Al Qaeda-linked rebels bomb Syrian defense minister’s town
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A suicide bomber from an al Qaeda-linked rebel group killed 13 soldiers in an attack on the Syrian defense minister’s hometown, an opposition monitoring group said on Tuesday.
Nigerian authorities free opposition deputy leader on bail
ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) on Tuesday freed the deputy head of the main opposition coalition on bail, a day after he was detained over comments he is reported to have made warning of violence in next year’s presidential po…
Ousted Egyptian president Mursi in court for jail break trial: state TV
CAIRO (Reuters) – Deposed Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood went on trial at a Cairo police academy on Tuesday on charges in connection with a mass jail break during the 2011 uprising, state television reported
Prominent Chinese rights activist to appeal sentence
BEIJING (Reuters) – One of China’s most prominent rights activists will appeal against a four-year prison sentence that prompted international criticism, his lawyer said on Tuesday, because he believes his conviction could set a bad precedent for other…
Japan revises teaching manuals, says islands its territory
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan said on Tuesday it was revising teaching manuals to make clear that two sets of remote islands at the center of disputes with China and South Korea are integral parts of its territory, prompting protests from an angry Seoul and …
Taiwan, China to hold historic talks, but avoid sensitive issues
TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan’s chief policymaker on China will meet his mainland counterpart in China in February in what will be the highest-level official talks between the two sides since 1949, but said on Tuesday he would not discuss “sensitive politi…
Ukraine’s Yanukovich, opposition agree to scrap some anti-protest laws
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich agreed in talks with opposition leaders to the repeal of some anti-protest laws and to discuss the fate of the current government at a crunch session of parliament on Tuesday, called to end two mon…
Mexico says catches senior Knights Templar drug gang boss
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexico said on Monday it had captured a leader of the Knights Templar, a violent drug cartel that has created a major security problem for President Enrique Pena Nieto.
Egypt’s generals give Sisi green light to run for president
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt’s top military council gave the army chief, Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a green light on Monday to seek election as president, a vote he is almost sure to win with Egyptians weary of turmoil unleashed by a pro-democracy …
Talks on Iran nuclear deal expected in NY in February: U.S.
UNITED NATIONS/BRUSSELS (Reuters) – – The opening round of talks between Iran and six world powers on a long-term deal for Tehran to curb parts of its nuclear program in exchange for a gradual end to sanctions is expected to take place next month in Ne…
