U.S. stock market indexes were mixed in Wednesday’s early trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost one-tenth of a percent, the S&P 500 edged up less than one-tenth of a percent while the NASDAQ declined less than one-tenth of a percent. European stock markets were higher in afternoon trading. London’s Financial Times 100 index gained […]
First Lady Obama Inspires Young Africans
Posted June 22nd, 2011 at 8:55 am (UTC-5)
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama has urged young Africans to take leadership roles in their countries and unite to shape a better future for the continent. The first lady delivered an emotional address to an enthusiastic group of young women at the historic Regina Mundi Church in Soweto, South Africa on Wednesday. The church was […]
2 Leading US Senators Call for Limited US Role in Libya
Posted June 21st, 2011 at 11:35 pm (UTC-5)
Two leading U.S. senators have introduced a resolution that would limit the role of the U.S. military in Libya. Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry, a Democrat , and a leading Republican, John McCain , unveiled the measure Tuesday. The resolution would impose a one-year limit on U.S. military involvement in the NATO coalition in […]
NATO Loses Contact with Drone Over Libya
Posted June 21st, 2011 at 7:55 pm (UTC-5)
NATO says one of its unmanned drones has disappeared over Libya, disputing reports that forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi had shot down an alliance attack helicopter. A NATO military spokesman said Tuesday the alliance lost track of the helicopter along the central Libyan coast and is investigating the incident. It is not clear whether […]
Obama to Address Nation Wednesday on Afghanistan
Posted June 21st, 2011 at 6:05 pm (UTC-5)
The White House says President Barack Obama will address the nation Wednesday evening on his plans for withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan. Spokesman Jay Carney says the president will lay out how he will implement the strategy he outlined in December 2009 on drawing down American troops. In a briefing Tuesday, Carney said the president […]
New Greek Government Wins Crucial Vote of Confidence in Parliament
Posted June 21st, 2011 at 6:05 pm (UTC-5)
Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou won a crucial parliamentary vote of confidence for his new government Tuesday, making passage of controversial economic reforms more likely. Mr. Papandreou is appealing to lawmakers to pass his package of spending cuts, tax hikes, and sale of state assets. Passage would assure the next $17 billion installment of last […]
2 Civilians, NATO Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
Posted June 21st, 2011 at 4:35 pm (UTC-5)
Afghan officials say a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the offices of the central Parwan province’s governor Tuesday, killing two people and wounding two others. Officials said the governor escaped unharmed. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing. In other violence Tuesday, NATO said one of its soldiers was killed following a bomb […]
US First Lady Visits Nelson Mandela in Africa
Posted June 21st, 2011 at 2:30 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama on Tuesday paid a previously unannounced visit to former South African president Nelson Mandela at the beginning of a tour of southern Africa. Mrs. Obama met with the 92-year-old anti-apartheid icon at his home in Johannesburg. The wife of U.S. President Barack Obama was accompanied by the couple’s two daughters, […]
At Least 4 Dead in Continuing Syrian Protests
Posted June 21st, 2011 at 11:10 am (UTC-5)
At least four people are reported dead in Syria as regime opponents and pro-government crowds clashed in several cities. Witnesses and human rights activists reported that Syrian security forces fired on crowds Tuesday, causing casualties. Demonstrations were seen in the central city of Homs, the nearby town Mayadeen and in the capital, Damascus. Earlier, tens […]
Pakistani Army Officer Detained for Links to Banned Group
Posted June 21st, 2011 at 11:10 am (UTC-5)
Pakistan’s military says an army officer has been detained for links to a banned Islamic extremist group. Army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told VOA Tuesday that Brigadier Ali Khan was arrested for links with Hizb-ut-Tahrir. The detained army brigadier had been working at the Pakistani military headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Abbas […]
