Thousands of Afghans protest U.S. Koran-burning plan
KABUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Thousands of angry Muslims took to the streets across Afghanistan on Friday, some threatening to attack U.S. bases, prompted by a plan by a U.S. pastor to burn copies of the Koran.
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Japan PM has edge in party race, outcome unclear
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has a slight edge over powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa ahead of a party leadership vote next week, media said on Friday, but with many lawmakers undecided the outcome is too close to call.
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U.S. troops charged with murder of Afghan civilians
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Twelve U.S. soldiers have been charged with gruesome crimes in Afghanistan ranging from murdering civilians to keeping body parts as war trophies -- revelations that the Pentagon said on Thursday damaged America's image around the world.
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Banker's resignation greeted with relief in Berlin
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's political establishment voiced relief on Friday after the resignation of central banker Thilo Sarrazin, who has inflamed the country with outspoken comments on race and religion.
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Toll rises, region mourns after Russia suicide blast
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The death toll from a suicide bomb in Russia's restive North Caucasus rose to 18 Friday as the stricken province observed a day of mourning and doctors fought for the lives of several critically wounded victims.
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Myanmar tells baffled voters to do their duty
YANGON (Reuters) - Official media in military-ruled Myanmar told citizens Friday they would be irresponsible if they did not vote in a November election, a poll seen as a sham by many, especially with the main opposition party not running.
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UK unions to flex muscles ahead of government cuts
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's trades unions will launch a campaign next week to persuade voters to oppose massive public spending cuts, although commentators say their power to sway the government is limited.
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China tells Japan to back down in sea dispute
BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi demanded on Friday that Japan unconditionally free a Chinese fishing boat captain seized in disputed waters, raising the pitch of Beijing's latest territorial quarrel with Tokyo.
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For some Pakistanis, mob violence is best justice
SIALKOT, Pakistan (Reuters) - Mughees Butt won prizes for memorizing the Koran, which taught him about compassion and mercy. The mob that murdered him and his brother in Pakistan showed none.
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Mexico drug war not comparable to Colombia: Obama
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Thursday denied that rising drug violence made Mexico look increasingly like Colombia at the height of its drugs war, rebuffing comments made by his Secretary of State.
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