Reuters: Citing 'very fragile' security in Afghanistan, Obama slows pace of U.S. troop withdrawal
Reversing policy on Afghanistan, President Barack Obama announced on Thursday he will prolong the 14-year-old U.S. military engagement there, effectively handing off the task of pulling out troops to his successor.
Calling it a "modest but meaningful" adjustment to winding down the American presence in Afghanistan, Obama said Afghan forces were not yet as strong as they needed to be given a "very fragile" security situation and the United States will maintain a force of 9,800 through most of 2016.
MIDDLE EAST
Lavrov, Kerry hold phone call on Syria.
Syria regime in new offensive as Putin blasts US.
Syrian army and Russian jets target rebel towns north of Homs. Syria conflict: Army launches offensive on Homs enclave.
Iraqi forces preparing for assault on IS-held Ramadi.
Iraqi forces and militia seize most of Baiji refinery: officials.
Iraq’s Kurds, key U.S. ally in Islamic State fight, embroiled in violent political crisis.
Turkey warns US, Russia against supporting Kurds in Syria.
U.N. hopes Yemen peace talks can start by month-end: Eliasson.
France says Iran missile test 'worrying' violation of U.N. resolution.
U.N. says Iran meets deadline for investigation of atomic past.
Israelis and Palestinians on guard amid unabated violence. Heavy security, Israelis arm themselves after more knife attacks.
ASIA
Obama abandons pledge to pull troops from Afghanistan.
MSF: US tank forced its way into bombed Afghan hospital.
Revealed: U.S. Special Ops KNEW Afghan facility hit by an airstrike that killed 12 Doctors Without Borders staff and 10 patients was a hospital.
Obama, South Korea's Park, to discuss North Korea threat: White House.
US, China brace for stand-off over disputed islands sail-by as Aussies fence-sit.
Sailing in South China Sea not provocative, U.S. says.
Myanmar signs ceasefire with eight armed groups. Myanmar signs cease-fire with armed groups before vote.
Kazakh leader says he and Putin worried about Tajikistan.
Russia mulls re-establishing control of Tajik-Afghan border.
Malaysia's embattled PM facing stern test as parliament returns.
Hong Kong police, democracy activist charged over beating.
Japan restarts second nuclear reactor despite public opposition.
AFRICA
Nigeria, Cameroon welcome US troops in Boko Haram fight.
Dozens killed as suicide bombings hit NE Nigeria mosque: witnesses.
Nigeria's Boko Haram extremists urge Somalia's Shabab to join Islamic State, abandon al-Qaida.
Guinea President Conde on track to win election in first round.
South Sudan civil war worsening - aid agencies.
Sisi to tighten grip on Egypt despite new parliament.
Ugandan opposition presidential candidate arrested as state crackdown grows.
Lockerbie bombing: two Libyans identified as suspects.
Benin's long-ruling former president Kerekou dies at 82.
Oscar Pistorius' request for house arrest granted.
EUROPE
Migrants dig in for a Calais winter as bids to reach UK go on.
Merkel faces domestic revolt over refugee welcome.
U.S. Defense Chief Carter: Russia has created 'new reality' in Europe.
EU sees progress on Turkey refugee talks. Turkey seeks EU visa deal for cooperation on migrants. EU summit presses Turkey to halt migrant tide.
Big decisions unlikely at migration summit as EU leaders aim to avoid rows.
Hungary says fence finished on Croatian border.
Moldova’s ex-premier charged with corruption stripped of parliamentary immunity. Moldova detains former PM in parliament over $1 billion fraud.
Ukraine's $1 trillion demand from Russia shrinks to $46 billion.
Ukraine gives Russia 2 weeks to agree to debt restructuring.
NATO urges Montenegro to prove readiness for accession.
UK: Assange can get medical care, but he'll be arrested.
AMERICAS
Canada envoy who hid Americans in Tehran hostage crisis dies.
Donald Trump says Russia isn't to blame for MH17, despite evidence.
Canadian election attracts headlines around the globe.
Narco planes, millions in payloads, fly past Peru military. Peru announces probe after AP reports on military turning blind eye to cocaine flights.
Brazil speaker denies agreement on impeachment requests.
Food inflation: It’s getting hard for Venezuela to feed itself.
Panama prosecutor to charge ex-President with political espionage.
Illinois Lottery delays payment of all winnings over $600.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Obama-led drone strikes kill innocents 90% of the time: report.
U.S. military might already have the data to identify Islamic State leaders.
Allen: Global coalition making progress in 5 lines of effort against ISIS.
Egyptian court acquits younger brother of al-Qaida's leader of terror charges.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wal-Mart lost $21 billion Wednesday: What really happened?
Volkswagen can take $80 bln hit before crumpling.
Bloomberg issues dire forecasts for US shale oil industry by 2017.
Lew to U.S. Congress: Debt limit now exhausted Tuesday, November 3.
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