Monday, November 23, 2015

World News Briefs -- November 23, 2015

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, meets with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran, Nov. 23, 2015.

VOA: Putin in Tehran for Syria Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iran's Supreme Leader Monday, after arriving in Tehran on a one-day trip to attend a summit of gas-exporting countries in the Iranian capital.

On his first trip to Iran in eight years, Putin met with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Putin is also expected to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

Russia's Tass state news agency quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying the meeting between Putin and Khamenei was "very constructive." He said they emphasized that Moscow and Tehran are united in the view that "attempts to dictate scenarios of political settlement in Syria from the outside" are "impermissible."

MIDDLE EAST

Syria conflict: Army captures western towns from IS.

Russian airstrikes destroy 472 terrorist targets in Syria in 48 hours, 1,000 oil tankers in 5 days. Russian forces make airstrikes on 472 terrorist facilities in Syria over past 2 days.

Russian aircraft destroy terrorist oil refinery in Syria — Defense Ministry.

Iraq grounds northern flights over missiles launched at Syria.

US Special Forces going into Syria 'very soon'.

Iran's leader calls U.S. regional policies a threat to Tehran and Moscow.

Putin lifts export ban on uranium enrichment equipment to Iran. Putin signs decree lifting barriers to enriched uranium imports from Iran.

Lebanon turns down Russian navy request to divert flights - minister.

Four killed as Israeli-Palestinian violence continues.

Bahrain security forces 'continue to torture detainees'.

ASIA

ASEAN creates 'community' encompassing 600+ million people.

China forces used flamethrower to hunt Xinjiang 'terrorists': army newspaper.

Taliban name new political chief in Qatar.

Hong Kong's "Umbrella Soldiers" win seats in local elections.

Myanmar landslide: 'Many missing' at Kachin jade mine. At least 100 dead in landslide at Myanmar Jade mine.

Japan Yasukuni war shrine explosion leaves public toilets damaged at Tokyo site.

Ugly clashes at anti-Islam rallies in Australia.

AFRICA

Mali hotel attack: Police seek info on hotel attack gunmen.

Mali's president doubts al-Mourabitoun role in attack.

Nigeria’s military vows to destroy Boko Haram as attacks continue.

Armed vigilantes in Burundi's capital expose deepening crisis.

Libyan groups urged to close ranks against ISIL.

Egypt border guards shoot Sudanese migrants dead.

Experts criticise WHO delay in sounding alarm over Ebola outbreak.

Pope set for Africa visit amid high expectations.

Northern white rhino dies in US, leaving only three alive.

EUROPE

Europe's most wanted man evades manhunt.

Soldiers patrol Brussels, guard EU buildings, as five held in raids.

Hollande: France to step up fight against ISIL.

Fear, frustration among refugees in Germany as terror tensions rise.

Migrants barred from crossing into Macedonia from Greece hold protest for 4th straight day.

Greek concerns mount over refugees as Balkan countries restrict entry.

Crimea power blackout hits economy as workers stay home. State of emergency in Crimea after power lines blown up.

French services growth slows after Paris attacks, says PMI.

Europe recession 'could be permanent', think tank warns.

AMERICAS

Hollande, Obama to focus on Islamic State and Syria.

Argentina shifts to the right after Mauricio Macri wins presidential runoff. Argentina's President-elect Macri lays out new course.

Colombia pardons 30 Farc prisoners to speed peace talks.

Anger rises as Brazilian mine disaster threatens river and sea with toxic mud.

Dominican Republic issues warrants over fugitive French pilots.

Manhunt underway after New Orleans gunmen shoot 16.

Pew: 65% say the news media has a 'negative effect' on America.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Germany on alert: ISIL planning going global terror spree.

Kerry says he has 'no doubt' IS will be defeated.

As Islamic State threat looms, New York prepares for Thanksgiving parade.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Obama defends TPP secrecy, says now is chance for debate.

Pfizer seals $160bn Allergan deal to create drugs giant. Pfizer's $155bn takeover of Allergan set to prompt tax row.

Yahoo stops some users accessing emails in ad-blockers row.

Oil slides back lower after spike on Saudi statement.

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