Russian force training to counter militants from Syria: Chechen leader
MOSCOW (Reuters) – A unit of the Russian security forces is training to counter Islamist militants amid fears fighters in Syria will return to join insurgents in the North Caucasus, Chechnya’s Kremlin-backed leader said.
Toronto mayor denies he tried to buy ‘crack video’
TORONTO (Reuters) – Toronto Mayor Rob Ford called allegations he may have tried to buy a video that apparently showed him using crack cocaine “an outright lie” in a sports radio interview on Thursday.
Sweden key partner for U.S. spying on Russia: TV
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Sweden has been a key partner for the United States in spying on Russia, Swedish television reported on Thursday, citing leaked documents from the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA).
Hague court judges reject Kenyatta’s bid to stop trial
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – Judges rejected Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta’s bid to halt his trial on crimes against humanity, saying his accusations that prosecution witnesses colluded to mislead the court were not serious enough to prejudice proceedings.
Brazil’s plan for Indian-farmer land disputes faces opposition
SAO PAULO (Reuters) – The Brazilian government’s plan to resolve widespread land disputes between farmers and Indians is meeting opposition from both sides, increasing tensions in South America’s bread basket.
Insight: Beheadings and spies help al Qaeda gain ground in Syria
AMMAN (Reuters) – Armed with machine guns, black-clad al Qaeda fighters drove their pick-ups calmly into the northern Syrian town and took over its imposing agriculture ministry building.
Pope to set up special committee on child sex abuse
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis is to set up a special committee to help protect children against sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, the archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Sean Patrick O’Malley, said on Thursday.
Iran acting to allow closer monitoring of nuclear program
VIENNA (Reuters) – U.N. inspectors are to visit an Iranian plant on Sunday linked to a planned heavy-water reactor that could yield nuclear bomb fuel, taking up an initial gesture by Iran to open its disputed nuclear program up to greater scrutiny.
Nigeria shuts Abuja airport after plane veers off runway
ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigeria’s Abuja airport has been closed since Wednesday night after a Saudi Arabian cargo plane veered off the runway, the aviation ministry said on Thursday.
Gunmen kill U.S. teacher in Libya’s Benghazi
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Gunmen shot dead an American chemistry teacher working at an international school in the Libyan city of Benghazi, medical and security sources said on Thursday.
