Japan PM Abe’s ratings slide after state secrets act
TOKYO (Reuters) – Support for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe slid in opinion polls after his ruling coalition steamrolled through parliament a tough secrecy act that critics fear could muzzle media and allow officials to hide misdeeds.
Kurdish militants free abducted Turkish soldiers
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Reuters) – Four Turkish soldiers seized by Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants were freed on Monday after Kurdish politicians intervened, security sources said, ending a brief standoff that could have damaged a fragile peace pro…
Indonesia train crashes into fuel truck, killing 10 in ball of fire
JAKARTA (Reuters) – A crowded commuter train crashed into a fuel tanker on the outskirts of the Indonesian capital on Monday, killing at least 10 people in a huge explosion and injuring scores.
China expresses regret over South Korea air defense zone
BEIJING (Reuters) – China expressed “regret” on Monday that South Korea had extended its air defense zone to partially overlap with a similar zone declared by Beijing two weeks ago that has raised regional tensions.
India’s opposition aims to ride momentum for 2014 after big state wins
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – – India’s Hindu nationalist opposition party vowed on Monday to seize the momentum from a string of big state poll victories and smooth the tough job of broadening its appeal beyond traditional northern strongholds in time for a n…
China paves way for trial of prominent anti-graft activist
BEIJING (Reuters) – Beijing police have recommended state prosecutors bring charges against an anti-graft activist campaigning for Chinese officials to reveal their wealth, saying he broke the law by organizing demonstrations, lawyers said on Monday.
Pentagon chief Hagel in Pakistan for talks on security, drones
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel discussed the use of U.S. drones against militants in remote areas of Pakistan on Monday during the first visit by a Pentagon chief to the South Asian ally in almost four years.
North Korea says Kim’s powerful uncle dismissed for ‘criminal acts’
SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea on Monday excoriated Jang Song Thaek, the uncle of leader Kim Jong Un, for what it described as a slew of criminal acts, confirming the spectacular downfall of the once second most powerful man in the reclusive state.
French nuclear power here to stay, says industry minister
PARIS (Reuters) – Nuclear power will always provide at least half of France’s electricity, the country’s industry minister was reported as saying in China on Sunday, defying calls by the green arm of the government to exit nuclear altogether.
Analysis: ‘Brussels consensus’ widens gulf with EU electorates
PARIS (Reuters) – Call it the Brussels Consensus. A system of beliefs rooted in European Union treaties helps explain the growing gulf between policy elites and ordinary citizens that may cause a political earthquake in European Parliament elections ne…
