Monday, May 25, 2015

World News Briefs -- May 25, 2015



BBC: Islamic State crisis: Iraq will take back Ramadi 'in days' - PM Abadi

The Iraqi city of Ramadi could be taken back from Islamic State (IS) militants "in days", Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has told the BBC.

But he said more support was needed from international coalition partners.

Iraqi forces have suffered a number of defeats at the hands of IS over the past year, and fled from a smaller militant force in Ramadi last week.

On Sunday, US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said that the rout showed Iraqi troops lacked the will to fight.

MIDDLE EAST

'Hundreds killed' in Palmyra after ISIL takeover.

Islamic State faces battle in Iraq, bombs in Syria.

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.

Ex-Israeli Premier Olmert sentenced to 8 months in prison.

ASIA

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

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.

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

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.

Air France flight escorted to New York after threat: report.

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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