Bahrain’s leading Shi’ite cleric on Friday slammed the Gulf kingdom’s leaders for a continuing crackdown on dissent and called the rulers’ reform efforts “cosmetic.” The Friday sermon outside the capital, Manama, by Sheik Isa Qassim is the latest rumbling from the Shi’ite majority against Bahrain’s minority Sunni group which runs the country. Shi’ites make up […]
Bahrain Shi’ite Cleric Slams Reform Efforts as Cosmetic
Data Suggests ‘Choppy’ Growth For US Economy
The latest report on the United States economy suggests it will pull out of its recent slowdown over the next three to six months. A private research group said Friday its index of leading economic indicators rose eight-tenths of a percent in May after declining slightly in April. The New York-based Conference Board looks at […]
Monsoon Storms Flood India, Bangladesh
Monsoon storms have flooded parts of eastern India and Bangladesh, washing some 33 fishing boats out to sea in the Bay of Bengal. Officials say at least 500 fishermen are unaccounted for after a tropical depression swept through India’s West Bengal state late Thursday. At least seven people were reportedly killed in the state, including […]
Indian Police Defuse ‘Powerful Bomb’ on Passenger Train
Police in eastern India say security forces have defused a powerful bomb found on a train carrying about 1,000 passengers. Senior police officials in Assam state said security forces were conducting a routine search when they found an unattended small, but heavy, bag before the train arrived in Guwahati. They discovered what they called a […]
At Least Six Killed in Syrian Crackdown on Protests
Security forces have shot and killed anti-government protesters in several cities in Syria, as the government continues to widen its crackdown on dissent. Activists and witnesses say at least six protesters were killed on Friday, after thousands of Syrians poured onto the streets with renewed calls for President Bashar al-Assad’s resignation. Western news reports say […]
Turkish Ship Out of Aid Flotilla to Gaza
A Turkish boat has opted out of an international aid flotilla headed to the Gaza Strip later this month in defiance of an Israeli naval blockade around the Palestinian territory. Aid organizers said Friday that the Mavi Marmara will not join the estimated 10 other ships because of technical problems. The Turkish ship was boarded […]
NNigeria’s President Visits Site of Police Headquarters Bombing
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has visited the site of what is believed to be the country’s first suicide bombing, which killed a police officer and wounded at least seven other people. After his inspection Friday, the president urged Nigerians not to panic, saying “terrorist attacks” are affecting countries all over the world. The radical Islamist […]
Security Council to Recommend UN Chief for 2nd Term
The United Nations Security Council is expected to endorse the reappointment of Ban Ki-moon for a second term as U.N. chief on Friday. Mr. Ban faces no other candidates. His bid has the backing of the United States and other key members of the U.N. Security Council, and he appears almost certain to be re-elected. […]
US Stocks Rise at Open
The major U.S. stock market indexes pushed higher at the start of Friday’s trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose almost seven-tenths of one percent, while the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ both gained about three-quarters of a percent. European stock prices also gained in afternoon trading. London’s Financial Times index was up one-third of […]
France, Germany Move to Ease Greek Crisis
France and Germany are setting aside key differences, promising a new rescue package to stop the Greek financial crisis from potentially crippling Europe’s economy. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Friday, “There is no time to lose,” and that a new aid package would be completed as soon as possible. The two countries had been divided […]