South African opposition in crisis as ex-leader quits as MP
The former leader of South Africa’s official opposition Democratic Alliance, Mmusi Maimane, gave up his seat in parliament on Thursday after quitting the national leadership and plunging the traditionally white liberal party into crisis.
Putin urged by official commission to pardon Norwegian man jailed for spying: Ifax
An official commission which deals with prisoner pardons in Moscow has recommended that Russian President Vladimir Putin pardon Frode Berg, a Norwegian man jailed for spying, the Interfax news agency reported on Thursday.
India’s ruling BJP leads in state polls but big win elusive
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party was set to retain power in a big western state on Thursday and was leading in another in the north, although the races turned out to be closer than forecast.
Pentagon chief looks to focus on Turkey, Syria at NATO but has few good options
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper is expected to focus on Turkey’s recent offensive into northeastern Syria and the future of the fight against Islamic State when he meets with NATO partners in Brussels this week, but he has limited options in dealing …
Britain will have to send a commissioner to Brussels: incoming Commission head
Britain will have to propose a candidate for a commissioner in the next European Commission if it still is a member of the European Union after October 31, incoming Commission head Ursula von der Leyen said on Thursday.
Fire at steel mill in China’s Hebei province kills seven
A fire at a steel producer in northern China’s Hebei province has killed seven people, provincial authorities said on Thursday.
Russia says Kurds have begun withdrawing forces near Syria-Turkey border: Ifax
Kurdish forces have begun withdrawing from areas near the Turkish border in Syria, the Interfax news agency cited Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin as saying on Thursday.
Chinese ship leaves Vietnam’s waters after disputed South China Sea surveys
A Chinese oil survey vessel that has been embroiled in a tense standoff with Vietnamese vessels in the South China Sea left Vietnamese-controlled waters on Thursday after more than three months, marine data showed.
Hundreds gathered outside house of Ethiopian activist after deadly day of protests
Hundreds of supporters of prominent Ethiopian activist Jawar Mohammed set up camp around his house in Addis Ababa on Thursday one day after police fired gunshots and teargas to break up demonstrations against his treatment by the government.
UK says Lebanon protesters must be heard, urges swift reforms: tweet
The “legitimate frustrations” of Lebanon’s protesters should be heard and reforms enacted urgently, the British embassy in Lebanon said on Thursday amid nationwide protests that have swept the country since last week.
