Suicide blast rips through Pakistan city, 43 dead | read this item
QUETTA, Pakistan (Reuters) – A suicide bomber struck a rally in the Pakistani city of Quetta on Friday, killing up to 43 people in the second major attack this week, piling pressure on a government struggling with a flood crisis.
Muslim cleric calls for beheading of Dutch politician | read this item
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – A well-known Australian Muslim cleric has called for the beheading of Dutch anti-Islamic politician Geert Wilders, a newspaper said on Friday.
S.Africa gov't and strikers brace for new wage talks | read this item
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Striking South African state workers held small-scale protests on Friday as union and government negotiators prepared for bargaining next week aimed at ending the three-week walkout by about 1.3 million.
Gates says Pakistan havens still threaten Afghanistan | read this item
KANDAHAR CITY, Afghanistan (Reuters) – Militants operating out of safe havens in Pakistan remain a major threat to Afghanistan but cooperation between NATO-led forces and the Pakistani military is increasing, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Friday.
U.N. atom chief invited Israel to mull anti-nuclear arms pact | read this item
VIENNA (Reuters) – The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog invited Israel last month to consider joining a global anti-nuclear arms pact but the Jewish state has dismissed the idea as a politically-motivated drive by Arab states.
Swing-vote Australia MP hints at possible Labor deal | read this item
CANBERRA (Reuters) – One of three independent MPs needed by Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard to form a minority government hinted on Friday he could negotiate on Labor’s mining profits tax he has previously opposed.
BOJ to stand pat next week, eyes easing next month | read this item
TOKYO (Reuters) – The Bank of Japan is expected to hold off on easing monetary policy next week but is gearing up for further action in October as the strong yen threatens to derail its forecast of a moderate economic recovery, sources said.
Israel and Palestinians agree to more peace meetings | read this item
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed to a series of direct talks on Thursday, seeking to forge the framework for a U.S.-backed peace deal within a year and end a conflict that has boiled for six decades.
Iran says to strike Israel nuclear site if attacked | read this item
TEHRAN (Reuters) – Iran would retaliate by striking Israel’s nuclear facility if Israel attacked its nuclear activities, armed forces chief of staff Hassan Firouzabadi said on Friday.
Athens shops pull down shutters on recovery hopes | read this item
ATHENS (Reuters) – There are more employees than clients in Andreas Triandafillidis’ clothes shop in central Athens. Austerity has kicked in and the shirts stay on the shelves despite a 50 percent discount.
