France urges Israel to reconsider settler home approvals in West Bank
France on Thursday called on Israel to reconsider recently issued approvals for more than 2,000 settler homes in the occupied West Bank, saying they would violate international law.
Scandal involving Brazil president-elect’s son clouds inauguration
A lingering financial scandal involving Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro’s son has soured his inauguration next week and tarnished the reputation of a far-right maverick who surged to victory on a vow to end years of political horsetrading.
German army floats plan to recruit foreigners
Struggling to fill its ranks, Germany’s military is drawing up plans to recruit nationals from other European countries as part of a drive to beef up the armed forces.
Israeli ex-general, polling closest to Netanyahu, joins 2019 election race
A former Israeli armed forces chief who opinion polls show poses the toughest challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bid for reelection next year formally established a political party on Thursday.
UAE reopens Syria embassy, a boost for Assad
The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus on Thursday, marking a big diplomatic boost for President Bashar al-Assad from a U.S.-allied Arab state that once backed rebels fighting him.
Madagascar’s Rajoelina declared winner of presidential vote by election commission
Andry Rajoelina has been declared the winner of a runoff presidential election, according to full provisional results released on Thursday by the electoral commission.
Three central Asians charged in Sweden with plotting terror crime
Three Central Asian men have been charged in Sweden with plotting to commit terrorist crimes as well as – along with three others – financing the Islamic State militant group, prosecutors said on Thursday.
UAE reopens Syria embassy in boost for Assad
The United Arab Emirates reopened its embassy in Damascus on Thursday, marking a diplomatic boost for President Bashar al-Assad from a U.S.-allied Arab state that once backed rebels fighting him.
Saudi king appoints new foreign minister in major cabinet reshuffle
Saudi King Salman has appointed former finance minister Ibrahim al-Assaf as foreign minister in a major cabinet reshuffle that included changes to key national security posts, state media reported on Thursday.
24 patients fled Congo Ebola center, 17 already tested negative
Democratic Republic of Congo’s health ministry said that 24 patients fled an Ebola treatment center in Beni on Thursday when it came under attack by people protesting the cancellation of Sunday’s presidential election in the eastern city.
