Turkish battle with Kurdish militants kills 55, party calls for resistance
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Reuters) – Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party leader called for “honorable resistance” against security operations in southeast Turkey on Friday as state media reported 55 Kurdish militants had been killed in three days of urban fighting th…
Russia expels reporter in spat with Poland
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia expelled the Moscow correspondent of a leading Polish newspaper on Friday, a move it said was a “symmetrical” response to Warsaw ejecting a Russian reporter designated a “danger to the Polish state.”
Qatar’s channel to militants possibly dangerous, possibly useful
DOHA (Reuters) – To its foes, Qatar’s deal-making with armed groups is reckless grandstanding that helps destabilize the Middle East.
Hungary drops plans for statue to honor World War II politician
BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Hungary has scrapped plans to erect a statue of Balint Homan, a former World War Two government minister who supported anti-Semitism in Hungary in the 1930s and 40s, after protests from Jewish leaders.
Afghan forces retake Helmand district from Taliban
KABUL (Reuters) – Afghan forces drove Taliban militants out of the center of a district in the southern province of Helmand on Friday, as they fought back against insurgents who have threatened a series of districts over recent months.
Central African Republic capital votes yes to new constitution
BANGUI (Reuters) – About 90 percent of voters in the capital of the Central African Republic have said yes to a proposed new constitution, in a referendum that will pave the way for elections this month, authorities said on Friday.
U.S., allies conduct 22 strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and its allies conducted 22 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Thursday, the coalition leading the operations said in a statement on Friday.
Thai court grants bail to activist detained over Facebook posts: lawyer
BANGKOK (Reuters) – A Thai military court granted bail on Friday to a student activist arrested while in hospital over Facebook posts criticizing the junta and its officials, his lawyer said.
Spain gears up for most uncertain election in 40 years
MADRID (Reuters) – Spain faces its most uncertain national election in 40 years on Sunday with newcomer parties poised for big gains against the traditionally dominant conservatives and socialists, complicating efforts to form a stable government.
Indian court declines to lengthen jail time for Delhi gang rape convict
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – The youngest of six men convicted of the 2012 gang rape of a woman, in a case that shocked India, moved closer to being freed on Sunday, after a court said it could not extend his three-year sentence.
