Outgoing Afghan leader not going anywhere, to U.S. chagrin
KABUL (Reuters) – In central Kabul, a few minutes’ walk from the ornate presidential office, workmen are putting the finishing touches to an imposing new residence and office complex: the retirement compound of the outgoing Afghan president.
Saudi foreign minister says has invited Iranian counterpart to visit
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal, said on Tuesday Riyadh had invited Iran’s foreign minister to visit the kingdom.
Kurds could opt out of next Iraqi government: president
ARBIL, Iraq (Reuters) – The president of Iraqi Kurdistan, Masoud Barzani, said Iraq had been led in an authoritarian direction by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and threatened to end the oil-rich autonomous region’s participation in the federal governme…
Former Israeli PM Olmert sentenced to six years for corruption
TEL AVIV (Reuters) – Israel’s ex-prime minister Ehud Olmert was sentenced to six years in jail on Tuesday for taking bribes in a real estate deal, a crime the judge said was akin to treason.
Pressure builds on Thai Senate as crisis drags on
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s Senate was meeting on Tuesday to try to find a solution to protracted political turmoil, with both sides putting pressure on the only legislative assembly still functioning in the polarized country.
Rebels appeal to join Russia after east Ukraine referendum
DONETSK/SLAVIANSK, Ukraine (Reuters) – Pro-Moscow rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine called on Monday for their region to become part of Russia, the day after staging a referendum on self-rule, although Moscow stopped short of endorsing their bid for ann…
U.N. peacekeepers injured in Mali land mine explosion
BAMAKO (Reuters) – Three United Nations peacekeepers were injured on Tuesday when their vehicle hit a landmine in the northern Malian town of Kidal, a spokesman for the U.N. mission said.
Pakistani police charge 68 lawyers with blasphemy over protest
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistani police have registered a case of blasphemy against 68 lawyers who made a public protest after a police officer detained one of their colleagues, officials said on Tuesday, the latest in a tidal wave of such accusations f…
South African police deployed to platinum belt to protect miners
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South African police deployed additional officers to the platinum belt on Tuesday to protect miners returning to work this week, a police spokesman said, as producers pushed ahead with plans to end the country’s longest and mos…
Quake strikes off Panama, no major damage reported
PANAMA CITY (Reuters) – A powerful earthquake struck in the Pacific off the coast of Panama early on Tuesday, shaking buildings, but there were no initial reports of major damage or casualties.
