Indonesian political sniping offers presidential hopeful Jokowi some help
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesian presidential frontrunner Joko “Jokowi” Widodo looks to be getting some extra help from the bickering that threatens to undermine his chief rivals to become the next leader of the world’s third biggest democracy.
Japanese minister, MPs visit Yasukuni Shrine on eve of Obama visit
TOKYO (Reuters) – A Japanese cabinet minister and about 150 lawmakers on Tuesday visited Yasukuni Shrine, seen by critics as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism, sparking anger among Asian neighbors a day before U.S. President Barack Obama arrives in t…
Wage cuts make Spain’s recovery a long, painful path
MADRID (Reuters) – Carmen Collado has laundered hospital linen in Madrid for 11 years. Now, almost half her colleagues have been fired and the 61-year-old grandmother is cleaning the same bed sheets, nurses’ scrubs and towels as before for half the pay…
Pacific accord on maritime code could help prevent conflicts
QINGDAO, China (Reuters) – More than 20 countries with interests in the western Pacific signed up to a framework maritime communication deal on Tuesday in what could a step towards ensuring that miscommunication between naval vessels does not develop i…
Japan finance minister expects stronger Japan-U.S. alliance through summit
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday that he expects Japan and the United States will strengthen their alliance through this week’s summit meeting.
Kachin rebels renew plea for U.S. role to ensure fair Myanmar peace
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The last ethnic insurgent group still fighting Myanmar’s government has issued a new plea for the United States to become involved in peace efforts in order to guarantee future minority rights.
U.S. says has indications toxic chemical used in Syria in April
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States has indications that a toxic chemical, probably chlorine, was used in Syria this month and is examining whether the Syrian government was responsible, the U.S. State Department said on Monday.
French troops in Central African Republic escort Muslims to safety
BAMBARI, Central African Republic (Reuters) – French peacekeepers in Central African Republic escorted a convoy of Muslims away from the threat of violence in the capital on Monday to a town effectively controlled by Muslim rebels.
Ukraine peace deal falters as rebels show no sign of surrender
KIEV/SLAVIANSK, Ukraine (Reuters) – An international agreement to avert wider conflict in Ukraine was faltering on Monday, with pro-Moscow separatist gunmen showing no sign of surrendering government buildings they have seized.
Exclusive: U.S. force in Afghanistan may be cut to less than 10,000 troops
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan may drop well below 10,000 – the minimum demanded by the U.S. military to train Afghan forces – as the longest war in American history winds down, Obama administration officials briefed on…
