Thursday, January 15, 2015

World News Briefs -- January 15, 2015



Reuters: Swiss central bank shocks markets with currency 'tsunami'

AP: Switzerland stuns markets by giving up on currency peg

MIDDLE EAST

ISIS losing Kobani with 1,000 militants dead.

ISIL launches fierce attacks across Iraq.

U.S.-led forces launch 22 air strikes against militants in Syria, Iraq.

Iran announces construction of two new nuclear plants.

Kerry says may meet Iran's Zarif again this week.

Exclusive: U.S. lawmakers push ahead on Iran sanctions - senior senator.

Saudi Arabia building 600-mile ‘Great Wall’ to keep out Islamic State.

Turkish premier equates Israel's Netanyahu to Paris attackers.

US Consulate in Jerusalem arming Palestinian guards.

Bahraini protest rages as another opposition leader arrested.

West urged to seek release of Saudi blogger Raid Badawi.

ASIA

Pakistan says no talks with Taliban unless Afghanistan takes initiative.

Suspected rebels killed in Kashmir gun battle.

Pyongyang is booming, but in North Korea all is not what it seems.

Indonesia closes the door to returning Jihadists.

China pollution: Beijing smog hits hazardous levels.

Pope Francis arrives in Philippines on Asia tour. Millions cheer as pope arrives in Philippines.

Divers search AirAsia fuselage for bodies.

AFRICA

The horrific aftermath of Boko Haram massacre on Nigerian villages: Before and after satellite images lay bare destruction caused by militants in attack that killed 2,500 people. Nigeria's Boko Haram: Baga destruction 'shown in images'.

Boko Haram massacres 'crime against humanity': Kerry.

Tanzania says ready to take on Rwandan rebels in Congo.

Sudan: No peace in sight for either Sudan.

Burkina must probe army killings of demonstrators says Amnesty.

Ebola crisis: New cases declining in West Africa.

100 feared missing after boat sinks in C. Africa.

EUROPE

Pro-Russian forces enter Donetsk airport as Ukrainian military loses ground. Shelling continues in Donetsk, Ukraine.

Ukraine reinstates conscription, cycles front-line troops amid increased Russian military activity. Ukraine steps up mobilization, warns of renewed Russian 'aggression'.

Contact Group on Ukraine may meet on January 16 in Minsk.

European parliament urges European Council to impose new sanctions on Russia.

Seven EU countries support lifting sanctions on Russia — source.

Russian fears lead Lithuania to print ‘how to survive invasion’ manual.

France to protect all religions, vows Francois Hollande.

France cyberdefense chief: 19,000 cyberattacks in last week.

Switzerland stuns markets by giving up on currency peg.

Pope on Charlie Hebdo: There are limits to free expression.

AMERICAS

US to ease restrictions on travel to Cuba.

Cuba, EU agree new talks in March: European sources.

Colombia ready for truce talks with Farc - President Santos. Negotiators at Colombian peace talks to examine ceasefire.

Colombian army denies FARC claim of eight dead.

20 state officials investigated in Mexico military slayings.

Haiti's new prime minister faces instability, protests.

Mexico to issue birth certificates for citizens at consulates in US.

FBI 'foils IS-inspired plot to attack US Capitol'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Five Guantanamo Yemeni inmates sent to Oman and Estonia.

Drone strike kills at least five suspected militants in Pakistan.

David Cameron and Barack Obama in anti-terrorism vow.

Boko Haram embraces Islamic State model for extremist jihad.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Part of US casino company files for bankruptcy.

Exclusive: Samsung talks to BlackBerry about $7.5 billion buyout: source.

Gold goes on a tear as Swiss National Bank shocks market, dollar slides.

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