Syrian activists say violence across the country Monday killed at least 56 people, as the Arab League’s secretary-general called for an international peacekeeping force to be deployed to Syria. The head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told VOA Monday that the heaviest fighting and shelling was in Homs city and in areas […]
Afghan Blast Kills 5, Wounds 17
A bomb blast in eastern Afghanistan killed five people and wounded 17 others Monday. Authorities say the explosion in Kapisa province killed a local police commander, his son, two bodyguards, and one civilian. Earlier this month, four French soldiers were killed in Kapisa, where hundreds of French troops have been deployed to fight the Taliban […]
Iran Nuclear Talks Show Little Progress
A tense first day of talks between Iran and six world powers in Moscow made little progress Monday on how to end a decade-long dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program. Diplomats said the Islamic Republic asked the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany to discuss rolling back tough European Union and U.S. […]
Obama Says Tensions With Russia Can Be Worked Out
U.S. President Barack Obama says tensions with Russia can be worked out following talks with the Russian president spanning a range of topics, including Syria, Iran and trade. During a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Mexico Monday, Mr. Obama said he and President Vladimir Putin agree on the need to seek […]
Greek Conservative Leader Gets Three Days to Form Government
Greek conservative leader Antonis Samaras has three days to form a coalition government, after his pro-bailout party won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary elections. The New Democracy party won 129 of the 300 seats in parliament, including the 50-seat bonus given to the party with the most votes. The radical leftist and anti-bailout Syriza […]
Yemeni Commander Killed in Suicide Attack
Officials in Yemen say the commander of military forces in the country’s south was killed Monday in a suicide bombing. Monday’s assassin blew himself up in the southern port city of Aden after throwing himself at Major General Salem Ali Qatan’s vehicle. The attack also killed at least two others in the vehicle with the […]
Obama, Putin Meet on Sidelines of G20 Summit
U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin met Monday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Mexico, with the two leaders’ views far apart on the worsening bloodshed in Syria. Russia, a longtime ally of Syria, has so far resisted Washington’s efforts to broker an end to the violence in the Mideast […]
Conservative Leader Gets Three Days to Form Greek Coalition Government
Greek conservative leader Antonis Samaras will have three days to form a coalition government, after his pro-bailout party won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary elections. The conservative New Democracy party won 30 percent of the vote to take 129 of the 300 seats in parliament, including the 50-seat bonus given to the party with […]
Sudan Slashes Spending Amid Money Woes
Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir has announced radical spending cuts, amid signs of severe financial stress for his government. Speaking to lawmakers Monday, Mr. Bashir said his cabinet and all levels of government will have to accept budget cuts of 45 to 50 percent. “That includes the legislative assembly, federal ministries, ministers, experts, and contractors (who) […]
Conservative Leader Gets Three Days to Form Greek Coalition Government
Greek conservative leader Antonis Samaras will have three days to form a coalition government, after his pro-bailout party won the most seats in Sunday’s parliamentary elections. The conservative New Democracy party won 30 percent of the vote to take 129 of the 300 seats in parliament, including the 50-seat bonus given to the party with […]