Islamic State ransacks Assyrian capital as Iraq appeals for help
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Islamic State militants have desecrated another ancient Iraqi capital, the government said on Wednesday, razing parts of the 2,700-year-old city of Khorsabad famed for its colossal statues of human-headed winged bulls.
Head of Chile right-wing party resigns amid campaign finance scandal
SANTIAGO (Reuters) – The head of Chile’s right-wing UDI party, a bastion of support for late dictator Augusto Pinochet, resigned on Wednesday, becoming the first political casualty of a campaign finance scandal that has left Chileans feeling betrayed.
Petrobras scandal pushes Rousseff coalition to the brink
BRASILIA (Reuters) – President Dilma Rousseff can no longer count on a key ally in her ruling coalition, complicating efforts to stave off what could be the roughest patch for Brazil’s economy in a quarter-century.
Canada says foils plot to bomb Toronto financial district, U.S. consulate
TORONTO (Reuters) – Canada said on Wednesday it had foiled a plot by a self-proclaimed Islamic State supporter to bomb the U.S. consulate and other buildings in Toronto’s financial district.
U.S. backs U.N. resolution on Boko Haram regional force
YAOUNDE (Reuters) – The United States supports the creation of a West African force of up to 10,000 troops to fight Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram, a U.S. defense official said on Wednesday.
U.S. blacklists more Ukrainian rebels, expands non-lethal aid
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States announced $75 million in non-lethal aid for Ukraine on Wednesday and placed sanctions on a handful of Ukrainian separatists, a Russian bank and others after accusing Russian-backed rebels of breaking a European-…
Exclusive: U.S. asks Vietnam to stop helping Russian bomber flights
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States has asked Vietnam to stop letting Russia use a former U.S. base to refuel nuclear-capable bombers engaged in shows of strength over the Asia-Pacific region, exposing strains in Washington’s steadily warming rela…
Iraqi forces push into Tikrit, bombers hit Ramadi
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraqi security forces and militias fought their way into Saddam Hussein’s home city of Tikrit on Wednesday, advancing on two fronts in their biggest counter-offensive so far against Islamic State militants.
U.N report details Gambia rights abuse as EU considers aid
DAKAR (Reuters) – A report by the U.N. special rapporteur on torture has found evidence of significant human rights violations in Gambia, placing pressure on European governments as they consider whether to press ahead with a major aid package.
Hundreds protest against Mali peace proposal as factions mull response
KIDAL/BAMAKO (Reuters) – Hundreds of protesters rallied for a second day in the northern Malian town of Kidal against a preliminary, U.N.-brokered peace proposal on Wednesday, as Tuareg separatist leaders gathered to discuss the agreement with their su…
