Russia: NATO expansion will force Moscow to respond – Interfax
MOSCOW (Reuters) – A spokesman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that NATO’s expansion to the east would force Russia to take “adequate” measures in response, Interfax news agency reported.
China says hopes Japan stays on ‘path of peace’ with new minister
BEIJING (Reuters) – China hopes that Japan continues down the “path of peace”, the defense ministry said on Thursday, in Beijing’s first direct reaction to the appointment of a new Japanese defense minister who has a desire for a stronger pre-emptive s…
India’s military hunts rebels after deadly attacks in remote state
GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) – India deployed military helicopters to hunt down tribal militants in the northeastern state of Assam on Thursday after rebels killed 75 people this week, the deadliest in the remote area in years.
Thai leader cites China as positive example in year-end message
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha cited China as a good example of economic development in a year-end speech to government officials seven months after he seized power in a military coup.
Pope, on Christmas Eve, urges world to be open to God
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis ushered the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics into Christmas on Wednesday, urging them to allow God to enter their lives to help combat darkness and corruption.
At least 21 injured in protest against Nicaragua canal: police
MANAGUA (Reuters) – At least 21 people were injured on Wednesday in clashes between police and protesters opposed to the construction of Nicaragua’s planned $50 billion shipping canal, authorities said.
Islamic State captures Jordanian pilot after warplane crashes in Syria
AMMAN (Reuters) – Islamic State fighters took a Jordanian pilot prisoner after his warplane came down in northeast Syria on Wednesday, the first captive taken from the U.S.-led coalition battling the jihadi group.
Baghdad’s Christians gather defiantly for Christmas Eve mass
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Baghdad’s embattled Christian community worshipped defiantly Wednesday night at Christmas Eve mass.
Afghan women’s cricket crushed by threats, bombs and tradition
KABUL (Reuters) – The story of Afghan cricket is a rare bright spot in the troubled country’s recent past, full of unlikely successes and glory that have helped unify a divided nation. Unless you’re a woman player.
Out of tragedy, fortune for Sri Lankan tsunami village
SEENIGAMA, Sri Lanka (Reuters) – As towering waves came crashing into the southern coast of Sri Lanka on Dec. 26, 2004, Kushil Gunasekera gathered up his children and they ran for their lives to a nearby temple, the highest point they could find.
