Insight: Israeli gas holds promise of better ties with neighbors
MILAN/LONDON (Reuters) – Israel’s drive to export its new-found natural gas could help to rebuild strained ties with old regional allies Egypt and Turkey, but could deprive Europe of a precious alternative to Russian gas.
Israel says Kerry remarks on Iran nuclear threshold ‘not acceptable’
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel described as “unacceptable” on Monday remarks by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry suggesting cautious openness to negotiating a nuclear deal that would keep Iran six to 12 months away from bomb-making capability.
Anxious China emerges as diplomatic player in Afghanistan
KABUL/BEIJING (Reuters) – China is quietly preparing for a more robust role in the future of Afghanistan, concerned that the withdrawal of NATO troops will leave a hotbed of militancy on its doorstep.
China tells U.S. to stop ‘gesticulating’ on rights cases
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s foreign ministry told the United States on Monday to stop “gesticulating” in its criticism of China’s treatment of dissidents, after Washington called on Beijing to release a prominent activist.
Gunmen kill Saudi guard near Yemeni border, wound another: media
RIYADH (Reuters) – Unidentified gunmen in Yemen shot dead a Saudi Arabian border guard and wounded another in the early hours of Monday morning, Saudi news websites reported, in what would be the second such incident in five days.
Syria’s Assad says war turning in his favor
BEIRUT (Reuters) – President Bashar al-Assad said on Sunday that Syria’s three-year conflict was at a “turning point” due to his forces’ military gains against rebels, state media said.
Foreign doctor kidnapped in northern Yemen: local official
SANAA (Reuters) – An armed group kidnapped a foreign doctor in northern Yemen, the Interior Ministry and a local official said on Monday, the latest in a spate of abductions against Westerners in the country.
Fresh quake hits Nicaragua, damaging some buildings
MANAGUA (Reuters) – An earthquake struck Nicaragua early on Monday, damaging at least seven houses in and around the capital Managua, but there were no immediate reports of deaths or serious injuries.
Saudi Arabia jails 13 for aiding overseas fighters
RIYADH (Reuters) – A Saudi Arabian court on Sunday jailed 13 men to sentences ranging from one to 10 years for aiding and financing militants fighting abroad, conspiring inside Saudi Arabia and harboring wanted suspects, state news agency SPA reported …
Guinea-Bissau counts votes after big turnout in crucial poll
BISSAU (Reuters) – Vote counting began in Guinea-Bissau after a heavy turnout in Sunday’s legislative and presidential elections meant to bring stability to the West African state after years of coups and political infighting.
