Two explosions have hit minutes apart near a Syrian military command building in central Damascus, sparking a fire in the capital’s Omayyad Square. Syria’s information minister said the explosions Wednesday morning caused only “material damage” and that security forces were pursuing “armed terrorists.” The explosions are the latest to hit the capital during the country’s […]
Nationalistic Abe Elected as Head of Japan’s Opposition LDP
Japan’s tough-talking former prime minister Shinzo Abe, who is calling for a stronger stance against China, has been elected as president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party. Mr. Abe defeated ex-defense chief Shigeru Ishiba in a run-off election, Wednesday. The ex-prime minister, who stepped down in 2007 because of a stomach illness, could get […]
Twin Blasts Hit Syrian Capital
Syrian state television says two “terrorist” explosions have hit near an army staff building in Damascus, sparking a fire in the capital’s Omayyad Square. There was no immediate word on any casualties from the Wednesday morning blasts. The explosions are the latest to hit the capital during the country’s 18-month conflict, following a bombing Tuesday […]
S.Korea ‘Disappointed’ at No Economic Reforms in Pyongyang
South Korea says it is disappointed that North Korea failed to announce any economic reforms that some expected to be passed during a rare session of parliament held this week in Pyongyang. Sources said to be close to North Korean leadership tell Western news agencies that the impoverished, authoritarian state may soon allow farmers to […]
Japan, China Hold High-Level Talks on Island Dispute, No Progress Reported
A bitter territorial dispute between China and Japan showed no signs of improvement Tuesday, as foreign ministers from both countries held high-level talks to ease tensions. The official Xinhua news agency says Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi “reiterated China’s position” on the disputed East China Sea islands during the talks, which were held on the sidelines […]