Israel approves 243 new settler homes in East Jerusalem
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel has given preliminary approval for the construction of 243 new homes on West Bank land that Israel annexed to Jerusalem, and advanced plans for another 270 homes in the same area, officials said on Thursday.
Syria’s war enters new year more fragmented than ever
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Deep into its fourth year of conflict, Syria looks less and less like a state than a patchwork of warring fiefdoms, making outside powers more reluctant to intervene even as it becomes more destabilizing for the region.
Russia says Kiev’s move to join NATO dangerous for Europe
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership posed a danger to European security and that the West was using Kiev’s bid to join the Atlantic alliance as a way to fuel confrontation between Russia a…
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.
