Japan security debate masks clash of views on pacifist constitution
TOKYO (Reuters) – Is Japan’s constitution a symbol of peace and respect for universal values or a reminder of humiliating defeat?
Two-wheeled revolution: Pyongyang installs bike lanes
SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea has installed cycle lanes on major thoroughfares running through Pyongyang in an apparent bid to cut down on pedestrian accidents as more people have the cash to spend on bicycles to get around.
Quake-hit Nepal to train 50,000 workers for reconstruction
KATHMANDU (Reuters) – Earthquake-hit Nepal will train 50,000 workers to help carry out reconstruction, the finance minister said, the biggest skill development program in the country’s history as economic growth is expected to fall to the slowest rate …
Japan’s Abe pushes security bills in summer of discontent
TOKYO (Reuters) – Legislation for a dramatic change in Japan’s defense policy that could allow troops to fight abroad for the first time since World War Two was approved by a lower house panel on Wednesday, despite opposition from a majority of ordinar…
Japan security bills approved by lower house committee
TOKYO (Reuters) – Legislation to implement a dramatic change in Japanese defense policy that could allow troops to fight abroad for the first time since World War Two was approved by a lower house panel on Wednesday, despite opposition from a majority …
Mali detains 20 suspected Islamists, including two French: sources
BAMAKO (Reuters) – Police in Mali have detained about 20 suspected Islamist militants in recent days, including at least two French citizens and the organizer of an attack a restaurant in Bamako in March, security sources said on Tuesday.
Exclusive: Is global aid reaching Syrians in need? Charities battle to deliver
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Charities trying to deliver aid across Syria to help victims of the worsening conflict, have admitted it is hard, if not impossible, to know where supplies end up and fear future funding could be at risk, a Thomson…
Venezuela hardliner Machado barred from public office for a year
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuelan hardline opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Tuesday she had been barred from public office for a year, a move that could prevent her from becoming a congresswoman if she wins a seat in December’s parliamentary…
Iran deal reached, Obama hails step towards ‘more hopeful world’
By Parisa Hafezi, Louis Charbonneau, John Irish and Arshad Mohammed
IMF calls for Greece debt relief ahead of bailout vote
ATHENS/BRUSSELS (Reuters) – An International Monetary Fund study published on Tuesday showed that Greece needs far more debt relief than European governments have been willing to contemplate so far, as fractious parties in Athens prepared to vote on a …
