LA Times News

LA Times News

Libya guards speak out on attack that killed U.S. ambassador

Posted: 10 Oct 2012 07:02 PM PDT

Two Libyan militiamen guarding the U.S. diplomatic post in Benghazi deny aiding the attackers. They say they initially fought back but fled when outnumbered.

BENGHAZI, Libya — Face down on a roof inside the besieged American diplomatic compound, gunfire and flames crackling around them, the two young Libyan guards watched as several bearded men crept toward the ambassador's residence with semiautomatic weapons and grenades strapped to their chests.

Despite deadly attack, few in Turkish town expect war with Syria

Posted: 10 Oct 2012 06:59 PM PDT

Turkey is facing the challenge of how to deal with being on the northern edge of the chaos in Syria, including shelling over the border and thousands of refugees.

AKCAKALE, Turkey — The mortar rounds coming from just across the border in Syria troubled Omar Timucin sufficiently that he advised his family to stay indoors for their own safety.

Palestinian voters skeptical about value of elections

Posted: 10 Oct 2012 04:21 PM PDT

Fatah faces challengers in the West Bank, but some residents express doubt that the party's dominance can be broken and that anything will improve.

HEBRON, West Bank — Stumping for votes in the first Palestinian election since 2006, Hebron City Council aspirant Maysoun Qawasmi strides into a plastics factory to promote the West Bank's first all-female political party.

Egypt unveils draft of new constitution

Posted: 10 Oct 2012 02:50 PM PDT

The proposed draft states Egypt will be guided by the principles of sharia , or Islamic law. Critics say loopholes could mean limits on basic rights or freedoms.

CAIRO — Egypt unveiled a proposed draft of a new constitution Wednesday amid criticism from liberals and human rights groups that the document is tilted toward Islamic law and endangers the democratic ideals of the uprising that last year overthrew Hosni Mubarak.