Pope Francis condemns attacks in Australia, Pakistan, Yemen
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis on Wednesday condemned what he called “inhuman terrorist acts” in three different countries this week and prayed that violent militants be converted to peace.
Thai army chief calls on all to protect monarchy
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s army chief warned on Wednesday people not to break a strict law protecting the monarchy as the defense minister vowed to prosecute violators of the law who live abroad.
U.S. rejects Manila’s bid for custody of U.S. Marine accused of murder
MANILA (Reuters) – The United States embassy in Manila has turned down a request from Philippine authorities to hand over a Marine accused of the killing of a transgender Filipino, a move that could spark anti-American protest in the former U.S. colony…
Libya conflict revives front lines from 2011 civil war
RAS JDIR, Libya (Reuters) – His Kalashnikov across his back, Libyan soldier Adel Howas rushed to the front line when air strikes targeted his comrades at a border crossing with Tunisia.
Iraq’s Kurdistan says to deepen ties with Iran
LONDON (Reuters) – Iraqi Kurdistan plans to strengthen its relationship with Iran, the prime minister of the semi-autonomous region said on Wednesday in an acknowledgement of the deepening ties between Arbil and Tehran.
Iran says sees more steps ahead in nuclear talks
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday nuclear talks with major powers were being conducted in a good atmosphere, “good steps” had been taken and more would follow.
Greek political fallout a worry, but financial contagion seen limited
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Five years after Greece sparked a sovereign debt crisis that threatened the euro’s survival, the country again has the potential to rattle its currency partners if Greeks have to elect a new government next month.
Dalai Lama says China hardliners hold back Xi on Tibet autonomy
BEIJING (Reuters) – Hardliners in the Chinese government are holding back President Xi Jinping from granting genuine autonomy to Tibet, the Himalayan region’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, told a French broadcaster.
Drone strike in Afghanistan kills four Pakistani Taliban: official
JALALABAD, Afghanistan (Reuters) – A U.S. drone strike in eastern Afghanistan killed four Pakistani Taliban members and seven other insurgents, a district government official said Wednesday.
Philippines to get frigates, gunboats, helicopters as tension simmers
MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines aims to buy two frigates, two helicopters and three gunboats for deployment in the South China Sea where a territorial dispute with China has lent urgency to the need to bolster forces, a Philippine navy officer said …
