Tuesday, December 15, 2015

World News Briefs -- December 15, 2015 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Russia, U.S. clear way for Syria meeting after Kerry Moscow talks

Russia and the United States see enough common ground on Syria for world powers to meet on the troubled country's peace process in New York on Friday, but views on the future of President Bashar-al Assad still diverge.

Secretary of State John Kerry went into meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday not knowing whether Moscow would veto a third round of international talks on Syria on Friday after the Kremlin spoke of preconditions needing to be met.

MIDDLE EAST

Russia names Syrian rebel groups it says it is supporting with air strikes.

Russian jets destroy over 1,200 fuel trucks carrying Daesh oil in Syria.

Scores killed after multiple suicide bombings in Iraq.

Saudi Arabia forms Muslim 'anti-terrorism' coalition.

Yemen peace talks under way as ceasefire begins.

Russia, Turkey cancel summit as tensions rise.

Vladimir Putin: Turkey's leaders are 'stuffing pockets' with ISIS oil cash chronicle daily.

Exclusive: Iran's October 10 missile test violated U.N. ban - expert panel.

Global nuclear watchdog IAEA ends Iran 'weapons' probe.

Israeli Defense Minister: Don't be fooled by Iran's 'charm offensive'.

ASIA

Pentagon says violence is on rise in Afghanistan. Pentagon warns ISIS offshoot growing in Afghanistan, 'operationally active'.

Afghan security deteriorates, casualties spike in 2015: Pentagon.

Japan, South Korea stick to coal despite global climate deal.

Philippine troops clash with Islamist militants, 15 dead.

South Korea worries over rising threat from North.

North Korea conflict could become 'trans-regional,' U.S. official says.

Australia conducting 'freedom of navigation' flights in South China Sea.

Flying close to Beijing's new South China Sea islands.

China 'shock' growth scenario: Fitch warns of ripple effects.

AFRICA

30 dead in Boko Haram attack on three Nigeria villages: vigilante.

Chiefs of rival Libya parliaments meet for first time: TV.

Malawi faces worsening food shortage, UNICEF says hunger looms.

ANC rallies round Zuma, says no plans to dismiss him as President.

U.N. boosts South Sudan peacekeepers; Russia, Venezuela voice concerns. UN sends extra peacekeepers, drones to South Sudan.

Burundi closer to civil war after flare-up - U.N. rights chief.

5 killed in land protests in Ethiopia.

Activists: Nigeria military killed hundreds of Shiites.

Nigerian Shia Muslims protest over military crackdown.

Iran summons Nigerian envoy after Shia clashes.

Last days for U.N. court trying suspects in Rwanda genocide.

Ghana arrests 'Burkina Faso arms dealer' in Kumasi.

EUROPE

Kerry is meeting with Putin after 'comprehensive' talks with FM Lavrov. Kerry in Moscow for tough Syria, Ukraine talks with Putin.

Russia: 20 ISIL-linked rebel leaders killed in 2015.

Putin signs law allowing Russia to overturn international human rights court rulings.

EU expected to agree on extending Russian sanctions on Friday.

EU plans rapid-reaction border force to stem migration.

Greece mounts late push to assure EU before migration summit.

Paris attacks: French police arrest suspect.

ISIS flags & photos of severed heads found amongst refugees in Norway.

Russian cruise missile hits flats in Arctic accident.

Was the Nazi gold train hunt just an elaborate hoax? Scientists dig for buried treasure and find... NOTHING.

Vatican money-laundering investigations 'must show results'. Vatican must step up prosecutions of financial crimes: watchdog.

AMERICAS

Sources: Review affirms Clinton server emails were 'top secret,' despite department challenge.

Threat that closed LA schools appears to have been a hoax, House Intel lawmaker says. Los Angeles schools shut over email threat to students.

Obama to counter anti-Muslim talk by welcoming new citizens.

Terrorism most important problem facing U.S., Americans say: poll.

Maryland man accused of receiving $9,000 from ISIS to carry out attack on American soil.

Brazil police raid homes of lower house speaker Cunha.

Colombia and Farc reach deal on conflict reparations. Colombia, FARC rebels sign key deal on victims.

Cuba, creditors reach historic multi-billion debt deal. Exclusive - Cuba's debt deal: Easy terms, but severe penalties if late again.

U.S. hopes to conclude Cuba aviation talks 'very, very soon'.

Exclusive: U.S. to charge Venezuela's National Guard chief with drug trafficking.

Trump, Cruz in spotlight for 5th Republican debate.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Russian security agency investigates suspected IS sponsors.

Muslim nations form coalition to fight terror, call Islamic extremism 'disease'.

Former Gitmo detainee alleges torture, rape threats.

Shaker Aamer says Guantanamo was like Azkaban prison from Harry Potter novels.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Early praise for Star Wars awakens the Force in shares of Disney, EA.

Oil up 1 percent as support emerges before 11-year low.

WTO conference opens in Kenya.

US inflation rate rises as Federal Reserve begins meeting. Fed begins two-day meeting to decide on interest rate hike.

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