European governments raise pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme with agreement to ban imports of Iranian oil European governments have agreed in principle to impose a ban on imports of oil from Iran, a potentially serious blow to the already unsteady Iranian economy and a significant escalation in...
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Bachmann withdraws White House bid
The Minnesota congresswoman, once a front-runner in Iowa, finished last in the Iowa caucuses with only 6% of the vote Michele Bachmann has ended her campaign for president after taking just 5% of the vote in the Iowa caucus. The congresswoman, who had been vying forthe Republican nomination, finished...
Spanish unemployment at all-time high
• Greece spokesman: agree 2nd bailout or leave euro• Shares rise sharply in London – FTSE opens 1.9% higher• Spanish unemployment hits record high….• ….As German jobless rate falls to lowest level since reunification• What are your predictions for the next 12 months? 7.30am: Good morning and welcome to...
Iowa GOP caucus 2012: Romney, Santorum and Paul sprint to the finish
Live coverage of the final full day of campaigning by the pack of Republican candidates ahead of Iowa’s GOP caucuses • Read the latest summary of today’s Iowa action• Read the latest news coverage from the campaign trail 5.14pm: An unintentionally amusing piece from the New York Times in...
Coca-Cola accused of propping up notorious Swaziland dictator
Swaziland’s King Mswati III accused by activists of human rights abuses and of looting national wealth Coca-Cola has been accused of propping up one of Africa’s most notorious dictators. The multibillion dollar beverage company owns a concentrate-manufacturing plant in Swaziland, an impoverished kingdom ruled by Africa’s last absolute monarch,...
Republican candidates ready for first showdown in Iowa caucuses
Mitt Romney polling at 24% ahead of Ron Paul and Rick Santorum – with Michele Bachmann praying for ‘a miracle’ The Republican presidential candidates have entered the final frenzy of campaigning before Tuesday’s Iowa caucuses, the first major contest in the fight for the party’s nomination to take on...
Iran reports successful missile test
Ground-to-air naval test firing follows previous day’s claim of nuclear fuel breakthrough Iran has claimed to have successfully tested a new medium-range ground to air missile during naval exercises in the Gulf, amid rising tensions over the country’s nuclear programme. State news agency Irna on Sunday quoted Iran’s naval...
Iran proposes to reopen nuclear talks
Islamic republic says it has notified UN of its intention to resume negotiations amid confusion over reported missile tests Iran has proposed to reopen negotiations about its controversial nuclear programme with the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany. The invitation by Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, comes...
Syrian opposition groups sign agreement
Dissident groups sign draft agreement on how to ensure stability once aim of toppling President Bashar al-Assad is achieved Two of Syria’s main opposition groups have signed an agreement on setting up a democracy if continued mass protests succeed in toppling President Bashar al-Assad. The agreement is the most...
Arab League presence gives cover to Syrian protesters
Demonstrations across the country with the most defiant protests taking place where the Arab League monitors were present The largest demonstrations in Syria since the summer have laid siege to parts of Damascus and most key towns and cities, emboldened by Arab League monitors whose presence appeared to provide...