Putin’s prison amnesty plan set for approval in Russian Duma
MOSCOW (Reuters) – A prison amnesty that President Vladimir Putin has portrayed as an act of mercy and could free members of punk band Pussy riot came a step closer on Tuesday when Russian lawmakers gave it preliminary approval.
Two Saudis back from Guantanamo face ‘rehab’ for militants
RIYADH (Reuters) – Two Saudi detainees sent home from the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay will go through the kingdom’s rehabilitation program for militants, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday.
Pakistan says no to military action against Taliban
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistan ruled out military action against the Taliban on Tuesday and promised to persuade insurgents to lay down their weapons through peace negotiations.
Former Sarkozy aides arrested in French graft probe
PARIS (Reuters) – The former right-hand man of French ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy was arrested on Tuesday for questioning about alleged misuse of public funds when he served the conservative leader at the interior ministry, a judicial source said.
Anger escalates in India after U.S. arrest of diplomat in New York
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India’s national security adviser and senior political leaders weighed into an escalating dispute with the United States on Tuesday over the arrest and alleged heavy-handed treatment of an Indian diplomat in New York.
Singapore to deport 53 after rare riot; drops charges against 7
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore plans to deport 53 people and issue warnings to about 200 more for their involvement in the city-state’s worst riot in more than 40 years this month, which shocked a nation that prides itself on its safety and orderlines…
Turkey detains ministers’ sons, businessmen in graft probe -sources
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkish police detained the sons of three cabinet ministers and several well-known businessmen as part of investigations into alleged corruption on Tuesday, state officials said, in a blow to Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan months ah…
Egypt apologies for constitution banner blunder
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt has apologized for a banner promoting the new constitution that misspelt the word “Egyptians” and carried images of foreigners instead of locals, embarrassing the government as it tries to rally support for the document.
North Korea marks anniversary without Kim Jong Un’s aunt
SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s aunt was absent from a state memorial ceremony on Tuesday raising questions about her influence days after her husband, also a top state official, was executed.
Car explodes near Hezbollah base in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley
BEIRUT (Reuters) – An explosives-laden car blew up on Tuesday in a remote region of the Bekaa Valley controlled by Lebanon’s Shi’ite Hezbollah movement, killing the driver and wounding at least two people who were pursuing the vehicle, security sources…
