Egypt arrests suspected Islamist militants
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egyptian authorities arrested an Islamist militant on Sunday, saying he was close to the brother of al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri and had supplied arms to supporters of ousted President Mohamed Mursi, according to security sources….
Syria’s Nusra threatens to rocket Alawites over alleged chemical attack
DUBAI (Reuters) – An al Qaeda-affiliated rebel commander in Syria has pledged to target communities of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite minority with rockets in revenge for an alleged chemical attack near Damascus, according to an audio recor…
Oman’s Qaboos on Tehran visit, U.S.-Iran mediation in focus
DUBAI (Reuters) – Oman’s Sultan Qaboos on Sunday began the first visit to Iran by a foreign leader since moderate President Hassan Rouhani took office and Iranian media said his trip might be an effort to mediate between Tehran and Washington.
Syria government warns any U.S. intervention would ‘inflame Mideast’
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian authorities warned the United States against any military action over a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria’s civil war, saying this would “create a ball of fire that will inflame the Middle East”.
Colombia peace talks with FARC rebels to resume
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Colombia’s government and FARC rebels will resume peace talks on Monday, the chief government negotiator said, a day after both sides cast doubt on the process by suspending negotiations.
China’s Bo denounces former police chief as vile liar
JINAN, China (Reuters) – Ousted senior Chinese politician Bo Xilai angrily denounced his former police chief on Sunday on the fourth day of his trial, calling him a “vile character” who faked testimony implicating Bo in covering up a murder committed b…
U.S. says ready to carry out military options, if Obama chooses
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – The Pentagon is prepared to carry out military options on Syria should President Barack Obama order them, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said on Sunday.
Iran warns against U.S. crossing Syria ‘red line’
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran on Sunday warned the United States against crossing the “red line” on Syria, saying it would have “severe consequences”, according to the Fars news agency.
Australia’s opposition leader pledges stronger economy if elected PM
CANBERRA (Reuters) – Australia’s conservative opposition leader Tony Abbott, favorite to win September 7 elections, launched his campaign on Sunday promising to build a stronger economy, putting bulldozers on the ground and cranes in the skies.
Iran says Syrian government to allow U.N. inspectors to visit chemical sites
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s foreign minister said the Syrian government had told Tehran it would allow U.N. inspectors to visit areas reportedly affected by chemical weapons, Iran’s Press TV reported on Sunday.
