ASMARA (Reuters) - The United States has intensified its criticism of Eritrea, saying the Red Sea state systematically abuses human rights and is a destabilizing influence in the Horn of Africa.

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai "red shirt" protestors began a series of demonstrations on Friday aimed at overthrowing the government, a scenario that has hit consumer confidence and may force the central bank to keep interest rates in Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy at a record low.

ALMATY (Reuters) - Thousands of people were evacuated and some were killed in Kazakhstan on Friday after severe floods destroyed two dams in the south of the Central Asian state, the emergencies ministry said.

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai anti-government "red shirt" protesters moved in on Bangkok on Friday ahead of a mass rally to force fresh elections.

LONDON (Reuters) - British computer expert Peter Moore, held captive in Iraq for 2-1/2 years until his release in December, has said he was tortured and subjected to mock executions by a well-trained kidnap gang.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India signaled on Friday it was open to a new round of talks with Pakistan, raising fresh hopes of a thaw in relations after last month's official dialogue between the nuclear-armed rivals produced no breakthrough.

KABUL (Reuters) - An upcoming U.S.-led military campaign to regain control of the Taliban heartland of Kandahar will be a "decisive phase" in the Afghan war, Defense Secretary Robert Gates told frontline troops this week.

ALMATY (Reuters) - Uzbekistan jailed political opponents, routinely tortured prisoners and committed other serious rights violations last year, effectively making it Central Asia's most authoritarian state, the United States said.

TAIPEI (Reuters) - China-friendly Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou faces a new test of public confidence ahead of tense year-end elections after the sudden resignation of his justice minister and the health minister's threat to quit.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki posted mixed results in initial returns on Thursday from Iraq's parliamentary election, and a rival grouping complained of serious fraud.