China: More crosses removed from Zhejiang province
Chinese authorities have again resumed removing crosses from churches in Zhejiang province.
Year: 2016
Israel mulling twin gas pipelines to Turkey, Greece
Israel is looking to exploit its substantial natural gas reserves with two potential pipeline projects to Turkey and Greece, its Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz announced Sunday.
European Stocks Tumble as Greek Shares Fall to Lowest Since 1990
The rout fueled by concern over the strength of the economic recovery took European stocks to their lowest levels in more than a year, with Greek shares again suffering the most.
UN condemns NKorea launch, pledges significant new sanctions
The U.N. Security Council condemned North Korea’s launch of a long-range rocket that world leaders called a banned test of ballistic missile technology and another ‘intolerable provocation.’ The U.N.’s most powerful body pledged to quickly adopt a new resolution with ‘significant’ new sanctions.
Israeli TV: Kerry set to come to Israel to try to restart peace bid
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will come to Israel in the next few weeks in a new effort to restart a diplomatic process with the Palestinians, Channel 2 reported Saturday evening.
Hamas calls for suicide bombings in Israeli buses
The Palestinian terror group Hamas called Sunday on activists to carry out suicide bombing attacks against Israelis, specifically on buses, in a manner reminiscent of the devastating attacks of the 2000-2005 Second Intifada.
Obama reinstates ‘catch-and-release’ policy for illegal immigrants
The Obama administration has revived the maligned illegal immigrant ‘catch-and-release’ policy of the Bush years, ordering Border Patrol agents not to bother arresting and deporting many new illegal immigrants, the head of the agents’ labor union revealed Thursday.
Citi: World economy trapped in ‘death spiral’
The global economy seems trapped in a ‘death spiral’ that could lead to further weakness in oil prices, recession and a serious equity bear market, Citi strategists have warned.
U.S. creates 151,000 jobs in January; unemployment 4.9%
The U.S. created 151,000 new jobs in January, a sharp slowdown after a torrid pace of hiring in the waning months of 2015. Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected an increase of 180,000 nonfarm jobs. The unemployment rate, meanwhile, dipped below 5% for the first time in eight years, falling to 4.9%.
Turkey: Court rules gov’t failed to protect Christians
The Malatya Administrative Court ruled last week that the Turkish government was negligent in its duty to protect three Christians who were tortured and killed in 2007 and ordered it to pay one million lira ($333,980) in compensation for their families.
Herzog presents Kerry with West Bank disengagement plan
Opposition leader Isaac Herzog presented US Secretary of State John Kerry with a plan for an Israeli pullout from the West Bank, telling him that separation is the only way forward with the Palestinians.
Obama proposes carbon tax on oil
The White House on Thursday announced its latest plan to address climate change by levying a $10 per-barrel tax on crude oil.
Iran to strengthen missile program
Iran will continue to develop its missile program and it should not be considered a threat to neighboring and friendly countries, the semi-official Fars news agency quoted the head of the army as saying on Thursday.
New Russian Beachhead in Syria
U.S. intelligence agencies are closely watching what appears to be a buildup of Russian military forces in northeastern Syria, very close to the Turkish border.
Nigeria: Twin bombings leave dozens dead, injured
Suicide bombings in two predominantly Christian communities in northeast Nigeria last week left at least 26 dead and dozens more injured.
Mexico: Baptists families expelled
Ten Baptist families were unceremoniously expelled from the community of Tuxpan de Bolanos in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, last week for refusing to recant their faith.
In big shift since 2008, red states now outnumber blue states in U.S.: Gallup
For the first time in eight years, there are more “red” states than “blue” states in the country, according to new analysis of political party affiliations in the U.S. from Gallup.
France considers recognition of a Palestinian state
The French foreign minister says France will recognize a Palestinian state if its efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks fail.
Iran: $100b. in assets ‘fully released’ under nuclear deal
Iran said Monday it now has access to more than $100 billion worth of frozen overseas assets following the implementation of a landmark nuclear deal with world powers.
US, 11 other countries sign free-trade deal in New Zealand
Trade ministers from 12 Pacific Rim countries including the United States gathered Thursday in New Zealand for the ceremonial signing of a free-trade deal they say will significantly boost trade.