The European Union expanded sanctions against the Syrian government Monday, imposing travel bans and asset freezes on five more officials associated with Syria’s bloody crackdown on anti-government protesters. EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton condemned Syria’s recent attacks on citizens and said the “brutal violence” risks escalating tensions and divisions in the country. The EU […]
Top US Military Officer Calls for Iraqi Decision on Troop Withdrawal
Posted August 1st, 2011 at 10:40 am (UTC-5)
The top U.S. military officer says Iraq needs to let the United States know now whether American troops should remain in the Middle Eastern country beyond the end of the year. Joint Chiefs of Staff head Admiral Mike Mullen told reporters before landing in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul Monday that Iraq’s indecision is […]
Suspected US Drone Strike Kills 4 in NW Pakistan
Posted August 1st, 2011 at 10:25 am (UTC-5)
Pakistani intelligence officials say a U.S. drone strike has killed at least four suspected militants in the country’s northwest, along the Afghan border. The missiles fired from a pilotless aircraft hit a vehicle near Wana, the main town in the South Waziristan tribal region. The area is a known stronghold of Taliban and al-Qaida-linked insurgents. […]
Thai Parliament Opens, Thaksin’s Sister Expected to Lead Govt.
Posted August 1st, 2011 at 10:15 am (UTC-5)
Thailand’s parliament has opened a new session during which the sister of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to form a new government after five years of political turmoil. Prime Minister-elect Yingluck Shinawatra and other lawmakers gathered at a royal building in the capital, Bangkok, for Monday’s ceremonial session, led by Crown Prince Maha […]
World Markets Rise on News of US Debt Deal
Posted August 1st, 2011 at 10:05 am (UTC-5)
Global financial markets welcomed the deal in Washington to avoid a debt default by the government of the world’s largest economy. U.S. and Asian stock markets moved higher and most European markets posted gains Monday after U.S. President Barack Obama and congressional leaders made a deal to increase the legal limit on borrowing and cut […]
Greek Taxi Strike to Continue Indefinitely
Posted August 1st, 2011 at 9:55 am (UTC-5)
Striking Greek taxi owners have vowed to continue their protests, after negotiations with the government on new licensing laws fell apart. The collapse of the talks came as drivers on Monday blocked key highways leading to airports and popular resorts and ports, tying up traffic and disrupting the plans of tourists. The drivers surrounded the […]
US Stock Markets Rise
Posted August 1st, 2011 at 9:50 am (UTC-5)
U.S. stock market indexes rose strongly in Monday’s early trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 rose 1 percent and the NASDAQ gained 1.4 percent. European stock markets were mixed in afternoon trading. London’s Financial Times 100 index gained 1.1 percent, the CAC-40 in Paris moved up one-tenth of a percent, while […]
Indian Parliament Adjourns Hours after Starting New Session
Posted August 1st, 2011 at 9:35 am (UTC-5)
India’s parliament shut down hours after reopening Monday when opposition lawmakers caused a commotion shouting angry anti-corruption slogans. Monday was the first day of the new legislative session, which has the passage of sweeping new laws on food security and government transparency at the top of its agenda. However, the session was adjourned just before […]
White House, Congress Reach US Debt Ceiling Deal
Posted August 1st, 2011 at 9:25 am (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama has reached an agreement with congressional leaders on a compromise deal to raise the nation’s limit on borrowing and keep the government from an unprecedented default. Mr. Obama said Sunday night that the proposed deal cuts about $1 trillion in spending over 10 years and sets up a bipartisan panel in […]
Bomb Blast in Northeast India Kills 5
Posted August 1st, 2011 at 9:20 am (UTC-5)
Police say a bomb has exploded in a busy market in northeast India, killing at least five people. More than four others were wounded in Monday’s blast, which took place on the outskirts of Imphal, the capital of Manipur state. Police say the bomb was planted on a scooter. No one claimed responsibility for the […]
