RFE/RL

UN Condemns Use Of Violence To Disrupt Afghanistan Vote

The UN Security Council has unanimously condemned the use of violence by the Taliban and the Islamic State (IS) group to disrupt Afghanistan's elections.

Kazakh Rights Activist Under Investigation After Testimony At European Parliament

A Kazakh human rights activist, Yelena Semyonova, is under investigation after she testified at the European Parliament about a mass self-mutilation by inmates in a Kazakh penitentiary.

Russia Dumped U.S. Bond Holdings This Year Amid U.S. Sanctions Push

While Russian President Vladimir Putin has been seeking to mend relations with his U.S. counterpart, his government has been dumping U.S. debt in a way seldom seen in global markets, financial analysts say.

Kurdish Security Forces Kill Gunmen In Irbil, Ending Siege

Syria Regains Control Over Frontier With Israel In Russia-Brokered Deal

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is set to regain control of his country's frontier with Israel in a major victory over rebels who have agreed to surrender in negotiations with Russia, sources on both sides said late on July 19.

Trump Threatens Rouhani, Iran With Historic 'Consequences'

U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iranian President Hassan Rohani on Twitter to ‘NEVER, EVER THREATEN” the United States again or he would face consequences “few throughout history have ever suffered before.”

Pompeo Assails Iranian Leaders As ‘Hypocritical Holy Men’

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blasted Iran’s ruling elite and its religious leaders for using their positons to “line their pockets” with riches while the average person "cries out for jobs, reform, and opportunity."

Afghan Vice President Dostum Escapes Suicide Attack; 14 Others Killed

Afghan Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum narrowly escaped a deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport as he returned home from more than a year in exile in Turkey over allegations of torturing and abusing a political rival.

Trump Claims 'Illegal' Spying After FBI Releases Documents On Former Aide

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that newly released documents relating to the wiretapping of his former presidential campaign adviser Carter Page confirmed with "little doubt" that intelligence agencies misled the courts that approved the warrant.

Afghan Vice President Dostum Returns Home After Year In Self-Imposed Exile

Afghanistan's Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum is expected to return to Kabul on July 22 after leaving the country more than a year ago amid claims that he had ordered his men to abduct, beat, and rape a political rival.

Suicide Bomber Kills 1, Wounds Election Candidate In Pakistan

Israel Rescues Syrian White Helmets

Iran's Rouhani Warns Trump 'Don't Play With The Lion's Tail'

Central Asian States Vow To Hike Cooperation On Terrorism, Extremism

The foreign ministers of countries in Central Asian say they have agreed to increase cooperation against international terrorism and religious extremism after a meeting in the Kyrgyz resort city of Cholpon-Ata.

U.S. Intelligence Director Says He Meant No Disrespect To Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump’s director of intelligence (DNI) says he did not mean to be disrespectful toward the president when he responded to news that Russian leader Vladimir Putin would likely soon visit the White House.

China's President In Africa For Trade, Defense Talks

Lavrov Urges Butina Release In Phone Call With Pompeo

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has complained to his U.S. counterpart, Mike Pompeo, about the U.S. detention of Russian national Maria Butina on charges of conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent.

Iran's Supreme Leader Says Negotiating With U.S. Would Be 'Obvious Mistake'

Russia, U.S. Eyeing Joint Plan For Return Of Syrian Refugees

The Russian Defense Ministry says it has sent a proposal to Washington to jointly organize the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland following agreements reached between the Russian and American presidents at their summit this week.

Russia Protests Greek Diplomatic Expulsions Over Macedonia Name Deal

Russia's government has summoned the Greek ambassador in Moscow to protest Athen's expulsion of two Russian diplomats, in the latest episode of a diplomatic spat stemming from Macedonia's plans to become a NATO member.