World News Briefs -- January 13, 2016

Daily Mail: 'The most powerful nation on earth... it's not even close': Obama heralds America's 'optimism and work ethic' in his final State of the Union address in attack on Trump's past glory 'hot air'

* 'There have been those who told us to fear the future... promising to restore past glory if we just got some group or idea that was threatening America under control,' he said. 'And each time, we overcame those fears'
* The speech was Obama's eighth and final SOTU and he used the address to take on his critics, particularly those in the Republican Party running for president, including Donald Trump
* Obama touched on 'longer-term' issues, including his trade deal, criminal justice reform, closing Guantanamo Bay and gun control, but did not spend more than a line each on them, opting instead to focus on the big picture
* 'Our unique strengths as a nation – our optimism and work ethic, our spirit of discovery and innovation, our diversity and commitment to the rule of law – these things give us everything we need to ensure prosperity'
* Ted Cruz skipped the speech to campaign and Trump is not a federal official, so he was not present; Cruz made time to appear on Fox News afterwards, however, and respond to Obama's dig at him about ISIS

President Barack Obama used his final State of the Union address last night to hit back at critics, defend his legacy and strike an optimistic note for America's future.

Although he did not mention him once by name, the President indirectly made several references to Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, as he called for an end to scapegoating.

'Talk of America’s economic decline is political hot air,' the president said. 'Anyone making those claims is 'peddling fiction,' he said.

'So is all the rhetoric you hear about our enemies getting stronger and America getting weaker. The United States of America is the most powerful nation on Earth. Period. It’s not even close.'

MIDDLE EAST

Iran releases U.S. sailors after brief detention.

Syrian troops, allied militiamen seize more territory from rebels in northwestern province of Latakia.

Madaya: 'Horrifying conditions' in besieged Syrian town. U.N. war crimes investigators gathering testimony from starving Syrian town.

UN makes $7 billion humanitarian appeal for Syrian crisis.

Ex-Obama envoy skeptical of Syrian peace plan.

Turkey: IS suspects held after Istanbul suicide bombing.

Report: Turkey detains 3 Russians in raid aimed at ISIS.

Istanbul bomber registered in Turkey but not on wanted list.

Five Saudi troops killed in Yemen retaliatory operations.

UN: Resumption of Yemen peace talks unlikely before Jan. 20.

Iran nuclear deal: Arak reactor 'not yet decommissioned'.

Israeli military: Airstrike targets Gaza militants, 1 killed.

Israel sued in US court over deadly Gaza flotilla raid.

ASIA

Philippines files protest against China's test flights in disputed sea.

South Korea fires warning shots at 'N Korea drone' over DMZ. South Korea fires warning shots at suspected drone near border: media.

South Korea calls for 'bone-numbing' sanctions on North for nuclear test. US House passes North Korea sanctions bill after nuclear test.

Afghanistan deadly gun battle near Pakistan mission in Jalalabad. Blast hits near Pakistan consulate in Afghanistan.

Daesh claims suicide attack on Pakistani consulate in Afghanistan.

Pakistan arrests suspects in India's Pathankot airbase attack. Pathankot attack: Pakistan says arrests Jaish-e-Mohammad militants.

Suicide bomber kills at least 15 outside Pakistan polio center. Deadly suicide attack targets polio centre in Pakistan.

Hong Kong to introduce measures to fight ivory poaching.

China arrests most prominent woman rights lawyer for subversion.

China exports up first time since June.

AFRICA

Weary of chaos, factions in Libya consider peace.

UN peacekeepers scandal: Troops in CAR paid 13-year-olds 50 cents for sex.

Female suicide bombers attack mosque in Cameroon. 2 female suicide bombers attack Cameroon mosque, killing 10.

Ethiopia cancels Addis Ababa master plan after Oromo protests.

Mali: UN must enable peacekeepers to confront terrorists.

Europe turns to Morocco in Paris attacks investigation.

Egyptian Foreign Minister plays down terrorist threat to Egyptian people and tourists.

Zimbabwe declines comment on Mugabe health rumors.

EUROPE

Paris attacks hideouts found in Belgium. Officials pinpoint Belgian flats used by Paris terror attackers.

Sanctions impact on Russia to be longer term, U.S. says.

Denmark debates seizing refugees' valuables.

EU launches probe into new Polish laws. EU launches first-ever rule of law review against Poland.

Putin ally says opposition should be tried as enemies of the people.

Oil price slide may force new Russian budget, Medvedev says.

Weekly attendance at Church of England drops below 1 million for first time.

AMERICAS

Obama knocks Trump, voices optimism.

State Dept. to review 29,000 pages of Clinton aide's emails.

Venezuela Assembly defies Supreme Court but fails to get quorum.

Transfer out of Costa Rica of Cuban migrants headed to U.S. begins.

Cuban diplomat casts wary eye on US presidential contest.

'El Chapo' lawyer says Sean Penn should testify about drug lord article.

Powerball hits $1.5 billion, largest-ever lottery jackpot for one winner.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Ten detainees leaving Gitmo in bulk transfer Thursday, defense officials say. U.S. military preparing transfer of 10 Guantanamo detainees: Fox News.

US security experts call for greater action against ISIS.

ISIS has built a secure messaging app.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil could crash to $10 a barrel, warn investment bank bears.

Oil falls toward $30 as U.S. crude inventories rise.

Twitter is crashing to new lows.

Personal computer demand falls by a record amount.