Belgium frees charged suspect in blow to bombing investigation
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Belgian prosecutors on Monday released a man they had charged in connection with last week’s deadly Brussels bombings, saying they did not have enough information to justify holding him.
Israeli law to allow suspension of Arab legislators passes first hurdle
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel’s parliament gave initial approval on Monday to a bill that would allow members to suspend from the legislature colleagues whom they believe have supported Israel’s enemies or have acted against the state.
Turkey summoned German ambassador over satirical report: Spiegel
BERLIN (Reuters) – Turkey’s Foreign Ministry summoned Germany’s ambassador last week over a satirical broadcast by German television station NDR, Spiegel magazine’s online edition reported on Monday.
Burundi, Morocco troops accused of Central African Republic abuse: U.N.
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United Nations said on Monday it had received new allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation against U.N. peacekeepers from Morocco and Burundi in Central African Republic, including one that involved a 14-year-old girl…
Head of Ukraine PM’s party says new coalition agreed
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk’s party, President Petro Poroshenko’s faction and the Fatherland party have agreed to form a new coalition, Maksym Burbak, the head of Yatseniuk’s People’s Front party, said on Monday.
U.N. chief regrets Morocco ‘misunderstanding’ over Western Sahara remark
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon regrets a “misunderstanding” over his use of the word “occupation” to describe Morocco’s annexation of Western Sahara, which led to Morocco expelling dozens of United Nations staff, his spok…
Cuba’s Fidel Castro knocks sweet-talking Obama after ‘honey-coated’ visit
HAVANA (Reuters) – Retired leader Fidel Castro accused U.S. President Barack Obama of sweet-talking the Cuban people during his visit to the island last week and ignoring the accomplishments of Communist rule, in an opinion piece carried by all state-r…
Syrian forces pursue campaign against Islamic State after retaking Palmyra
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian government forces backed by Russian air strikes battled Islamic State insurgents around Palmyra on Monday, trying to extend their gains after taking back control of a city whose ancient temples were dynamited by the ultra-radi…
Iran’s answer to pop stars: religious singers serenade Syria war
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Bearded and boisterous, the man wearing a chequered keffiya scarf sings a religious song as several Iranians in fatigues beat their chests feverishly.
Pakistan plans new paramilitary crackdown; Easter bombing kills 70
LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) – Pakistan has decided to launch a paramilitary crackdown on Islamist militants in Punjab, the country’s richest and most populous province, after an Easter Day bombing killed 70 people in the provincial capital Lahore, offic…
