Philippines calls one-month ceasefire with Maoists for Xmas, Pope
MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino has suspended army operations against Maoist guerrillas for a month to mark Christmas and a visit by Pope Francis, the head of the military said on Monday.
India to boost women taxi drivers, spurred by Uber rape claim
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – The alleged rape of a woman passenger by an Uber taxi driver once again spotlights the risks of India’s transport system, which fails to keep women safe. One solution: Taxis driven by women for women.
Guerrillas killed seven soldiers in ambush last week, Myanmar military says
YANGON (Reuters) – Seven Myanmar soldiers were killed and 20 wounded in an attack by rebels in the northeastern frontier with China five days ago, state media said Monday.
Uber offers free rides in Sydney after criticism of price surge amid siege
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Online car service Uber on Monday offered free rides from Sydney’s central business district following a public backlash over an initial surge in prices amid a hostage drama in a city cafe.
Saudi Arabian security man shot dead in Riyadh: police
DUBAI (Reuters) – A gunman holding three laborers hostage in the Saudi capital Riyadh shot dead a member of the security forces when police tried to free the captives, police said on Monday.
China says U.S. appropriations bill violates rules, sends bad signal
SHANGHAI (Reuters) – China is unhappy with the U.S. spending bill passed by the House of Representatives last week, saying it contains discriminatory clauses that violate the rules of fair trade and “send the wrong signal”.
Washington undecided on U.N. resolution for Palestinian state
JERUSALEM/ROME (Reuters) – Israel said it hoped the United States would veto any moves at the United Nations to set a time frame for its withdrawal from territory Palestinians seek for a state, but a senior U.S. official said it was too early to say.
Turkish police raid media close to cleric rival Gulen, detain 24
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkish police raided media outlets close to a U.S.-based Muslim cleric on Sunday and detained 24 people including top executives and ex-police chiefs in operations against what President Tayyip Erdogan calls a terrorist network co…
Hostages held in Sydney cafe, Islamic flag seen in window: local TV
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Hostages were being held inside a central Sydney cafe where a black flag with white Arabic writing could be seen in the window, local television showed on Monday, raising fears of an attack linked to Islamic militants.
Washington undecided on U.N. resolution for Palestinian state
JERUSALEM/ROME (Reuters) – Israel said it hoped the United States would veto any moves at the United Nations to set a time frame for its withdrawal from territory Palestinians seek for a state, but a senior U.S. official said it was too early to say.
