Monday, February 22, 2016

World News Briefs -- February 22, 2016

A general view shows the site of a two bomb blasts in the government-controlled city of Homs, Syria, in this handout picture provided by SANA on February 21, 2016. REUTERS/SANA/Handout via Reuters

Reuters: Violence rages in Syria as Kerry and Lavrov reach provisional deal on ceasefire

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday he and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, had reached a provisional agreement on terms of a cessation of hostilities in Syria and the sides were closer to a ceasefire than ever before.

Meanwhile, violence continued to rage in Syria. Multiple bomb blasts in a southern district of Damascus killed at least 87 people on Sunday, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, and twin car bombs killed at least 59 people in Homs, the monitoring group said.

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MIDDLE EAST

US steps up Syria bombing against ISIS. U.S., allies conduct 38 strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military.

Syria conflict: IS attacks aimed at subverting peace - Russia.

Missing radioactive material found dumped in south Iraq.

Turkish army presses crackdown on Kurdish militants, Europe worried over rights.

Turkey has right to conduct ops in Syria, elsewhere to protect itself from terrorists – Erdogan.

John Kerry and Mahmoud Abbas meet to discuss Israel-Palestine tension.

Lebanon minister quits over 'Hezbollah domination'. Lebanese minister resigns over Hezbollah domination.

ASIA

China signals no South China Sea backdown as foreign minister goes to U.S..

Afghan troops pull out of second Helmand district.

Deal reached to end Indian caste protests. India caste unrest: 'Ten million without water' in Delhi. With India’s capital facing water crisis, military seizes canal from protesters.

Kashmir conflict: More troops killed as stand-off continues. Indian forces kill all militants in Kashmir after 3-day gunbattle.

U.S. rejected North Korea peace talks offer before last nuclear test: State Department.

Chinese banks freeze North Korean accounts: South Korean media report.

Japan's scandals, shaky economy erode Abe's support as polls loom.

Thousands surround Japan Parliament in protest at US base plan.

AFRICA

Libya's NOC warns of more Islamic State attacks on oil facilities.

Army claims advances in Libyan cities of Benghazi and Ajdabiya.

Uganda elections: Besigye held again as march planned. Museveni rival Kizza Besigye arrested over protest march.

Polls close in Niger amid tight security. Niger's security-minded president vies for 2nd term in vote.

Tunisia extends state of emergency for another month.

CAR presidential election: Faustin Touadera declared winner.

Stability still elusive despite peaceful Central African election.

EUROPE

Germany, France press for peace plan action ahead of Ukraine visit. EU says Ukraine at 'critical juncture', must stick to reforms.

Ukrainian nationalists rally in Kiev, demand Govt's ouster.

Truce unravels as fighting picks up in Ukraine.

UK's Cameron tries to sell EU deal after London mayor backs Brexit.

Austria builds up border force amid heavy criticism of 80 refugees-a-day cap.

Migrant crisis: Macedonia move halts thousands in Greece. Greece braces for growing number of stranded migrants.

EU and US say Macedonia not ready to hold elections.

Lawyers for Assange ask Swedish court to overturn arrest warrant.

Last Treblinka death camp survivor Samuel Willenberg dies.

AMERICAS

Trump predicts he'll face Clinton, break turnout records.

Obama noticeably absent from Antonin Scalia’s funeral.

The U.S. States where recession is already a reality.

Bolivian President Evo Morales 'loses' fourth term bid'.

Close runoff seen in Peru election as Fujimori loses ground: poll.

Brazil police targets Rousseff campaigner in raids, TV Globo says.

Colombia Farc: President Santos says talks will not be extended.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pentagon: ISIS terrorists in Libya planning 'external attacks' against US interests.


91 Guantánamo captives vastly outnumbered by 2,000 guards, staff.

What to do if US begins capturing more suspected terrorists?.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks futures sharply higher as oil extends gains.

World arms sales up 14 percent in past 5 years, led by US.

Apple tells employees why it won't help hack shooter's phone.

Gunman's victims urge Apple to work with FBI.

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