11th-hour Cyprus bailout incites turmoil in Europe
BRUSSELS — The plan to rescue the tiny European country of Cyprus, assembled in overnight talks in Brussels, was itself the product of European dysfunction and has left financial regulators, German politicians, panicked Cypriot leaders and a disgruntled Kremlin thrashing out a bailout package that left virtually all the parties outraged.
In Vatican, infallibility is no guarantee of clout
VATICAN CITY — An Italian industrialist tried to curry favor by donating $100,000 worth of truffles. A Mercedes-Benz executive hoped for an audience to suggest improvements to the Popemobile. But in the final years of the papacy of Benedict XVI, others sent very different messages, desperate for the pope’s ear.
Winter storm precedes arrival of spring
A coastal storm will bring a wintry mix of precipitation to New England today on the last full day of winter. The precipitation will begin as snow in the early morning hours, and continue through sunrise. Snowfall will be moderate to heavy at times, leading to an accumulation of 3 to 6 inches through mid-morning. At that point, the precipitation will change briefly to sleet (falling ice pellets), before changing over to a cold rain for the remainder of the day. While the changeover to rain will likely lessen the hazard associated with this winter storm, the early snowfall could put a damper on the morning commute. At the time of this writing, the National Weather Service had issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Boston/Cambridge area, which was to be in effect until 11:00 a.m. today.
Republicans reflect on 2012 performance in blunt report
WASHINGTON — In a sweeping self-critique of the party’s 2012 election efforts, Republican leaders on Monday unveiled a set of proposals aimed at convincing younger voters, ethnic minorities and women that they have a home in the party, even if they do not agree with all of its positions.
Spring not here yet
After some spring-like weather earlier this week, temperatures have cooled down and will remain slightly below average for the foreseeable future. While in the past Boston has recorded highs in March above 70°F, the mean high temperature is 46°F. This weekend will bring temperatures around freezing, with scattered clouds and chances of precipitation.
Ieng Sary, former Khmer Rouge official, dies at 87
Ieng Sary, the former foreign minister of the Khmer Rouge who was one of three elderly leaders on trial on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, died Thursday in a hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he had been taken from his holding cell. He was 87.
To aid Syria rebels, France urges end to arms embargo
BRUSSELS — France, joining Britain, is urging its European Union partners to meet this month and end an arms embargo on Syria, to allow weapons to be sent to the opposition there.
US says Greek executive evaded sanctions on Iran
The United States blacklisted a Greek business executive and 14 of his companies Thursday, accusing them of conspiring with Iran to acquire eight large petroleum tankers used to transport Iranian oil to unwitting foreign customers in defiance of Western economic sanctions.
Netanyahu prepares to accept new government coalition
JERUSALEM — After six weeks of struggle, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared close Thursday night to finalizing a new governing coalition that may make significant changes on domestic issues like religious pluralism but is likely to be paralyzed on the Middle East peace process.
Iran abandons chase of drone after warnings from the US
WASHINGTON — An Iranian jet fighter pursued an American surveillance drone over the Persian Gulf this week.
Drone strike reported in Pakistan tribal region
PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Two people suspected of being militants were killed Sunday morning in the volatile North Waziristan tribal region by what Pakistani and Taliban officials said was a drone strike.
Iran blocks way to bypass Internet filtering system
TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s powerful Ministry of Information and Communications Technology has blocked the most popular software used by millions of Iranians to bypass an elaborate official Internet filtering system, stepping up a campaign to gain more control over the way Iranians use the Internet.
Shorts (right)
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration demanded Monday that China take steps to stop the widespread hacking of U.S. government and corporate computer networks and that it engage in a dialogue to set standards for security in cyberspace.
North Korea says it has nullified 1953 armistice
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea declared the 1953 Korean War armistice nullified on Monday, following through on a longstanding threat that it renewed last week amid rising tensions with South Korea.
Family believes India rape suspect was killed
NEW DELHI — The family of a suspect in a fatal gang rape here last December who was found dead Monday morning in his jail cell said they believed he was killed. The case had set off an uproar across India.
Shorts (left)
FRANKFURT, Germany — Florian Homm, a flamboyant former hedge fund manager who spent the last five years in hiding, was arrested Friday in Italy and faced extradition to the United States on securities fraud charges, the FBI said.
Rain today and chilly end of week
The highly variable weather over the last week as we moved into meteorological spring is very characteristics of this transitional season; a pattern that will continue. Warm temperatures the last few days have melted most of the snow we received on Friday. Today should be even warmer, with highs reaching the mid 50°Fs, due to southerly winds and warm air advection ahead of an approaching cold front. Unfortunately, this approaching cold front also means rain today and tonight. The cold front will move across our region tonight, with the rain tapering off by daybreak tomorrow. Tomorrow, temperatures will continue to be mild before the colder air behind the front moves in to make for a chilly end to the week.
Hungary tests the European Union’s norms
For Hungary, still seeking national accord on what constitutes democracy, and for Europe, still uncertain how to treat governments deemed to have strayed from European Union norms, Monday produced a symbolic moment in the annals of protecting civil rights.