An outlawed separatist group has announced a unilateral cease-fire in northeast India in hopes of making further progress on a peace agreement with the government. The leader of the United Liberation Front of Asom , also known as ULFA, called on all members to adhere to the agreement and said Tuesday the cease-fire will continue […]
Eritrean Football Players Seek Asylum in Tanzania
Thirteen Eritrean football players are seeking asylum in Tanzania, where their team was taking part in a regional tournament. A spokesman for Tanzania’s home affairs ministry has confirmed earlier reports that the players did not turn up at a Dar es Salaam airport Saturday, after their team was eliminated in the semi-final of the CECAFA […]
Afghan President’s Slain Brother a Controversial Power Broker
The younger half brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai was considered the most powerful figure in the southern province of Kandahar — the birthplace of the Taliban. Ahmed Wali Karzai’s role as chief of the Kandahar provincial council was largely consultative, but his power came from his tribal and family connections, as well as the […]
Iran, Turkey Discuss Increasing Trade Possibilities
Turkish and Iranian officials have met for a third day in Tehran to strengthen economic links. The talks come amid concerns from the Obama administration that Iran could try to exploit trade ties with Turkey to avoid international sanctions. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned after he met with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu this week […]
More Talks Three Weeks Before US Hits Debt Limit
U.S. congressional leaders are scheduled to meet again with President Barack Obama Tuesday, with no signs of progress on a deal to reduce the deficit and raise the government’s borrowing limit. Tuesday’s talks come three weeks before the August 2 deadline, when the U.S. Treasury Department says the country will run up against the $14.3 […]
US Firm to Allow Copying of AIDS Drugs
One of the world’s biggest producers of AIDS drugs says it will make some of them available for cheaper generic manufacturing, potentially boosting their use in poor countries, particularly in Africa. U.S. drug maker Gilead Sciences said Tuesday it has reached an agreement with the United Nations’ Medicines Patent Pool to allow other manufacturers to […]
Obama Awarding Medal of Honor to Army Ranger
U.S. President Barack Obama is awarding the Medal of Honor Tuesday to an Army Ranger who protected fellow troops from a grenade attack in Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Leroy Petry is the second living person to receive the honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan. Petry lost his right hand when he threw a live […]
Gas Explosion on Pakistan Bus Kills 10
Police in Pakistan say at least 10 people were killed after a bus exploded on a busy highway near the capital, Islamabad. Officials say Tuesday’s blast was caused by a faulty gas cylinder. Several people were also injured in the explosion. Pakistan has a large number of buses and other vehicles which use compressed natural […]
New Oil Spill Found Off China’s Coast
An off-shore oil rig has leaked and spread oil over about one square kilometer off China’s northeast coast, the third oil spill in the area in less than two months. The State Oceanic Administration says the leak occurred in the Suizhong 36-1 oil field, operated by China National Offshore Oil Corporation, in the region known […]
China’s Aircraft Carrier Could Begin Sea Trials in August
Chinese state media say a retrofitted aircraft carrier bought from Ukraine could begin sea trials in August, after postponing the original date from July 1. Though the vessel is seen as a symbol of China’s efforts to increase its naval power, the China Daily newspaper reported Tuesday that the warship is being readied for use […]