Obama embarks on trip to Africa, Mandela’s health a question
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama set out on an eight-day trip to Africa on Wednesday that is aimed at reviving U.S. engagement with the continent but that will be overshadowed by the uncertain health of South Africa hero Nelson Mandela.
Lebanese police torture drug users, prostitutes, gays: Rights Watch
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A Human Rights Watch (HRW) report on Wednesday accused Lebanese police of torturing and raping drugs users, prostitutes and gays in their custody.
Kuwait cabinet sets parliamentary vote for July 27: KUNA
KUWAIT (Reuters) – The Kuwaiti government on Wednesday set a fresh date of July 27 for a parliamentary election, delaying by two days the sixth assembly contest in seven years in the politically volatile Gulf country.
Qatar to appoint new foreign minister – al Jazeera TV website
DUBAI (Reuters) – Al Jazeera television website said on Wednesday that Qatar will appoint a new foreign minister to replace veteran diplomat Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani following the accession of a new emir in the U.S.-allied Gulf Arab state.
U.S. employer held captive in China factory keeps his hopes up
BEIJING (Reuters) – A U.S. businessman held captive by about 100 workers in a Beijing factory said on Wednesday he was hopeful of a resolution to a row about pay in the next day or two.
Beijing workers hold U.S. executive captive at factory over pay
BEIJING (Reuters) – A U.S. executive held captive by workers in his Beijing factory since Friday said the dispute that has kept him behind the plant’s barred windows was a misunderstanding over pay.
Uganda’s leading opposition figure released, protests planned
KAMPALA (Reuters) – Police have freed Uganda’s leading opposition figure without charge one day after alleging he threatened national stability, his party said on Wednesday, as his supporters prepared for protests over high prices.
Putin rules out handing Snowden over to United States
MOSCOW/NAANTALI, Finland (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed on Tuesday a former U.S. spy agency contractor sought by the United States was in the transit area of a Moscow airport but ruled out handing him to Washington, dismissing U…
Qatar to change PM under new emir: Jazeera
DOHA (Reuters) – Al Jazeera television said on Wednesday that Qatar’s prime minister, a driving force behind the country’s rise to global prominence, would be replaced in a cabinet reshuffle following the accession of a new emir in the U.S.-allied Gulf…
Scalpel in hand, Chinese Premier Li stirs reform hopes
BEIJING (Reuters) – Investors getting stung by China’s worst financial market rout in years should find solace in the fact that the government, in particular Premier Li Keqiang, is willing to play hardball to force through much-needed policy change.
