India’s push to save its cows starves Bangladesh of beef
GHOJADANGA, India/DHAKA (Reuters) – Some 30,000 Indian soldiers guarding the border with Bangladesh have a new mandate under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government this year – stop cattle from crossing illegally into the Muslim-majority neighbor.
Kerry urges dialogue, cooperation in message to Venezuela
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday urged Venezuela’s government and opposition to find a “peaceful resolution” to their disputes before a Dec. 6 parliamentary election and said the United States wanted to improve ties.
Afghanistan targets U.S. defense contractors in row over back taxes
KABUL (Reuters) – Afghanistan is threatening to crack down on U.S. defense contractors it says owe hundreds of millions of dollars in back taxes, including by freezing their bank accounts and refusing to renew yearly business licenses when they expire….
Syrian Islamist insurgents launch battle to seize government-held Aleppo
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian insurgents led by Islamist groups began a major offensive to gain full control of the divided northern city of Aleppo, a monitor and rebels said on Thursday.
Egyptian army kills 35 militants in North Sinai: sources
ISMAILIA, Egypt (Reuters) – Egypt’s military killed 35 Islamist militants in North Sinai on Thursday, security sources said, a day after the deadliest clashes in the region in years.
Malaysia tells U.N. Security Council of push for MH17 tribunal
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Malaysia told the United Nations Security Council on Thursday it plans to push for a U.N.-backed tribunal to prosecute those suspected of downing a passenger airliner last year in eastern Ukraine, though Russia described the …
No sweat? Colombia turns to lie detectors to tackle government graft
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Colombia’s government plans to carry out lie detector tests on senior civil servants who allocate contracts to private companies as it tries to clamp down on widespread corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
Philippine ferry sinks, killing at least 36, but most passengers survive
MANILA (Reuters) – A ferry carrying 189 passengers and crew capsized off the central Philippines in heavy waves on Thursday, killing at least 36 people but the majority of those on board were rescued, the coast guard and police said.
Kentucky soldier admits to taking bribes in Afghanistan
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Reuters) – A U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky admitted in federal court on Thursday that he took $100,000 in cash bribes as well as jewelry from vendors seeking contracts while he was assigned to Bagram Airfield…
IMF warns of huge financial hole as Greek vote looms
ATHENS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The International Monetary Fund delivered a stark warning on Thursday of the huge financial hole facing Greece as angry and uncertain voters prepare for a referendum that could decide their country’s future in Europe.
