Qatar runs covert desert training camp for Syrian rebels
DOHA (Reuters) – At a desert base, Gulf state Qatar is covertly training moderate Syrian rebels with U.S. help to fight both President Bashar al-Assad and Islamic State and may include more overtly Islamist insurgent groups, sources close to the matter…
Turkey bans reporting on corruption investigation of ex-ministers
ANKARA (Reuters) – A Turkish court has banned media from reporting on a parliamentary investigation into corruption allegations against four ex-ministers, a move the opposition says amounts to protecting thieves.
Hungary’s ruling party down in polls over Web tax, quarrels with West
BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Public support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party fell sharply in November, a survey showed on Wednesday, hit by a plan to tax Internet use that it later dropped and by disputes with Western powers.
Islamic State targeted in 17 air strikes by U.S., allies
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States led 17 air strikes on Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria since Monday, the U.S. Central Command said on Wednesday.
Egypt opens Rafah crossing to stranded Palestinians bound for Gaza
GAZA (Reuters) – Egypt opened the Rafah border crossing on Wednesday for the first time in a month to allow thousands of stranded Palestinians to return to the Gaza Strip, border officials said.
Time running short to rebuild Gaza: EU representative
GAZA (Reuters) – Time is running out to get post-war reconstruction going in Gaza, which needs not only cement and bricks but also fundamental political change, the EU’s representative said during a visit to the enclave on Wednesday.
Putin says Russia is not a threat to anyone
SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday Russia would safeguard its own security and that of its allies but posed a threat to no one.
Iran parliament ends standoff with Rouhani, approves higher education minister
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s parliament voted on Wednesday to approve President Hassan Rouhani’s fifth candidate to head the higher education ministry, ending an ideological tussle over a cabinet post important to his pledge to liberalize life in the Islam…
Far-left politician a new threat to Merkel?
BERLIN (Reuters) – A small eastern state is set to embark on an experiment that could shift the political landscape in Germany, loosening Angela Merkel’s grip on power and raising the chances of a future government in Berlin that includes fervent suppo…
Algeria says killed militant involved in French tourist beheading
ALGIERS (Reuters) – Algeria’s military has killed a militant involved in the abduction and beheading of French tourist Herve Gourdel in September, Justice Minister Tayeb Louh said on Wednesday.
