U.S. general sought greater powers in Afghanistan before exit
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. general who until last week commanded the NATO-led coalition in Afghanistan said on Friday he recommended broader scope for U.S. military activity as the country fends off a resilient Taliban insurgency.
Dead ex-Russian press minister may have been attacked outside hotel: source
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Police are investigating whether former Russian Press Minister Mikhail Lesin, who was found dead in a Washington hotel in November, was brutally assaulted before returning to the hotel, a U.S. law enforcement source said on Frida…
Buddhist group leading global anti-Dalai Lama protests disbands
GENEVA (Reuters) – The Buddhist group leading a global campaign of harassment against the Dalai Lama has called off its demonstrations and disbanded, according to a statement on its website.
Syrians see few prospects for peace from Geneva talks
IDLIB, Syria/DAMASCUS (Reuters) – As peace talks are set to get under way in Geneva next week, residents in Syria from nurses to street vendors voice little optimism over the United Nations-backed negotiations’ chance of success.
Kerry stresses need to end Syria, Yemen conflicts in talks with Saudis
HAFR AL-BATIN, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stressed the need to move now to end the conflicts in Syria and Yemen in talks with top Saudi officials on Friday, a senior U.S. official said.
North Ireland deputy leader calls for unity vote if Britain leaves EU
BELFAST (Reuters) – Britain should commit to holding a vote to unite Ireland if its citizens choose to leave the European Union in a referendum in June, Northern Ireland’s nationalist deputy first minister said on Friday. 
Myanmar military chooses hardliner to work with Suu Kyi’s proxy president
NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (Reuters) – Myanmar’s military nominated a former junta stalwart who remains on a U.S. sanctions list as its choice for vice president on Friday, pointing to battles ahead for National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and…
Lebanese minister says garbage crisis ’99 percent solved’
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Lebanon’s Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk said on Friday the country’s rubbish crisis had been “99 percent solved” at a government committee meeting on the issue.
Charges, threat of jail cast Brazil’s Lula in familiar role: martyr
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) – Criminal charges and a request by prosecutors to jail Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva are putting the former Brazilian president and leftist icon back in a role he has long relished: that of the martyr.
Saudi kills six wanted for shooting soldier dead
DUBAI (Reuters) – Saudi authorities on Friday killed six men who shot dead their relative, a Saudi soldier, in a video they posted online after they pledged allegiance to the leader of Islamic State.
