MOSCOW – Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has said he backs Egypt’s military chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi in his “bid for the presidency”. Mr Putin, meeting Field Marshal Sisi in Moscow to discuss an arms deal, said he was “aware” of his decision to run. However, there has been no announcement on the matter from the…
WASHINGTON – Within two weeks of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, the head of U.S. special forces issued orders that all photos of the body be either turned in or destroyed, a newly released document shows. In an e-mail dated May 13, 2011, then-Vice Adm. William McRaven wrote the following: “One particular item…
BERLIN – Germany’s Angela Merkel has said a US official’s apparent insult of the EU’s efforts to mediate in the Ukraine crisis is “totally unacceptable”. Victoria Nuland has apologised after a voice resembling hers used a graphic swear word in a conversation said to be with the US ambassador to Ukraine. A recording of the…
DAMASCUS – The Syrian government has been deliberately and systematically razing homes, buildings and entire rebel-held neighbourhoods to the ground with bulldozers and explosives, according to a rights group. A new report, released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday, accused the regime troops of entering opposition strongholds and destroying the buildings. Razed to the…
LONDON – Some of the “most vulnerable” Syrian refugees will be temporarily resettled in the UK, Deputy PM Nick Clegg says. He said girls and women who had been victims of or were at risk of sexual violence, torture victims, and elderly and disabled people would get priority. This meant the coalition was ensuring Britain’s…
MELBOURNE – Rafael Nadal powered past Roger Federer to reach the Australian Open final and maintain his dominance over the 17-time Grand Slam champion. The world number one came through 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-3 and goes on to face Federer’s compatriot, Stanislas Wawrinka, for the title on Sunday. And the Spaniard, 27, will be a…
GENEVA – Syria’s government and main political opposition have traded bitter accusations as a major peace conference begins in Switzerland. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged delegates to engage in constructive discussions, but neither side appeared prepared to abandon their positions. US Secretary of State John Kerry said there was “no way possible” President Bashar…
DAMASCUS – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said he has no intention of quitting, and the issue is not up for discussion at next week’s peace talks. “If we wanted to surrender we would have surrendered from the start,” Mr Assad told Russian MPs in Damascus, according to Interfax news agency. The government, opposition groups…
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is to announce changes to US electronic spy programmes after revelations made by ex-intelligence contractor Edward Snowden. He aims to restore public confidence in the intelligence community. Mr Obama is expected to create a public advocate at the secretive court that approves intelligence collection. His proposals come hours after UK…
DAMASCUS – Western intelligence agencies have visited Damascus for talks on combating radical Islamist groups, Syria’s deputy foreign minister has told the BBC. Faisal Mekdad said there was a schism between Western security officials and politicians who are pressing President Bashar al-Assad to step down. The growth of jihadist groups among rebels fighting President Assad…
