World News Briefs -- May 4, 2017 (Evening Edition)

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to present the U.S. Air Force Academy football team with the Commander-in-Chief trophy in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., May 2, 2017. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts

Reuters: Trump to wade into Middle East politics on first foreign trip

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he will travel to Saudi Arabia and Israel this month, kicking off his first foreign trip, where he will work to reinvigorate traditional alliances in the region.

Trump said he would also visit the Vatican along with his swing through the Middle East before attending a NATO meeting in Brussels on May 25 and the Group of Seven summit in Sicily on May 26.

The maiden foreign trips of U.S. presidents often take on broader symbolic import, and by choosing the Middle East as his first stop, Trump will highlight his lofty promises to eradicate Islamic State insurgents and bring peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian rebels reject Russia's proposal for safe zones.

Regional powers agree on Syria 'de-escalation zones'.

Putin: Trump backs plan to establish safe zones in Syria.

Russian, Turkish leaders re-affirm their pact on Syria.

Mosul offensive gains fresh momentum as army attacks IS from northwest. Mosul battle: Iraqis open up new front to retake city from IS. Iraqi forces launch new operation northwest of Mosul.

Iraq, US in talks to keep American troop presence after IS.

Turkey in 'final phase' of secretive Saudi export deal.

US forces seen operating near terrorist-designated PKK forces.

Yemen hunger crisis leaves refugee chief 'shocked to the bones'.

UN expert in Saudi denied access to imprisoned activists.

South Yemen protesters challenge president's authority. Thousands protest at Yemen president's sacking of southern leaders.


Two-state solution in the air, but Trump still confident of Middle East peace.

ASIA

Pentagon to request thousands more troops for Afghanistan next week. U.S. military to pitch revised Afghan war plan to Trump in next week.

US House votes to expand North Korea sanctions.

Tillerson urges SE Asia to minimize NKorea diplomatic ties.

India troops block Kashmir villages amid rebel hunt. Indian troops launch major anti-militant drive in Kashmir.

India-Pakistan conflict intensifies after Indian Army promises revenge for alleged beheading of soldiers.

North Korea missiles designed to U.S. THAAD defense system.

North Korea demands South suspend joint military drills.

After North Korea criticism, China says wants to be good neighbor.

Japanese leader sets 2020 deadline for changing pacifist constitution.

Not welcome: Japan tough to crack for refugees.

Afghan warlord Hekmatyar returns to Kabul after peace deal.

Beijing hit by new air pollution crisis as huge sandstorm blows in.

AFRICA

Jihadists claim Mali attack that killed UN peacekeeper.

UN force condemns 'callous' attack on South Sudan base.

Migrants who survive Sahara face new torture in Libyan oasis town.

Boko Haram's Shekau rejects air strike injury claims.

Algerians vote amid anger over economy.

Libyan government, rival military commander agree to ease tensions.

Mozambique's opposition extends truce as step to end war.

Somalia attack: Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Abas killed in Mogadishu.

Zimbabwe 'not a poor country': Mugabe.

Protests as South Africa hosts World Economic Forum.

DR Congo miners upset at US 'conflict mineral' rules.

EUROPE

Germany challenges Russia over alleged cyberattacks.

Swiss bank account 'spy thriller' case raises German ire.

France's election is ending in a verbal cage fight. French election: Macron and Le Pen both claim debate success.

Eurozone economy growing at 'fastest rate in 6 years'.

Romania withdraws amendment pardoning corrupt officials.

Court upholds sentence against Russian activist Alexei Navalny.

Treason trial against Yanukovych begins in Ukraine.

Swiss 'spied inside German ministry' in tax scandal.

Greece rejects new extradition request for Turkish soldiers.

Prince Philip announces he is completely retiring from royal duties aged 95 after 70 years of sterling service to his Queen and country.

AMERICAS

Venezuelans again take to streets as death toll jumps to 37.

Trump announces trip to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Vatican.

Trump celebrates health vote win with jubilant Republicans. Joyful House Republicans vote to repeal reviled 'Obamacare'.

US Republicans plan health-care vote on Thursday, capping weeks of fits and starts.

Trump blasts Susan Rice for declining request to testify before Senate panel. Trump criticizes former Obama security adviser.

U.S. coaxes Mexico into Trump plan to overhaul Central America.

Amnesty International warns of rising violence in Rio de Janeiro.


Jailed Venezuelan opposition leader dispels rumors of health scare.

Raul Castro's daughter: His successor may surprise Cubans.

Authorities haven't found 'even a dollar' of El Chapo's $1bn drug fortune.

UN Security Council in Colombia to encourage peace process.

US opioid crisis at epidemic proportions.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

FBI, NSA directors testify in closed House committee session.

Suicide bombings detail Turkistan Islamic Party’s role in Syria.

Europol probes 'Islamic State'-created social media network.

Pakistani Taliban retaliates for ‘the drone attack in North Waziristan’.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street ends flat as health bill passes; energy slammed.

Google coughs up 306 million euros in Italy tax settlement.

Global drone market expected to surpass $22B by 2022.

Facebook nears two billion monthly users.