Desertions, casualties cut Afghan forces sharply in 2014: U.S.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The number of Afghan security forces fell sharply during 2014, thanks partly to desertions and casualties, according to newly declassified U.S. military data released on Tuesday that could add to the debate over planned U.S. troo…
Western leaders hint at more Russian sanctions over Ukraine
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama and European leaders on Tuesday warned Russia that they were ready to step up sanctions if there were further violations of a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, officials said.
Abandoned villa now a symbol of Boko Haram losses in former stronghold
DIKWA, Nigeria (Reuters) – A black and white Boko Haram flag still flutters on top of a deserted villa in the Nigerian town of Dikwa, overlooking a courtyard filled with dirty mattresses and charred vehicles.
Australian drug smugglers being taken to Indonesian island for execution: media
SYDNEY/DENPASAR, Indonesia (Reuters) – Two convicted Australian drug smugglers were removed from a prison in Bali on Wednesday to be taken to an Indonesian island where they will be shot by firing squad, Australian media reported.
Israel’s Netanyahu draws rebuke from Obama over Iran speech to Congress
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the United States on Tuesday that it was negotiating a bad deal with Iran that could spark a “nuclear nightmare,” drawing a rebuke from President Barack Obama and exposing a deepen…
U.S. to respond to Venezuela’s demand to cut U.S. Embassy staff
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States said on Tuesday it would respond through diplomatic channels to Venezuela’s demand for a cut in U.S. Embassy staff in Caracas, but added that Caracas had drastically underestimated its own diplomatic presence in…
Iran calls Obama’s 10-year nuclear demand ‘unacceptable’
MONTREUX, Switzerland (Reuters) – Iran rejected on Tuesday as “unacceptable” U.S. President Barack Obama’s demand that it freeze sensitive nuclear activities for at least 10 years but said it would continue talks on a deal, Iran’s semi-official Fars ne…
Brazilian judge orders deportation of fugitive Italian leftist
BRASILIA (Reuters) – A Brazilian judge has annulled the visa of an Italian former leftist guerrilla wanted for murder in his country and ordered that he be deported in a case that has long roiled relations between the two nations.
Kerry visits Riyadh to soothe fears of stronger Iran under nuclear deal
MONTREUX, Switzerland/RIYADH (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry flies to Riyadh this week to try to reassure King Salman that any nuclear deal with Iran will be in Saudi interests, despite the kingdom’s fears that it may boost Tehran’s back…
Iraqi forces try to seal off Islamic State around Tikrit
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Thousands of Iraqi soldiers and Shi’ite militiamen sought to seal off Islamic State fighters in Tikrit and nearby towns on Tuesday, the second day of Iraq’s biggest offensive yet against a stronghold of the Sunni militants.
