World News Briefs -- October 17, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Ron Klain, Chief of Staff to 2 Vice Presidents, Is Named to Lead Ebola Response -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Friday named Ron Klain, a seasoned Democratic crisis-response operative and White House veteran, to manage the government’s response to the deadly virus as public anxiety grows over its possible spread.

Mr. Klain, a former chief of staff for Vice Presidents Al Gore and Joseph R. Biden Jr., is known for his ability to handle high-stakes and fast-moving political challenges. He was the lead Democratic lawyer for Mr. Gore during the 2000 election recount, and was later played by Kevin Spacey in the HBO drama “Recount” about the disputed contest.

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MIDDLE EAST

ISIS fighters withdraw from Syria's embattled Kobani - RT sources. Battle for Kobani enters second month.

US still searching for credible allies in Syria.

Australian air strikes in Iraq kill Isis fighters on 'at least two' occasions.

IS crucify 17-year old boy for taking photos, footage of group's bases: Reports.

Iraq crisis: Wave of attacks in Baghdad leave 40 dead.

Iraq imposes curfew as Islamic State marches on Ramadi.

Houthi and al-Qaeda fighters clash in Yemen.

Yemen's al Qaeda expresses support for Islamic State against 'crusade'.

Iran arms Palestinians for new war with Israel.

ASIA

China, Vietnam pledge to 'address and control' maritime disputes.

Pakistan court upholds death penalty in Christian woman's blasphemy case.

After border row, India, China plan counter-terror drills to build trust.

Fresh clashes in Hong Kong as pro-democracy activists regroup. Hong Kong police arrest 26 amid street clashes.

Cambodia's convicted Khmer Rouge leaders resume genocide trial.

Myanmar rebels say military operations could end peace talks.

Stateless Rohingya deemed among world’s most persecuted.

Search widens for Nepal snowstorm survivors.

16 dead in accident at South Korean concert.

Japan and Russia leaders meet in Milan, say will continue dialogue.

Japan PM sends offering to war dead shrine, angering China.

China, Russia sign landmark energy, finance, tech deals.

AFRICA

UN: We botched response to the Ebola outbreak.

WHO declares Senegal Ebola-free.

Ebola crisis: No impact from pledges of help, MSF says.

Benghazi street battles rage for third day.

In Libya's Benghazi, mood of resignation over war.

Boko Haram, Nigeria government agree to cease-fire.

Red Crescent calls for truce in Benghazi.

At least 6 killed in northern Mali.

Ruling party leads Mozambique election.

Final arguments before Oscar Pistorius sentencing.

EUROPE

Sweden hunts suspected foreign submarine off Stockholm coast. Sweden's military investigates 'suspicious underwater activity'.

Ukrainian, Russian leaders sound optimistic note.

Russia and Ukraine reach tentative gas deal in tough Milan talks.

Merkel: No breakthrough yet on Russia-Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine fail to make progress in testy Milan talks. Putin says satisfied with 'Normandy format' talks in Milan.

NATO says no sign of major Russian pullback from Ukraine border.

Putin under pressure to commit to fragile peace plan for eastern Ukraine.

Poll: Support for NATO membership grows In Ukraine.

Moody’s downgrades Russia’s credit rating to Baa2 from Baa1.

Europe's top powers deadlocked as economy sinks.

Five charged in U.K. terror plot, London police say.

Islamic State recruitment in Europe is accelerating, says U.S..

Vatican rents out Sistine Chapel to Porsche for corporate event - first time in 600-year history.

AMERICAS

Ebola in the Big Apple? CDC tells NYC to get ready.

Obama names Ebola 'czar;' death toll rises in West Africa. Former Biden chief of staff to lead Ebola response.

FBI chief: No concern about terrorists using Ebola.

Texas worker who may have handled Ebola samples quarantined in Belize.

U.S. poll on Ebola crisis: 82% want quarantine, 66% would block entry.

Caribbean countries announce Ebola travel bans.

Thousands march in Acapulco over feared Mexican student massacre.

Brazil election poll gives Neves wide advantage over Rousseff.

Rousseff falls ill after tense Brazil debate.

Powerful Hurricane Gonzalo approaching Bermuda.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Yemen’s Al Qaeda expresses support for Islamic State against ‘crusade’.

Jihadis take their kids to war; moms fight back.

Less than 4% of US drones victims in Pakistan affiliated with Al-Qaeda: Study.

New coed guard duty causing ruckus at Guantanamo high-value prison.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Billionaire Mark Cuban says he is buying Netflix shares.

Rules vary about travel to countries hit by Ebola.

Google overtakes Goldman Sachs in US political donations.

Foreign holdings of US Treasury securities climb.

Islamabad replaces Manila at top of list of world’s worst airports.