L.A. Times - Europe

Syria's Assad dubious of U.S.-Russia peace initiative

By Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:49:00 PDT

In an interview with an Argentine newspaper, President Bashar Assad says he doubts the West wants a solution to the Syrian conflict. He also reiterates that he does not intend to resign.

BEIRUT — Syrian President Bashar Assad has expressed skepticism that a planned U.S.-Russian peace conference could help stop the bloodshed in his country, according to an interview published Saturday in an Argentine newspaper.

U.S. decries Russia weapons sale to Syria

By David S. Cloud, Paul Richter and Sergei L. Loiko, Los Angeles Times — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:21:00 PDT

Joint chiefs chairman says the missiles, as well as Russia's buildup of warships in the region, will 'embolden' President Bashar Assad.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Friday condemned Russia's delivery of advanced antiship missiles to Syria and its buildup of warships in the eastern Mediterranean, arguing that the Kremlin's escalating support for its longtime ally in Damascus could prolong the civil war.

Leak ended informant's rare opportunity, U.S. officials say

By Ken Dilanian, Los Angeles Times — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:46:00 PDT

Saudi-born Briton had gained the trust of terrorists in the Yemeni branch of Al Qaeda and helped foil a bomb plot, they say, but his work was cut short by Associated Press and newspaper reports.

WASHINGTON — Disclosure of a highly classified intelligence operation in Yemen last year compromised an exceedingly rare and valuable espionage achievement: an informant who had earned the trust of hardened terrorists, according to U.S. officials.

Obama says U.S. won't act alone on Syria

By Paul Richter, Los Angeles Times — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:50:00 PDT

He rules out unilateral military action even if chemical weapons use is proved.

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Thursday ruled out unilateral U.S. military action in Syria even if proof emerges that Syrian forces have used lethal chemical weapons.

In Bangladesh, shock may give way to status quo

By Mark Magnier, Los Angeles Times — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:44:00 PDT

Analysts say the garment factory tragedy could lead to real labor reform, but several factors make it unlikely, including the mind-set of Western consumers.

NEW DELHI — The disaster caused shocking loss of life among young, mostly female garment workers, awoke the conscience of a nation, spotlighted dismal working conditions and spurred loud calls for construction and labor reform.

Turkey leader to press Obama for greater U.S. role on Syria

By Paul Richter, Los Angeles Times — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:40:00 PDT

President Obama is wary of intervening in Syria's war. But Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he has evidence of Syrian use of chemical arms.

WASHINGTON — President Obama faces a fresh test Thursday of his determination to steer clear of the civil war in Syria when he considers a desperate plea from a longtime U.S. ally.

U.S. diplomat accused of recruiting for CIA in Russia

By Khristina Narizhnaya and Sergei L. Loiko, Los Angeles Times — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:25:00 PDT

Ryan Christopher Fogle is ordered out of the country. A Russian official says the FSB would have kept it quiet if the suspect hadn't been acting 'as if he was in a spy movie.'

MOSCOW — Russian authorities detained an American diplomat accused of attempting to recruit a Russian intelligence officer into the CIA, the Federal Security Service said Tuesday.

British leader David Cameron faces dissent on EU membership

By Henry Chu, Los Angeles Times — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:11:00 PDT

The prime minister finds himself on the defensive against members of his Conservative Party who want Britain to leave the EU.

LONDON — Prime Minister David Cameron moved Monday to beat back a brewing rebellion within his Conservative Party over Britain's membership in the European Union, rejecting demands for a speedy public vote on exiting the trading bloc but insisting that he would offer such a referendum by the end of 2017.

Turkey bombings prompt outcry over support for Syria rebels

By Glen Johnson and Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:06:00 PDT

The deadly weekend attacks, which Turkey has blamed on Syria, have fueled fears that Turkey is being dragged into its neighbor's conflict.

ISTANBUL, Turkey — Deadly weekend car bombings in a southern Turkish city have galvanized domestic opposition to the government's steadfast support for Syrian rebels amid fears that Turkey is being dragged into the bloody conflict across its border.

Syria rejects Turkish accusations in deadly bombings

By Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times — Sun, 12 May 2013 18:48:00 PDT

Turkey has linked Saturday's attacks, which killed 46, to the Syrian intelligence service. Nine Turks have been arrested.

BEIRUT — Syria on Sunday rejected Turkish charges that Damascus was behind a pair of devastating car bomb attacks in southern Turkey that killed 46 people and left scores injured.