Saudi blogger Badawi views survival of 50 lashes as miracle: magazine
BERLIN (Reuters) – Jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi described in his first letter from prison how he “miraculously survived 50 lashes” as part of a conviction that sparked an international outcry, according to German weekly Der Spiegel in a report to b…
Saudi Arabia decides to restore ambassador to Sweden: Al Arabiya TV
CAIRO/STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia has decided to send its envoy back to Sweden, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television said on Friday, in a move that will ease a diplomatic row over the Arab country’s human rights record.
U.N. concerned by spread of arms in Libya, arms embargo unchanged
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United Nations Security Council expressed concern on Friday at the proliferation of arms and ammunition in Libya as it left an arms embargo on the North African state unchanged and urged the recognized government to impro…
Syrian army closes in on city near Lebanese border
BEIRUT (Reuters) – The Syrian army, backed by Hezbollah fighters, closed in on the city of Zabadani near the border with Lebanon on Friday, a Lebanese security source said, and Syrian media said at least 20 insurgents had been killed in the battles to …
Latvia says Russia’s military rhetoric is ‘alarming’
RIGA (Reuters) – A war of words between Russia and the West could degenerate into something worse, with “devastating” consequences, Latvia’s foreign minister said on Friday.
Canada government to dilute controversial anti-terror bill: CBC
OTTAWA (Reuters) – The Canadian government will water down controversial new anti-terror legislation after critics said it could be used to target people taking part in peaceful protests, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp said on Friday.
Torn-up sick notes show crash pilot should have been grounded
DUESSELDORF, Germany (Reuters) – German authorities said on Friday they had found torn-up sick notes showing that the pilot who crashed a plane into the French Alps was suffering from an illness that should have grounded him on the day of the tragedy.
France presses at U.N. for Islamic State to face world court
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – France said on Friday it would push the United Nations Security Council to refer the Islamic State militant group to the International Criminal Court for possible prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
‘Unholy alliance’ of Islamists threatens Sweden: spy chief
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Sweden, once cited by Osama bin Laden as the kind of country al Qaeda did not attack, is facing a rising threat from Islamist militants because of the crises in Iraq and Syria, its spy chief said in an interview on Friday.
Nigeria president warns against bloodshed ahead of Saturday poll
ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan warned against violence ahead of Saturday’s presidential election as people stockpiled food, cash and fuel for fear of post-election clashes.
