World News Briefs -- October 14, 2015

VOA: US, Russia Holding Talks to Seal Air Safety Agreement in Syria

U.S. and Russian defense officials are holding more talks Wednesday via videoconference on safety procedures for their crews flying missions over Syria.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Tuesday that the discussions are progressing and that he expects an agreement "in very short order" to help prevent a potential mid-air disaster involving U.S. and Russian aircraft.

"Even as we continue to disagree on Syria policy, we should be able to at least agree on making sure that airman are as safe as possible," Carter said at a news conference in Boston Tuesday. "Russia must act professionally in the skies over Syria and abide by basic safety procedures."

MIDDLE EAST

Syria 'near miss' prompts US-Russia air safety talks.

Coalition airstrikes degrading Islamic State, U.S. official says.

Turkish prime minister warns US and Russia against supporting Syrian Kurds.

Ankara bombing: Turkey suspends top security chiefs.

Israeli military begins deploying in cities to stop attacks. Israeli police set up East Jerusalem checkpoints.

Israeli-Palestinian violence escalates, approaches 2014 Gaza Strip war levels.

Iran nuclear deal gets final seal of approval.

Kerry urges Iran to release three Americans in prison.

New tally shows at least 1,621 killed in Saudi Hajj tragedy.

ASIA

ISIS-aligned Filipino militants release video of hostages.

Taliban declares leading Afghan TV networks military targets.

Global panel seeks to investigate U.S. bombing of Afghan hospital.

China hits back at US in row over South China Sea.

US looks to beef up ally support ahead of South China Sea showdown.

Taiwan to boost coast guard presence on island disputed with China.

Japan, China vow to keep up ties, despite Nanjing row, spying arrests.

Myanmar government seeks to calm fears of election postponement.

AFRICA

UN: Hunger crisis hits northern Mali amid insecurity, violence.

Tensions build in Nigeria's oil-rich Delta.

Female Ugandan politician stripped in public by police.

Egypt's last Islamists standing offer 'polite' opposition.

Maldives president sacks defense minister after boat blast.

Marikana inquiry: South Africa police chief suspended.

Attorney: Burkina Faso leader Sankara was assassinated.

EUROPE

MH17: Ukraine had reason to close airspace before crash, investigators say.

Russia strongly disagrees with Dutch probe into MH17 crash — aviation agency. Ukraine's pro-Russian rebels reject Dutch MH17 report.

Ukrainian soldier killed by rebel fire in eastern Ukraine.

EU migration: EU presses Turkey to agree deal.

German anti-Islam protesters slam 'dangerous' Merkel.

We won't manage this: Majority of Germans reject Merkel's refugee approach.

Hosting NATO top brass, Montenegro says optimistic on membership invite.

France warns about security risks caused by global warming.

Pope Francis apologises for Vatican 'scandals'.

AMERICAS

Supporters offer their take on first Democratic debate.

White House walks back Obama's Clinton email comments.

US debt-limit anxiety is running high.

Trump: I should have Secret Service protection.

US 'will not press for Farc extraditions' from Colombia.

Peru military fails to act as narco planes fly freely.

Brazil's Rousseff accuses opponents of 'coup-mongering'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US military strikes large al Qaeda training camps in southern Afghanistan.

IS confirms killing of number two in US air strike.

GOP senator: Obama Gitmo review 'reckless, illegal'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China's middle class overtakes US as the world's largest.

Apple loses patent lawsuit to Univ. of Wisconsin, faces hefty damages.

At least 30 involved in VW diesel cheat: Spiegel.