Thursday, August 14, 2014

World News Briefs -- August 14, 2014 (Evening Edition)



Iraq’s Prime Minister Agrees to Renounce Power -- Voice of America

WASHINGTON — Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has agreed to renounce power, saying he will give up his post to his replacement, moderate Shi'ite Haider al-Abadi.

Appearing on state television late Thursday flanked by Abadi and other Shi'ite politicians, Maliki said he was withdrawing his candidacy in favor of Abadi in order to "ease the movement of the political process and the formation of the new government."

Maliki had faced enormous pressure at home and abroad to step aside, dropping his bid for a third term as prime minister of Iraq and ending a legal challenge to Abadi’s nomination by Iraqi President Fouad Massoum, which took place on Monday.

Abadi is a member of Maliki’s Shi’ite Islamist Dawa party.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq's Maliki finally steps aside, paving way for new government. Iraq crisis: Maliki quits as PM to end deadlock.

US jets strike IS armored vehicles in Iraq.

UN declares Iraq emergency amid clashes.

Obama to end humanitarian airdrops in Iraq but air strikes will continue. Most Yazidis have been rescued from a besieged mountain in northern Iraq.

Exclusive: Governor of Iraq's Sunni heartland secures U.S. support against militants.

Gaza truce holds as U.S. sees slowdown in arms to Israel.

Extended Israel-Hamas truce holding after rocky start. Hamas: Peace deal must meet people's demands.

Israeli-Palestinian talks face major hurdles as new truce begins.

Syrian army takes town near Damascus in blow to rebels. Syrian troops beat rebels in Damascus suburb.

ISIS releases video of captured Lebanese soldiers.

Yemen foils plot to kill former President Saleh.

Turkey's Erdogan urges party to forge ahead with new constitution.

ASIA

Japanese cabinet ministers visit shrine to war dead on anniversary of World War Two defeat.

Attack on Samungli airbase, Quetta airport in Pakistan; four killed.

Pakistan protesters head towards capital.

Key Abdullah ally warns of Afghan unrest if vote recount is ‘one-sided’.

Australia won't rule out sending troops to Iraq.

Japan lodges 'strong protest' with Russia over military exercise.

North Korea fires 3 short-range rockets into Sea of Japan – agency.

Pope calls for peace as N Korea tests rockets.

Taiwan complains of 'severe' cyber attacks from China.

U.S. seeking calmer relationship with China, Kerry says.

Malaysia declares Aug 22 national day of mourning for MH17 victims.

AFRICA

South Sudan leaders show little appetite for peace deal: U.N..

Egypt Islamists mark anniversary of mass killing.

Guinea declares public health emergency over Ebola.

Ebola lockdown takes economic toll in West Africa.

Central African Republic: CAR refugees face harrowing trip to Cameroon.

500 guns seized: Somalia tries to disarm Mogadishu.

DR Congo war crimes trial of Egangela 'a test case of justice'.

French troops arrest suspected terrorists in Mali.

EUROPE

Under artillery fire, Ukraine rebels switch their leaders. Rebel forces unravel as Ukraine military cuts off key stronghold.

Russian convoy stops close to Ukraine border.

Putin says Russia will do its utmost to stop bloodshed in Ukraine. Putin sounds conciliatory note on visit to annexed Ukraine region. Putin says many European leaders want to end sanctions standoff.

Putin no-show dashes Crimean hopes. Putin strikes conciliatory tone in Crimea speech.

Slovak PM warns 'meaningless' Russia sanctions jeopardize EU economy.

Eurozone economy stalls in second quarter. Eurozone recovery grinds to halt amid Ukraine fear.

Ukraine crisis sends NATO 'back to basics'.

AMERICAS

Volatile Silva could upend Brazil's presidential race.

Haiti tense after summons issued for ex-president.

U.S. poll finds support for Iraqi airstrikes.

Michael Brown shooting: Anger at crackdown on protests. Michael Brown protests in Ferguson met with rubber bullets and teargas.

Brazil mourns death of presidential candidate Campos. Brazil candidate's death makes runoff more likely.

Argentina's financial troubles pile up.

Venezuela ponders raising gas prices, now at 5 cents a gallon; backlash feared.

Panama Canal turns 100 amid growing pains, competition.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.N. Security Council to target Iraq, Syria militants on Friday.

Saudi Arabia donates $100 mn for a UN counter-terrorism centre.

Spain, Morocco break up suspected Jihadist network.

AQAP ideologue praises jihadi victories in Iraq, comments on Berghdal release.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Coca-Cola pays $2.2 billion for major stake in Monster Beverage.

Berkshire Hathaway stock hits new milestone at $200,000.

Three Ballmer buys that were crazier than the Los Angeles Clippers.

Russian oil giant seeks funds earmarked for pensions.

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