Iraq parliament. REUTERS
Kurds, Sunnis Walk Out of Iraq’s First Parliament Session -- Rudaw
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Sunnis and Kurds walked out of the Iraqi Parliament’s first session on Tuesday, jeopardizing efforts at putting together a unity government to confront a jihadi-led offensive that threatens to rip Iraq apart.
The Parliament had convened as pressure mounted on the Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to step down amid a crisis that has seen jihadi-led insurgents capture much of northern Iraq.
The legislators had convened for the first time since April 30 elections in which Maliki and his State of Law coalition won many votes, and as the country struggles to deal with Sunni insurgents led by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), who have captured entire cities over the past three weeks and vow to march on Baghdad.
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MIDDLE EAST
Iraq lawmakers convene to form government
to fight "caliphate". Iraq to call for new government as ISIS
continues deadly march. New Iraqi parliament ends session
without progress.
Barzani says Iraqi Kurds to vote on
independence within 'months'.
Iran could provide Iraq with arms
if requested: deputy minister.
Syrian foreign fighters’ vow:
Endless war.
Kerry chides Iran ahead of
Vienna nuclear talks, deadline looms.
'Hamas will pay': Israel hits back
after teens found dead. Israel unleashes its revenge: Rockets are fired and Hamas member is shot dead as retaliation begins
for three murdered teens.
Israeli army: 14 rockets
fired from Gaza.
Turkish PM
seeking presidential post.
Saudi king names new intelligence chief, appoints former spy head
as adviser and envoy.
ASIA
Afghan election result delayed
as fraud dispute deepens.
Japan's Cabinet approves
larger military role. 'Stop war': Thousands protest in Japan
over military expansion law change.
China says Japan should
respect concerns on military.
China's Xi heads to Seoul with
North Korea on his mind.
Japan, North Korea hold talks
over missing Japanese.
Thousands stage Hong Kong
pro-democracy march.
New Zealand wants Malaysia to act
against diplomat over sex charge.
AFRICA
Report: 58 killed in hospitals
in S.Sudan conflict.
Clashes between Uganda army, CAR gunmen
kill at least 17. Uganda clashes with Central Africa Republic's
Seleka rebels.
Car bomb explodes at market
in northeast Nigeria. Dozens reported killed
by car bomb in Nigeria.
U.N. peacekeeper killed, 6 others
injured in Mali blast.
Nigeria makes 1st arrest
in girls' abductions.
South Africa renews apartheid
land claims process.
South Africa hit
by engineering strike.
EUROPE
Ceasefire over, Ukraine forces
attack rebel positions.
Russia says Kiev must renew ceasefire,
end military operation.
EU not ready to immediately impose new sanctions
on Russia: diplomats.
Russia’s ruble to bonds drop on
Ukraine cease-fire ending.
French police detain
ex-president Sarkozy. French ex-President Sarkozy held
over influence claims.
Eurozone unemployment remains high
as economy lags.
European court upholds
French ban on face veils.
NSA leaker Edward Snowden 'applies to extend asylum
in Russia for another year'.
AMERICAS
Obama: I will bypass Congress
to fix immigration.
Argentina risks default as set
to miss bond payment. Argentina hits debt deadline,
but not yet default.
Ecuador lawmakers propose
unlimited presidential terms.
Argentina-Brazil rivalry too hot
for Latin American Brotherhood.
Cuba seeks 15-year sentence
for Canadian businessman.
America's evolving look: Census shows
white deaths outpace births.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US commander fears
terrorism spillover in Europe.
Anti-terrorism laws
'hinder aid operations'.
How Boko Haram is beating U.S. efforts
to choke its financing.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
After BNP, U.S. targets range of firms in crackdown
on illicit money flows.
Barclays made £1.4bn profits in Luxembourg –
£100m for each worker.
Vatican bank's head to quit as
shake-up bites, sources say.
