Insight: The U.N. invitation that nearly undid Syria peace talks
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – What was supposed to be one of the biggest diplomatic coups of Ban Ki-moon’s two terms as United Nations Secretary-General was nearly his worst disaster.
‘Perplexed’ India says U.S. probably still most important ally
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The case of the Indian consul arrested and strip-searched in New York last month was handled “appallingly” and needs to be resolved, but the United States remains probably India’s most important ally, the Indian ambassador to Was…
U.S. eyes options for Afghanistan after Congress cuts aid
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Obama administration is considering ways to ensure future financial assistance for Afghanistan after U.S. lawmakers halved development aid to the country.
Russian police kill Islamist militant leader before Olympics
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Police have killed a senior Islamist militant in Russia’s North Caucasus ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, where security forces searched on Tuesday for a woman they fear is planning an attack during the games.
Syrian warring sides to meet under world’s gaze
MONTREUX, Switzerland (Reuters) – Syria’s government and its enemies come face to face on Wednesday for the first time as world powers try to set aside their own differences and push for an end to three years of civil war that is unsettling the entire …
Israel kills Gaza militant blamed for rockets during Sharon funeral
GAZA (Reuters) – Israel killed two Gaza gunmen in an air strike on Wednesday, blaming one of them for firing rockets across the border during former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s funeral last week.
‘Perplexed’ India says U.S. probably still most important ally
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The case of the Indian consul arrested and strip-searched in New York last month was handled “appallingly” and needs to be resolved, but the United States remains probably India’s most important ally, the Indian ambassador to Was…
Toronto mayor, caught ranting on video, admits drinking a ‘little bit’
TORONTO (Reuters) – Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, who pledged last year to go clean after a crack-smoking scandal, admitted on Tuesday he had been drinking again after a video surfaced of him ranting about police surveillance in a mock Jamaican accent in a s…
Debt headache for Thai tycoon as protests bruise baht
SINGAPORE/BANGKOK (Reuters) – A local currency hit by months of political unrest, and skittish consumers spending less are keeping the pressure on Thai billionaire Dhanin Chearavanont, who heads Asia’s most indebted food retailer.
China puts prominent activist on trial
BEIJING (Reuters) – When dozens of activists unfurled banners across the country last March and April calling for officials to disclose their assets, they did so at the urging of one of China’s most prominent rights advocates, Xu Zhiyong.
