Obama looks to salvage Asia ‘pivot’ as allies fret about China
WASHINGTON/MANILA (Reuters) – When a Philippine government ship evaded a Chinese blockade in disputed waters of the South China Sea last month, a U.S. Navy plane swooped in to witness the dramatic encounter.
Jordanian warplanes destroy vehicles trying to cross from Syria: spokesman
AMMAN (Reuters) – Jordanian warplanes hit and destroyed several vehicles trying to cross the border from Syria, a government spokesman said on Wednesday, underlining Amman’s concern about incursions from areas controlled by Syrian rebels.
22 reported killed in clashes over Central African Republic town
BANGUI (Reuters) – At least 22 people, mainly civilians, were killed in clashes between mainly Muslim rebels and Christian militia in the Central African Republic earlier this week, the local Red Cross said on Wednesday.
India’s Modi says committed to no first use of nuclear weapons
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Indian prime ministerial frontrunner Narendra Modi ruled out the first use of nuclear weapons on Wednesday, seeking to calm concerns after his Hindu nationalist party vowed to revise arms strategy if elected.
Abductors of Nigerian schoolgirls pretended to be soldiers: witness
MAIDUGURI/ABUJA (Reuters) – Islamist rebels duped dozens of Nigerian schoolgirls into thinking they were soldiers come to evacuate them before abducting between 50 and 100 in their latest anti-government raid, officials said on Wednesday.
Pakistan publishes list to embarrass tax cheats into paying up
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Desperate Pakistani tax authorities are publicly shaming defaulters by publishing taxpayers’ details in a directory for the first time, officials said on Wednesday.
Brazil’s Rousseff looks weak, but so do her election rivals
SAO PAULO (Reuters) – With Brazil’s economy struggling, a scandal at its state-run oil company and nearly three-quarters of voters saying they want change from their government, President Dilma Rousseff looks vulnerable in her bid for re-election this …
Pakistani Taliban end ceasefire with government but say talks still on
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan (Reuters) – The Pakistani Taliban have formally ended a 40-day ceasefire but are still open to talks with the government, a spokesman said on Wednesday.
Saudi authorities detain activist after court appearance: wife
DUBAI (Reuters) – A prominent Saudi rights lawyer and activist has been detained by authorities after appearing in court in Riyadh on sedition charges, his wife said on Wednesday.
Pakistani Taliban end ceasefire with government but say talks still on
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan (Reuters) – The Pakistani Taliban have formally ended a 40-day ceasefire but are still open to talks with the government, a spokesman said on Wednesday.