WORLD NEWS

World News

Latest news from and about the homeland

In recent weeks Yemen’s Houthi armed group has shot down seven US Reaper drones worth over $200m. The drones destroyed between 31 March and 22 April mark Washington's most significant material loss.  Three of the drones were destroyed in the past week, suggesting an improvement in the Houthis’ ability to strike high-altitude US aircraft.  The drones were conducting surveillance or…

Renewed calls to investigate Fox-Werrity, after new allegations emerge

The British prime minister, David Cameron, faced renewed calls to launch an investigation into the former defence secretary, Liam Fox's, best friend and self-proclaimed advisor, Adam Werritty, following further allegations revealed by the Guardian.

A defence lobbyist, Stephen Crouch, paid Werritty a flat fee of £20,000, in the hope that influential meetings would be set up, alleged the Guardian on Wednesday.

Amnesty: Syrian regime torturing dissidents in hospitals

Wounded anti-government protesters in Syria, are being subjected to torture and abuse whilst being admitted to state-run hospitals, according to a report released by Amnesty International on Tuesday.

Don’t see Libya as a model for success in every conflict

Writing in the Times, former commander of British Forces in Afghanistan Colonel Richard Kemp argued that while military intervention in Libyan by NATO is being hailed as a success, it should not form the basis for the same model to be applied in other conflicts.

Examining the Libya campaign and the inital NATO-lead drive in Afghanistan in 2001, Kemp commented that while they were successful, the military option may not always be the best path to follow.

"The best form of intervention in a foreign country is non-intervention. Or, at least, intervention that is so discreet as to be almost invisible to the naked eye — funding of rebel forces, covert supply of weapons, behind-the-scenes “advice” to opposition leaders.

Even this carries risk. But the greatest risk comes from deploying conventional forces in strength. As we saw with such horrific consequences in Iraq and later in Afghanistan, however benign the intention, boots on the ground will inevitably come to be seen as occupying forces and will be attacked from all quarters."

Libya's NTC announce investigation into Gaddafi's death

Libya's interim leader, Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, announced on Monday, an investigation has been ordered, into Muammar Gaddafi death.

The National Transitional Council (NTC) has formed a committee in order to conduct the investigation said Abdul-Jalil.

Today's announcement comes amidst rising international pressure to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and reports of Gaddafi loyalists being executed.

Security laws to be repealed in Kashmir

Security laws, that have long protected security forces from prosecution, are to be lifted in some areas of Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Indian controlled Jammu and Kashmir announced on Friday.

In a speech to police officers stationed in the region, Abdullah explained that the laws were no longer warranted given the prevailing peace in the region. The announcement comes amidst wider efforts to decrease the security presence in the region.

Libya declared free

Libya's new leaders - former rebel fighters and now NTC members - declared the country to be free from the 42-year rule of Muammar Gaddafi on Sunday .

Thousands gathered in the city of Benghazi to hear the announcement of liberation.

National Transitional Council officials and spectators chanted "raise your head high, you are a free Libyan!"

Celebrations are said to be continuing well into the night.

UN & US push for Gaddafi investigation

International pressure has mounted on the National Transitional Council of Libya to clarify how former leader Muammar Gaddafi died last week, after both the UN & US called for further investigations.

Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said,
“We really do need some clarity.”

SNP officially launches Scotland's independence campaign

The Scottish National Party (SNP) launched the campaign for independence on Sunday, outlining the proposed referendum on independence and urged supporters to brace themselves for the "biggest campaign ever".

The annoucement follows the SNP leader, Alex Salmond's, rallying call to the Scottish nation to unie behind the Scottish identity.

“Bashar al-Assad, how do you feel today?”

After the death of Muammar Gaddafi, Syrian opposition activists have been reinvigorated in their bid to drive Syrian President Bashar al-Assad from power.  

China investing $30 billion in India

India should be “much more relaxed” in its approach to Chinese investments y and get rid of “needless” restrictions, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said.

“We are imagining demons where there are none,” he added.

Ramesh's comments came in the context of recent reports that India had barred import of telecom equipment from major Chinese firm Huawei, especially in the border areas following security concerns.