Desertions deplete Afghan forces, adding to security worries
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan/KABUL (Reuters) – Afghan Lieutenant Amanullah said he was ready to fight to the death to stop the Taliban making gains across the south of the country, where insurgents have already overrun a series of districts in their tradition…
Seven killed in violence across Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Reuters) – Seven people, including two civilians, were killed in Turkey’s mainly Kurdish southeast, security sources said on Monday, as the death toll from operations launched by security forces last month climbs into the hundreds.
Geagea reshapes Lebanese politics, backs rival Aoun
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Lebanese Christian politician Samir Geagea backed his rival Michel Aoun for the presidency on Monday, reshaping Lebanese politics in an apparent break with his Saudi-backed allies that aligns him with a civil war era enemy supported …
EU defends labeling goods made in Israeli settlements
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union reinforced on Monday its position that products made in Israeli settlements must be clearly labeled in Europe, despite growing tensions with Israel over the issue, but stressed that the bloc opposes any boycott o…
Saudi Arabia alarmed, in private, at Iran’s sanctions relief
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi officials have said little in public, but they fear the end of sanctions on Iran could boost what they see as its subversive activities in the Middle East while also enriching a diverse economy that the oil-dependent kingdom vi…
U.S. sailors captured by Iran were held at gunpoint: U.S. military
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The 10 U.S. sailors who were briefly detained by the Iranian military last week were held at gunpoint and had a verbal exchange with Iranian personnel before they were released, the U.S. military said Monday.
With one eye on Moscow, Europe presses Ukraine on reforms
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union pressed Ukraine authorities on Monday to overcome political feuding and implement promised reforms as it looks to shore up the country’s democratic and economic credentials.
Anti-Rousseff impeachment push in Brazil loses ground
BRASILIA (Reuters) – President Dilma Rousseff’s opponents within her main coalition partner, the fractious Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), are losing hope that they can impeach the leftist leader and replace her with their man, Vice Preside…
Gabon recalls Paris ambassador after election comments
LIBREVILLE (Reuters) – Gabon said it recalled its ambassador to Paris after France’s prime minister appeared to question the legitimacy of President Ali Bongo’s election in 2009.
Mali government, rebels urge progress on implementing peace deal
ALGIERS (Reuters) – Mali called for the swift implementation of a peace agreement with Tuareg-led rebels during talks on Monday seen as vital for preventing a resurgence of Islamist militant attacks in the vast West African nation.
