Obama Defends Cuban Opening But Faults Sony Over Movie In Year-End Press Conference -- New York Times
WASHINGTON — President Obama on Friday rejected critics who say he should not have opened American relations with Cuba because of that nation’s human rights record, saying the historic thaw would give the United States more sway with the Cuban government.
“I share the concerns of dissidents there and human rights activists that this is still a regime that represses its people,” Mr. Obama said at a wide-ranging news conference that ended a period of extraordinary domestic and foreign policy changes at the White House.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Pentagon announces another 1,300 US troops to be sent to Iraq.
Fifteen U.S.-led air strikes target Islamic State militants: task force.
Rocket fired from Gaza hits southern Israel, military says .
One million people wounded, diseases spreading in Syria: WHO .
Mount Sinjar: Islamic State siege broken, say Kurds . Iraqi Kurds say siege of Mount Sinjar broken .
Turkey says training of Syrian opposition may start before March .
Iran honors nuclear deal with powers, IAEA report shows .
Gulf braces for tough times over oil price plunge .
Turkey issues arrest warrant for top Erdogan rival Fethullah Gulen – state media .
ASIA
Obama warns N. Korea over Sony hack: 'We will respond' . North Korea denies responsibility for Sony cyber attack .
Pakistan executes militants after school massacre brings death penalty back .
Pakistan: 77 militants killed after school massacre . Pakistan military kills 67 militants after Taliban school massacre . In expanding offensives, Pakistan military kills at least 67 suspected militants .
Pakistan to appeal bail for 'Mumbai plotter' .
Taiwan ready to buy US missile frigates amid South China Sea spats .
Communist snub: China not invited to North Korea anniversary .
China to set up satellite, radar network to strengthen maritime power .
China arrests aid worker in sign of crackdown on Christian activists .
China revises up size of its economy in 2013 .
Cairns deaths: Eight children found in Australian home .
AFRICA
Madagascar leader, ex-presidents in reconciliation talks .
Millions face acute hunger in South Sudan next year .
Boko Haram unrest: Nigerian militants 'kidnap 200 villagers' .
Libya's two biggest oil ports were not damaged during clashes: workers .
Kenya security law: President Uhuru Kenyatta signs bill .
Tunisia's old regime hopes makeover can win it the election .
UN chief visits Ebola-hit nations .
EUROPE
Putin: Russia military modernization to go ahead .
Five more Ukrainian soldiers killed despite truce - Kiev military .
Russia warns US over sanctions bill .
Russia's parliament rushes through bill boosting banking capital .
Manufacturers face 'bloodbath' in Russia, says Renault Nissan boss .
Vladimir Putin invites Kim Jong-un to Moscow .
Russia to seek 10 years in prison for opposition activist .
EU leaders prepare for long confrontation with Russia .
France's Hollande and pro-reform allies get poll boost .
Most Catalans would vote to stay in Spain: poll .
Greek lawmaker alleges bribery attempt in presidential vote.
AMERICAS
Obama: No quick end to embargo on Cuba .
Obama signs Russia sanctions bill, no plans to use it for now .
President Obama signs bill authorizing sanctions against Venezuela .
GAO report finds US unprepared for catastrophic disaster .
Cubans imagine new, more prosperous life without an old foe .
No word yet from Fidel amid historic US-Cuba shift .
As US-Cuba relations warm, fuming Venezuelan president left in the cold .
Colombia's FARC kills 5 soldiers on eve of truce: army.
U.S. sanctions mother-in-law of Mexican Sinaloa cartel leader .
California's winter storms spark hope for recovery from three-year drought.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
State Department designates Egyptian jihadist group, ex-Gitmo detainee .
Several 'high-value' ISIS leaders killed in Iraq, Pentagon officials say .
Cuba thaw won’t change Gitmo .
U.S. backed talks with ISIS over American hostage: newspaper .
Harsh interrogations can’t be ruled out, new US Senate Intel chief suggests .
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Instagram now worth $35 billion, according to Citi .
Apple 'deeply offended' by BBC investigation .
Global markets rejoice as oil prices stabilize to near $60/bbl .
FIFA to release World Cup corruption report .
No comments:
Post a Comment