Syrian opposition scrambles to save credibility ahead of peace talks

Sabra, acting President of the Syrian National Coalition, speaks during the opening session of a meeting by members of the Syrian opposition in IstanbulBy Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Ece Toksabay ISTANBUL (Reuters) – The Syrian opposition in exile met on Thursday to decide whether to attend a peace conference that the United States and Russia see as a crucial path to ending two years of civil war. Under international pressure to swiftly resolve internal divisions, the Syrian National Coalition began talks in Istanbul to elect a coherent leadership and decide on the conference which could take place in Geneva in the coming weeks. …

Read more here: Syrian opposition scrambles to save credibility ahead of peace talks

Next-gen iPad will likely launch after iPhone 5S, feature iPhone 5-style rear mic

In addition to scoring rumors about the low-cost iPhone on Thursday, Japanese blog Macotakara also published the latest news on the fifth-generation iPad, which it says will likely launch after Apple releases the iPhone 5S in September and will feature a rear microphone located directly next to the camera, similar to the design of the iPhone 5. AppleInsider notes that early prototypes of the iPad mini also had a rear microphone but that this design was apparently ditched for the final version of the product. Earlier rumors have indicated that the fifth-generation iPad will take more design cues from the iPad mini, such as having thinner side bezels.

Read more here: Next-gen iPad will likely launch after iPhone 5S, feature iPhone 5-style rear mic

U.S. basketball team driven by international talent

The U.S. head coach Krzyzewski watches his team against Spain during their men's gold medal basketball match at the North Greenwich Arena in London during the London 2012 Olympic GamesBy Larry Fine (Reuters) – The star-studded U.S. national basketball team cannot afford to get complacent about being the sport's superpower given the pace of emerging talent around the globe, head coach Mike Krzyzewski said on Thursday. According to Krzyzewski, having the privilege of coaching teams that have boasted NBA All-Stars LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul does not come with a guarantee of beating competition. …

Read more here: U.S. basketball team driven by international talent

Obama reaches for moral high ground on drones, Gitmo

The two presidents since the 9/11 attacks – George W. Bush and Barack Obama – have spoken many times about the morality of their tactics against terrorists. The two differ widely on their approach, as do many Americans. Yet any counterterrorism strategy relies heavily on a national consensus in what is essentially a moral contest with Al Qaeda and like-minded groups.

Read more here: Obama reaches for moral high ground on drones, Gitmo

Proxy advisory firm settles SEC charges over data breach

By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Institutional Shareholder Services has settled civil charges by U.S. regulators that an employee of the prominent proxy advisory firm shared nonpublic voting data in exchange for meals and concert tickets. The Securities and Exchange Commission said on Thursday that ISS, a unit of MSCI Inc, will pay a $300,000 penalty and hire an independent compliance consultant. In settling, ISS neither admitted nor denied the SEC allegations that it violated financial adviser rules designed to prevent misuse of material non-public customer information. …

Read more here: Proxy advisory firm settles SEC charges over data breach

Golf-Palmer takes early control with birdie fest at Colonial

May 23 (Reuters) – American Ryan Palmer took advantage of ideal scoring conditions and local knowledge with a birdie fest as he charged into an early two-shot lead in Thursday’s opening round of the Crowne Plaza Invitational in Fort Worth, Texas. The 36-year-old Texan piled up eight birdies on the way to a flawless eight-under-par 62 on a relatively calm morning at iconic Colonial Country Club, matching the lowest first round ever recorded at the long established PGA Tour event. …

Read more here: Golf-Palmer takes early control with birdie fest at Colonial