Tuesday, October 27, 2015

World News Briefs -- October 27, 2015 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: U.S. to intensify fight against Islamic State militants: Pentagon chief

The U.S. military will intensify air strikes and may carry out more direct ground attacks as it steps up efforts against Islamic State militants following a failed bid to train Syrian rebels, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told lawmakers on Tuesday.

Speaking to the Senate Armed Services Committee just days after a U.S. soldier was killed participating in a Kurdish-led mission to rescue Islamic State hostages, Carter indicated that similar missions were likely in the future as U.S. forces adapt to the fight in Syria and Iraq.

MIDDLE EAST

Obama, Saudi King to raise support for Syrian opposition: White House.

Syrian presidency says seeks end to terrorism before initiatives.

Iran has over 1,000 troops in Iraq, less than 2,000 in Syria: U.S. general.

IS 'blows up Palmyra columns to kill three captives'.

Torture and executions: Freed Hawija hostages recount ISIS captivity.

No accord within US-led coalition on Syria terrorist threat — Russia FM.

Moscow demands US-led coalition in Syria 'prove or deny' allegations Russia is 'bombing civilians'.

Turkey's PM confirms military fired at Kurdish forces in northern Syria. Turkey attacks Kurdish fighters inside Syria.

U.S. trying to organize next round of Syrian peace talks.

Islamists rise as chaos descends in Yemen's cosmopolitan port.

Yemen hospital hit by Saudi-led air strike: Medecins Sans Frontieres. Airstrikes hit medical complex in northern Yemen.

Lebanon drugs seizure: Saudi-bound jet held at Beirut.

Two Palestinians shot dead after stabbing Israeli soldier: military.

ASIA

Exclusive: Fearing more jailbreaks, Afghanistan rushed inmates out of Helmand.

US to sail again near islets claimed by China: official.

Angry China says shadowed U.S. warship near man-made islands in disputed sea.

Beijing summons US ambassador over warship in South China Sea.

U.S. says China relationship of vital importance despite South China Sea issue.

White House says U.S. will fly, sail where law allows.

Maldives minister dismisses rumors of dissent in government.

Pakistan, Afghanistan assessing quake damage. Struggle to reach hard hit areas as death toll from South Asia quake tops 300. Afghanistan-Pakistan quake: Rescue efforts expanded.

Taliban encourage Afghan quake relief as toll rises past 300.

Pakistan: Heavy fire from Afghanistan kills 7 soldiers. Seven Pakistani soldiers killed by fire from Afghanistan.

S. Korea's Park, Japan's Abe could hold bilateral talks.

Indonesia to decide on joining trans-Pacific partnership.

AFRICA

Libyan helicopter shot down, killing senior Tripoli officers.

U.N. lifts security zone around Mali town as security improves.

Congo backs Sassou Nguesso third-term bid by landslide.

Egyptians vote in parliamentary runoff elections.

Results expected in Ivory Coast vote.

Tanzanian opposition party challenges vote count, cites rigging.

Tanzania is wary as election results trickle in. Tanzania election: Government ministers suffer shock defeat.

Lions, pride of Africa, vanishing in West Africa.

EUROPE

Spain PM vows to use 'all political, legal means' to block Catalan independence bid.

Portugal president accepts new minority government amid uncertainty.

Local official says Donetsk airport shelled for 4 hours. Ukrainian soldier killed near Donetsk as cease-fire is shaken.

Exit polls show Ukraine divided for, against Poroshenko rule.

Bavarian leader criticizes Austria and Merkel over refugees.

Slovenia hints at fence to control migration.

Migrant crisis threatens EU cohesion, warn Tusk and Schulz.

Swiss campaigners push for vote to overturn immigration referendum.

Kosovo takes step towards joining European Union.

Sympathizing with Islamists is not a crime, German court rules.

AMERICAS

U.S. House GOP begins impeachment against IRS chief.

ELN rebels in Colombia kill 12 security staff.

White House, Congress reach tentative budget deal.

Donald Trump heads back to Iowa, where Ben Carson is surging. Ben Carson pulls ahead of Donald Trump in national poll.

Poll: Clinton opens up 41-point lead in Iowa.

Obama’s competence as commander in chief challenged in Senate hearing.

Brazil's unpopular leader faces resistance on tax hike: poll.

French pilots flee drugs conviction in Dominican Republic.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Defense secretary says US is retooling fight against IS.

Afghan security adviser warns of risk from IS, al-Qaida.

Life under Islamic State rule in Mosul one of constant fear.

Russia cracks down on 'IS' militants in wave of arrests.

Pentagon wraps up Colorado search for Gitmo north.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple revenue, profit beat as iPhone sales surge.

20,000 Israelis sue Facebook over Palestinian calls to kill Jews.

Chinese economist predicts another global financial crisis within 5 years.

Export-Import Bank moves forward in US House.

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