Brussels put on maximum alert on risk of Paris-like attack
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Belgium put the capital Brussels on maximum security alert on Saturday, shutting the metro and warning people to avoid crowds because of a “serious and imminent” threat of coordinated, multiple attacks by militants.
Syrian insurgents retake two villages in Aleppo from Islamic State
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A Syrian grouping of insurgents said on Saturday they have recaptured two villages from Islamic State fighters in northern Aleppo province near the border with Turkey.
Vatican to try five, including reporters, over leaks scandal
ROME (Reuters) – The Vatican on Saturday ordered five people, including two Italian journalists, to stand trial for leaking and publishing secret documents, in the latest development in a leaks scandal which is rocking the papacy.
Bangladesh President rejects clemency appeal by opposition leaders
DHAKA (Reuters) – Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Saturday rejected clemency appeals by two opposition leaders to save them from hanging, Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told Reuters.
Lebanon arrests six Palestinians leaving to fight in Syria: source
BEIRUT (Reuters) – The Lebanese army has arrested six Palestinians trying to leave to Syria to fight alongside insurgents aiming to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a Lebanese security source said on Saturday.
Afghan inquiry says poor leadership let Taliban seize Kunduz
KABUL (Reuters) – Afghan investigators blamed leadership failings on Saturday for the Taliban’s capture of the city of Kunduz in September, a finding that may deepen concerns about the government’s grip on security.
World powers to help Iran redesign reactor as part of nuclear deal
DUBAI (Reuters) – Six world powers will help Iran redesign its Arak heavy water reactor so that it cannot produce weapons-grade plutonium, according to a document released by the state news agency IRNA on Saturday.
Britain’s Cameron sees U.N. resolution on Syria action as key moment
LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister David Cameron said the United Nations Security Council’s resolution to redouble action against Islamic State in Syria was an important moment, strengthening his bid to start air strikes against the militant gro…
Obama urges halt to artificial islands in South China Sea
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama said on Saturday that countries should stop building artificial islands and militarising their claims in the disputed South China Sea.
Obama visits refugees in Malaysia to highlight global crisis
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama visited a refugee centre in Malaysia on Saturday to highlight his call for more compassion at home to deal with a global migrant crisis, as Republicans seek to block U.S. acceptance of Syrian refugee…
