World

Lebanese hostages in Syria to be released ‘within hours’, says cleric

BEIRUT, May 25 — Lebanese hostages kidnapped in Syria will be set free "within hours", an Islamist cleric who is brokering their release said today."The process is in its final stages, they will be released within hours God willing," Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zoaby told Reuters.A dozen Lebanese Shi'ite men were among a group of pilgrims returning to Lebanon from Iran when gunmen stopped their bus after it crossed into Syria from Turkey. They released the women and kept ... Read More
Supporters cheer as US President Barack Obama takes the stage for a campaign rally at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa May 24, 2012. — Reuters pic
Supporters cheer as US President Barack Obama takes the stage for a campaign rally at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa May 24, 2012. — Reuters pic

Egypt to pick Islamist or military man as president

CAIRO, May 25 — The Muslim Brotherhood said on Friday its candidate in Egypt's first free presidential vote had won through to a run-off next month against ex-air force chief Ahmed Shafiq, who was deposed leader Hosni Mubarak's last prime minister.This week's first-round vote has polarised Egyptians between those determined to avoid handing the presidency ... Read More

Pakistani interrogator says bin Laden wives gave little away

ISLAMABAD, May 25 — Osama bin Laden's three wives were fiercely loyal to him and gave little away when they were interrogated after the al Qaeda chief was killed in a US raid over a year ago, a Pakistani intelligence agent who questioned them said.The three women were arrested by Pakistani security forces after the Navy SEAL raid on bin Laden's safe house ... Read More

China leadership rules Bo case isolated, limits purge say sources

BEIJING, May 25 — Chinese President Hu Jintao has demanded senior Communist Party officials stifle tensions over the ousting of ambitious politician Bo Xilai and show unity as they prepare for a change of leadership, sources briefed on recent meetings said.Hu urged the party to close ranks at a meeting of about 200 officials early this month at a Beijing ... Read More

Myanmar protests an opportunity to show more reform

YANGON, May 25 — Five days of street protests over chronic power shortages present Myanmar’s reformist government with a headache and an opportunity.Police forcibly dispersed protesters in the central Myanmar town of Pyi yesterday, a heavy-handed response reminiscent of the previous military junta that could fuel grievances among an impoverished and ... Read More

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