Monday, October 19, 2015

World News Briefs -- October 19, 2015



WSJ: Voters in Canada Head to Ballot Box in Tight Race

Polling trends suggest Canadians are keen for a change of government

OTTAWA—Voters in Canada head to the ballot box Monday to cap off an 11-week campaign that could mark the end of Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s close to a decade in power.

Polling trends suggest Canadians are keen for a change of government as the economy sputters amid lower commodity prices. Many issues, from an expense-claim uproar to the government’s abrasive style, have angered a cross-section of voters.

MIDDLE EAST

US seeks talks with Russia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey on Syria – Kerry.

Syria conflict: 'Thousands flee Aleppo offensive'.

Battle for Aleppo threatens to create fresh refugee exodus, says Turkish PM.

Over 4 Mln flee Syria due to 4-year civil war – UN chief.

Turkish PM says downed drone was Russian-made.

Turkey names one of Ankara suicide bombers: media.

Iran dissidents say U.S. policies are appeasing Islamist rulers.

Gunman kills Israeli soldier, wounds 10 others.

ISIS video calls for Palestinian 'lone-wolf' attacks against Israelis.

Death toll from Saudi Arabia hajj stampede climbs to at least 2,110.

ASIA

Afghan Defense Minister: Taliban hid in bombed hospital.

Exclusive: NATO nations to keep presence in Afghanistan, officials say.

Taliban remain serious threat in provinces around Kunduz.

Japan jet scrambles against China planes hit record this summer.

11 dead as typhoon Koppu hits Philippines.

North Korea calls for peace treaty talks.

China's GDP growth slows to 6.9 percent. Xi Jinping plays down China's economic 'growing pains'.

Malaysia's opposition plans no-confidence motion against PM this week.

AFRICA

Female suicide bombers strike fleeing villagers in northeast Nigeria.

South Sudan rebel leader says President 'oblivious' to peace deal.

African Standby Force starts first military exercises.

Egypt in second day of 'election without voters'.

Mozambican refugees face uncertain future in Malawi.

South Africa likens draft climate deal to apartheid.

Smugglers, jihadists prey on Mali’s rare desert elephants.

EUROPE

More than 10,000 refugees stranded in Serbia as borders close, UNHCR says.

Croatia allows thousands stranded at Serbian border to cross.

Anti-immigration party wins Swiss elections. Anti-immigration SVP wins Swiss election in big swing to right.

More young French saying 'au revoir' to their homeland.

Moldova ex-PM Vlad Filat held over $1bn bank scam.

Azerbaijan's president fires security minister.

Russia says official's plane in near-miss with fighter jet over Europe. France says no incident with Russian plane in French airspace.

AMERICAS

Canada election: Harper, Mulcair and Trudeau in tight race. Trudeau heir leads the pack as Canada heads to the polls. Harper at risk as swing to the left expected at Canada election.

Sources: Biden could announce decision within 48 hours.

Ambassador sought security staffing before Benghazi attack, cable shows.

U.S. investigating report email account linked to CIA director hacked.

Colombian government and Farc rebels reach deal on disappeared.

Lawyers to file Rousseff impeachment request by Tuesday, Folha says.

Brazil speaker Eduardo Cunha 'hid millions of dollars abroad'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Judge may end impasse that halted 9/11 case at Guantanamo Bay prison.

U.S. confirms another key "Khorasan" leader killed.

Hollywood director's British son wanted to be a priest - now he's a JIHADI in Syria.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

UN to call on governments around the world to decriminalise all drugs, says Richard Branson.

Amazon sues more than 1,000 sellers of 'fake' product reviews.

Big banks to America’s firms: We don’t want your cash.

2 comments:

TWN said...

I don't much care who wins, since the Tories and Liberals are backed by the same rich guys, the only changes will be the minor/garbage issues, which is basically what is offered to the sheeple and what they being allowed to vote on, but the big issues the TPP and Bill C51 are safe if the Tories or Liberals get in, the same for NATO, UN and Banking. It should be a minority Govt,and the Tories and Liberals will support each other on the big issues, the NDP will back the Liberals on minor things. The good thing will be if there is a minority I don't think you will see any tax increases, and there will be butt kissing to the people and lots of promises that will never be fulfilled, looking forward to the next election. Yes am a bit cynical, after 41 years at watch these guys you get that way.

RRH said...

You got it TWN.