Turkey’s president approves law tightening grip on judiciary
ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Wednesday approved a law boosting government control over the appointment of judges and prosecutors, even though he deferred some elements in the legislation to the Constitutional Court.
Exclusive: Iranian oil exports rise in February, more to ally Syria
LONDON (Reuters) – Iran’s oil exports have risen further in February for a fourth consecutive month, according to sources who track tanker movements, adding to signs that the easing of sanctions pressure on Tehran is helping its oil exports to recover….
Killers of South African politician Hani attacked in prison
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – The convicted killers of South African anti-apartheid hero Chris Hani were attacked by a fellow inmate wielding a kitchen spoon, a correctional services spokesman said on Wednesday.
Arab Spring will fail unless Tunisia transition succeeds: foreign minister
PARIS (Reuters) – Tunisia said on Wednesday that it needs more help from its European partners in its transition to democracy because if it fails no other country in the Arab region will succeed.
India’s ruling party demands opinion poll ban after exposé
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India’s ruling Congress party, which surveys suggest will be ousted from power in elections due by May, called on Wednesday for opinion polls to be banned during the campaign after a TV news report alleged survey data was routinel…
Jazeera plans Egypt embassy protests to win journalists’ freedom
DOHA (Reuters) – Broadcaster Al Jazeera called for vigils outside Egyptian embassies across the world on Thursday to press Egypt to free four of its journalists, three of whom have been charged with aiding a “terrorist organization”.
U.N. authorizes sanctions regime for Yemen, leaves blacklist blank
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The U.N. Security Council on Wednesday authorized sanctions against anyone in Yemen who obstructs the country’s political transition or commits human rights violations but stopped short of blacklisting any specific individual…
Western anger at anti-gay law hits Uganda’s currency
KAMPALA (Reuters) – Uganda’s currency tumbled on Wednesday on concerns that a new anti-gay law will damage relations with Western countries alarmed at what they see as a government-backed violation of human rights.
Tunisia expects political stability will enable record high tourism this year
TUNIS (Reuters) – Tunisia expects a record high 7 million tourists to visit this year as the country that inspired the Arab Spring revolts enjoys political stability for the first time since the uprising three years ago, the tourism minister said.
Venezuela government faces brutality accusations over unrest
VALENCIA, Venezuela (Reuters) – Venezuelan protester Juan Manuel Carrasco says he was cursing soldiers during an anti-government protest when they grabbed him and two friends.
