‘Iran among top 10 military powers in the world’

Iran’s Defence Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi says the Islamic Republic is now among the top 10 countries in the world in defense capabilities. “I can state with confidence that in the defense sector Iran is among the top 10 countries in the world,”

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‘Vatileaks’ scandal could weaken chances of Italian pope

Roman Curia dominated by Italians concerned with ambitions than greater good of world’s 1.2b Catholics:

Intrigue at the Vatican could weaken the chances of the next pope being an Italian, observers said, as memos leaked from the Holy See’s corridors of power lift the lid on tensions between cardinals.

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French Socialists poised to take control of parliament

French President Francois Hollande’s Socialists and allies came out on top in first-round parliamentary elections Sunday, poised to secure the majority needed to push through tax-and-spend reforms.

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