July 3, 2012
Burma Frees 20 Political Prisoners in General Amnesty
Burma has freed at least 20 political prisoners as part of a general amnesty the government says is aimed at promoting “national unity.” The state-run New Light of Myanmar says 46 prisoners were released Tuesday, under an order by President Thein…
July 3, 2012
China to Ban Shark Fin Soup from Official Events
China plans to ban shark fin soup from being served at government banquets in an attempt to protect endangered shark populations and reduce spending on lavish state functions. The Communist Party-controlled Global Times said Tuesday it would take…
July 3, 2012
Assad Regrets Syria Downing of Turkish Jet
A Turkish newspaper has quoted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad saying he regrets that his forces shot down a Turkish military jet last month. The Cumhuriyet newspaper published comments from Mr. Assad Tuesday in which the leader insisted the jet…
July 3, 2012
China Vows Crackdown on Environmental Protesters
Chinese authorities are vowing to inflict what they call “severe punishment” on organizers of a two-day protest who are concerned about the environmental impact of a proposed heavy metal refinery in their town. Authorities say unrest broke out…
July 2, 2012
Pena Nieto Wins Mexican Presidential Election
Exit polls in Mexico's presidential election show Enrique Pena Nieto winning by a wide margin. The polls put Pena Nieto far ahead of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the left-wing Party of the Democratic Revolution, and Josefina Vazquez Mota, who…
July 2, 2012
Japan’s Ozawa and 51 lawmakers resign from ruling party
Japanese power-broker Ichiro Ozawa has resigned from the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, along with 51 other lawmakers. The exodus, which has been expected for some time, still leaves the DPJ with a majority in the lower house of parliament.…
July 2, 2012
Voters in Senegal Pick a Parliament
Voters in Senegal went to the polls Sunday to pick a new parliament. Newly-elected President Macky Sall needs a majority of supporters to get approval for his legislative agenda, which includes job creation and bringing down food prices. Witnesses…
July 2, 2012
Iran Acknowledges Sanctions have Become Severe
Iran has acknowledged that Western sanctions over its controversial nuclear program have reached their toughest level, as the European Union begins a total ban on Iranian oil imports. In remarks published Sunday by Iranian state media, Vice…
July 2, 2012
17 Killed in Attacks on Kenya Churches
Kenyan police say gunmen attacked two churches in the eastern town of Garissa Sunday, killing 17 people and wounding at least 40. Authorities say the attackers threw grenades and opened fire on worshippers. The deadliest attack took place at the…
July 2, 2012
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes to divorce
Hollywood A-listers Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are divorcing, bringing an end to a five-year marriage. The office of celebrity divorce lawyer Jonathan Wolfe confirmed the divorce. "This is a personal and private matter," he said in a statement.…