Deadly clashes reignite in Iraq despite cleric’s call for calm
– Fresh clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters broke out on Friday killing at least three people, despite a call for calm by the country’s top Shi’ite cleric, as authorities grapple with the nation’s biggest crisis in year…
Tunisia’s moderate Islamist party may choose outside candidate as PM
Tunisia’s moderate Islamist Ennahda party may choose a candidate from outside its ranks to head government, two sources said on Friday, as it seeks consensus with other parties for a coalition.
Self-exiled Cambodian opposition figure boards flight from Paris
Self-exiled Cambodian opposition figure Sam Rainsy said he was boarding a flight from Paris on Friday, a day after being prevented from boarding a flight to Thailand.
Polish cabinet reshuffle boosts control over state companies
Poland’s nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party announced its governing cabinet lineup on Friday after winning a parliamentary election last month, setting out plans to consolidate control over state-owned utilities and financial companies.
EU needs to learn the ‘language of power’, incoming chief says
The European Union can no longer rely on soft power to promote its interests and must develop more security “muscle” and policy focus on trade, incoming European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.
Bolivians turn to Day of Skulls for hope as protests rage
With Bolivia racked by angry political protest, some in the landlocked South American nation turned to a more pensive task: honoring skulls, an ancient tradition rooted in indigenous beliefs that is meant to bring good fortune and protection.
Brazil judge orders ex-president Lula released from prison
A Brazilian judge ordered the release of former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from prison on Friday, according to a court document, following a Supreme Court ruling ending the mandatory imprisonment of convicts after they lose their first appeal….
Islamic State claims Tajik-Uzbek border attack
Islamic State claimed responsibility on Friday for a deadly attack on a border post on the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan frontier two days earlier, the group’s Amaq news agency reported on its channel on the Telegram messaging application.
Poland to create treasury ministry to oversee state assets
Poland’s prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Friday the government would launch a treasury ministry to oversee state assets, as it plans to consolidate control over state-owned utilities and financial companies.
Spain court agrees to extradite Venezuelan ex-intelligence chief to USA: EFE
Spain’s High Court has agreed to extradite former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal to the United States, reversing a previous ruling to deny the extradition request, EFE news agency reported on Friday, citing judicial sources.
