United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon has urged nations not to abandon the troubled Sahel region, as it faces rising extremism, human rights abuses and food shortages. The secretary-general also warned that any military action to deal with Islamist militants in northern Mali should be “considered extremely carefully.” Mr. Ban spoke Wednesday during a high-level Security […]
Iran’s Ahmadinejad Blasts U.N. Security Council
Posted September 26th, 2012 at 11:50 am (UTC-5)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has leveled harsh criticism against the U.N. Security Council, saying it is “under the domination” of a few governments. In a speech to the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, he said an existence of discrimination in the world body was a “great insult to all.” He also said the veto rights […]
Russian Tycoon Lebedev Charged With Hooliganism
Posted September 26th, 2012 at 11:25 am (UTC-5)
Russia’s top investigative agency says it has filed criminal charges against billionaire Kremlin critic Alexander Lebedev for punching another businessman on a televised talk show last year. The State Investigative Committee said Wednesday it has charged Lebedev with assault and hooliganism for punching Sergei Polonsky and causing bodily harm. If convicted, he faces up to […]
A Quarter of U.S. States Hold the Keys to Presidential Outcome
Posted September 26th, 2012 at 11:20 am (UTC-5)
The U.S. has 50 states, but its national presidential election is likely to be decided in about a quarter of them. They are often called battleground states, where surveys show that voters are closely split in deciding whether to give the Democratic incumbent, President Barack Obama, a second four-year term in the White House, or […]
Kenyan Military: Al-Shabab Armory Destroyed in Key Somalia Town
Posted September 26th, 2012 at 11:00 am (UTC-5)
The Kenyan army says it has destroyed key facilities belonging to al-Shabab militants in the Somali port city Kismayo, the group’s largest remaining stronghold. Army spokesman Cyrus Oguna told VOA Kenyan jets destroyed two sites at an al-Shabab airport on Tuesday. “One was a warehouse where al-Shabab has been keeping weapons. The other one was […]
Obama Expands Lead in Florida, Ohio
Posted September 26th, 2012 at 10:55 am (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama has expanded his lead over Republican challenger Mitt Romney in Florida and Ohio — two of the most important battleground states in this year’s presidential race. A public opinion poll released Wednesday shows President Obama with more than 50 percent support in both states, part of the group of so-called swing […]
Middle East Again Major Focus at U.N. General Assembly
Posted September 26th, 2012 at 10:50 am (UTC-5)
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday is delivering his last address to the United Nations General Assembly as Iran’s president. Mr. Ahmadinejad’s speech comes a day after U.S. President Barack Obama restated previous warnings that the United States and its allies would not allow Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon. Mr. Obama added that time was running […]
Greek Protesters Clash with Police
Posted September 26th, 2012 at 9:55 am (UTC-5)
Greek police clashed with hooded youths hurling firebombs at them Wednesday in Athens after 50,000 workers demonstrated against the government’s latest round of austerity measures. Officers fired tear gas canisters and stun grenades back at the youths, with the booming noise and smoke filling the streets near the central square . Workers walked off their […]
Middle East Again Major Focus at U.N. General Assembly
Posted September 26th, 2012 at 9:10 am (UTC-5)
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday will deliver his last address to the United Nations General Assembly as Iran’s president. Mr. Ahmadinejad’s speech comes a day after U.S. President Barack Obama restated previous warnings that the United States and its allies would not allow Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon. Mr. Obama added that time was running […]
Libya’s President Says Attack on US ‘Pre-Planned’
Posted September 26th, 2012 at 8:55 am (UTC-5)
Libya’s president says the attack that resulted in the deaths of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans at the U.S. consulate in Benghazi was a “pre-planned attack of terrorism.” In a Wednesday interview with the U.S.-based “NBC News,” President Mohammed el-Magarief said the attack had nothing to do with protests against an anti-Islam […]
