Russian oil barons step up battle for Putin’s favor
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Two Russian oil barons have escalated a battle for influence in the lucrative energy sector by writing to President Vladimir Putin to complain about each other’s policies, spotlighting a deepening rift between some members of his inn…
Libya’s worst oil unrest since civil war stores up future trouble
LONDON (Reuters) – Unrest that has already slashed Libya’s oil output to the lowest levels since the 2011 civil war and more than halved its exports is now spreading, with serious implications for its economy, foreign companies and consumers of crude.
Turk leaders seek distance from life terms imposed over coup plot
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkish leaders appeared to distance themselves on Thursday from a court that handed a life prison term to a former top general over a coup plot, a landmark case that has polarised Turks over the country’s political direction.
Japan protests to China after ships linger near isles
TOKYO (Reuters) – Four Chinese ships spent more than 24 hours in what Japan sees as its territorial waters, prompting a Japanese protest to China on Thursday at a time when Tokyo has been signaling its desire for a summit.
Israel shuts Eilat airport near Egypt border
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel shut its southernmost Eilat airport near Egypt’s Sinai peninsula on Thursday until further notice because of security concerns, the military said.
Gorbachev denies false reports of his death after hacker attack
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Mikhail Gorbachev announced to the world he was alive and well after hackers broke into microblogs run by a news agency late on Wednesday and posted false reports of his death.
Over 300 killed, thousands uprooted in bout of South Sudan fighting
JUBA (Reuters) – More than 300 people were killed and thousands sent fleeing into bush during two weeks of fighting between South Sudan’s army, rebels and rival tribes in the east of the country last month, officials said on Thursday.
Italy proposes measures to combat violence against women
ROME (Reuters) – Italy’s government on Thursday proposed emergency measures to combat violence against women after national outrage over a spate of attacks including the burning alive of a teenager by a jealous boyfriend.
Israel gives preliminary approval for 800 settler homes
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel has given preliminary approval for the construction of more than 800 new homes in Jewish settlements on occupied West Bank land where Palestinians seek statehood, an Israeli official said on Thursday.
Syrian opposition visits Deraa in challenge to Assad
AMMAN (Reuters) – Jordan let a Syrian opposition leader cross into Syria from its territory for the first time on Thursday, signalling greater backing from an Arab ally for the opposition battling against President Bashar al-Assad.
