U.S. says unable to conclusively say chemical weapons used in Syria
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States is unable to conclusively say that chemical weapons were used in an alleged gas attack near Damascus and U.S. President Barack Obama has directed the U.S. intelligence community to urgently gather information to…
U.S. imposes financial sanctions on four Hezbollah leaders
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday imposed financial sanctions on four men it said were leaders of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, accusing them of trying to spread terrorism in the Middle East, including Syria, Egypt and Yemen…
Pakistan army says India kills two soldiers in Kashmir, envoy summoned
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – The Pakistani army said two of its soldiers were killed on Thursday in “unprovoked” Indian fire along the border dividing the disputed territory of Kashmir, and Islamabad summoned the Indian envoy to protest at the second such inc…
Honduras to form new police force to battle Mexican drug cartels
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) – The Honduran Congress approved on Thursday the creation of a new military-style police force, which is aimed at countering violence spawned by Mexican drug cartels that use the country to transport cocaine.
U.N. chief asks Syria to allow speedy chemical attack investigation
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asked the Syrian government on Thursday to allow U.N. inspectors to investigate the latest alleged chemical attack in the country’s civil war “without delay” and grant them access to the sit…
British police say seized Snowden-linked data could put lives at risk
LONDON (Reuters) – British police said on Thursday that documents seized from the partner of a journalist, who has led coverage of Edward Snowden’s leaks about U.S. and British electronic spying, were “highly sensitive” and, if disclosed, could put liv…
Bahrain opposition says will hold pro-democracy protest Friday
MANAMA (Reuters) – Bahrain’s main opposition will hold a day of pro-democracy protests on Friday despite a crackdown last week in which police used teargas and birdshot to disperse anti-government demonstrations.
Zimbabwe’s Mugabe, 89, is sworn in and attacks ‘vile’ West
HARARE (Reuters) – Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Africa’s oldest leader at 89, began a new five-year term on Thursday by calling the West “vile” for questioning his re-election and vowing to press ahead with nationalist economic policies.
Madagascar pushes back presidential election to October
ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) – Madagascar pushed back the date of its presidential elections for the third time on Thursday, to October 25, as the Indian Ocean island struggles to end years of political crisis.
U.N.’s Pillay wants probe of alleged Syria attack as soon as possible
GENEVA (Reuters) – Allegations of a chemical weapons attack in Syria are “exceptionally grave” and must be investigated as soon as humanly possible, U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay said on Thursday.
