U.S. pressures Baghdad over Iran-backed militias
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s surprise visit to Baghdad this month came after U.S. intelligence showed Iran-backed Shi’ite militias positioning rockets near bases housing U.S. forces, according to two Iraqi security sources.
Iran halts some commitments under nuclear deal: news agency ISNA
Iran has officially stopped some commitments under a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers following an order from its national security council, an informed official in the country’s atomic energy body told the ISNA news agency on Wednesday.
Saudi-backed Yemen forces attack Houthi sites: Al Arabiya
Forces of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition, killed 97 Houthi forces and captured 120 in the governorate of Al-Dhalea, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television said on Wednesday, citing military sources…
Facebook restricts Live feature, citing New Zealand shooting
Facebook Inc said on Tuesday it was tightening rules around its livestreaming feature ahead of a meeting of world leaders aimed at curbing online violence in the aftermath of a massacre in New Zealand.
Venezuela’s top court accuses more lawmakers of treason; congress building closed
Venezuela’s top court accused four opposition lawmakers of treason on Tuesday, following similar accusations against 10 legislators this month, escalating a deep political crisis in the South American country.
Pakistan opponents of death row Christian’s blasphemy acquittal get bail
A Pakistani court on Tuesday granted bail to the leader of a ultra-right Islamist group arrested last year after his supporters shut down cities and threatened judges following the acquittal of a Christian woman accused of blasphemy.
As Saudi society liberalizes, it reckons with hardline past
The Islamist takeover of Mecca’s Grand Mosque in 1979 has been turned into a television drama, spotlighting a controversial narrative Saudi Arabia is using to support social changes once deemed un-Islamic.
Sudan military council, opposition inch closer to final deal
Sudan’s military rulers and an alliance of protesters and opposition groups were set to meet on Wednesday to hash out the details of a sovereign council designed to steer the country towards democracy during a three-year transition.
U.S. lawmakers want to tighten visas for Chinese students, researchers
A group of President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans in Congress introduced legislation on Tuesday intended to prohibit anyone employed or sponsored by the Chinese military from receiving student or research visas to the United States.
Amnesty International accuses Venezuela of human rights violations
Amnesty International on Tuesday asked the International Criminal Court to investigate alleged “crimes against humanity” committed by the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, especially after a wave of violent protests in January.
