Prominent militant arrested in blow to Somali Islamists
MOGADISHU (Reuters) – One of Somalia’s most prominent Islamist rebel commanders has been arrested and is in the hands of a regional administration, local and government officials said on Wednesday, dealing a blow to the country’s al Shabaab insurgents….
Italy government coalition averts split over F-35 jet purchase
ROME (Reuters) – Italy’s ruling coalition averted a split over a motion to scrap its purchase of 90 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets on Wednesday by agreeing to seek parliament’s approval before going ahead with further spending on the program.
New emir: Qatar will pursue its ‘independent behavior’
DOHA (Reuters) – Qatar’s new emir said on Wednesday the U.S.-allied Gulf Arab state would not “take direction” from anyone, in an accession speech suggesting the young leader would pursue the assertive, independent-minded foreign policy pioneered by hi…
At least three dead in Somali port clash: witnesses
MOGADISHU (Reuters) – At least three people were killed in a brief skirmish between rival militias in southern Somalia, witnesses said, the second deadly flare-up so far this month in the disputed strategic port of Kismayu.
Video of kidnapped Czechs demands release of jailed Pakistani
PRAGUE (Reuters) – A video message on Wednesday purporting to show two Czech women hostages in Pakistan demanded the release of a Pakistani national jailed in the United States in return for their freedom.
Italy passes bill to ease overcrowded prisons
ROME (Reuters) – Italy moved to ease critically overcrowded prisons on Wednesday, passing a decree to reduce pre-trial detention and encourage alternatives to jail time for minor offences.
Russia suspends vote monitoring group under ‘foreign agent’ law
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia suspended an independent election monitoring group for six months on Wednesday, for failing to register as a “foreign agent” under a law that President Vladimir Putin’s critics say is part of a crackdown on dissent.
Bulgarian protesters pelt lawmakers with tomatoes, eggs
SOFIA (Reuters) – Bulgarian protesters pelted lawmakers with tomatoes and eggs and chanted “Mafia!” and “Resign!” on Wednesday in a sign of mounting frustration over the new Socialist-led government’s refusal to quit over a security scandal.
Rudd returns as Australia PM after toppling Gillard
CANBERRA (Reuters) – Kevin Rudd returned as Australian prime minister on Wednesday, executing a stunning party room coup on Julia Gillard almost three years to the day after being ousted by his former deputy and less than three months out from a genera…
Iran’s Khamenei says nuclear talks easy if enemy not stubborn
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday the dispute over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program could easily be resolved if the West were to stop being so stubborn.
