Al Qaeda affiliate claims responsibility for Iraq bombings
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – An al Qaeda-affiliated group claimed responsibility for a wave of bombings across Iraq that killed 60 people on Monday and the Interior Ministry said it was facing an “open war” from insurgents bent on plunging the country into sect…
Israel, Palestinians strive for peace deal within nine months
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Israeli and Palestinian negotiators on Tuesday gave themselves about nine months to try to reach an agreement on ending their conflict of more than six decades in U.S.-brokered peace talks.
Egypt allows EU envoy to see deposed president
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt allowed Europe’s top diplomat to meet deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi on Monday, flying her after dark to Mursi’s secret detention facility but ruling out any role for him in ending the turmoil convulsing the country.
Ex-Prime Minister Keita holds wide lead in Mali vote
BAMAKO (Reuters) – Former Malian Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita holds a comfortable lead and could win an outright first-round victory in the West African nation’s high-stakes presidential election, the minister of territorial administration sai…
Nigeria says to begin Mali troop pullout on Wednesday
ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigeria will begin withdrawing some of its 1,200 troops in Mali on Wednesday and redeploy them in security operations at home, the military said on Tuesday.
Afghan forces will need help after NATO mission ends: Pentagon
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Afghan forces will require significant support from the U.S. military and its allies after the NATO combat mission ends next year, according to a new Pentagon report implicitly warning against a “zero option” of total withdrawal….
Iran seeks key position on U.N. disarmament committee
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Iran is campaigning for a key position on a U.N. General Assembly committee that deals with disarmament and international security amid strong criticism from Israel and others who accuse Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear w…
Rwanda dismisses U.S. charges it backs Congo rebels
NAIROBI (Reuters) – Rwanda dismissed on Tuesday U.S. charges that it was supporting M23 rebels in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and said leveling accusations would not help pacify the region.
Kuwait’s ruler pardons people convicted of insulting him
KUWAIT (Reuters) – Kuwait’s ruler said on Tuesday he was pardoning all the people convicted of insulting him, after a year-long crackdown on politically sensitive comments about Gulf Arab state’s leadership.
Italy’s top court hears crucial Berlusconi appeal
ROME (Reuters) – Italy’s supreme court on Tuesday began hearing Silvio Berlusconi’s last appeal against a jail sentence and ban from public office in a case which could endanger the country’s shaky coalition government if the conviction is confirmed.
