Qatar seeks to free more U.S. hostages in Syria: source
DOHA (Reuters) – Qatar is working to help free four Americans held hostage in Syria by various armed groups, a Gulf source familiar with the matter said on Monday, a day after the Gulf Arab state’s diplomacy helped free a journalist held since 2012.
Islamic State turns radical Islam on Syria Muslims
BEIRUT (Reuters) – As Islamic State militants advanced in the Syrian province of Deir al-Zor last month, those who had held out against them faced a simple choice: beg for mercy or face certain death.
Exclusive: In Ukraine, an armored column appears out of nowhere
MOSCOW/ NOVOAZOVSK Ukraine (Reuters) – On Monday, a resident of Novoazovsk in south-eastern Ukraine said she saw a column of armored vehicles approach the town and start shooting.
Israel, Palestinians reach Gaza ceasefire deal: Hamas spokesman
GAZA (Reuters) – Israel and the Palestinians have reached a Gaza ceasefire deal and an official announcement will be made in Egypt, where the agreement was mediated, a Gaza-based Hamas spokesman said on Tuesday.
Seleka rebel infighting in Central African Republic kills 17
BANGUI (Reuters) – Seventeen people were killed in a gun battle between rival factions of the Seleka rebels in territory they control in Central African Republic, a rebel spokesman said on Tuesday.
Washington to give Tunisia military aid to battle Islamists
TUNIS (Reuters) – The United States will give Tunisia $60 million worth of military aid to help it fight Islamist militants who are threatening the country’s nascent democracy, a senior American official said on Tuesday.
Austrian finance minister quits in tax reform row
VIENNA (Reuters) – Austrian Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor Michael Spindelegger unexpectedly quit all his political posts on Tuesday, citing lack of support from his conservative People’s Party (OVP) in a row over tax reform.
Pakistan’s prime minister meets army chief amid crisis
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met the country’s powerful army chief on Tuesday as a political deadlock over mass protests to demand the government’s resignation showed no signs of resolution.
Afghan candidate threatens to pull out of election process
KABUL (Reuters) – One of two candidates competing to succeed Afghan leader Hamid Karzai threatened on Tuesday to pull out of a U.N.-backed audit of a disputed presidential election, undermining a process meant to defuse a volatile standoff between the …
Two killed in border skirmish between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan
DUSHANBE/BISHKEK (Reuters) – Two Tajiks were killed in a border shootout between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, the bloodiest clash so far this year on the frontier between the former Soviet neighbors, officials said on Tuesday.
