EU executive proposes stronger common asylum system
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union’s executive on Wednesday proposed strengthening the bloc’s common asylum rules in response to the chaotic arrival of more than a million migrants and refugees last year that has strained EU cohesion.
Belgian PM hits back at foreign critics on security
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Two weeks after Islamic State suicide bombers killed 32 people in Brussels, Belgium’s prime minister acknowledged failures in security over the attacks but forcefully rejected foreign criticism.
Displaced Ukrainians confused, frustrated over suspension of benefits: U.N.
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Ukraine has suspended benefits to more than 600,000 people on suspicion some are falsely claiming allowances meant for internally displaced people, the United Nations said, raising concerns that some IDPs are now u…
Number of anti-Semitic incidents in Austria rises strongly
VIENNA (Reuters) – The number of anti-Semitic incidents reported in Austria increased more than 80 percent last year, with reported internet postings denouncing Jews more than doubling, an Austrian group said on Wednesday.
Greek public sector strike to ground flights, disrupt public services
ATHENS (Reuters) – Flights to and from Athens will be grounded on Thursday and services at tax and municipal offices will be disrupted as state workers walk off the job to protest against pension and tax reforms demanded by Greece’s foreign lenders.
Syrian army and allies launch attack south of Aleppo
BEIRUT (Reuters) – The Syrian army and its allies launched a major attack on insurgents south of Aleppo, described as the fiercest government assault in the area since an agreement to ease the fighting came into effect in February.
Nagorno-Karabakh truce holds, but residents fear renewed violence
TALYSH, Azerbaijan (Reuters) – Elmira Bagiryan, a resident of a village at the epicenter of four days of fighting between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces, was leaving even though the gunfire had stopped.
Nusra Front confirms senior Syrian figure killed in U.S. strike
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Al Qaeda’s Syrian offshoot Nusra Front confirmed on Wednesday that their spokesman and veteran jihadist fighter Abu Firas al-Suri was killed in a U.S. air strike in Syria.
Businessman sworn in as Benin’s president
COTONOU (Reuters) – Businessman Patrice Talon was sworn in as Benin’s president before a large crowd on Wednesday, saying he would foster economic development and fight corruption and terrorism during what he pledged would be his only term in office.
Crime or heroism? Soldier’s shooting raises moral questions in Israel
TEL AVIV (Reuters) – To Israel’s military prosecutors, a soldier who fired a bullet into the head of a wounded and motionless Palestinian assailant may be guilty of homicide. To many Israelis, he is a hero.
