Pompeo visits Baghdad, warns of Iranian activity
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an unannounced visit to Baghdad on Tuesday and met with the Iraqi prime minister after telling reporters the United States was concerned about Iraqi sovereignty because of increasing Iranian activity.
Syrian security defuse chemical laden car bomb in city of Homs: state tv
Syrian authorities defused a car bomb planted in the heart of a main residential area in the city of Homs that had quantities of highly explosive chemicals, Syrian state television said on Wednesday.
Sudan’s military rulers may call early elections if no agreement on interim government
Sudan’s ruling Transitional Military Council said on Tuesday it had the option to call for early elections within six months if they did not reach an agreement with the opposition on the structure and details of an interim government.
EU-backed group says it is ready to send political mission to Venezuela
The European Union-backed International Contact Group on Venezuela said on Tuesday it could send a political mission to Caracas to pursue a solution to the country’s ongoing crisis, reiterating its call for fresh elections.
Lebanese central bank, public sector workers suspend strikes
Lebanese central bank workers suspended a strike on Tuesday but left open the possibility of resuming the walkout on Friday if the government presses ahead with draft budget proposals that would cut their pay.
U.S. lifts sanctions on Venezuelan general who broke with Maduro
The United States is lifting economic sanctions on a former Venezuelan general who turned against President Nicolas Maduro in an action it hopes will lead other Maduro military allies to follow suit, Vice President Mike Pence said on Tuesday.
Pope says more study needed on role of women deacons in early Church
Pope Francis said on Tuesday more study was needed on the role of women deacons in the early Christian Church, which eventually could affect decisions on the role of women today.
Poles stage protest rally in support of LGBT activist
Hundreds of Polish gay rights activists staged a protest rally on Tuesday evening over the brief detention of a woman who posted images near a church of the Virgin Mary with her halo painted to resemble the rainbow flag of the LGBT community.
Sudan’s military council wants Islamic Sharia law to be source of legislation
Sudan’s Transitional Military Council (TMC) said on Tuesday it agreed on the general structure proposed by protest leaders and opposition groups but wanted the system to be based on Islamic Sharia laws.
Venezuelan court asks pro-gov’t assembly to allow prosecution of opposition lawmakers
Venezuela’s Supreme Court said on Tuesday it had asked the country’s Constituent Assembly, a pro-government legislative superbody, to determine whether to open criminal proceedings against seven opposition lawmakers including Henry Ramos, a former Nati…
