After Assad audience, Russia eyes seizing diplomatic initiative on Syria
MOSCOW (Reuters) – The Kremlin believes it has taught Washington an object lesson in how to take on Islamist militants in Syria. Basking in the afterglow of Bashar al-Assad’s surprise visit to Moscow this week, it now believes it could lead the way dip…
U.S commando killed in raid to free hostages of ISIS in Iraq
WASHINGTON/ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) – One member of a U.S. special operations force was killed during an overnight mission to rescue hostages held by Islamic State militants in northern Iraq, the first American to die in ground combat with the militant gr…
Georgian PM blasts main opposition party over sexual abuse video
TBILISI (Reuters) – Georgian Prime Minister Irakly Garibashvili on Thursday branded the main opposition party a “criminal organization” after the leaking of a video purporting to show sexual abuse of detainees by law enforcement officers that took plac…
Egypt arrests senior Muslim Brotherhood figure
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egyptian security forces have arrested Hassan Malik, a leader of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, security officials said, part of a sustained crackdown on Islamists.
U.S. missile shield a threat to Russia’s nuclear capability: Putin
SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) – The expansion of the United States’ ballistic missile defense system is a threat to Russia’s nuclear capability, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
Quebec’s Duceppe leaves helm of separatist party after Canada election
MONTREAL (Reuters) – Gilles Duceppe, a longstanding advocate for Quebec independence, resigned on Thursday as leader of the separatist Bloc Quebecois party, telling journalists he would have liked to have won more seats in Canada’s general election.
Guatemalan comedian seen clinching presidency in run-off vote
GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) – A Guatemalan comedian who has tapped into public anger over government corruption looks set to clinch the presidency on Sunday in a run-off against a former first lady struggling to distance herself from a discredited politic…
Sweden struggles to cope with migrant tide; Orban warns of threat
STOCKHOLM/LJUBLJANA (Reuters) – Sweden said on Thursday it expected up to 190,000 migrants this year, putting unprecedented strain on a country famous for welcoming refugees but planning to house many in tents this winter.
Heavy fighting breaks out in Yemen’s Taiz city, ICRC says situation ‘dire’
CAIRO (Reuters) – At least 20 Houthi militia fighters were killed in heavy clashes in Yemen’s third-largest city Taiz on Thursday, a day after they pounded it with rockets, forces loyal to the government said.
South Africa’s Zuma to meet students on Friday after protests over fees
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) – South African President Jacob Zuma will meet student leaders and university authorities on Friday to discuss planned hikes in tuition fees that have provoked a week of sometimes violent protests nationwide.
