LA Times News

LA Times News

Revitalized eastern Germany draws former residents home

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 07:55 PM PDT

Recent gains in the former East Germany are luring back homesick natives who left for opportunities in the more prosperous West.

BERLIN — After a career in tourism that took her around the world, Kristin Ruske finally moved back home to the eastern German city of Wittenberg in 2011. She had left when she was 21, making her way to Switzerland, Los Angeles and then western Germany.

Many rebel-held Syria towns attempt to fill power vacuum

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 05:47 PM PDT

In Syria towns beyond the government's control, residents have established makeshift courts and councils. Though the uneasy steps may point toward a post-Assad Syria, rights groups cite problems.

TAL RIFAAT, Syria — Unshackled and in flip-flops, the first defendant of the day was led into the principal's office, where he sat in a brown plastic chair before seven imams.

Northeasterners' exodus in India underlines power of social media

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 06:02 PM PDT

Threats spread via social media help spur migration from south to northeastern India. Leaders are blaming Pakistan for starting the rumors.

NEW DELHI — The mass exodus from southern cities by thousands of panicked Indians returning to their homes in the country's northeast in recent days has underscored deep social fissures in the country, the power of social media and the peril of weak political leadership, analysts said.

Militants kill 14 at Yemen intelligence site; Al Qaeda suspected

Posted: 18 Aug 2012 05:44 AM PDT

The bold attack in Aden underscores Al Qaeda's ability to mount deadly strikes despite a Yemeni military offensive backed by the U.S.

Suspected Al Qaeda militants attacked a Yemeni intelligence headquarters Saturday, killing 14 people in a bold assault in the country's main southern city of Aden, officials said.