LA Times News

LA Times News

U.S. slams China in Edward Snowden case as mystery swirls

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 07:49 PM PDT

The NSA leaker was apparently not on the flight he booked for Cuba and was believed to be in Russia. Washington accuses China of violating an extradition pact.

WASHINGTON — The seat Edward Snowden had booked in Row 17 was empty when Aeroflot Flight SU150 roared down the runway in Moscow on Monday, leaving a tail wind of mystery about the location of America's most famous fugitive and deepening White House frustration as his embarrassing escapades chilled U.S. relations with China and Russia.

These are dangerous days for Egypt's Islamist president, Mohamed Morsi

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 06:59 PM PDT

Mohamed Morsi's one-year anniversary as Egypt's president could be the riskiest time yet for his troubled Islamist government.

CAIRO — The circle is tightening around Mohamed Morsi, an accidental president turned vilified leader who, with barricades and soldiers protecting his palace, faces what may prove to be the most dangerous days of his bruising one-year rule.

Italy's Berlusconi found guilty of paying a minor for sex

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 03:46 PM PDT

The former prime minister paid a Moroccan-born dancer for sex when she was 17, judges rule. He is also found guilty of abuse of power.

ROME — Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was found guilty Monday of paying a minor for sex and of abuse of power in office. He was sentenced to seven years in jail and banned from public office for life.

Moscow 'safest place' for Edward Snowden? Global spy mystery deepens

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 12:16 PM PDT

MOSCOW -- As an Aeroflot plane filled with journalists made its way to Cuba with or without fugitive Edward Snowden on board, Russian officials continued to keep silent about his whereabouts and experts dwelled on possible scenarios of what has become a global spy mystery.

Silvio Berlusconi found guilty of paying for sex with minor

Posted: 24 Jun 2013 09:58 AM PDT

ROME -- Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was found guilty Monday of paying a minor for sex and abuse of power in office. He was sentenced to seven years in jail and banned from public office for life.

Snowden's departure from Hong Kong spares China a headache

Posted: 23 Jun 2013 09:41 PM PDT

Popular sentiment had been building against extraditing the former NSA contractor to the U.S. Beijing now avoids a protracted battle with Washington.

BEIJING — By allowing, or perhaps pushing, Edward Snowden to leave Hong Kong, Chinese officials managed to show they would not kowtow to U.S. demands while still bringing a hasty end to an incident that threatened to strain ties with Washington for months or even years.

Edward Snowden, a step ahead of the U.S. government, eludes arrest

Posted: 23 Jun 2013 09:44 PM PDT

The 30-year-old NSA leaker manages to make Washington seem stumped as he slips out of Hong Kong and lands in Russia, apparently planning to end up in Ecuador.

MOSCOW — The hunt for Edward Snowden stretched around the globe Sunday as the 30-year-old leaker of U.S. classified material flew out of Hong Kong under cover of darkness, dropped into the protective embrace of Russia and made plans to hopscotch through Cuba and Venezuela to eventual asylum in Ecuador.

Pakistanis lament 'tragic' attack on climbers

Posted: 23 Jun 2013 10:25 PM PDT

One American, five Ukrainians, three Chinese and a Russian are slain in the Fairy Meadows region used by mountaineers. Two militant groups take responsibility.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Attackers killed 10 foreign climbers and a local guide at a remote area popular with adventure tourists in northern Pakistan on Sunday, according to police and security officials, creating an embarrassing security challenge for the newly elected government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Leftist is surprisingly at home in elite Mexico City borough

Posted: 23 Jun 2013 08:04 PM PDT

Victor Hugo Romo connects with people in the Miguel Hidalgo borough, where, as its president, he focuses on righting little wrongs.

MEXICO CITY — Victor Hugo Romo marches past the walled mansions of Las Lomas, surrounded by an entourage. Staffers with clipboards and tablets. Skinny men with brooms and machetes. A handful of residents. More than a few cameras.