Thursday, February 21, 2019

World News Briefs -- February 21, 2019



ABC News Online: Vladimir Putin says Russia will not move missiles closer to US unless American missiles move first

Vladimir Putin said he will match any move by the United States to deploy new nuclear missiles closer to Russia by stationing its own missiles closer to the US, or by deploying faster missiles, or both.

The Russian President said he was not seeking confrontation and would not take the first step to deploy missiles in response to the US Government's decision this month to quit a landmark Cold War-era arms control treaty.

But, in his toughest remarks yet on a potential new arms race, he said Russia's reaction to any deployment would be resolute and that US leaders should calculate the risks before taking any steps.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Deadly car bombing near anti-IS base in east Syria: US-backed force.

Iraq sends troop reinforcements to Syria border to block ISIS retreat. Iraq on high alert for ISIL fighters fleeing Syria.

Operation to destroy ISIL's final vestige hits evacuation snag.

Mass grave containing 3,500 victims of ISIS - which could 'hold the answers' to the fate of executed US hostages - discovered in the 'caliphate capital' Raqqa in Syria.

Iran holds naval war games in Strait of Hormuz amid US tensions.

Israeli opposition parties join forces to run against Netanyahu.

Israel election: Netanyahu challengers form alliance.

Turkey says it will start drilling off Cyprus 'in coming days'.

ASIA

Pakistan PM authorizes military response if India attacks.

At ground zero of Kashmir unrest, residents see no end to deaths.

Trump, Kim plan one-on-one meeting in Vietnam.

Japanese officials worried about Trump-Kim summit.

Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev fires government.

Chinese-British relations ‘complicated’ by South China Sea military plans.

Australian dollar tumbles as Chinese officials ban Australian coal imports; analysts say move 'crystallises fears' about possible crackdown.

Bangladesh: Many dead after massive fire breaks out in Dhaka. Bangladesh fire kills more than 80, injures 50 in capital Dhaka.

AFRICA

Nigeria 'on course' for rescheduled poll as campaigning ends.

Dozens killed in clashes between Nigeria villagers and 'bandits'.

Security chief in south Libya town assassinated: ministry.

Police in DR Congo accused of extrajudicial killings.

Congo leaders pledge allegiance to former president.

Algeria's opposition fails to agree on joint candidate.

Ahead of Senegal election, voters turn to political satire.

EUROPE

Poroshenko wants UN to move ahead with peacekeeping mission in eastern Ukraine.

Albanian opposition holds anti-government rally.

Pro-separatist protesters burn tires, block highways in Catalonia strike.

US military conducts observation flight over Russia.

French president plans measures to tackle anti-Semitism.

'An historic turning point': Vatican holds summit on child sex abuse.

Germany paying pensions to Nazi collaborators in UK and Belgium.

AMERICAS

Dems demand briefing, intel on North Korea nuclear talks.

Pence going to Colombia to demand Maduro step down.

Venezuela to close border with Brazil on Thursday night - Maduro.

Venezuela closes maritime border with Dutch islands to stop aid.

Justin Trudeau’s image of transparency threatened by scandal.

Jussie Smollett: Empire star 'staged hoax attack over salary'.

Mexican environmental activist murdered in Morelos.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

French jihadist linked to 2015 Paris attacks 'killed in Syria'.

US-backed Syrian forces hand over IS fighters to Iraq.

US Coast Guard officer facing terror charges 'wanted to kill almost everyone on earth'.

German police arrest suspected Islamic extremists in raid.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Nike in damage control after basketball star's shoe shreds.

SpaceX, Boeing design risks threaten delays for US space projects.

Heckler & Koch fined €3.7 million over illegal arms to Mexico.

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