PARIS / BERLIN / WASHINGTON, June 13 (Reuters) – Is it better to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine or to isolate him? Should Kyiv make concessions to end the war, or would that embolden the Kremlin? Are ramped up sanctions on Russia worth the collateral damage? These are some … Read more
Iraq persuaded Lukoil to halt sale to Sinopec – sources Baghdad concerned China becoming too dominant – sources Western firms are not happy with terms of Iraqi deals LONDON / BASRA, May 17 (Reuters) – Iraq’s oil ministry thwarted three prospective deals last year that would have handed Chinese firms more control over its oilfields … Read more
WARSAW / VILNIUS, May 11 (Reuters) – Russian diplomat Sergiy Andreev was feeling unwelcome on the streets of Warsaw even before protesters doused him with red liquid thrown in his face at short range this week. Soon after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Andreev, who is Moscow’s ambassador to Poland, found the embassy … Read more
Saad al-Hariri, former PM, withdraws from politics His move leaves Lebanon’s Sunni vote fragmented Many people expected not to vote amid economic meltdown That could play into Iran-backed Hezbollah’s hands TRIPOLI, Lebanon, May 9 (Reuters) – The stakes are high in Lebanon’s election. The heavily armed Hezbollah movement has seen one of its main rivals … Read more
Shanghai records and COVID cases outside quarantine areas Beijing on tenterhooks, bracing for more restrictions Breakthrough would mark victory for Xi in crucial year Infections ease as China starts Labor Day holiday SHANGHAI / BEIJING, April 30 (Reuters) – Shanghai said on Saturday it had detected no new daily COVID-19 cases outside quarantine areas, marking … Read more