Warplane attacks Libya’s Benghazi port after threats by ex-general
BENGHAZI Libya (Reuters) – A war plane attacked a port in Benghazi on Wednesday in a strike claimed by forces loyal to former general Khalifa Haftar, bringing their battle against Islamists to the heart of the eastern Libyan city.
Israel says Iran used Parchin military site for testing nuclear detonation technology
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel said on Wednesday that Iran has used its Parchin military base as the site for secret tests of technology that could be used only for detonating a nuclear weapon.
U.N. backs strong laws against foreign extremist fighters
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The U.N. Security Council demanded on Wednesday that all states make it a serious criminal offense for their citizens to travel abroad to fight with militant groups, or to recruit and fund others to do so, in a move sparked b…
In U.N. speech, Obama appeals for broad coalition against Islamic State
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama made his case to the United Nations on Wednesday for a more forceful, coordinated global response against Islamic militants in the Middle East that would seek to dismantle their “network of death.”…
Algerian militants behead kidnapped French tourist
ALGIERS (Reuters) – Algerian militants have beheaded French tourist Herve Gourdel, who was kidnapped by gunmen on Sunday in what the group said was a response to France’s action against Islamic State militants in Iraq.
Venezuela opposition names new head to fight Maduro
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela’s opposition parties on Wednesday named a 56-year-old journalist and teacher to head their coalition ahead of 2015 parliamentary elections where they hope to weaken President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist government.
New York mayor hails Britain’s Labour leader Miliband as next PM
MANCHESTER England (Reuters) – Bill de Blasio, New York’s Democrat mayor, endorsed Britain’s harried opposition Labour Party leader Ed Miliband on Wednesday, calling him an extraordinary politician on course to win “a great victory” at a national elect…
Militants surround Iraqi base in west Iraq; incident exposes army weakness
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Around 200 Iraqi soldiers were trapped in an army camp in western Iraq on Wednesday, besieged by Islamic State militants who routed hapless army forces in a raid on a base close to Baghdad at the weekend.
Iranian commander confirms Quds Force chief was in Iraq: TV
DUBAI (Reuters) – An Iranian commander has confirmed the presence in Iraq of the influential chief of Iran’s Quds Force, an overseas arm of the Revolutionary Guards, saying Qassem Soleimani was fighting the Islamic State militant group, official media …
Obama urges Iran not to let opportunity pass for nuclear deal
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama urged Iran on Wednesday “do not let this opportunity pass” for a nuclear deal by which Tehran would rein in its atomic program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
