Israeli settlers archaeology tourism plans seen deepening roots
HEBRON, West Bank (Reuters) – On an ancient hill dotted with 1,000-year-old olive trees, Israelis are busy excavating in search of the first palace of King David in the heart of the West Bank.
China convicts two anti-graft activists in crackdown
BEIJING (Reuters) – China convicted two anti-graft campaigners on Wednesday for their roles in a protest urging officials to reveal their assets, the latest measures in a crackdown that has sparked international criticism.
China decor magnate arrested for suspected bribery
SHANGHAI (Reuters) – A billionaire who Chinese media say is linked to the downfall of the former mayor of Nanjing has been arrested on suspicion of corruption, the company he founded, Suzhou Gold Mantis Construction Decoration Co Ltd, said.
U.N. envoy urges action on Yemen, Security Council to draft resolution
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United Nations’ envoy on Yemen urged the Security Council on Tuesday to “do its part” in helping stop those attempting to obstruct the Yemeni transition, which diplomats said was a call for possible sanctions against form…
Mexico launches anti-kidnapping squad after abductions soar
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexico’s government on Tuesday created an anti-kidnapping agency after abductions soared 20 percent last year despite President Enrique Pena Nieto’s vow to reduce the crime.
Cuba challenges neighbors on poverty, then faces own critics
HAVANA (Reuters) – Cuban President Raul Castro challenged Latin American leaders to show the political will to improve health care and education, then heard from his own critics after Cuban authorities stifled a protest outside the confines of a region…
Central African Republic wants U.N. force as EU troops OKed
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The U.N. Security Council approved on Tuesday the planned deployment of European troops to Central African Republic in a bid to stop violence between Christians and Muslims as the country’s president called for a U.N. peaceke…
Turkish central bank makes massive rate hikes to stem lira fall
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkey’s central bank hiked all of its key interest rates in dramatic fashion at an emergency midnight policy meeting, ignoring opposition from Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan as it battles to defend the country’s crumbling lira curr…
Pakistan sees chance for Afghan peace talks to resume after April election
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Pakistan sees a chance to resume stalled peace talks that aim to end the long conflict in Afghanistan if Taliban militants are willing to engage with the Afghan government once President Hamid Karzai steps down, a top Pakistani o…
Turkish central bank makes massive rate hikes to stem lira fall
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkey’s central bank hiked all of its key interest rates in dramatic fashion at an emergency midnight policy meeting, ignoring opposition from Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan as it battles to defend the country’s crumbling lira curr…
