Vietnam builds military muscle to face China
XUAN MAI, Vietnam (Reuters) – Vietnam’s military is steeling itself for conflict with China as it accelerates a decade-long modernization drive, Hanoi’s biggest arms buildup since the height of the Vietnam War.
Somali militants say behind attack in northern Kenya
MOGADISHU (Reuters) – The Somali Islamist group al Shabaab claimed responsibility for an attack in northern Kenya’s Lamu County which left two people dead, the militants and police said on Thursday.
Palestinian shot dead after trying to stab Israeli soldiers – military
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian on Thursday who the military said tried to stab them after he was stopped for questioning in the occupied West Bank.
Putin says will not agree to outside force deciding who rules Syria
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he would never agree to any outside force deciding on who should rule Syria and added that there was no way to resolve the Syria crisis other than a political solution.
Russia’s Putin says ‘sees no prospect’ of improving ties with Turkey
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he “sees no prospect” of improving relations with the current leadership of Turkey after it downed a Russian jet bomber last month.
EU’s Juncker says will reach ‘fair deal’ to avoid Brexit
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union is seeking a fair deal that will provide a way out of a complicated questions over the future of Britain’s membership in the bloc, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said on Thursday.
Zurich police say no indication of criminal action near Jewish school
ZURICH (Reuters) – Zurich police said on Thursday a suspicious car near a Jewish school led to an intervention by officers but there was no indication of criminal action.
India’s Congress seeks to exploit Gandhis’ day in court
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Indian opposition leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi will appear in court on Saturday to defend themselves against graft allegations in a case they hope to turn to their advantage by energizing their party faithful against Prime Minis…
Japanese journalist cleared of defaming South Korean president
SEOUL (Reuters) – A South Korean court cleared a Japanese journalist on Thursday of defaming the South Korean president in a case that raised new questions about media freedom and had threatened to inflame relations between the uneasy neighbors.
Obama administration authorizes $1.83-billion arms sale to Taiwan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Obama administration formally notified Congress on Wednesday of a $1.83-billion arms sale package for Taiwan, including two frigates, anti-tank missiles, amphibious assault vehicles and other equipment, drawing an angry respo…
