Saudi activist sentenced to lashes and prison: rights group
RIYADH (Reuters) – A Saudi judge sentenced a political activist to 300 lashes and four years in prison for calling for a constitutional monarchy in Saudi Arabia, his rights group said on Sunday.
Israeli panel backs tax on donations to groups urging boycott
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – An Israeli government committee gave initial approval on Sunday to a proposed law that would impose a 45 percent tax on overseas donations made to non-profit groups critical of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians.
U.N. starts first aid airlifts to Syria from Iraq as cold grips
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – The United Nations sent its first delivery of humanitarian aid by air to Syria from Iraq on Sunday and said it plans to deliver more food and winter supplies to the mainly Kurdish northeast in the next 12 days.
Egypt prosecutor targets father of boy arrested over ‘pro-Mursi’ ruler: lawyer
CAIRO (Reuters) – A prosecutor has ordered the arrest of an Egyptian man whose 15-year-old son was detained last month for owning a ruler bearing a symbol associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, the family’s lawyer said on Sunday.
South Africa buries ‘greatest son’ Mandela
QUNU, South Africa (Reuters) – South Africa buried Nelson Mandela on Sunday, leaving the multi-racial democracy he founded without its living inspiration and still striving for the “Rainbow Nation” ideal of shared prosperity he had dreamed of.
Kerry says North Korea’s leader reckless, ruthless
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry described North Korea’s Kim Jong Un as reckless and insecure after the execution of the leader’s powerful uncle, and said Kim’s actions underscored a need for a unified stand against Pyongyang’s…
New head of Italy’s left indicates won’t push for snap election
ROME (Reuters) – The new leader of Italy’s center-left Democratic Party (PD) indicated on Sunday he will support the ruling coalition government led by fellow PD member Enrico Letta into 2015 and does not plan to push for a snap election.
Central African Republic leader in talks with militias
BANGUI (Reuters) – Central African Republic’s interim leader Michel Djotodia is weighing a possible amnesty for militias involved in Christian-Muslim violence that has killed hundreds of people, most of them civilians, in exchange for their disarmament…
Thai military sees role in ensuring ‘fair’ election
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s military offered on Sunday to help the politically polarized country hold a “fair and clean” election next year, suggesting the armed forces may play a role in a vote aimed at ending protests seeking to topple the governm…
Kerry returns to Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, raises environmental concerns
TAN AN TAY VILLAGE, Vietnam (Reuters) – As John Kerry’s boat winds its way along the turbid waters of the Cai Nuoc river in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, the U.S. Secretary of State is taken back to the time he spent here as a commander of an American patrol…
