Reuters: Obama heralds first U.S. Memorial Day without ground war in 14 years
President Barack Obama heralded the first U.S. Memorial Day in 14 years without a major ground war in an annual ceremony of remembrance on Monday for fallen American forces.
In remarks at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, Obama paid tribute to U.S. military personnel who served in conflicts such as World War Two as well as the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which he wound down as commander in chief.
"For many of us, this Memorial Day is especially meaningful. It is the first since our war in Afghanistan came to an end," Obama said. "Today is the first Memorial Day in 14 years that the United States is not engaged in a major ground war."
MIDDLE EAST
ISIL fighters set Iraq's Beiji oil refinery ablaze.
Biden praises Iraqi military after U.S. defense chief questions its will to fight.
'Hundreds killed' in Palmyra after ISIL takeover.
Islamic State faces battle in Iraq, bombs in Syria. Iraqi and Syrian forces ramp up attacks on ISIL.
Official: Syrian army preparing for counterattack on Islamic State.
Iraq, Iran push back on US defense chief over Ramadi loss.
Hezbollah leader admits operations throughout Syria, calls for more backing.
Houthis suffer first serious setback in south Yemen fighting: residents.
Yemen clashes rage in south as peace talks postponed. UN talks on Yemen conflict 'postponed'. Yemeni politicians say UN peace talks indefinitely postponed.
Egypt to open Rafah border crossing into Gaza for 2 days.
Ex-Israeli Premier Olmert sentenced to 8 months in prison.
ASIA
Taliban fighters lay siege to police compound, kill 26 Afghan security men.
Japan to join U.S., Australia war games amid growing China tensions.
Nepal earthquake: Hundreds gather in Kathmandu to mark one month since devastating quake.
China lodges complaint with U.S. over spy plane flight.
Philippines seeks stronger commitment from U.S. in South China Sea dispute.
China clamps down on 181 'terror gangs' in west.
India heatwave kills more than 500 people. Massive India heatwave 'kills 500'.
Taliban truck bomb hits government offices in southern Afghanistan, wounds dozens.
Malaysia confirms 139 graves of suspected migrants. Malaysia migrant mass graves: police reveal 139 sites, some with multiple corpses.
Photos: A human chain formed to protest U.S. military base on Okinawa.
Philippine mayor admits links to death squads.
AFRICA
Libyan tribes meet in Cairo as Egypt seeks allies against militants.
Opposition breaks off Burundi peace talks over killing of opposition leader.
Nigeria increasingly crippled as fuel shortage worsens.
Congo soldiers clash with Rwandan rebels in transit camp.
Libyan government warplanes attack oil tanker docked at Sirte.
Tunisian soldier shoots dead seven colleagues.
Sudanese government denies supporting rebels in South Sudan.
Tanzania to pick new president, parliament on Oct. 25: officials.
EUROPE
Polish opposition cheers presidential vote win, markets uneasy. Polish election signals deeper political shift to the right.
New parties to play key role after Spanish local elections.
Greece warns it is set to default on debt repayment loans.
Greece says wants to make debt payments but needs aid urgently.
Donetsk republic’s intelligence sees Kiev military buildup near contact line.
Ukraine rebels deny internal strife behind commander's slaying.
NATO general reveals alliance's biggest concern about 'gambler' Putin.
Source says Russian rocket crash caused by human error.
AMERICAS
Texas governor says deadly flooding is worst ever seen.
Tornado kills 13, injures 230 in northern Mexico.
FBI investigates threats against Memorial Day flights. Air France flight escorted to New York after threat: report.
Dem pushes back against Obama: ‘Clearly ISIS has gained momentum’.
John McCain mocks Obama for calling climate change a threat as Isis advances.
Arrest made after bomb squad detonates pressure cooker found near U.S. Capitol.
Progress but no agreement in U.S.-Cuba talks on diplomatic relations.
Colombia's FARC says end of ceasefire a 'step back' in peace talks. Colombian Farc rebels push ahead with peace talks.
Businesses quietly switch to dollar in socialist Venezuela.
Wanted Peruvian ex-official has gone on run, Bolivia says.
Deaths as riot breaks out in Brazil prison.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Islamic State actively recruiting in Afghanistan, U.S. commander says.
Hezbollah captures hilltops from al Qaeda's Syria wing: Al-Manar TV.
Arab military chiefs struggle over details of anti-terrorism coalition.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Countries pick sides in global fight for the Internet.
Vatican bank makes big profit.
The world’s biggest hotel with 10,000 rooms to open in Saudi Arabia.
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