Syrian security forces shot dead at least three civilians Friday, as the European Union slapped new sanctions on President Bashar al-Assad’s government. Syrian activists say government forces cracked down on thousands of demonstrators who took to the streets around the country after Friday prayers, and that clashes erupted. Meanwhile, the Syrian government is accusing what […]
Syrian Crackdown Leaves Three Dead, EU Heightens Sanctions
Posted September 23rd, 2011 at 12:03 pm (UTC-5)
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Zambia Swears in Opposition Leader as New President
Posted September 23rd, 2011 at 11:50 am (UTC-5)
Zambia’s long-time opposition leader Michael Sata has been sworn in as president after unseating the incumbent president in a tight race. The 74-year-old populist figure took the oath of office at the Supreme Court in the capital, Lusaka, on Friday. After the swearing in, Mr. Sata vowed to help the nation’s poor and assured foreign […]
Italian Prosecutors Make Closing Arguments in Knox Murder Appeal
Posted September 23rd, 2011 at 11:41 am (UTC-5)
Prosecutors are demanding an Italian court reject an appeal by American Amanda Knox against her murder conviction — saying the court must ignore the massive media coverage of the case. During closing arguments Friday, the prosecution urged jurors to forget what it said was the pressure of an international press slanted in favor of the […]
Iraqi President: Invest in Iraq
Posted September 23rd, 2011 at 11:34 am (UTC-5)
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani has invited other nations to invest in Iraq, saying the country is restoring its strength after decades of internal and external war and international sanctions. Mr. Talabani spoke during the third day of debate at the United Nations General Assembly. He said Iraq is working on legislation to protect investors and […]
Obama Targets ‘Flaws’ in Education Law
Posted September 23rd, 2011 at 11:33 am (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama says it is time to make the country’s education system “the envy of the world.” Mr. Obama announced plans Friday to give states more control over how they teach students as long as they promise to meet higher standards. States would get greater flexibility along with the higher standards they set. […]
Chaotic Scene Marks Burial of Slain Afghan Peacemaker
Posted September 23rd, 2011 at 11:30 am (UTC-5)
Thousands of mourners helped bury Afghanistan’s former president and head peace broker with the Taliban, Burhanuddin Rabbani, days after he was killed by a suicide bomber at his home. Friday’s funeral in Kabul drew large crowds of people who pushed and shoved around Mr. Rabbani’s coffin. During the hilltop ceremony, dozens of Rabbani supports chanted […]
Clashes Erupt Ahead of Palestinian Statehood Bid
Posted September 23rd, 2011 at 11:21 am (UTC-5)
Clashes have erupted in the West Bank ahead of Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas’ formal request for United Nations statehood recognition. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man near Nablus in the West Bank on Friday after a confrontation erupted between Palestinians and Jewish settlers. Meanwhile, Palestinian protesters hurled rocks at Israeli forces in East […]
Yemen: From Jasmine Revolution to Widespread Unrest
Posted September 23rd, 2011 at 10:44 am (UTC-5)
A timeline of how Yemen has plunged from protests to near full-fledged civil war: January 22: Hundreds of students and other protesters gather at Sana’a University, calling for an end to the 32-year rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The demonstrators were apparently inspired by the protests that led to the ouster of Tunisia’s President. […]
White House Urges Pakistan to Cut Haqqani Militant Ties
Posted September 23rd, 2011 at 10:35 am (UTC-5)
The White House is calling on the Pakistani government to “break any links” it has with al-Qaida-linked militants, a day after the top U.S. military officer accused Islamabad of helping attack Americans in Afghanistan. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Friday it is critical that Pakistan cut all ties it has with the Haqqani […]
Yemen’s Capital Tense After President Returns
Posted September 23rd, 2011 at 10:26 am (UTC-5)
Political tensions were running high in Yemen Friday following the return of President Ali Abdullah Saleh from months of medical treatment abroad. There are reports of sporadic gunfire, explosions and military vehicles roaming the streets as supporters and opponents of Mr. Saleh prepared to gather after Friday’s prayers. The embattled president arrived in Yemen from […]
