World News Briefs -- January 23, 2015

Then Guardian: Saudi Arabia’s new King Salman moves quickly to settle future succession

Salman bin Abdulaziz also promises to continue the policies of his predecessors after death of Abdullah after nearly two decades in power

MIDDLE EAST

New Saudi king promises to continue predecessors' policies. New Saudi king to focus economic policy on jobs as oil sags.

New Saudi Deputy Crown Prince marks generational shift.

World leaders react to death of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah.

Yemen in turmoil as Presidential resignation rejected. Yemen suffers power vacuum after president, premier quit.

US moving personnel out of Yemen.

U.S.-led coalition hits Islamic State with 25 air strikes: task force.

Kurds criticize exclusion from U.S.-led coalition meeting.

Israel ready for Hezbollah retaliation, says defence minister.

ASIA

Gallup poll: Afghans’ economic outlook dims.

Thailand's military junta impeaches and bans former Prime Minister Yingluck.

Obama says Internet more powerful than military, sanctions against North Korea. President Obama predicts collapse of North Korea.

North Korea urges South to lift sanctions before talks can begin.

China’s anti-corruption drive builds in restive Xinjiang.

China expects 'downward pressures' on its economy in 2015.

Divers find more bodies, reach AirAsia fuselage.

AFRICA

Benghazi branch of central bank seized by Islamic fighters; almost $100B inside.

Leader of Libyan Islamists Ansar al-sharia, dies of wounds: family, official.

Lengthy battle seen against Rwandan rebels in DRC.

Boko Haram crisis: UN 'not needed against Nigerian militants'.

Thousands flee Boko Haram threats.

Congo's Senate votes down measure that drew protests over concerns elections would be delayed.

South Africa's Soweto tense after 'xenophobic' attacks. 153 arrested in South Africa looting.

Experimental Ebola vaccine shipped to Liberia.

EUROPE

Ukraine rebel Zakharchenko 'rejects truce talks'. Ukraine separatist: Rebels will 'advance to borders' Of Donetsk region. Signs emerge of major Ukraine rebel offensive looming.

Ukraine rebels say 24 fighters killed by rockets at airport.

5,000+ killed in Ukraine: UN concerned, Donetsk rebel leader talks of 'offensive'. Ukrainian crisis kills more than 5,000 people — UN human rights spokesman.

Donetsk trolleybus explosion blows Ukraine peace negotiations apart.

Putin addresses Russia's Security Council, laments Kiev's unresponsiveness.

Armenia, Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating cease-fire.

Greek elections: Merkel calls on voters to stay with Europe.

AMERICAS

Obama, Bushes lead US tributes to late Saudi King Abdullah.

Obama not planning to meet with Israeli premier.

Robbers target food delivery trucks in shortage-hit Venezuela.

Colombia adds 32 combat vehicles near border with Venezuela.

Landmark US-Cuba talks end in 'positive' atmosphere.

Argentina: The strange death of Alberto Nisman.

Report: Tax evasion, avoidance costs United States $100 billion a year.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Yemen chaos threatens US counterterror efforts, including drone program.

IS-linked militants say countdown for Japan's hostages began.

France's message to Davos: do your part to fight terrorism.

Hagel: Yemen unrest could affect transfers from Guantánamo.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

UN predicts rise in world unemployment.

New Saudi king seen holding line on OPEC policy to keep oil output high.

Davos 2015.