Wednesday, February 20, 2019

World News Briefs -- February 20, 2019 (Evening Edition)



The Guardian: Russia may be forced to aim weapons at Washington, suggests Putin

‘Centres of decision making’ will be targeted if west deploys new missiles in Europe

Vladimir Putin has said that Russia will develop new weapons and aim them at western “centres of decision-making” if the west deploys new short and medium-range missiles in Europe.

The threat, which appears to describe Washington and other western capitals, came after the United States and then Russia suspended compliance with the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty.

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MIDDLE EAST

Islamic State nears defeat in last Syrian enclave.

Syria's war: Trucks carrying women, children leave ISIL enclave. Dozens of civilians, jihadists 'flee' IS group's last Syrian holdout.

Pentagon chief in spotlight over Trump's Syria plans.

Iran will not rule out possibility of military conflict with Israel.

Abbas says will reject reduced tax reimbursement from Israel.

Netanyahu-Putin meeting in Russia postponed.

Israel PM deal seeks to boost ultra-right in April vote.

ASIA

Days before summit, Trump raises prospect of easing North Korea sanctions.

Kim must make 'meaningful' gesture to see sanctions ease: Trump.

China says it expects progress on denuclearization during summit.

Kashmiris in India blame media for revenge attacks.

Taiwan will not accept any deal that harms democracy: Tsai.

Top Chinese general jailed for life for graft.

South Korea, China to meet to tackle worsening air pollution.

AFRICA

In Burkina Faso, humanitarian camps house tens of thousands displaced by fighting.

Egypt army says 8 jihadists killed in Sinai.

Egypt executes 9 people over assassination of chief prosecutor.

Algeria: Anger after opposition leader barred from holding rally.

UN identifies South Sudan's mass rapists, killers and torturers.

Cameroon: Anglophone separatists 'use children as a bargaining chip'.

South Africa to deliver budget faced with huge debt and blackouts.

Oil discovery brings corruption to the fore in Senegal election.

$400 billion climate investment plan for Sahel region.

EUROPE

Putin's new nuclear threat to Trump: Russian leader promises more missiles targeting the US if America deploys warheads to Europe after tearing up arms treaty.

Putin: No need for another Cuban missile crisis over US-Russia dispute.

Putin, faced with ratings slump, offers Russians financial sweeteners.

3 British lawmakers leave PM's Conservative Party over Brexit fallout.

May and Juncker confirm commitment to plod along as clock runs down on Brexit. No breakthrough for May after ‘constructive’ Brexit talks in Brussels.

Macron announces measures to combat anti-Semitism in France.

EU governments endorse copyright reform - statement.

Pope Francis decries critics of church as 'friends of the devil'.

AMERICAS

Justice Department preparing for Mueller report as early as next week. Robert Mueller's report into possible Russian collusion with Donald Trump's campaign may be close.

Trump likely to visit Japan in May, G20 in June.

Venezuela security forces punish anti-Maduro protesters: Amnesty.

Venezuelan soldiers to guard border ahead of aid entry, minister says.

Venezuela leader Guaido gives military 3 days to switch sides.

As Maduro holds on, Venezuela opposition eyes negotiated transition.

U.S., Central America launch plan to crack down on people smugglers.

House Democrats move to block Trump's emergency declaration on border.

Canada PM Trudeau calms restless MPs over shock resignations: sources.

Chicago police claim US actor filed false report of assault.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Saudi crown prince, Indian PM vow to fight terrorism.

US says it won't take back Alabama woman who joined 'Islamic State'.

US Feds: Coast Guard lieutenant compiled hit list of lawmakers.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street ends up slightly as Fed minutes support cautious stance.

US Fed says US growth easing as global risks rise.

Trump threatens tariffs on EU if no trade deal reached.

French court hands Swiss bank UBS multi-billion fine for tax evasion.

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