Germany fears return of Turkish-Kurdish violence on its soil
BERLIN (Reuters) – As Germany scrambles to contain a diplomatic row with Turkey over a comedian’s mocking of President Tayyip Erdogan, officials are growing worried about another byproduct of their Faustian migrant pact with Ankara: an upsurge in viole…
Chinese court rejects landmark same-sex marriage case
BEIJING (Reuters) – A court in China on Wednesday rejected a landmark case by two men who had sought permission to get legally married, one of the plaintiffs said, a decision that shines the light on gay rights in the world’s most populous nation.
In Libya, Islamic State struggles to gain support
WADI BEY, Libya (Reuters) – Packed into a battered car, a family of nine joined the steady flow of residents fleeing Islamic State’s Libyan stronghold of Sirte. They were heading to a nearby town to pick up essentials: cash, medicine and food.
China says 202 detained in vaccine scandal
BEIJING (Reuters) – A total of 202 people have been detained in connection with a scandal over an illegal black market vaccine ring, the Chinese government said on Wednesday, as it vowed to improve supervision of the market.
Iraq’s parliament meets over PM’s cabinet plans, protesters block streets
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq’s parliament began an emergency session on Wednesday at the request of lawmakers who are protesting after plans by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to introduce a cabinet of independent technocrats to curb corruption were blocked…
U.S., allies stage 9 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq, Syria: statement
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and its allies conducted nine strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Tuesday, the coalition leading the operations said.
Pilot error possible cause of Russian helicopter crash in Syria: TASS
MOSCOW (Reuters) – The crash of a Russian Mi-28N attack helicopter in Syria on Tuesday could have been caused by a pilot error, TASS news agency quoted a source in Russia’s air force as saying on Wednesday.
Saudi king’s visit overshadowed by Egyptian islands row
CAIRO (Reuters) – Saudi King Salman’s trip to Egypt was meant to display the strength of ties between the two allies. But Cairo’s transfer of two Red Sea islands to Riyadh during the visit stung Egyptian pride and drew criticism of what some saw as exc…
Russia sees Syria vote filling legal vacuum pending new constitution
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Syria’s parliamentary elections on Wednesday aim to avoid a legal vacuum before early elections are held under a new constitution, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.
U.S. defense chief visits Philippines amid sea dispute with China
MANILA (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday to highlight strong and growing military relations with a crucial Southeast Asian ally as China assertively pursues its claims in the South China Sea.
