Monday, February 9, 2015

World News Briefs -- February 9, 2015



France 24: Iraq to launch major ground offensive against IS group

A top US official announced Sunday that Iraqi troops will launch a ground offensive within weeks to take back swathes of the country seized by Islamic State group, while a suicide attack killed at least 12 in Baghdad on Monday.

MIDDLE EAST

Islamic State pulls forces and hardware from Syria's Aleppo: rebels.

U.S., partners conduct nine air strikes in Iraq, Syria: U.S. military.

Kurds recapture scores of Kobane villages from ISIL.

Kurdish fighters battle equipment woes as well as ISIS in northern Iraq.

Jordan says its airstrikes are targeting Islamic State leadership.

Syria says it doesn't need Jordan's help against IS.

Binyamin Netanyahu defiant over planned US Congress speech.

Turkey tops countries demanding content removal: Twitter.

ASIA

Report: Afghan police-Taliban ties being investigated.

Red Cross saw twice as many dead Afghan fighters in 2014, fears worse to come.

Afghanistan says ISIL commander killed in drone strike.

Pakistani military courts to start terrorism trials.

South Korea spy chief sentenced to three years in prison.

Australian prime minister survives 'near-death experience' party vote.

Thai military ruler: Beijing gets us, Washington doesn’t.

AFRICA

Nigeria's Boko Haram extremists attack Cameroon and Niger. Boko Haram attack Cameroon village, kidnap bus passengers: sources.

Nigeria to 'take out' all Boko Haram camps by March 28.

Nigeria election: Minister 'confident' poll will happen. Nigeria's election delay on military say raises fears for democracy.

Egypt deploys long-delayed U.S. Apaches for major strikes on ISIL strongholds.

Egyptian football suspended after deadly Cairo stampede.

Egypt's Sisi reassures Gulf leaders after alleged derisive audio leaks.

Zimbabwe defends plan to sell 27 elephants to China.

EUROPE

EU backs Ukraine talks, weighs fresh sanctions.

Donors plan Ukraine conference in April to raise $15 billion.

Ukraine Military: 1,500 Russian troops, military equipment enter Ukraine.

Trust me: Vladimir Putin says, ‘We are not going to wage war on anyone’.

Vladimir Putin's Egypt visit sends message to US. Moscow & Cairo to drop USD, use national currencies in bilateral trade – Putin.

Greece has 'moral obligation' to claim German WWII reparations: PM. Germany rejects Greek claim for World War Two reparations.

Markets unnerved by Greek leader's tough talk on bailout.

Macedonia opposition leader says PM ordered 'massive wire-tapping'.

Marseille neighborhood sealed off after shots at police.

Muslim teenager planned to behead soldiers in London, court hears.

AMERICAS

Merkel to meet Obama amid growing US scepticism over Ukraine peace talks. Ukraine conflict: Merkel takes peace plan to Obama.

Obama: Russia's aggression only reinforces Western unity.

Homeland Security sets up Obama amnesty complaint hotlines for illegals.

Argentine experts question Mexico missing students probe.

Rich in oil, Venezuela is now poor in most everything else.

Haiti faces more anti-government protests as Carnival nears.

Marine goes to trial a decade after vanishing in Iraq.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Quick demise of Islamic State terrorist group unlikely, experts say.

‘What are you waiting for?’: Slick new ISIS campaign puts new face on homegrown terror.

US Feds charge 6 with providing support to ISIS.

Jeh Johnson: Terror cells now in America with ‘desire to conduct an attack’.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

HSBC files show how Swiss bank helped clients dodge taxes and hide millions. HSBC bank 'helped clients dodge millions in tax'.

Oil rallies for third day after OPEC sees greater crude demand.

Warren Buffett faces pressure for more disclosure.

Rare Shoeless Joe Jackson autograph photo may bring $100,000.

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