Iraqi militants kill at least 18 soldiers, including commander
RAMADI, Iraq (Reuters) – Militants killed at least 18 Iraqi officers and soldiers in Sunni-dominated Anbar province on Saturday, including a commander who oversaw a crackdown on Sunni protesters earlier this year, military sources said.
Body of British surgeon arrives in Lebanon from Syria
BEIRUT (Reuters) – The body of a British surgeon who died in a Syrian prison arrived in Lebanon on Saturday en route to the United Kingdom, witnesses said.
Uruguay’s economy minister quits amid airline scandal: president
LIMA (Reuters) – Uruguay’s Economy Minister Fernando Lorenzo resigned on Saturday over a scandal involving the 2012 liquidation of the state-run airline Pluna, President Jose Mujica said.
Turkey’s Erdogan says ‘dark alliances’ behind graft inquiry
ANKARA (Reuters) – Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan denounced “international groups” and “dark alliances” on Saturday for entangling Turkey in a corruption scandal that has exposed deep rifts between him and a U.S.-based Muslim cleric who helped him rise …
Egypt sends Mursi to trial in third case
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt’s deposed Islamist president, Mohamed Mursi, and 129 others including members of Hamas and Hezbollah, were referred to trial on Saturday on murder and other charges related to a mass jail break during the 2011 uprising against H…
Somali parliament approves new prime minister
MOGADISHU (Reuters) – Somalia’s lawmakers on Saturday approved the appointment of new Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, who vowed to appoint a larger and more effective cabinet.
U.N.’s Ban calls for more funds for typhoon-stricken Philippines
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines (Reuters) – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stepped up an appeal for funds to help the Philippines recover from a devastating typhoon last month after visiting stricken areas on Saturday.
China voices ‘strong concerns’ over Japan’s military spending
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s Defense Ministry called Japan’s plans to raise its military spending for the first time in 10 years deeply worrying for Asia and the world, saying on Saturday that it strongly opposes its neighbor’s policy.
Be professional, shun gossip, Pope tells Vatican administrators
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis on Saturday told Vatican administrators, who were dogged by infighting and allegations of corruption during the papacy of his predecessor, to be humble professionals and “conscientious objectors” to gossip.
Thai opposition party to boycott election
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s main opposition party announced on Saturday it would boycott an election in February, deepening uncertainty about the poll and fuelling a campaign to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government.
