A United Nations report released Wednesday says the world has made “extraordinary” achievements in the past year at combating HIV, but that greater efforts are still needed to end the global epidemic. The report, led by the World Health Organization, found that the number of new HIV infections has dropped by 15 percent in the […]
UN Report: More Funding Needed to Eradicate AIDS
Britain Withdraws Some Diplomats from Iran After Embassy Assaults
Britain is withdrawing some of its diplomatic staff from Iran while Norway has closed its mission in Tehran following Tuesday’s mob assaults on British embassy compounds in the capital. The British foreign office said Wednesday it ordered the partial evacuation because the safety of British embassy personnel and their families is an immediate priority. It […]
ICC Charges Former Ivory Coast Leader Gbagbo
The International Criminal Court has charged former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo with four counts of crimes against humanity related to violence that followed last year’s presidential elections. The Hague-based court said Wednesday Mr. Gbagbo is accused of bearing responsibility as an indirect co-perpetrator for murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well […]
Egypt’s Brotherhood Claims Lead in Polls, Challenges Military Rule
Egypt’s powerful Muslim Brotherhood says its bloc is leading the first stage of parliamentary elections and challenged the country’s military generals by claiming the high turnout signifies a popular demand for civilian rule. The Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice party said Wednesday early indications showed its coalition ahead, followed by the ultra-conservative Salafist al-Nour party and […]
Clinton Makes Landmark Visit to Burma
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has begun a landmark trip to Burma, becoming the first chief U.S. diplomat to visit the country in 50 years. She arrived Wednesday in the remote Burmese capital, Naypyitaw, for three days of talks, including scheduled meetings with Burmese President Thein Sein and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. […]
Biden Says US Pullout from Iraq Marks New Phase in Relations
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has told Iraqi leaders in Baghdad that the two countries are embarking on a “new path” as the United States prepares to complete a troop pullout by the end of December. Biden was speaking Wednesday in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The vice president said the United […]
Turkey Imposes Asset Freeze, Other Sanctions on Syrian Leaders
Turkey says it is freezing the assets of Syrian leaders and taking other steps to pressure them into stopping a deadly government crackdown on an eight-month pro-democracy uprising. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced the sanctions in a news conference Wednesday. The measures include cutting off links with Syria’s central bank, banning the delivery of […]
Nationwide Strike Protesting Pension Cuts Paralyzes Britain
More than two million workers in Britain are participating in a nationwide strike Wednesday to protest government plans to reduce public sector pensions, in what is expected to be the largest walkout in a generation. Authorities are warning of long delays at London’s Heathrow Airport, where embassy staff have been flown in to replace striking […]
Turkey Imposes Asset Freeze, Other Sanctions on Syrian Leaders
Turkey says it is freezing the assets of Syrian leaders and taking other steps to pressure them into stopping a deadly government crackdown on an eight-month pro-democracy uprising. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced the sanctions in a news conference Wednesday. The measures include cutting off links with Syria’s central bank, banning the delivery of […]