Uzbek president asks Putin to help fight radical Islam in Central Asia
TASHKENT (Reuters) – Uzbekistan urged Russia on Wednesday to help protect Central Asia against what it said would be a rising threat from militant Islam as U.S. forces draw down their numbers in Afghanistan.
Israel moots security cooperation with Lebanese military
TEL AVIV (Reuters) – Israel’s military said on Wednesday it was exploring the possibility of cooperating with the Lebanese army to counter Sunni Islamist militants, even though the two countries remain technically at war.
Exclusive: EU considers tightening ban on energy, tourism in Crimea
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union is considering widening its ban on investment in Crimea to include barring the sale of technology for oil and gas exploration and stopping EU firms running tourist businesses there, according to a draft document …
Four killed in Nigeria’s Kano in double suicide bomb attack
KANO, Nigeria (Reuters) – Four people were killed when two female suicide bombers attacked the Kantin Kwari textile market in Nigeria’s second city Kano, police commissioner Adenerele Shinaba said on Wednesday.
Islamic State suicide bombing kills 12 Shi’ite militia fighters
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – A suicide bomb and mortar attack by Islamic State militants killed 12 Shi’ite militia fighters north of Baghdad on Wednesday and a series of bombings in the Iraqi capital killed six people, military and medical sources said.
Jailed Greek anarchist calls off hunger strike
ATHENS (Reuters) – A self-proclaimed Greek anarchist has called off a hunger strike after being allowed to attend university classes with a tracking bracelet, his lawyer said on Wednesday, defusing tensions that had sparked protests across Greece.
Colombian government, rebels restart suspended peace talks
HAVANA (Reuters) – The Colombian government and leftist FARC guerrillas on Wednesday restarted peace talks that had been suspended over the rebel capture of an army general who has since been released.
Britain calls on NATO allies to help in submarine hunt: media
LONDON (Reuters) – NATO allies sent patrol planes to help Britain scour the waters off its western Scottish coast after a submarine’s periscope was spotted, in a search reminiscent of the Cold War, media reported.
UK lawmakers say want China envoy summoned over Hong Kong ban
LONDON (Reuters) – A group of senior lawmakers said on Wednesday that China’s refusal to allow them to visit Hong Kong was an insult to Britain and called on the government to formally summon China’s ambassador over the issue.
Shi’ite pilgrims flock to Iraq holy city, government fears attack
KERBALA, Iraq (Reuters) – From across Iraq and neighboring states, millions of Shi’ite pilgrims are heading this week to the city of Kerbala for a religious ceremony that authorities say radical Sunni fighters are targeting for attack.
