Tuesday, February 10, 2015

World News Briefs -- Febraury 10, 2015



BBC: Ukraine conflict: Battles rage ahead of Minsk talks

Fighting has surged in eastern Ukraine as government forces and pro-Russian rebels try to make gains ahead of expected peace talks on Wednesday.

Rebels carried out rocket attacks on a key military base and a residential area in Kramatorsk, officials say, killing at least seven civilians.


MIDDLE EAST

Syrian government launches offensive against rebels in south.

Assad says Syria is informed on anti-IS air campaign. Assad says Syria informed about US strikes against ISIL.

U.S. leads 12 air strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military.

UAE jets based in Jordan launch strikes on ISIS. UAE rejoins Anti-IS bombing campaign after Jordanian pilot death.

Military action needed in Iraq to help Christians, archbishop says.

Iraqi Yazidis take revenge as Islamic State atrocities unearthed.

Yemen talks hit by walkouts over Houthi 'threats'. Yemen's Houthi rebels seize central province.

Officials: US closing embassy in Yemen due to unrest.

Yemen political unrest impacting U.S. military, Pentagon says.

Israel's Netanyahu says will proceed with speech to U.S. Congress.

At least one other American hostage in Middle East: White House.

ASIA

Taliban attacks Afghan police station, bomb targets female politician.

U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan kills former Guantanamo detainee.

Expanding its role in Afghanistan, China to help build dam, roads.

Violence flares in Myanmar border area with China.

China mounting corruption crackdown.

Nepal sets up panels to probe war crimes amid cries for justice.

Australia anti-terror police arrest two in alleged plot: media.

Massive water crisis looms large in Pakistan.

East Timor president picks former health minister Araujo as new PM.

AFRICA

Niger troops sent to 'crush' Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Vow to crush Boko Haram met with scorn.

Fighting erupts in two South Sudan states days after latest truce.

South Sudan rebels shell oil-rich town of Bentiu.

Peacekeepers kill seven rebels in Central African Republic fighting.

Exclusive: U.N. pauses support for Congo campaign against rebels over abuses.

Libya reopens strike-hit oil port as U.N. convenes talks.

Egypt leader on defensive over claims he mocked Gulf allies.

Russia to help Egypt build ‘a whole new nuclear power industry’ – Putin.

Ebola virus death toll in West Africa reaches 9,162 — WHO.

EUROPE

Agreement on Ukraine cease-fire deal is reported. Ukraine contact group representatives deny ceasefire deal in Minsk.

New violence in Ukraine diminishes hopes before four-way summit. Fighting intensifies in eastern Ukraine ahead of peace talks.

Missiles strike eastern Ukrainian town, killing at least 15.

Germany: Top-level talks on Ukraine peace resuming in Minsk.

Greece to push for revision of bailout by EU partners. Greece 'may go elsewhere for new deal on debt'.

Greek foreign minister takes war reparations claim to Berlin, gets rebuffed.

Central Europeans feel crushed by Swiss franc loans.

Ex-IMF chief Strauss-Kahn: I didn't know there were prostitutes at sex parties.

First Palestinian embassy in W. Europe opens in Sweden.

AMERICAS

American hostage Mueller's death confirmed by Obama, family.

Venezuela, Brazil leaned heavily on secret Swiss accounts.

S&P slashes Venezuela credit rating on oil rout.

Miss Universe says yes, she's willing to assist FARC peace talks in Colombia.

Brazil's Rousseff under pressure but impeachment seen unlikely.

Argentine prosecutor's death part of coup d'etat attempt: government official. Argentina investigates mystery DNA found at dead prosecutor's home.

David Axelrod's 'revelation': Obama lied about opposing gay marriage.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Yemen drone strike kills Qaeda suspects.

Pentagon confirms senior al-Shabaab militant and associate death in Somalia.

20,000 foreign fighters flock to Syria, Iraq.

'CyberCaliphate' hacks Newsweek Twitter account, threatens Obama.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil to average $55 a barrel in 2015 – IEA. Oil drops sharply as IEA expects inventories to rise.

Wall St. rises on Greek deal hopes; Apple hits record.

Apple becomes first $700 billion company.

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