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.
Putin says Russia economy will be cured, offers no remedy
MOSCOW (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin assured Russians on Thursday that the economy would rebound after the ruble’s dramatic slide this year but offered no remedy for a deepening financial crisis.
Iraqi Kurds liberate besieged Sinjar mountain, freeing hundreds
ZUMAR, Iraq (Reuters) – Kurdish peshmerga fighters have fought their way to Iraq’s Sinjar mountain and freed hundreds of people trapped there by Islamic State fighters, a Kurdish leader said on Thursday.
U.S. says would not support new Palestinian U.N. draft resolution
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States would not support a new Palestinian-proposed U.N. Security Council draft resolution, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Thursday.
Sun-seeking Canadians urged to visit Cuba now before Americans arrive
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) – Canadians who want to enjoy uncrowded Cuban beaches and the country’s “frozen in time” charm should act soon before U.S. policy changes open the floodgates for American tourists, a Canadian cruise company warned on Thursd…
Colombia rejects FARC’s verification demand for ceasefire
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Colombia on Thursday welcomed an offer by Marxist rebels for a ceasefire but rejected their demand for independent monitoring, putting the plan to stop hostilities on uncertain ground hours before it was to start.
Some Pakistan militants denounce school attack, amid national outrage
PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) – As Pakistanis unite in grief over the killings of 132 schoolchildren by the Pakistani Taliban, several other militant groups have been quick to condemn the carnage too.
Kenya security law approved despite disruptions in parliament
NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenya’s parliament approved new anti-terrorism laws on Thursday after chaotic scenes in which opposition legislators, citing a threat to civil liberties and free speech, threw books at the Speaker, shouted, chanted and sprinkled wat…
