Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law expanding the definition of treason, a move critics say gives the government broad authority to brand anyone a traitor. The law went into effect Wednesday — despite a promise by Mr. Putin on Monday that he would review the measure. Previous legislation described high treason as […]
Kashmir Gunbattle Kills 3 Indian Troops, 2 Rebels
Posted November 14th, 2012 at 11:15 am (UTC-5)
Indian military officials say three soldiers and two suspected rebels have been killed in a gunbattle in Indian-controlled Kashmir. The army says Wednesday’s fighting took place in the Nowgam sector, as five militants crossed into Indian-Kashmir from the Pakistani side of the disputed Himalayan region. An army spokesman said a search operation was underway for […]
Strikes Across Europe Against Unemployment, Austerity Measures
Posted November 14th, 2012 at 10:45 am (UTC-5)
Thousands of workers are holding coordinated strikes in countries across Europe to protest their governments’ deep spending cuts and tax hikes. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) organized Wednesday’s action, which called for simultaneous strikes in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy, and demonstrations and rallies in other countries. In Spain, baton-wielding riot police clashed with […]
Strikes Across Europe Against Unemployment, Austerity Measures
Posted November 14th, 2012 at 10:15 am (UTC-5)
Thousands of workers are holding coordinated strikes in countries across Europe to protest their governments’ deep spending cuts and tax hikes. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) organized Tuesday’s action, which called for simultaneous strikes in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy, and demonstrations and rallies in other countries. In Spain, baton-wielding riot police clashed with […]
Pakistan Agrees to Release Some Afghan Taliban Prisoners
Posted November 14th, 2012 at 10:10 am (UTC-5)
Officials say Pakistan has agreed to release some Afghan Taliban prisoners, a move that could help facilitate peace talks between the insurgent group and the Afghan government. Afghanistan has long sought access to the prisoners to aid the stalled peace process. Support from Pakistan, which backed the Taliban regime in the late 1990’s, is seen […]
Toyota Issues Another Major Recall
Posted November 14th, 2012 at 7:50 am (UTC-5)
Toyota is recalling more than 2.7 million vehicles worldwide because of steering and water pump problems. It is the second major recall in as many months for the world’s largest automaker. The Japanese auto giant said Wednesday no accidents have been reported because of the defects, which it says could be fixed in about one […]
US to Give $30 Million in Syrian Aid
Posted November 14th, 2012 at 7:35 am (UTC-5)
The U.S. says it is providing $30 million in extra humanitarian aid for those affected by the Syrian conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the move in Australia Wednesday while visiting for annual security talks with the American ally. She said the aid would help provide food to hungry people inside Syria along […]
Hu Steps Down, as China’s Leadership Transition Begins
Posted November 14th, 2012 at 7:35 am (UTC-5)
Chinese President Hu Jintao formally stepped down as head of the Communist Party on Wednesday, setting the stage for Vice President Xi Jinping to take the country’s top leadership post. Addressing the final day of the party’s week-long congress, President Hu told delegates at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People they should be unified as […]
US Congressional Reports Urges Tougher Screening on Chinese Investment
Posted November 14th, 2012 at 7:01 am (UTC-5)
An American Congressional report is urging tougher screening laws for investment by China’s state-owned enterprises, saying China is what it calls the “most threatening actor in cyberspace.” . The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission acknowledges in a report Wednesday that growing Chinese investment in the United States is an important source of job growth. […]
Iraq Bombings Kill 12
Posted November 14th, 2012 at 6:55 am (UTC-5)
A series of bombings across Iraq has killed at least 14 people. Security and hospital sources say the deadliest attacks were in the northern province of Kirkuk, where four bombs killed at least nine people and wounded dozens more. A car bomb blast in the southern city of Hilla killed four people, while another car […]
