Hurt by cheap oil, Saudi government will make water more expensive
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia will raise the price of water for non-residential consumers, local media reported, a sign the government is cutting back an expensive system of subsidies as low oil prices strain its finances.
Iran says may quit Syria talks, in worsening spat with Saudi rival
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran said on Monday it would quit Syria peace talks if it found them unconstructive, citing the “negative role” of Saudi Arabia, in the latest twist in a spat between the regional rivals that bodes ill for efforts to ease turmoil acro…
Violence hits Central African Republic ahead of pope’s visit
BANGUI (Reuters) – Armed men in the capital of Central African Republic slit a person’s throat and set fire to scores of homes, in a cycle of violence that could further delay elections and prevent a visit this month by Pope Francis.
Russia flew 131 sorties, hit 237 targets in Syria in last two days: Ifax
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s air force flew 131 sorties and hit 237 targets in Syria in the last two days, Interfax news agency reported the Russian Defence Ministry as saying on Monday.
Victory proves elusive in Saudi king’s Yemen war
RIYADH (Reuters) – In Yemen’s humid southern port of Aden, Saudi Arabian soldiers in armored cars patrol streets where jihadists lurk. In Marib, east of the capital Sanaa, they fight alongside tribesmen in the hills. From the skies above, their jets fi…
Kerry says Russia needs to help find political solution in Syria
ASTANA (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday Russia needs to help find a political solution in Syria and not simply support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Iran starts taking nuclear centrifuges offline
DUBAI/TOKYO (Reuters) – Iran has begun shutting down uranium enrichment centrifuges under the terms of a deal struck with six world powers in July on limiting its nuclear program, Tehran’s atomic energy chief said on Monday during a visit to Tokyo.
Faction-riven Lebanon scrambles to pay late army salaries
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Lebanese authorities scrambled on Monday to pay overdue salaries to the army, a crisis that has laid bare the extent of paralysis in government and added to criticism of the politicians whose rivalries are to blame.
Russia preparing contract to supply Iran with S-300 missiles: Interfax
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Monday it is preparing a contract to supply Iran with S-300 missile systems, Interfax news agency reported.
Kerry courts Kazakh leader as U.S. eyes stronger Central Asia ties
ASTANA (Reuters) – Secretary of State John Kerry reaffirmed U.S. interests in Kazakhstan on Monday in talks with veteran leader Nursultan Nazarbayev who has lured huge Western investments to his Central Asian state while keeping it in Moscow’s politica…
