World News Briefs -- January 22, 2015 (Evening Edition)

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. Press TV

BREAKING NEWS: Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Has Dies: Crown Prince Salman has Become King - State TV (Reuters)

King Abdullah, who sought to modernize Saudi Arabia, at 90 (AP)

WNU Editor: This is a breaking news story. It will be updated later tonight.

MIDDLE EAST

Yemeni president quits, throwing nation deeper into chaos.

Iraq coalition tensions emerge in Islamic State fight. Hagel disputes Iraq leader's weapons, training complaints.

U.S.-led forces launch 31 air strikes in Iraq, Syria: U.S. military.

Iraq forces ‘not ready’ to fight Isis.

British Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond says Iraq 'months off' major Isis offensive.

Hezbollah under pressure to act after Israeli strike.

Hamas calls on Hezbollah to unite fight against Israel.

Israel's spy agency denies opposing new Iran sanctions.

US diplomat: Another Iran extension ‘possible’. US administration opposes up-or-down vote on Iran nuclear deal.

Ayatollah Khamenei writes letter to Western youth.

Saudi Arabian blogger's flogging postponed again.

ASIA

Japan ISIS hostages: Abe won't pay ransom, can't deploy military amid national defense debate. Japan agonizes over ways to free Islamic State hostages.

Strikes, attacks bring turbulent politics back to Bangladesh.

India, U.S. trying to get nuclear deal over line during Obama trip.

US urges Burma to investigate deaths of two female teachers.

China to build 7,000 Km Moscow-Beijing railway estimated $242 bln.

Vietnam shows China its resolve with military posters.

Authorities plan salvage operation for missing Malaysian airliner.

AFRICA

Congo delays vote on electoral law, West urges revisions.

Egypt's president says Islam needs a reboot.

Burkina presidential and legislative votes set for October.

Libyan fighters seize Benghazi branch of Central Bank.

Five dead, dozens injured in deadly Mogadishu car bomb blast. Somali car bomb explodes outside Mogadishu hotel. Somali Islamists say responsible for Mogadishu hotel bombing.

UN says international court needed for CAR war crimes.

Libyan rival parliament suspends UN talks.

Zambia ruling party takes slim lead in presidential vote. Zambia opposition leader narrows gap in Presidential poll.

Madagascar's opposition to challenge PM's appointment in constitutional court.

Egypt orders release of Mubarak sons.

Beard on King Tut's burial mask damaged after epoxy gluing.

EUROPE

Ukraine's forces hold line against Russian troops, rebels: Poroshenko.

Ukraine cedes airport on one of bloodiest days of war. Ukraine bus attack kills 13, dashes peace hopes for east. Donetsk bus hit by mortar as Ukrainian forces lose control of airport.

Russia, Ukraine agree pullback line for heavy arms.

NATO Chief says Russia increasing equipment supplies to eastern Ukraine.

'No military equipment' crossed at observed Russia-Ukraine border checkpoints - OSCE.

NATO wants to re-establish contacts with Russia’s military – bloc chief.

Greek leftist widens poll lead, says to end 'humiliation'.

France to dispatch 40 more troops to advise Iraqi army.

Britain faces a 'very significant risk' of an ISIS-inspired terror attack, Foreign Secretary warns security summit.

Cameron vows not to cut army down to 60,000.

Massive stimulus plan for eurozone. Trillion-euro boost for eurozone.

Spain still suffering from shocking unemployment, 23.7% looking for work.

AMERICAS

Obama will not meet Israel's Netanyahu on U.S. visit. Netanyahu to address Congress on March 3, Boehner says.

Prosecutor’s death not suicide, says Argentinian president. Argentine leader convinced Nisman death was no suicide.

Economy in tatters, Venezuela's Maduro tells citizens 'God will provide'.

U.S.-Cuba begin historic talks on restoring diplomatic ties.

Obama official 'regrets' lawmakers weren't consulted on Cuba.

Drone carrying drugs crashes near US-Mexico border.

Romney, Bush to meet amid U.S. presidential bid chatter.

Congress alarmed by plans to use Russian system to route 911 calls.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State to release statement ‘soon’ on Japanese hostage pair, NHK reports.

US Defense says Jihadist groups may carry out more terror attacks on West.

US not sending Gitmo detainees to Yemen, AP sources say.

Analysis: Freed former al Qaeda operative was part of intelligence dispute.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

BP boss Bob Dudley: Oil prices 'low for up to 3 years'.

Macau ranks No. 1 in economic performance among world cities.

London is the fastest growing western city.

Richest 80 people in the world revealed... and 35 of them are American citizens.