Economy, IS policy, Guantanamo and more: Obama’s speech in 11 quotes
US President Barack Obama on Tuesday declared America has turned the page on years of war and economic hardship, in a populist-tinged State of the Union address that set up the battle to succeed him. Emboldened by a stronger economy and better approval ratings, Obama called for a new chapter in US... read more »
Houthi display of force challenges embattled Yemen leader
Houthi fighters battled guards at the Yemeni president’s private home and entered his palace on Tuesday, raising the stakes in a turbulent campaign for more political power that has enfeebled state authority and thrown the Arab state deeper into turmoil. Speaking hours after his... read more »
Japan PM Shinzo Abe rushes home to lead hostage crisis response
TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was rushing home from the Middle East Wednesday to take charge of Tokyo’s response after Islamic militants threatened to kill two nationals unless he pays a $200 million ransom. A defiant Abe vowed he would not bow to “terrorism” as Japan... read more »
Sri Lanka: Police raids Mahinda Rajapaksa’s country home
Colombo – Embattled former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa’s country home in the southern province has been raided by police who were looking for a luxury sports car but the search drew a blank. “They raided our house in Tangalle yesterday looking for a Lamborghini car,” said... read more »
