Wednesday, February 14, 2018

World News Briefs -- February 14, 2018



The Guardian: South African President Zuma allies' home raided and no-confidence vote announced

Raids linked to allegations of influence-peddling by Gupta family come as ANC’s efforts to oust South Africa’s president continue

An elite South African police team has raided the luxurious family home of a family of controversial businessmen accused of improper relations with Jacob Zuma, as the ruling ANC party continues its chaotic efforts to oust the country’s president.

The raid on the compound of the wealthy Gupta family in Johannesburg came as the African National Congress (ANC) said that a vote of no confidence in Zuma would be held on Thursday. It will be taken as an encouraging sign that Cyril Ramaphosa, the new leader of the ANC, will move swiftly against those associated with the corruption allegations and mismanagement that have characterised Zuma’s nine years in power.

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MIDDLE EAST

New fronts emerge in Syria as Assad, allies push for victory.

France threatens Syria strikes if chemical attacks proven.

Erdogan slams US 'support for Kurdish YPG fighters'.

Clashes mark anniversary of Bahrain's 2011 uprising.

Iranian intellectuals call for referendum amid political unrest.

Israel police recommend corruption charges for Netanyahu.

Benjamin Netanyahu dismisses calls to resign.

Trump wants to cut funds for UN missions in Middle East.

ASIA

India's Sitharaman warns Pakistan after Jammu attack.

Coastguard on the front line as Japan protests over Chinese incursions in East China Sea.

Chinese paper says UK trying to grab attention with South China Sea mission.

Sri Lanka coalition seeks ways to keep power after local poll defeat.

Winter Olympics 2018: South Korea to pay for North's delegation.

Japan economy grows for 8th straight quarter, longest since 1980s.

Cyclone Gita batters southern Fiji, upgraded to category five, heading for Vanuatu, New Caledonia.

AFRICA

South Africa: ANC prepares Zuma no-confidence vote. South Africa’s ruling party could replace Zuma on Thursday.

South African police raid properties of President Jacob Zuma's associates Gupta brothers.

UN experts say political settlement in Libya 'out of reach'.

South Sudan bulldozes houses in Bor; Residents flee fighting in Yei river.

Oxfam faces new sex abuse allegations in South Sudan.

Ethiopia frees opposition leader amid protests.

No December election without voting machines: DRCongo poll chief.

EUROPE

Dutch foreign minister quits after lying about Putin meeting.

German SPD leader quits in bid to calm party after coalition deal with Merkel.

U.S., NATO urge Hungary, Ukraine To settle language-law dispute.

UK border and immigration system unprepared for Brexit: report.

With no time for Brexit, Macron sets out plans to redraw EU political map.

Commonwealth in secret succession plans.

New Dutch law makes every adult an organ donor.

Prince Henrik, husband of Denmark's Queen Margrethe II, dies at 83.

AMERICAS

Spy chief warns on Trump aides' clearance.

U.S. 2018 elections 'under attack' by Russia: U.S. intelligence chief.

FBI's Wray contradicts White House on Porter background check.

Colombian military calls Venezuela's invasion fears 'ridiculous'.

Colombia says needs international aid to cope with Venezuela crisis.

Lima Group countries criticize Venezuela election date.

Oxfam chief Alberto Fuentes Knight and Guatemalan ex-president held in corruption case.

Canada wants answers after Iran prison death.

Mexico presidential hopeful says he is target of government spying.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pentagon wants to replace Guantánamo's Top Secret prison. Price per prisoner: $4.6M.

Fired Pentagon official was exploring plea deals for 9/11 suspects at Guantánamo.

U.S. allies fail to agree on how to deal with foreign IS fighters.

Tunisia rejects NATO’s proposal to support establishment of anti-terrorism centre.

Military judge wants US Marshals to seize lawyers who quit USS Cole terrorism case: Report.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Market on its toes for an inflation report that could change everything.

Trump weighs tariffs, quotas on U.S. steel, aluminum imports.

Total US household debt soars to record above $13 trillion.

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