Japan turns to ‘I am Kenji’ Facebook page on hostage crisis
TOKYO (AP) — The plight of freelance journalist Kenji Goto, taken captive by Islamic State group militants, has gripped Japan, and the people’s hopes for his safety are now on Facebook with a simple, unifying plea: “I am Kenji.”…
5 foreigners, 3 guards killed in Libyan hotel attack
TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in Libya’s capital Tuesday, killing at least five foreigners and three guards, authorities said….
Kurds expand offensive after driving IS out of Syrian town
BEIRUT (AP) — Kurdish fighters expanded their offensive Tuesday after driving Islamic State militants from the Syrian border town of Kobani the previous day, to retake dozens of surrounding villages still held by the militants, activists and officials said….
Obama promotes religious and gender equity in India speech
NEW DELHI (AP) — President Barack Obama gently nudged India Tuesday to fulfill its constitution’s pledge to uphold the “dignity of the individual,” drawing on his own experience as a minority in the United States as he closed out a three-day visit to New Delhi….
Obama defends US ties as he pays respects in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — President Barack Obama defended the U.S. government’s willingness to cooperate closely with Saudi Arabia on national security despite deep concerns over human rights abuses, as he led an array of current and former American statesmen in paying respects Tuesday following the death of King Abdullah….
Leaders mark Auschwitz liberation 70 years on without Putin
OSWIECIM, Poland (AP) — When the Soviet army entered Auschwitz exactly 70 years ago, finding piles of corpses and prisoners close to death, a Russian soldier took a small and hungry 11-year-old girl into his arms and rocked her tenderly, tears coming to his eyes….
Obama: US must balance human rights, security with Saudis
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — President Barack Obama defended the U.S. government’s willingness to cooperate closely with Saudi Arabia on national security despite deep concerns over human rights abuses, as he led a high-level U.S. delegation to the kingdom Tuesday to pay respects following the death of King Abdullah….
Spain: Death count rises to 11 in military jet crash at base
ALBACETE, Spain (AP) — The death toll from the crash of a Greek F-16 fighter jet at a Spanish military base during an elite NATO pilot training program rose to 11 Tuesday after one of the French airmen who suffered serious burns died at a Madrid hospital, Spain’s Defense Ministry said….
Kurds press offensive after driving IS group from Syria town
BEIRUT (AP) — Activists say Kurdish fighters are advancing after driving Islamic State militants from the Syrian border town of Kobani a day earlier….
5 foreigners, 3 guards killed in Libyan hotel attack
TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — Gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in Libya’s capital Tuesday, killing at least five foreigners and three guards, authorities said….