Exclusive: Islamic State guides Egyptian militants, expanding its influence
CAIRO (Reuters) – Islamic State, fighting to redraw the map of the Middle East, has been coaching Egypt’s most dangerous militant group, complicating efforts to stabilize the biggest Arab nation.
Pakistan opposition in talks with government to end political crisis
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Leaders of Pakistani protests demanding Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation pressed on with talks with the government on Friday, reviving hopes for a political solution to a crisis that has destabilized the coup-prone nation…
Syria’s Nusra Front appeals to Lebanese Sunnis, threatens army
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Al Qaeda’s Syrian branch, the Nusra Front, told Lebanon’s Sunni Muslims they must support its cause or “pay the price” and said the coming period would be decisive for anyone who stood with the Lebanese army.
French comedian investigated for comments on James Foley killing
PARIS (Reuters) – French authorities have opened an investigation into a controversial comedian who mocked the killing of U.S. journalist James Foley and showed footage of it in a video.
Afghanistan completes election audit in step toward new president
KABUL (Reuters) – A U.N.-supervised audit of votes in Afghanistan’s disputed presidential election has finished, an Afghan electoral official said on Friday.
Heavy rains kill 73 in Pakistan as floods spread
ISLAMABAD/MUZAFFARABAD Pakistan (Reuters) – At least 73 people have been killed across Pakistan after heavy rains brought flash floods and caused homes to collapse in the Punjab and Kashmir regions, government officials said Friday.
NATO to help coordinate security assistance for Iraq
NEWPORT Wales (Reuters) – NATO leaders are set to agree at a summit on Friday to help organize security assistance for Iraq in its fight against Islamic State militants, including coordinating the airlift of supplies, a Western official said.
U.S. says forms ‘core coalition’ to counter Iraq militants
NEWPORT Wales (Reuters) – The United States said on Friday it was forming a “core coalition” to battle Islamic State militants in Iraq, calling for broad support from allies and partners but ruling out committing ground forces.
South Africa denies Dalai Lama visa again
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) – South Africa has denied a visa to the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, for the third time in five years, one of his representatives said on Thursday, intensifying speculation about the extent of Beijing’s sway over Pretoria.
Turkey’s Erdogan to seek Gulen extradition in Obama talks: media
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will seek the extradition of his ally-turned-foe, U.S.-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, when he meets U.S. President Barack Obama at the NATO summit on Friday, Turkish media reports said.
