Tuesday, August 23, 2016

World News Briefs -- August 23, 2016



Reuters: With Biden visit, U.S. seeks balance with truculent Turkey

When U.S. Vice President Joe Biden visited Turkey in January, he struck a difficult balance between showing support for a NATO ally faced with multiple security threats while criticizing its record on free speech and dissent.

Now, with relations between Washington and Ankara going through one of their testiest periods in recent memory, he may find it even tougher to get those dual messages across when he visits on Wednesday.

Biden will be the most senior U.S. official to visit Turkey since the failed July 15 coup, when a group of rogue soldiers tried to overthrow the government and killed at least 240 people.

Turkey says the failed putsch was orchestrated by the Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania for 17 years. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has called on the United States to extradite Gulen.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

IS conflict: UN warns of 'huge impact' of Mosul assault.

IS struggles to retain grip as it loses ground in Iraq.

UN urges 48-hour humanitarian ceasefire in Aleppo.

Syria Kurds win battle with government, Turkey mobilizes against them. Syrian Kurdish, government forces agree Hasaka ceasefire.

Turkish military returns fire in Syria after shells hit border town: NTV. Turkish military strikes ISIL in northern Syria.

Turkey: 2 killed in attack on military bomb disposal team.

U.S. Vice President Biden likely to face pressure during Turkey visit.

Yemen crisis: Oxfam critical of UK-Saudi arms deals.

Mass protests in West Bank city after Palestinian detainee dies.

ASIA

Afghans push India for more arms, despite Pakistan's wary eye.

Indian troops fire at Kashmir protesters; 14 injured.

Philippines police chief: 1,900 killed in anti-drug war.

Philippines' Duterte says talks with China on sea dispute 'within the year'. Philippines expects talks with China on sea feud this year.

Myanmar says UN chief to attend ethnic peace talks.

Pakistan's largest city set to be run by imprisoned mayor.

Thai military court accepts case against 'Facebook Eight'.

AFRICA

As Kerry lands in Nigeria, air force says top Boko Haram fighters killed.

Nigerian military: Air raid fatally wounds Boko Haram leader. Boko Haram: 'Senior fighters killed' in Nigeria raid.

South Sudan ex-rebel leader escaped to Sudan, officials claim. Sudan says it has South Sudan's former rebel leader who fled.

Kerry tells South Sudan leaders to stick to peace deal or face sanctions.

Sudan, South Sudan agree to extend oil deal.

Congo opposition strikes to call for Kabila to step down.

Zambia regulator suspends three private broadcasters.

EUROPE

Kremlin says Putin, Merkel, Hollande to meet to discuss Ukraine on Sept 4-5 at G20.

Rio Paralympics 2016: Russia banned after losing appeal.

Biden tells Baltic states: Don't take Trump seriously.

Eastern NATO ally says Clinton trumps Trump on security.

Germany, France, Italy say Europe must move forward after Brexit vote.

Paris tourism chiefs demand rescue plan as attacks scare off visitors.

Report: More migrants die in Mediterranean as risks increase.

Greece says at least 41,000 asylum seekers on its territory.

Child killed in grenade attack in Sweden.

Europeans turn to weapons in growing numbers after attacks.

AMERICAS

Obama to visit flood-damaged Louisiana in show of support.

Clinton faces late summer scandal wave.

FBI investigating whether Virginia stabbings were ISIS-inspired.

Large rise in number of kids entering US from Central America.

Peru investigates 'police death squad' after killings.

Venezuela public workers face sack over referendum.

Ramen noodles 'are most valuable US prison commodity', study suggests.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

'Jihadist hub' Molenbeek lures tourists across Brussels canal.

Abu Zubaydah appears at Gitmo hearing to review detention.

The Pentagon takes aim at bomb-carrying consumer drones.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Liberal, moderate or conservative? See how Facebook labels you.

Goldman Sachs thinks the recovery in oil prices is ‘fragile’.

34kg pearl found in Philippines 'is world's biggest'.

No comments: