Islamist governor promises safety for Luxor tourists
CAIRO (Reuters) – Sixteen years ago, Adel Mohamed al-Khayat was a member of the militant group blamed for slaughtering 58 tourists in Egypt’s Valley of the Queens; today he’s promising to keep visitors safe.
Nigeria drops charges against some Russian arms suspects
LAGOS (Reuters) – Nigerian authorities dropped charges on Tuesday against eight Russian sailors suspected of trafficking arms, their lawyer said, but another seven will face trial.
Bosnian Serb president relents over urgent Croatia border deal
SARAJEVO (Reuters) – The Serb member of Bosnia’s presidency agreed on Tuesday to new border rules needed for when neighboring Croatia joins the EU in July, reversing his position from Monday when he rejected the deal.
‘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.
