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Jordan 'cool to Syria rebel training plan' US sources say kingdom reluctant to host expanded programme proposed by President Obama for fear of violent retaliation.

Jordan, where the US Central Intelligence Agency has been covertly training Syrian rebels for more than a year, is reluctant to host an expanded rebel instruction programme, US officials say. Jordan’s reticence, confirmed by four US officials, is a potentially serious setback for President Barack Obama’s proposed $500m initiative, announced […]

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World Cup final pits pope against (former) pope

First, there were humanitarian efforts from Brazil’s churches. Then, official World Cup prayers published by the Church of England. And, most recently, Buzzfeed’s promotion of goalie Tim Howard to the position of America’s “Savior” (in spite of a U.S. team loss.) And now, just days before the tournament’s end, the World Cup has […]

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Caliphornia dreamin’

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declares himself leader of all Muslims—who don’t buy it A FEW details looked out of place: the watch on the speaker’s right wrist, a fan whirring behind him and machine guns propped against the walls. Otherwise, as a thickly bearded, black-robed preacher slowly mounted the pulpit of […]

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Ghana World Cup fans in Brazil draw scepticism after asylum request ‘Black Stars’ supporters’ asylum bids receive mixed reactions online.

Two hundred Ghanaian World Cup fans in Brazil are asking for asylum, a move that has drawn scepticism and ridicule. The asylum-seekers argue they are fleeing from “violent conflicts between different Muslim groups” in Ghana. These fans entered Brazil on tourist visas and their requests are being prepared by the […]

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Ghana World Cup fans in Brazil draw scepticism after asylum request 'Black Stars' supporters' asylum bids receive mixed reactions online.

Two hundred Ghanaian World Cup fans in Brazil are asking for asylum, a move that has drawn scepticism and ridicule. The asylum-seekers argue they are fleeing from “violent conflicts between different Muslim groups” in Ghana. These fans entered Brazil on tourist visas and their requests are being prepared by the […]