U.S. agencies say not invited to join Egypt probe into Russian plane crash
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Neither the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) nor the FBI have been invited to join the Egyptian-led investigation into the crash of a Russian airliner in the Sinai Peninsula late last month, officials at the two U…
Kurds expect to enter and clear Sinjar soon
NEAR SINJAR TOWN, Iraq (Reuters) – Kurdish forces who have launched an offensive to retake Sinjar from Islamic State militants expect to enter and clear the northern Iraqi town soon, the Kurdistan regional security council said on Thursday.
Central African government reassures Vatican over pope visit
BANGUI (Reuters) – Political and religious leaders in Central African Republic on Thursday sought to assure the Vatican that the pope would be safe when he visited on Nov. 28-29 as the United Nations also prepared to add troops.
U.S. bombers flew near China-built island in South China Sea: Pentagon
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Two U.S. B52 strategic bombers flew near artificial Chinese-built islands in the South China Sea this week and were contacted by Chinese ground controllers but continued their mission undeterred, the Pentagon said on Thursday.
Canadian church wants new PM to help free pastor detained in North Korea
TORONTO (Reuters) – One of Canada’s largest churches said on Thursday it wants new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to bring attention to the case of its pastor detained in North Korea when he meets with Asian leaders next week in Manila.
Two suicide bombers hit Hezbollah bastion in Lebanon, 43 killed
BEIRUT (Reuters) – At least 43 people were killed and more than 240 wounded on Thursday in two suicide bomb blasts claimed by Islamic State in a crowded residential district in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of the Shi’ite Muslim group Hezboll…
Syria pledges no arbitrary attacks, U.S. takes with ‘grain of salt’
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Syria’s pledge not to use indiscriminate weapons must be taken with “a grain of salt,” the United States said on Thursday, noting there were nearly 1,500 barrel bomb attacks in October even though the country’s government den…
U.S. lifts economic sanctions against Liberia: White House
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States lifted economic sanctions against Liberia on Thursday as President Barack Obama cited the country’s “tremendous progress” and commitment to democracy since emerging from civil war in 2003, the White House said.
Kerry to discuss loan guarantee, security, democracy with Tunisia
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will discuss a $500 million loan guarantee, security cooperation, and support for Tunisia’s democratic transition when he visits Tunis on Friday, a senior U.S. official said on Thursday.
Syrian army seizes rebel-held town in Aleppo province: state TV
AMMAN (Reuters) – The Syrian army and allied forces captured the town of Al Hader in the northern province of Aleppo on Thursday, state television said, opening the way for advances into a strategic rebel-held area northern Syria with the backing of Ru…
