CAIRO

Three years post-Mubarak, square closed, torture alleged

On the third anniversary of the day Hosni Mubarak stepped down as Egypt’s president after an 18-day uprising, the government blocked access to Tahrir Square on Tuesday and letters emerged from activists reporting that they have been beaten and subjected to other abuses by police after being arrested in a string of protests in late January.

On Tuesday, there were no official celebrations for the anniversary. Tahrir Square has become a no-go zone for any rallies except for ones showing support for the military after its ouster last summer of Egypt’s first freely elected president, Islamist Mohammed Morsi.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

Resumption of South Sudan peace talks proving difficult

A resumption of peace talks to end South Sudan’s violence and political impasse appears to be in peril, as members of the two sides exchanged bitter accusations late Tuesday ahead of what is supposed to be the start of new talks.

South Sudan’s negotiator said rebels are violating the cease-fire. The rebels are protesting Uganda’s actions in support of South Sudan President Salva Kiir.

LONDON

Cameron defends response to widespread flooding

British Prime Minister David Cameron insisted Tuesday that money is no object in the battle against the widespread flooding that has engulfed parts of England.

Some critics say austerity-minded officials haven’t spent enough dredging rivers or building flood defenses.