Sinai-based group claims Egypt police compound bombing
ISMAILIA/CAIRO (Reuters) – A Sinai-based Islamist militant group said on Wednesday it was behind a car bomb attack on an Egyptian police compound in the Nile Delta which killed 16 people and wounded about 140.
Analysis: As Egypt hardliners gain, scope for conflict grows
CAIRO (Reuters) – If there was any hope left that the generals who overthrew Egypt’s elected president six months ago might ease the state’s crackdown on dissent, a suicide bomb that ripped through a police station on Tuesday may have destroyed it.
Britain hit by floods, power cuts at Christmas
LONDON (Reuters) – Tens of thousands of Britons will remain without electricity on Christmas Day after torrential rainfall flooded homes and hurricane-force winds battered the country.
Another dark Christmas for Iraq’s Christians
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – It’s Christmas in Baghdad, and once again Iraq’s Christians are celebrating behind blast walls and barbed wire.
Atheists, work with us for peace, Pope says on Christmas
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis, celebrating his first Christmas as Roman Catholic leader, on Wednesday called on atheists to unite with believers of all religions and work for “a homemade peace” that can spread across the world.
Ukrainian journalist beaten up and left in ditch
KIEV (Reuters) – A Ukrainian opposition activist and journalist known for her investigations into corruption among senior state officials was beaten up by unknown attackers on Wednesday.
China unveils anti-graft plans, focus on protests, reforms
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s ruling Communist Party unveiled on Wednesday a five-year plan to fight pervasive graft, with particular attention on corruption that triggers protests or happens in the course of economic reforms.
Top Taiwan-China relations officials to meet in February
TAIPEI (Reuters) – The top officials in Taiwan and China responsible for their relations are to meet for the first time in February in an effort to boost ties, Taiwan’s ruling party said on Wednesday.
Japan PM close to deal on controversial U.S. base on Okinawa
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday moved close to winning approval from the island of Okinawa on a replacement for a U.S. air base, a move that would resolve a nearly 20-year-old deadlock that has strained ties with Washi…
Thai PM unveils reform plan but protesters still threaten poll
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra unveiled a plan on Wednesday to create an independent reform council to try to appease opponents who, angered by her billionaire family’s political dominance, are calling for her resignation.
