EU takes on Poland, launches rights probe over court, media
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union began an unprecedented inquiry on Wednesday into whether Poland’s new conservative, Eurosceptic government has breached the EU’s democratic standards by taking more control of the judiciary and public media.
Anti-immigrant ‘Soldiers of Odin’ raise concern in Finland
HELSINKI (Reuters) – Wearing black jackets adorned with a symbol of a Viking and the Finnish flag, the “Soldiers of Odin” have surfaced as self-proclaimed patriots patrolling the streets to protect native Finns from immigrants, worrying the government …
Iran Arak reactor’s core vessel has been removed: Kerry
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Iran has removed the calandria, or central vessel, of its nuclear reactor at Arak, and it will be filled with concrete within hours, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Wednesday.
Europe turns to Morocco in Paris attacks investigation
AIT OURIR, Morocco (Reuters) – A few weeks before she was killed in a raid by French special forces beside the suspected ringleader of last November’s Paris attacks, Hasna Ait Boulahcen packed her bags and said her last farewells to relatives in Morocc…
Myanmar’s Suu Kyi avoids ‘rocking boat’ with military ahead of handover
NAYPYITAW (Reuters) – Myanmar election winner Aung San Suu Kyi will not press for an immediate change to the constitution that bars her from becoming president, and will instead appoint a ceremonial head of state, a senior official in her party said on…
Islamic State claims suicide attack on Pakistani consulate in Afghan city
JALALABAD, Afghanistan (Reuters) – Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on the Pakistani consulate in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad on Wednesday, stoking fears over the spread of the ultra-radical movement in Afghanistan.
U.S. leads 24 strikes in Syria, Iraq against Islamic State: statement
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and its allies staged two dozen strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Tuesday, the military coalition leading the operations said in a statement.
Iran scorns ‘nouveau-riche’ critics after UAE tweet
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s foreign minister said on Wednesday that the “arrogant nouveau-riche” should stay out of diplomacy after the United Arab Emirates mocked his criticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Italy arrests 11 in illegal online gaming ring involving mafia
ROME (Reuters) – Italian police arrested 11 people on Wednesday for allegedly running an illegal online gaming business which garnered millions of euros in bets every day, sometimes in collusion with the mafia, a top prosecutor in Rome said.
Zimbabwe declines comment on Mugabe health rumors
HARARE (Reuters) – Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s spokesman declined to comment on Wednesday on rumors that the 91-year-old leader had suffered a heart attack, saying a response to the latest speculation about his health was “unnecessary”.
