U.S. general sees problems, progress in developing Afghan air force
NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland (Reuters) – The U.S.-led effort to train the Afghan air force faces big challenges ranging from security threats to possible repercussions from procurement scandals that have triggered a review of infrastructure and equipment …
U.S. says open for Iran talks based on ‘mutual respect’
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States is ready to engage in talks “on the basis of mutual respect” with Iran about its disputed nuclear program as long as Tehran is willing to demonstrate that its program is for civilian purposes, the White House sa…
Russian Muslim clerics warn of unrest over ban of translation of Koran
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s senior Islamic clerics warned the country’s leaders on Friday unrest could erupt in Muslim communities in Russia and beyond if a court decision ordering the destruction of a interpretive translation of Koran is not overturne…
Rockets hit Turkish police compound in Ankara, no one hurt
ANKARA (Reuters) – A police compound in the Turkish capital Ankara was struck by three rockets on Friday, Interior Minister Muammer Guler said.
Guatemala convicts ex-police chief for student leader’s disappearance
GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) – A Guatemalan court sentenced a former national police chief on Friday to 40 years in prison for orchestrating the disappearance of a student union leader in 1984 during the country’s bloody civil war.
Hollande to urge Iran to help seek political solution for Syria
PARIS (Reuters) – French President Francois Hollande hopes to convince Iran to pursue a political solution to the civil war in Syria when he meets his Iranian counterpart next week, aides said on Friday.
Russia’s Putin brings ‘grey cardinal’ Surkov back to Kremlin
MOSCOW (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin named his former deputy chief of staff Vladislav Surkov as an aide on Friday, bringing back the creator of modern Russia’s tightly controlled political system just four months after he quit the government in …
Obama to meet with Abbas, discuss Middle East peace at U.N.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama will meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday and will discuss the Middle East peace process during a speech that day to the United Nations General Assembly, the White House said o…
Tunisian opposition agrees to transition talks
TUNIS (Reuters) – Tunisia’s opposition coalition agreed on Friday to start direct talks with ruling Islamists on a transition plan under which the government would step down and make way for a caretaker administration and new elections.
Venezuela arrests ex-policemen who shamed new force
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuelan authorities on Friday arrested six former policemen who appeared in uniform in a homemade video cursing and firing their pistols in the air, embarrassing a new national force set up to improve the police’s dire image.
