Thursday, January 21, 2016

World News Briefs -- January 21, 2016



Reuters: Russia's Putin 'probably' approved London murder of ex-KGB agent Litvinenko: UK inquiry

President Vladimir Putin probably approved a 2006 Russian intelligence operation to murder ex-KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko with radioactive polonium-210 in London, a British inquiry concluded on Thursday, prompting a row with Moscow.

Russia, which had declined to cooperate in the inquiry, described Britain's handling of the case as opaque and biased.

Litvinenko, 43, an outspoken critic of Putin who fled Russia for Britain exactly six years to the day before he was poisoned, died after drinking green tea laced with the rare radioactive isotope at London's Millennium Hotel.

MIDDLE EAST

Kerry says Syria peace talks may be delayed by a day or 2. Kerry says no "fundamental delay" to January 25 Syria talks.

Saudi-Iran dispute jeopardises Yemen peace talks.

Iran elections: Rouhani criticises ban on reformist candidates.

Some 200,000 at risk in Turkey's fight against Kurdish militants: Amnesty.

Turkish President rules out return to peace process with Kurds.

Hezbollah recruited Palestinians to attack Israel, security officials say.

Israel says will seize West Bank land; demolishes EU structures.

ASIA

Afghan official: More troops needed against Taliban in South.

'Corrupt' Afghan Army leaders hinder fight in Helmand Province.

Taliban attack on Afghan media group widely condemned.

US wasted millions on Afghan reconstruction, says watchdog.

Filipinos plan second protest trip to islands disputed with China.

Pakistan attack: Vigils held for Bacha Khan University dead. Pakistan holds national day of mourning after Bacha Khan university massacre.

Vietnam set to pick new leaders as congress begins.

Chinese netizens flood Tsai Ing-Wen’s Facebook page with anti-Taiwan independence posts.

AFRICA

IS claims attack on Egypt checkpoint that killed 5 policemen in Sinai. Egyptian police killed in Sinai checkpoint attack.

From Dakar to N'Djamena, hotels boost security after Burkina attack.

Libyan lawmaker says unity government likely to be rejected.

ISIS attacks oil infrastructure near Ras Lanuf port in Libya, threatens sequel.

Armed men kill 3 gendarmes in Mali's central region.

Kenyan police kill 4 alleged Islamic extremists in shootout.

Ugandan rebel appearing before judges at pretrial hearing.

U.N. council votes to reduce Ivory Coast peacekeepers.

Ebola in Sierra Leone: New case spreads community fear.

China, Egypt plan projects worth up to $15 billion. China offers financial, political support to Egypt ahead of uprising anniversary.

EUROPE

Europe has two months to address refugee crisis, EU at risk: Swedish PM.

Winter weather raises fears as thousands of refugees head to Europe.

Ukraine toughens position in negotiations to end conflict.

Moldova political crisis: Protesters break into parliament. About 5,000 Anti-government activists gather near Moldovan Parliament.

Oil slump sends Russian Ruble to all-time low.

Thousands of Greek professionals protest pension reform plan.

Europe on the verge of collapse: Soros.

AMERICAS

Trump fear stalks Davos as elite pray for spring reality check. Donald Trump is poised for the strongest primary performance in modern history.

Flint water crisis: Barack Obama says people 'short-changed'.

US East braces for wallop from powerful snowstorm.

Gang warfare in El Salvador pushes death rate to record.

Colombia frees group of rebels to bolster peace talks.

Haiti in talks to delay Sunday presidential runoff after protests.

Brazil Zika outbreak: More babies born with birth defects.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Report: US strategy against ISIS overlooks Syrian al Qaeda affiliate.

Crafty al-Qaida affiliate looking to win US war on IS.

The Islamic State’s obsession with al Qaeda and the Taliban.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fears grow of repeat of 2008 financial crash as investors run for cover.

Apple falls close to a freak-out level.

Stock rout demotes Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey from billionaire to millionaire.

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