VOA: Obama Visits Congress Ahead of Key Trade Bill Vote
President Barack Obama went to Capitol Hill Friday to make a last minute appeal to fellow Democrats to support his ambitious Asia-Pacific free trade agenda, ahead of a key vote in the House of Representatives on whether to extend crucial "fast-track" negotiating authority to the White House.
As of Friday morning, it was still not clear whether the bill had enough support from House Democrats, many of whom are concerned the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, trade deal would send more American jobs overseas and hurt the environment.
MIDDLE EAST
U.S. troops at Taqaddum to help Iraqis plan fight for Ramadi.
U.S. allies conduct 23 air strikes against Islamic State: military.
Syria clashes rage over army airbase in Sweida. Syria retakes airbase following rebel advance.
Damascus says it has faced worse times, key areas secure.
US says Turkey must play bigger role to cut flow of terrorists into Syria.
Prospects look dim for Yemeni peace talks.
Unesco condemns Yemen heritage site 'air strike'.
Gaza beach attack: Israel 'struck boys in error'.
ASIA
Iran pumps Taliban with increased cash, arms to counter U.S. influence, officials say.
North Korea, in letter to U.N., claims U.S. targeted it with anthrax.
Myanmar to bar Rohingya from fleeing, but won’t address their plight.
China calls for border stability after Myanmar ceasefire.
Philippines Independence Day protest decries China's Sea claims.
China detains nine for spreading rumors about the military.
Pakistan shuts down Save the Children offices in Islamabad.
AFRICA
Suspected Boko Haram attack kills dozens in Nigeria. Nigerian extremists attack villages, kill 37 and raze huts.
Islamic State grows stronger in Libya.
Seven shot dead at protest against Islamic State in Libya: residents.
Armed group storms Tunisian consulate in Libyan capital, kidnap 10 staff.
Mali MPs approve stability program.
Kenya tourist numbers down by a quarter so far in 2015.
As currency dies, Zimbabweans will get $5 for 175 quadrillion local dollars.
EUROPE
Ukraine's Mariupol steel plants in critical state after gas cut-off.
Greek shares stumble after IMF pulls out of bailout talks.
Germany drops inquiry into claims NSA tapped Angela Merkel's phone.
As refugees pour into Germany, Berlin doubles funds for states.
Moldova's PM resigns after questioning by prosecutor.
Dominique Strauss-Kahn acquitted of 'aggravated pimping'.
Germanwings co-pilot researched deadly drugs, living will.
Interpol suspends €20m Fifa partnership.
AMERICAS
Obama pleads with Dems ahead of trade vote.
Union says all US federal workers fell victim to hackers.
Colombia Farc rebel attack leave 500,000 without power.
Colombia’s peace talks at risk amid renewed clashes, warns UN refugee agency chief.
Protests bring pressure on Guatemala president amid scandals.
Radicalism spells chaos for Venezuela, says 'Chavismo' defector.
RCMP arrest man in kidnapping of Canadian freelance journalist Amanda Lindhout.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
International counter-terrorism summit in Sydney to focus on use of social media to recruit followers.
'Twitter terrorist' Alaa Esayed jailed for tweets.
Two New England men charged with conspiracy to support Islamic State.
Syrian al-Qaeda branch accused of massacring minority Druze.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Twitter's Dick Costolo steps down as chief executive.
Murdoch to step down as 21st Century Fox chief executive.
World Bank: Dimmer 1015 for developing countries.
1 comment:
'So we botched previous trade agreements but, trust us, we have learned by our mistakes.' Learned what, that the people that will be most affected by this new agreement should be kept in the dark?
Obama promised to re-visit NAFTA and "guess what" he also promised a new level of transparency. How's that working for the country?
Unfortunately our guy Stevie will do a "yes sir, yes sir, three bags full" response.
Imagine the glory of being able to say 'we got enforcible human rights into the trade deal' coming from a country that is eroding the rights of its own citizens.
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