‘Taliban is ready to talk peace’ with Afghan state: Afghan official
KABUL (Reuters) – The Taliban is willing to consider peace talks with the Afghan state following secret discussions, a senior Afghan official said on Tuesday, in what may be the first significant step towards an end to the long-running war.
Analysis: Saudi role in Syria driven by fear of Shi’ite ‘full moon’
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia’s former intelligence chief, Prince Muqrin, once told American diplomats the Middle East’s so-called Shi’ite Crescent where the Muslim sect holds sway was “becoming a full moon” as Iranian influence spread.
Suicide bomber kills 30 at funeral in Pakistan
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) – A suicide bomber killed 30 people, including a provincial legislator, gathered for the funeral of a businessman in northern Pakistan on Tuesday, police said.
Italian court says Knox murder acquittal had inconsistencies
ROME (Reuters) – Italy’s top court said on Tuesday it had ordered a re-run of the Meredith Kercher murder trial because the acquittal of American Amanda Knox and her ex-boyfriend contained “shortcomings, contradictions and inconsistencies”.
Seven soldiers killed in Mozambique weapons store assault
MAPUTO (Reuters) – Seven soldiers were shot dead when gunmen raided a weapons depot in Mozambique, local newspapers and a security source said on Tuesday, the latest ambush and attack on security forces to rekindle memories of the 1975-1992 civil war.
Russia: Chance for progress on Iran nuclear issue must be seized
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Iran has taken constructive steps toward compromise in the decade-old standoff over its nuclear program and world powers should reciprocate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in remarks published on Tuesday.
Tunisian court jails Salafists for burning Sufi shrine
TUNIS (Reuters) – A Tunisian court has sentenced six radical Islamists to five years in prison for burning a Sufi Muslim shrine in one of a spate of attacks that have highlighted rising militancy in the country that ignited the Arab Spring.
Iceland received informal approach over Snowden seeking asylum
REYKJAVIK (Reuters) – Iceland has received an informal approach from an intermediary who says Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who exposed the U.S. government’s secret surveillance programs, wants to seek asylum there.
Bulgaria proposes electoral changes to soothe public anger
SOFIA (Reuters) – Bulgaria’s Socialists, in power for only three weeks at the head of a fragile government, promised on Tuesday to reform the electoral law in a bid to defuse the street protests that have resumed with new momentum despite last month’s …
Mali says reaches deal with Tuareg rebels
OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) – Mali is ready to sign a deal with Tuareg separatist rebels on Tuesday, paving the way for Malian government troops to return to the rebel-held northern town of Kidal ahead of an election next month, Mali’s chief negotiator said….
