Friday, August 7, 2015

World News Briefs -- August 7, 2015



Wall Street Journal: Islamic State Seizes Dozens of Syrian Christians in Homs Province

Militant group seeks to establish stronghold in strategic location outside major city of Homs

BEIRUT--Islamic State is holding dozens of Christians in the southeastern Syrian province of Homs, Syrian Orthodox community leaders said Friday, after seizing the town of Qaryatain as part of the militant group’s efforts to establish a stronghold outside the major city of Homs.

The seizing of Christians came as Islamic State entered the town of Qaryatain on Wednesday, after attacking Syrian regime checkpoints by detonating three suicide bombs, according to Islamic State media.

MIDDLE EAST

Islamic State abducts dozens of Christians from Syrian town - monitor. ISIL 'kidnaps scores of Christians' in Syria's Homs.

UN to examine Syria chemical weapons attacks.

'Almost quarter of a million people' dead in Syria war.

Military reinforcements enter Yemen from Saudi Arabia.

Five killed in clashes between Turkish forces, Kurdish rebels.

Iran Quds chief visited Moscow, met top Russians: Iranian official.

French aid worker hostage freed in Yemen.

Terror warnings making tourists avoid Mideast.

ASIA

New Taliban leader vows to continue insurgency. Pakistani minister says Mullah Omar didn’t die in Pakistan.

Deadly explosion rocks Afghanistan's capital Kabul. Afghanistan blast: At least eight dead in Kabul suicide attack.

Pakistan upbeat about Afghan peace process.

John Kerry in Hanoi to mark 20th anniversary of US-Vietnam ties.

Taiwan braces for arrival of powerful Typhoon Soudelor.

Secular blogger killed in Bangladesh, 4th attack this year.

North Korea creates its own time zone.

AFRICA

Seven dead, three believed kidnapped in Mali hotel attack. Five Malian troops killed in hotel attacks.

U.N. to host Libya talks on Monday in push for unity government.

Somalia, AU forces seize several areas from Al Shabab.

Violence in Burundi imperils the region.

Central African Republic clashes kill 12.

South Sudan's warring sides resume talks under sanctions threat.

Will Buhari pardon Boko Haram? Nigerian President mulls amnesty deal in exchange for ceasefire with militant group.

EUROPE

Pressure builds on Greece to reach deal as deadline creeps closer.

Russia is making a huge investment into an Arctic surveillance system.

Ukraine buries unidentified soldiers months after eastern battle.

Two Armenian drones shot down over Azerbaijan.

Migrant 'chaos' on Greek islands - UN refugee agency.

Five men charged with murder of 200 migrants drowned in the Med.

Survivor wipes away tears as island where Anders Breivik slaughtered 69 left-wing youths is reopened for the political group's camping trip for the first time since 2011 massacre.

AMERICAS

Blows for Obama as key lawmakers come out against Iran deal.

Trump vows to not back down after 1st Republican debate.

Haiti nears vote in long-delayed legislative election.

Argentina's Scioli woos swing voters before presidential primaries.

DHS admits new surge of illegal immigrant families.

Looting and violence on the rise in Venezuela supermarkets.

Record 93,770,000 Americans not in labour force.

Obama leaves early for 17-day vacation.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US slaps sanctions on al Qaeda supporters.

US, China look for ways to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation.

Activists want more transparency in counterterrorism efforts.

Counter-terrorism: Tracking Islamic terrorists n the West.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

End of wealth: Raw materials crisis hits Saudi Arabia, rich OPEC countries.

Chinese hackers attack American Airlines, Sabre systems.

Gross sees global economy dangerously close to deflation.

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