U.S. to release $1.6bn in military, civilian aid to Pakistan

A $1.6 billion aid boost to Pakistan will be released by the United States, the State Department said on Tuesday, before leaders of both countries were due to meet.

The bulk of the funding is made up of $1.38 billion in military aid, State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf said. The rest is $260.5 million in civilian aid.

Congress has been notified by the State Department that the funds already budgeted for in previous years including the fiscal year 2012 will be released, according to Agence France-Presse.

Libyan al-Qaeda leader Abu Anas al-Libi returns to New York courtroom

Suspected Libyan al-Qaeda leader Abu Anas al-Libi, seized earlier this month in a U.S. raid in Tripoli, was back in a New York courtroom on Tuesday, where his lawyer demanded at least six months to prepare his defense.

The 49-year-old Libi, who is accused in a pair of 1998 U.S. embassy bombings, maintains his innocence.

The 1998 al-Qaeda bombings of U.S. embassies in East Africa killed 244 people and wounded more than 5,000 others.

Throughout the hearing, Libi remained fixed ahead. At times he looked tired and worried, squinting his eyes in concentration, according to Agence France-Presse.

Hundreds call for Tunisia’s govt to resign

Hundreds of opposition activists protested in central Tunis on Wednesday demanding the resignation of Tunisia’s Islamist-led government, ahead of a national dialogue aimed at ending months of political deadlock.

The protesters gathered on central Habib Bourguiba Avenue, waving Tunisian flags and shouting slogans such as: “The people want the fall of the regime,” “Get out” and “Government of traitors, resign!”

The demonstration took place amid a heavy security presence, with armored vehicles and anti-riot police deployed along the central Tunis boulevard, which was the epicenter of the January 2011 revolution that ousted former dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Apple unveils iPad Air, new MacBooks for holidays

Apple Inc on Tuesday offered free upgrades for life on its operating system and business software, and unveiled thinner iPads and faster Mac computers ahead of a competitive holiday shopping season.

The debut of the one-pound iPad Air and MacBook Pro with sharper 'retina' display repeats a pattern of recent launches with improvements in existing lines rather than totally new products, and Apple shares fell 0.3 percent for the day.

Apple said upgrades to its Mac operating system and iWork software suite, which compete with Microsoft Corp's Excel, Word and other applications, will now be offered for all MacBooks and Mac computers.