Georgia says Russia bent on ‘creeping annexation’ of breakaway regions
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Russia is moving ahead with the “creeping annexation” of two breakaway Georgian regions as part of an aggressive strategy to broaden its influence in the region, Georgia’s foreign minister said on Thursday.
Argentine judge throws out cover-up allegation against president
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – An Argentine judge on Thursday dismissed allegations that President Cristina Fernandez tried to cover up Iran’s purported involvement in the deadly bombing of a Jewish center in 1994.
Greek protesters clash with police in first backlash against Syriza
ATHENS (Reuters) – Dozens of black-clad protesters clashed with riot police in central Athens on Thursday, smashing shop windows, throwing petrol bombs and burning cars after an anti-government march, the first since the leftist Syriza party took power…
Russia’s Khodorkovsky: Putin is a ‘naked king’ facing economic ruin
LONDON (Reuters) – Former Russian tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky said on Thursday Vladimir Putin was a “naked king” presiding over an economy that will weaken further, eventually provoking a battle between rival clans in Moscow.
U.S.-led coalition launches 14 air strikes against Islamic State: statement
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and its partner nations launched 14 air strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria since Wednesday morning, the Combined Joint Task Force said on Thursday.
Bomb attacks kill at least 23 in north, central Nigeria
JOS/BAUCHI, Nigeria (Reuters) – Boko Haram bombers killed 23 people on Thursday, authorities said, as the Islamist insurgents fight back against a military offensive launched by Nigeria and three neighboring countries.
Nigeria’s opposition will not tolerate any more vote delays: Buhari
LONDON (Reuters) – Any further delays to Nigeria’s election would be unacceptable and the opposition will take the government to court if the election commission chief is forced out, presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday.
With sledgehammer, Islamic State smashes Iraqi history
ARBIL/BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Ultra-radical Islamist militants in northern Iraq have destroyed a priceless collection of statues and sculptures from the ancient Assyrian era, inflicting what an archaeologist described as incalculable damage to a piece of s…
Coalition partners threaten to challenge Ivory Coast president at polls
ABIDJAN (Reuters) – Prominent members of Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara’s main coalition partner on Thursday rejected a deal by their party’s leader to support Ouattara’s bid for re-election later this year.
Ukraine begins artillery withdrawal, recognizing truce is holding
PARASKOVIYVKA/DONETSK, Ukraine (Reuters) – Ukrainian troops towed artillery away from the front line in the east on Thursday, a move that amounted to recognizing that a ceasefire meant to take effect on Feb. 15 was holding at last.
