The Burmese government has signed a cease-fire with the ethnic Karen rebel group, in an apparent move toward ending one of the world’s longest-running insurgencies and meeting a key condition for improved ties with the West. In a separate development, Burmese state media reported the governement will release 651 prisoners under a presidential pardon, beginning […]
Burma Signs Cease-Fire with Karen Rebel Group
Posted January 12th, 2012 at 3:05 pm (UTC-5)
Leave a comment
Syria to Investigate Rocket Attack that Killed French Journalist, 8 Syrians
Posted January 12th, 2012 at 2:40 pm (UTC-5)
The Syrian government says it will conduct an investigation into a rocket attack that killed French journalist Gilles Jacquier and eight Syrians in the central city of Homs on Wednesday. State news agency SANA said Thursday Homs Governor Ghassan Abdel Al ordered the creation of a commission to investigate Wednesday’s incident. It says the commission […]
US Officials Condemn Alleged Marine Abuse of Taliban Corpses
Posted January 12th, 2012 at 2:25 pm (UTC-5)
The United States has condemned a video that appears to show U.S. Marines urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban fighters. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday the video is “utterly deplorable.” He vowed those responsible will be held fully accountable. Panetta ordered the U.S. Marine Corps and the head of the NATO security force […]
Nigeria Oil Union Threatens Strike in Fuel Subsidy Showdown
Posted January 12th, 2012 at 1:50 pm (UTC-5)
A major oil union in Nigeria says it will go on strike beginning Sunday if the continent’s top oil-producing country does not restore a popular consumer fuel subsidy. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association said Thursday it would be forced to take “the bitter option” of shutting down oil and gas production if […]
OECD: Most Global Economies Could Slow Further
Posted January 12th, 2012 at 1:35 pm (UTC-5)
A new report says that most of the world’s major economies are likely to slow further, but that U.S., Japanese and Russian economic fortunes are showing signs of improving. The Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Thursday that the leading economic indicators for China show that the world’s second largest economy have dropped […]
Spanish Navy Thwarts Pirate Attack in Indian Ocean
Posted January 12th, 2012 at 1:20 pm (UTC-5)
Spanish forces have captured six alleged pirates in the Indian Ocean, after the suspects attacked a Spanish navy ship. The Spanish defense ministry says pirates aboard a skiff (small boat) opened fire on the combat support ship “Patiño” early Thursday. A statement says the navy ship exchanged fire with the pirates, who eventually tried to […]
Russia’s Putin Promises More Accountability
Posted January 12th, 2012 at 1:20 pm (UTC-5)
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has promised to make the government more accountable to its people, if he wins a third term in presidential elections in March. Mr. Putin laid out his plans Thursday on a campaign website, one month after the start of demonstrations by anti-government protesters who say Russia’s political system is corrupt. […]
US Officials Condemn Marines’ Alleged Abuse of Taliban Corpses
Posted January 12th, 2012 at 1:00 pm (UTC-5)
The United States has condemned a video that appears to show U.S. Marines urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban fighters. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday he has seen the video, calling it “utterly deplorable.” He vowed those responsible will be held fully accountable. Panetta ordered the U.S. Marine Corps and the head of […]
Pakistan’s President Travels to Dubai Amid Crisis
Posted January 12th, 2012 at 12:35 pm (UTC-5)
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari flew to the United Arab Emirates Thursday, amid growing tensions between Pakistan’s civilian government and the military. Officials said Mr. Zardari was to attend a wedding in Dubai and will be back in Pakistan on Friday. They also said the trip is not linked to the current crisis in Pakistan. […]
Al-Qaida Group Threatens to Harm Western Hostages
Posted January 12th, 2012 at 12:30 pm (UTC-5)
Al-Qaida’s North Africa branch says it will kill the Western hostages it holds if European countries make an attempt to rescue them. The group, known as al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), released a statement Thursday addressed to France, Britain, the Netherlands and Sweden. The militants said they had information about an imminent operation against […]
