LA Times News

LA Times News

China sends armored vehicles to volatile Xinjiang region

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 05:46 PM PDT

The show of strength in Urumqi comes after two outbreaks of violence before the fourth anniversary of deadly clashes involving Muslim Uighurs and Han Chinese.

BEIJING — Dozens of armored vehicles and military trucks rolled into the capital of the western Chinese region of Xinjiang on Saturday as President Xi Jinping ordered tighter security after at least two outbreaks of violence last week.

Croatia poised to become 28th member of EU

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 05:42 PM PDT

About a decade after beginning the application process, Croatia is set join the EU, a step seen by many in the Balkan nation as a seal of international approval.

LONDON — A nation forged from the most recent war on European soil is set to become the latest member of the European Union on Monday, possibly the last time for several years that the beleaguered trading bloc admits a new entrant.

In South Africa, Obama continues his focus on youth

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 05:24 PM PDT

President Obama speaks at the University of Johannesburg, his latest pitch to young people during his tour of Africa.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — President Obama's first audience of South Africans assembled Saturday in Soweto, and he recalled the protests that tore through the neighborhoods here in 1976, galvanizing the anti-apartheid movement.

Iran's president-elect touts 'moderation' in address

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 04:53 PM PDT

Hassan Rowhani calls for 'constructive interaction' in foreign policy and endorses a free news media.

TEHRAN — Bolstering his centrist image, Iranian President-elect Hassan Rowhani on Saturday vowed "moderation" in foreign and domestic affairs in his first major nationally televised address since his surprising election victory this month.

In Egypt, Islamists prepare to counter Morsi foes

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 04:49 PM PDT

Hundreds gather in Cairo for a show of support for President Mohamed Morsi, whose first anniversary in office is expected bring massive protests.

CAIRO — Many among the hundreds of Islamists gathered beneath a scorching sun read the Koran, marched with sticks past flags of jihad and pledged their loyalty to President Mohamed Morsi, whose rule has sharply divided the nation.

Syria opposition reports assault on rebels in Homs

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 04:09 PM PDT

Aerial bombardment of rebel-held districts of Homs by Syrian government forces are reported. The Homs area has strategic significance for both sides in the war.

BEIRUT — Opposition activists on Saturday reported a major government assault on rebel positions in the central city of Homs, a battleground for more than two years in Syria's civil war.

Obama hails Mandela, meets with family in South Africa

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 07:18 AM PDT

PRETORIA, South Africa -- President Obama and South African President Jacob Zuma traded tributes to an ailing Nelson Mandela on Saturday during a wide-ranging news conference that exposed friction over international justice, diplomacy and security in the post-Mandela era.

Obama's Nelson Mandela predicament

Posted: 29 Jun 2013 02:37 AM PDT

In South Africa, Obama is mindful of visiting when the country is distracted by sadness over the failing health of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — President Obama, asked how Nelson Mandela's illness might alter a much-anticipated visit to South Africa, paused for a long moment, bit his lip and spoke slowly.

Edward Snowden's father seeks to broker deal with U.S. for son's return

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 10:48 PM PDT

NSA leaker Edward Snowden's father, Lonnie, says he is trying to arrange terms with the U.S. Justice Department for his son's return.

WASHINGTON — The father of Edward Snowden, the computer expert who exposed secret U.S. surveillance programs, revealed Friday that he was trying to broker a compromise with the U.S. government that could bring his son back to the United States.