Washington Post: Iraqi forces seize control of Tikrit in major battle against Islamic State
BAGHDAD —Iraqi forces pushed into one of the Islamic State’s most important strongholds on Wednesday, breaking the militants’ hold on the city of Tikrit in what is shaping up to be a decisive battle for pro-government forces in their fight to eradicate the jihadists.
The gains by Iraqi troops and allied militia fighters could mark a crucial step in dislodging the Islamic State from other key areas, including the nearby city of Mosul. It was unclear, however, if Iraqi forces would hold their ground in Tikrit. Government troops have struggled to maintain control over recaptured territory in the past.
MIDDLE EAST
U.S. may be unable to defend its Syria recruits against Assad.
Islamic State conflict: Iraqi troops advance in Tikrit. Witnesses: Iraqi forces enter Islamic State-held Tikrit. Pentagon: Anti ISIS-forces retake 'key terrain' in Syria.
ISIL fighters launch attack on Iraq's Ramadi.
UN: Iraq violence kills at least 1,100 in February.
Islamic State battling Kurdish forces in northeast Syria.
Turkey shuts border crossings as fighting worsens around Syria's Aleppo.
Islamic State video claims killing of 'Israeli Arab spy'. Father of Palestinian killed in Syria says son duped into IS.
Islamic State ransacks Assyrian capital as Iraq appeals for help.
Iran declares pre-emptive victory in nuke talks.
Iran to ban vasectomies, curb abortion & contraceptives in effort to triple population. Amnesty decries Iran draft law to boost population.
Saudi Arabia recalls its ambassador to Sweden.
Israel elections: rising panic in Likud ranks as opposition gains momentum.
ASIA
U.S. asks Vietnam to stop helping Russian bomber flights.
Philippine military says 23 Muslim rebels killed in clashes.
Afghans can't manage billions in aid, U.S. inspector finds.
China warns that Uighurs joining Islamic State fight are bringing terror home.
Raid launched on Pakistan's MQM party offices.
Myanmar opposition demands inquiry into police clashes with students.
Testing Beijing, Japan eyes growing role in South China Sea security.
Aftershocks still rattle east Japan four years after megaquake.
AFRICA
U.S. backs U.N. resolution on Boko Haram regional force.
Militants attack Egyptian checkpoint near Gaza, kill officer.
Jihadists strike as Mali inches towards peace deal.
Dozens feared dead in Nigeria after Maiduguri suicide bombing.
Question marks hang over flawed Darfur peacekeeping force.
South Sudan accuses rebels of making impossible demands.
DR Congo army capture 180 Rwandan rebels.
Tanzania bus collision kills at least 41, toll could rise.
EUROPE
IMF aims for 'immediate' stabilization with latest Ukraine bailout deal.
Suspects in Nemtsov killing probably tortured: Russian rights activist. Nemtsov suspect tortured, forced to confess, activist says. Three suspects in Nemtsov murder case deny guilt — Public Monitoring Commission.
DPR says Kiev troops violated ceasefire regime over 400 times since signing Minsk accords.
Merkel declines Putin's invitation to military parade marking 70th anniversary of Nazi defeat.
Germany rejects Greek demands for World War Two reparations. Germany refuses to pay Greece WWII reparations as Athens threatens to seize German property. Defying Germany, Greek minister says ready to sign World War Two reparation order.
U.S. slaps sanctions on Ukrainian rebels, Russian bank.
Italy's Berlusconi 'back in politics' after acquittal.
Gunmen stage jewel heist on French highway, trigger manhunt.
Slovenian police search home of former premier Bratusek over her European Commission candidacy.
Euro hits 12-year low against dollar.
AMERICAS
Petrobras scandal pushes Brazil's Rousseff coalition to the brink.
Kerry tells Republicans: you cannot modify Iran-U.S. nuclear deal.
Kerry denounces GOP letter to Iran leaders.
AP sues State Department, seeking access to Clinton records.
US Senators: Iran fight could make ISIS debate more difficult.
U.S. Senators push for $350M in weapons for Ukraine.
Colombia to temporarily halt bombing of Farc rebels. Colombia to halt bombings of FARC rebel bases for a month: president.
Fidel Castro lauds Venezuela president for 'courageous' speech attacking the U.S..
Argentine pilot in helicopter crash had 'vast experience'.
Quebec measles outbreak grows to 119 confirmed cases including student.
US agency drops efforts to ban armour-piercing bullets.
Executions by firing squad poised make comeback in Utah.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Canada says foils plot to bomb Toronto financial district, U.S. consulate.
Islamic State holds mock executions, then surprises hostages with real beheading.
ISIS' use of children: Propaganda and military training.
U.N. torture investigator accuses U.S. of delaying prison visits.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
US big banks struggle to pass Fed’s ‘stress tests’.
Apple ITunes, App stores reopens after unusually long outage.
Developers wrestle with making 'killer app' for Apple Watch.
Get ready for more oil deals.
Mighty dollar: Casualties rise in 'currency war'.
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