The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved a resolution that would give President Barack Obama limited authority to continue the U.S. role in the military intervention in Libya. The measure, approved by a vote of 14-5 Tuesday, authorizes U.S. involvement in NATO operations for one year, but prevents the use of American ground troops […]
US Senate Committee Approves Obama Action on Libya
UN Extends Congo Peacekeeping Mission
The U.N. Security Council has extended the mandate of the U.N. peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of Congo for another year. In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the council said any force reduction should depend on a decrease of violence in Congo’s volatile east. It also said any change to the nearly 20,000-strong force should […]
10 People Reportedly Killed in Attack on Luxury Kabul Hotel
Several attackers believed to be wearing suicide vests stormed a luxury hotel in the Afghan capital, Kabul, late Tuesday and early reports indicate that 10 people have been killed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack on the Intercontinental Hotel. Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the group was targeting foreign guests and that heavy casualties have […]
Yemen Clashes Kill 9 Islamists Near Zinjibar
Yemeni officials say government forces have killed nine Islamist fighters in clashes near the southern city of Zinjibar, the capital of volatile Abyan province. A military spokesman said Tuesday that four other militants, also associated with al-Qaida, were injured in the fighting. Separately, the Associated Press reported that Yemeni government warplanes and artillery pounded several […]
Britain Summons Syrian Envoy Due to Intimidation Reports
Britain has summoned Syria’s ambassador in London to voice concerns about media reports a Syrian diplomat has been intimidating Syrian activists in Britain. Britain’s Foreign Office said Tuesday that Ambassador Sami Khiyami was called to a meeting with a British official on Middle East affairs, Christian Turner. A statement said Turner noted the intimidation alleged […]
US Commander Supports Afghan Troop Drawdown
The U.S. military commander nominated to take over in Afghanistan says President Barack Obama’s plan to withdraw 33,000 troops from Afghanistan by September 2012 will not undermine the war effort there. Lieutenant General John Allen told lawmakers Tuesday the troop withdrawal schedule is “more aggressive” than he and other military leaders had expected, but said […]
Senegal Deploys Extra Troops Amid Electricity Riots
Senegal has deployed riot police to government buildings and the presidential palace following violent protests over power cuts. VOA’s correspondent in Dakar says there was heavy smoke on the main road in Dakar Tuesday from burning tires and barricades. Overnight Monday to Tuesday, demonstrators ransacked government buildings, including the national electric company’s offices. Residents in […]
US Stocks Rise
U.S. stock market indexes rose in Tuesday’s trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.2 percent to close at 12,189. The S&P 500 advanced 1.3 percent to end at 1,297, while the NASDAQ jumped 1.5 percent to finish at 2,729. European stock markets were higher at the close of trading. London’s Financial Times 100 index […]
Oil Prices Rise Sharply
Here are the prices of some key commodities traded in New York on Tuesday: Crude oil prices gained more than $2 to close at $92.89 per barrel. Coffee futures rose 8 cents to finish at $2.58 per pound. Copper prices rose 4 cents to $4.09 a pound. Cocoa prices rose $60 to finish the day’s […]
Taliban Claims Responsibility for Attack on Luxury Kabul Hotel
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for an attack on a luxury hotel in the Afghan capital, Kabul, late Tuesday. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the group was targeting foreign guests at the Intercontinental Hotel. Local police said at least one suicide bomber blew himself up inside the hotel, adding there were no immediate reports of […]