Russia on Friday of procrastinating and showing no seriousness in the first talks it has held with rebel groups from the Syrian city of Aleppo, indicating meetings in Turkey are getting now…
Turkish foreign minister calls for immediate ceasefire in Syria
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called for an immediate ceasefire in Syria on Friday, describing the situation in Aleppo as critical and saying that President Bashar al-Assad was unfit to rule.
China concerned over Taiwan content in U.S. defense bill
BEIJING (Reuters) – China on Friday expressed concern that an annual U.S. defense policy bill suggests a plan to conduct high-level military exchanges with Taiwan, the self-governed island that Beijing sees as a breakaway province.
Thailand’s new king makes first public appearance
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s new king on Friday made his first public appearance since ascending the throne the previous day, ending a period of uncertainty since the death of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, on Oct. 13.
Tens of thousands protest in Jakarta amid fury over Christian governor
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Tens of thousands of Muslims poured into central Jakarta on Friday to protest against the city’s governor, a Christian accused of insulting the Koran, fuelling tension that has alarmed Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Europol warns of IS attacks, says dozens of militants may be in Europe
THE HAGUE (Reuters) – Islamic State is likely to launch more attacks in Europe, the EU police agency Europol warned on Friday, with several dozen militants already in place and more possibly arriving as IS faces setbacks in Syria and Iraq.
Cambodia’s king pardons opposition leader at PM’s request
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni on Friday granted a royal pardon to a leader of the main opposition party, at the request of Prime Minister Hun Sen, holding out hope for compromise after a period of rising political tension.
South Korea, Japan impose new unilateral sanctions on North Korea
SEOUL/TOKYO (Reuters) – South Korea and Japan said on Friday they would impose new unilateral sanctions on North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, following a fresh U.N. Security Council resolution imposed on the reclusive country …
