Washington Post: Pentagon plans major shift in effort to counter Islamic State in Syria
LONDON — The Obama administration backed away on Friday from a failed effort to stand up a rebel force in Syria, as the Pentagon announced plans to instead aid existing rebel units who officials believe have better odds of weakening the Islamic State.
The decision to significantly scale back the Pentagon’s flagship effort against the militant group in Syria is a recognition of its repeated failures. After a long-delayed launch this spring, the effort quickly became mired in problems, including attacks by rival rebel forces and a decision by one U.S.-trained unit to hand over equipment to the local al-Qaeda affiliate.
MIDDLE EAST
Islamic State advances on Aleppo in Syria fighting.
Surprise ISIS attack in Syria, reportedly the biggest in months. ISIS advances on Aleppo after Russian air strikes force other rebels to retreat… and prevent Western jets from bombing Islamic State as they cannot risk coming into contact with Putin’s warplanes.
Russia says air force hit 60 Islamic State targets in Syria: RIA. Russia says kills 300 militants in Syria in most intense raids yet.
France hits ISIS targets in Syria; Iranian military commander dies near Aleppo.
Iranian commander Brigadier General Hossein Hamedani killed by Isis while advising Syrian regime.
Kerry, Lavrov discuss deconfliction in Syria, no tactical decisions made.
Kerry has 'concerns' Russia is defying the U.S. in Syria.
Yemeni pro-government forces retake key seaside town.
UN 'disturbed' by Yemen airstrikes that killed 47 civilians.
Hamas leader in Gaza declares intifada as deadly attacks continue.
Israeli-Palestinian violence soars. Israel on high alert as stabbing attacks continue.
Hajj stampede death toll raised to 1,453.
ASIA
China will not allow violations of its territorial waters.
North Korea preps for major military parade.
Moscow, Beijing intend to take relations to new level — Russian deputy prime minister.
Nauru government bans all media visits from country.
Forget Somalia — this is the new sea piracy hot spot.
In a first, Chinese hackers are arrested at the behest of the U.S. government.
One in three young Chinese men will die from smoking, study says.
AFRICA
Tunisian mediator group wins Nobel Peace Prize for aiding move to democracy.
UN proposes unity government to end Libya conflict. Libya crisis: Doubts over UN unity government proposal.
U.N. council OKs mission against human trafficking off Libya.
South Sudan rebel leader says U.S. must back peace accord.
At least 15 wounded in pre-election clash in Guinea capital.
Election campaigning begins in Ivory Coast.
Rights groups condemn human rights situation in Angola.
Nigeria probes suspected Ebola case, one year after virus was stopped.
EUROPE
Russia says will not allow threats to security from NATO forces.
EU Commission head says relations with Russia ‘must be improved,’ US ‘can’t dictate’. EU must improve Russia ties, says Commission chief Juncker.
Ukraine leader says he hopes 'fragile truce' will hold.
Migrant arrivals in Greece 'surge' to 7,000 daily - IOM.
Bavaria threatens to take German government to court over refugees.
Portuguese leaders make no progress on government talks.
Moldovan opposition threatens authorities with Ukrainian-style Maidan.
Exclusive: Italy paying ransoms in Syria and Somalia. Italian intelligence lied about hostage rescue to hide ransom payment.
AMERICAS
All eyes on Ryan amid search for U.S. House speaker.
House expected to pass bill axing U.S. oil export ban, future uncertain.
UN wants another year for Haiti peacekeeping mission.
FBI chief: 'Gaps' remain in screening Syrian refugees.
Brazilian policemen arrested over Sao Paulo shooting spree.
Report: More than 58,000 violent deaths last year in Brazil.
Mexican defense secretary says he's not happy military has to take on law enforcement role.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
In Libya, the Islamic State’s black banner rises by the Mediterranean.
A leaked budget may finally show how ISIS makes its money.
How ISIS' black flag became the symbol of modern jihad.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Central banks need to be courageous on rates, Sentance says.
Russian military operation in Syria bolsters oil market, domestic stocks.
Amazon launches handicraft store.
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