Nigeria leader wants $1 billion loan to help fight Boko Haram
ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday sought approval from parliament to borrow up to $1 billion abroad to help the armed forces tackle the security threat posed by the Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram.
South African union NUMSA says to intensify metals, engineering strike
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) – South Africa’s main manufacturing union, NUMSA, said it has agreed a plan of action to intensify a three-week strike over pay that has hit car makers and construction companies.
Turkish opposition says government stalling on corruption probe
ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkey’s opposition accused the government on Wednesday of stalling tactics to avoid potentially damaging revelations from an inquiry into alleged corruption emerging in the run-up to an August presidential election.
Indian states seek easier land sales in reform challenge for Modi
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Indian states eager to kick-start major infrastructure projects have proposed radical changes to land acquisition laws that are blamed for stalling billions of dollars’ worth of roads, railways, ports and power installations.
Seven Egyptian men sentenced to life for sex attacks, harassment
CAIRO (Reuters) – Seven Egyptian men were jailed for life on Wednesday for attacking and sexually harassing women during rallies and celebrations in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.
Germany’s high-flying Merkel to mark low-key 60th birthday
BERLIN (Reuters) – Angela Merkel, it seems, has had her fill of parties for now.
Refugee survey suggests higher death toll in Central African Republic
DAKAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Fighting in Central African Republic may have claimed more lives than previously thought because many Muslim victims were never taken to state hospitals and families buried their dead at home because of security fea…
U.N.’s Pillay suggests Snowden should not face trial
GENEVA (Reuters) – The top U.N. human rights official suggested on Wednesday the United States should abandon its efforts to prosecute Edward Snowden, saying his revelations of massive state surveillance had been in the public interest.
Afghanistan revises down death toll from market attack to 43
KABUL (Reuters) – Afghanistan on Wednesday revised down the casualty figure from a car bomb attack in the eastern province of Paktika to 43 from 89, saying at least 74 people had been wounded.
Iran election tactics drive nuclear deal timetable
VIENNA (Reuters) – Failure to solve Iran’s nuclear dispute by a Sunday deadline may dismay weary negotiators in Vienna and stir fresh Middle East tension, but an extension of talks could reap political gains at home for the Islamic Republic’s supreme l…
