New broom ends EU summit a day early
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – In a striking symbol of changed leadership, European Union leaders wrapped up their last summit of the year a day early after agreeing to launch an investment fund and maintain sanctions on Russia over Ukraine.
Suspected Boko Haram gunmen kidnap 172 women, children in Nigeria
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) – Suspected Boko Haram gunmen kidnapped 172 women and children and killed 35 other people on Sunday during a raid on the northeast Nigerian village of Gumsuri, residents said on Thursday.
At U.N., Iran urged to show more flexibility in nuclear talks
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Iran has not demonstrated sufficient flexibility in nuclear talks with six world powers aimed at ending a 12-year standoff with the Islamic Republic over its atomic ambitions, France and Britain said on Thursday.
Fighting in Libya’s Benghazi kills 25 in eight days: medics
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) – At least 25 people have been killed and 103 wounded in the past eight days of fighting between pro-government forces and Islamist groups in Libya’s second city Benghazi, medics said on Thursday.
U.S.-led air strikes focus on Islamic State Kobani in Syria
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S.-led air strikes in Syria focused on the contested city of Kobani near the Turkish border on Thursday, with six air strikes that destroyed seven Islamic State fighting positions, a building and a tactical unit, the U.S. milit…
Despite billions in aid, U.S. unable to get Pakistan to confront militants
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Since 2001 the United States has tried virtually every strategy available to persuade Pakistan’s army to take the threat of militancy more seriously, but 12 years and $28 billion in aid later, all the American approaches are wide…
Thailand welcomes China’s Li as U.S. ties cool over coup
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will be the most high-profile foreign leader to visit Thailand on Friday since a May coup, signaling, Thailand says, its return to normal and a boost for trade in a region where the United States and China…
Cubans imagine new, more prosperous life without an old foe
HAVANA (Reuters) – From bus drivers to bartenders and ballet dancers, many Cubans are already imagining a more prosperous future after the United States said it will put an end to 50 years of conflict with the communist-run island.
Three top Islamic State leaders killed in air strikes: U.S. officials
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S.-led air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq have killed three of the militant group’s top leaders but not senior commander Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, U.S. officials said on Thursday.
Obama signs Russia sanctions bill, says no new penalties planned
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama said on Thursday he had signed into law a new Russian sanctions bill passed by Congress but did not intend to impose further sanctions against Moscow for now.
