U.S. lawmakers blast State Department over Kabul embassy delays
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. lawmakers criticized the State Department for construction delays and cost overruns at the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan on Thursday, saying they waste taxpayer dollars and put employees’ lives at unnecessary risk.
Saud al-Faisal, Saudi foreign minister for 40 years, dies
RIYADH (Reuters) – Former Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal died on Thursday, Saudi Arabian sources and media close to the kingdom’s ruling family reported, two months after he was replaced following 40 years in the job.
In Baghdad, end of a curfew brings Ramadan joy
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – It’s 1.30 a.m. and the Aroma Café in an affluent district of Baghdad is buzzing, packed with people enjoying a traditional pre-dawn Suhoor meal before starting their daily Ramadan fast.
Deadlines, red lines, bedtimes get no respect at Iran talks
VIENNA (Reuters) – As any parent knows, setting limits is important, especially at bedtime. In the Iran nuclear negotiations, however, the normal rules of diet, discipline and decorum do not always apply.
Former Saudi foreign minister dies: Saudi sources
RIYADH (Reuters) – Former Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal died on Thursday, two Saudi sources said, two months after he was replaced following 40 years in the job.
U.N. expects Yemen fighting to halt from Friday until Ramadan ends
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United Nations said it expects an unconditional week-long humanitarian pause in the fighting in Yemen to start on Friday to allow the delivery of assistance to some of the 21 million people in need.
After gains, Syria rebels face tough fight for Deraa, Aleppo
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Momentum that has swept Syrian rebels to a series of swift victories over President Bashar al-Assad appears to have slowed in two major attacks aimed at capturing the cities of Aleppo in the north and Deraa in the south.
Libya’s recognized government warns tankers away from Ras Lanuf port
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Libyan security forces guarding the country’s major Ras Lanuf oil port will seize any tankers approaching the terminal without permission after a force majeure was lifted there, the country’s recognized government said on Thursday.
President says anti-foreigner attitudes taking root in Germany
BERLIN (Reuters) – President Joachim Gauck on Thursday condemned a recent rise in “vile” attacks on refugee shelters in Germany and warned that xenophobic attitudes were taking root in the country.
Border guard shot dead before India-Pakistan talks, says India
SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) – A Pakistani sniper shot dead an Indian border guard in the disputed region of Kashmir on Thursday, Indian authorities said, a day before the two countries’ prime ministers were due to hold their first meeting in more than se…
