Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says his army is engaged in a battle against rebels that will determine the fate of the country. Mr. Assad praised the government forces in a statement Wednesday, as violence continued across Syria. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least one person was killed in fighting between rebels […]
Assad: Army Engaged in Fight for Syria’s Fate
Somali Assembly Adopts Constitution
Somali leaders have approved a new constitution, as the country approaches a U.N. deadline for completing its government transition. An assembly that began working last week in Mogadishu overwhelmingly approved the document Wednesday. The meeting came as a pair of suicide bombers tried to attack the area. Authorities said the bombers were killed, but at […]
Clinton African Tour Seen as Move to Counter China Influence
As U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton starts her tour of Africa with a visit to Senegal, analysts say the multi-nation trip is meant to counter China’s growing influence in the resource-rich continent. Throughout her 10-day trip, the State Department says Clinton will highlight U.S. plans to strengthen democratic institutions, expand development, spur economic growth, […]
Clinton Kicks Off African Tour in Senegal
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Senegal’s new president Macky Sall on Wednesday as she kicks off a 10-day trip across sub-Saharan Africa. The top U.S. diplomat’s multi-nation tour is expected to focus on U.S. efforts to boost regional peace and security, encourage development, spur economic growth, and promote democracy. During her first […]
China Urges US to Lift Sanctions Against Bank for Iran Ties
China is urging the United States to lift new sanctions imposed against a Chinese bank for doing business with Iran. China’s foreign ministry said Wednesday the sanctions damaged U.S.-Chinese relations, and that it would lodge an official protest. The U.S. Treasury on Tuesday announced the sanctions against China’s Bank of Kunlun and an Iraqi financial […]
Clinton Kicks Off African Tour in Senegal
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets with Senegal’s new president Macky Sall on Wednesday as she kicks off a 10-day trip across sub-Saharan Africa. The top U.S. diplomat’s multi-nation tour is expected to focus on U.S. efforts to boost regional peace and security, encourage development, spur economic growth, and promote democracy. During her first […]
Panetta Touts US-Israeli Defense Ties
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says the United States and Israel are doing everything they can to have the “strongest defense” and protect both countries, as he opened a day of meetings with Israeli leaders. Panetta met Wednesday with his Israeli counterpart Ehud Barak in Tel Aviv, and said the two countries have a “very […]
Novelist Gore Vidal Dies at 86
(fixes typo graf 4)) American writer Gore Vidal, whose intellectual novels, essays and plays sharply examined politics and culture, has died at his Los Angeles home. He was 86. His literary career began with a novel he wrote while enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. But it was his third book, “The […]
Assad: Army Engaged in Fight for Syria’s Fate
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says his army is engaged in a battle against rebels that will determine the fate of the country. Mr. Assad praised the government forces in a statement Wednesday, as violence continued across the country. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least one person was killed in fighting between […]
World Bank Preparing $85 Million in Grants to Support Burma’s Reforms
The World Bank is preparing up to $85 million in new grants for Burma in order to help support reforms in the Southeast Asian country. The global lender said in a statement Wednesday that the grants will support “community driven development programs” that aim to provide the Burmese people with “real economic benefits” from their […]