Friday, September 18, 2015

World News Briefs -- September 18, 2015 (Evening Edition)



Wall Street Journal: Russia Moves Its First Tactical Fighter Jets to Base in Syria

Move raises U.S. concerns Moscow will play direct role in helping Bashar al-Assad

WASHINGTON—Russia has moved its first fighter jets to a growing base in Syria, defense officials said Friday, raising new concerns Moscow is preparing to play a direct role in helping embattled President Bashar al-Assad against Islamic State militants.

Moscow’s military moves came as U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter spoke to his Russian counterpart about Russia’s deepening role in Syria, ending a long pause in high-level military ties between the two countries.

MIDDLE EAST

Russia fighter jets now seen at Syrian airfield: U.S. officials.

Russia tells U.S.: Syria activity 'defensive in nature'.

Senior U.S., Russian defense officials talk to defuse tensions over Syria. Syria crisis: US wants Russia military talks, Kerry says.

Syria regime in deadly wave of strikes on Palmyra: monitor.

Syrian jets pound Islamic State-held areas for second day.

U.S. reports 21 air strikes in Iraq, one in Syria Wednesday: U.S. military.

Turkish military braces for more roadside bombings.

Yemen rebels claim capture of Saudi troops, show one on TV.

One million Yemeni fighters prepare to invade Saudi Arabia.

Police gird for Temple Mount violence Friday as unrest persists. Palestinian, 3 soldiers wounded in East J'lem clashes.

Saudi Arabia warns against haj unrest as pilgrims pray for peace.

John Kerry names lead US coordinator to implement Iran nuclear agreement.

Egypt 'starts flooding Gaza tunnels'.

ASIA

Pakistani Taliban storms airbase near Peshawar.

The Islamic State has shut down 57 Afghan schools.

ISIS recruit child soldiers, force marriages on young women in Afghanistan.

Japan's parliament approves controversial security bill. Japan security bill prompts heated debate. Japan security vote delayed by opposition tactics.

China 'extremely concerned' by proposed U.S. challenge to claims.

China's foreign investment reaches historic maximum of $123Bln in 2014.

China hails U.S. repatriation of corruption fugitive.

North Korea rebuilds its smuggling fleet.

AFRICA

Libya peace talks get boost as deadline looms.

Islamic State attacks Libya jail in Tripoli in failed rescue bid.

African Union suspends Burkina Faso over military coup.

Burkina Faso's military releases interim president arrested in coup. Coup leaders release Burkina Faso interim president.

In Niger, U.S. soldiers quietly help build wall against Boko Haram.

South Sudan president complains of being treated like 'schoolboy'.

Nigeria's Boko Haram crisis: Half a million children 'flee in five months'.

The Gambia ruled by a 'climate of fear'.

Kenya raids Norway-flagged ship seeking smuggled drugs.

Death toll for South Sudan tanker accident rises to 150.

Smuggler vessels off Libya would be seized under UN proposal.

EUROPE

Merkel's spokesman: 'Closing borders to migrants not sustainable'.

Countries in southeast Europe try to block refugees from entering.

In EU, asylum applicants jump to 213,000 in three months.

15,000 migrants in Croatia stranded by border crackdown. 'Heads as well as hearts': Croatia says it can take no more migrants.

Bulgaria deploying up to 1,000 troops at Turkish border.

Finnish PM says refugee inflow through Sweden is growing.

Norway says may impose border controls if asylum inflows surge.

East Ukraine faces winter water shortage threat.

Greek campaigning draws to close with main parties tied.

Portugal election race still in dead heat, no majority win: poll.

Scottish leader won’t rule out 2nd independence vote.

Putin, Netanyahu to discuss Middle East situation — Kremlin.

Ukraine probes Putin, Berlusconi wine drinking in Crimea.

Finland strike 'shuts down ports'.

Munich faces collision of refugees and Oktoberfest.

AMERICAS

Vatican disputes White House guest list for Papal visit.

Pope plans to duck dissidents in Cuba, spawning criticism.

Go 'nuclear' to stop Obama's Iran deal, urge 57 House Republicans in letter.

Venezuelan Air Force fighter jet crashes near Colombian border.

Cuba announces appointment of US ambassador.

US, Cuba to resume regular mail, flights.

Chile quake: State of emergency declared for Coquimbo. raumatized Chileans deal with aftermath of deadly 'nightmare' quake.

Mexico arrests Guerrero gang leader.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

3,000 domestic extremists plotting to attack Britain – MI5 chief.

Senators: ISIS fighters posing as migrants could slip into US.

Haqqani Network publicizes training camp in Afghanistan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Volkswagen could face $18 billion penalties from EPA.

World markets mixed on steadied US rates.

Central banks fret stimulus efforts are falling short.

Apple customers report devices crashing on iOS 9 update.

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