Tuesday, February 23, 2016

World News Briefs -- February 23, 2016 (Evening Edition)



New York Times: Obama Sends Guantánamo Closing Plan to Congress

WASHINGTON — President Obama on Tuesday sent Congress a long-awaited plan for closing the Guantánamo Bay prison, beginning a final push to fulfill a campaign promise and one of his earliest national security policy goals in the face of deep skepticism from many Republican lawmakers.

Unveiling the plan from the Roosevelt Room at the White House, the president made clear his frustration at how what was once a bipartisan goal shared by both his predecessor, President George W. Bush, and his 2008 Republican opponent, Senator John McCain, had become a partisan dispute. He urged Congress to give his plan a “fair hearing,” saying the prison wasted money, raised tensions with allies and fueled anti-American sentiments abroad.

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MIDDLE EAST

Kerry issues warning as Syrian parties back halt to fighting.

Syrian opposition and government accept truce. Syria government willing to accept cessation deal.

Syrian monitor estimates more than 370,000 dead in war.

Islamic State tightens grip on Syrian govt road to Aleppo.

Israel minister doubts Syria ceasefire will hold.

Kurds rescue Swedish teen from ISIS-held territory in northern Iraq.

Lebanon vows to maintain Saudi ties despite tensions.

Saudi Arabia to put 32 on trial for spying for Iran.

Yemen conflict: Al-Qaeda joins coalition battle for Taiz.

Yemen army commander shot dead in Aden.

ASIA

EXCLUSIVE: China sends fighter jets to contested island in South China Sea.

US commander: China seeking control of East Asia.

'Important progress' made on U.N. North Korea resolution: China.

U.S. air strikes aid Afghan forces against Islamic State.

Afghan army abandons three bases in Helmand province.

Afghan official: Date expected for Kabul-Taliban meeting. Powers meeting on Afghanistan see Taliban talks by March.

Tensions rising on DMZ, North Korean officer tells AP.

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

India caste unrest: Water supply 'partially restored' in Delhi.

Former Thai PM Thaksin warns on economy, says no deal with military.

AFRICA

Libyans celebrate in Benghazi after army takes key city area. Libyan Islamist militias 'lose key territory in Benghazi'.

Libya could soon run out of life-saving medicines: U.N..

UN chief concerned about irregularities in Uganda elections.

Uganda elections: Besigye detained by police again.

Niger opposition rejects initial election results, citing fraud.

Burundi's Nkuruniza tells UN chief he will free prisoners.

Nigerian navy rescues hijacked oil tanker, 1 pirate killed.

Nigeria to train thousands of unemployed Delta youths.

In South Africa, drones used to battle rhino poaching.

EUROPE

Migrant arrivals to Europe this year top 110,000, up sharply from 2015.

Italy's navy rescues 700 migrants from six boats, four found dead.

Greece rages at neighbors as amid fears migrants could be halted.

Refugee crisis: Europe border closures to cause 'chaos'.

British business bosses say exit from EU would hit economy and jobs.

Germany says credibility of Ukraine peace deal at risk.

Italy summons U.S. ambassador after reports U.S. spied on Berlusconi.

Kosovo opposition pitches tents in anti-government rally.

Estonia jails three men over spying for Russian security services.

AMERICAS

Obama makes last attempt to persuade Congress to shut Guantanamo.

2016 candidates respond to Obama's Guantanamo plan.

Judge: Clinton aides can be questioned about email server.

Donald Trump is on course to win the 1,237 delegates he needs to be the GOP nominee.

4 indicted in US on charges of violating Iran sanctions.

Bolivia leader Evo Morales 'hopeful' over fourth term bid.

Rousseff campaign chief Santana surrenders to Brazilian police.

Americans say North Korea is a bigger enemy than ISIS.

Canada's Trudeau drops campaign promises and goes all in with deficits.

Peru oil spill pollutes Amazon rivers used by indigenous group.

Brazil plans to zap mosquitoes with radiation to halt spread of Zika virus.

Accused leader of Mexican drug cartel pleads guilty in US.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

4 arrested in Spain, Morocco for IS armed group ties.

Obama's plan to shut Guantanamo set for Congress. Pentagon to submit plan to close military prison at Guantanamo Bay.

US drones target jihadist ‘hideouts’ in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

Islamic State gets millions in ransom for abducted Christians.

2 Damascus-based jihadist groups swear allegiance to Al Nusrah Front.

Ex-commander: US losing ground against Islamic extremism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Saudi oil minister says market should handle low prices.


Wall St. stumbles as oil slumps again.

Bill Gates backs FBI in battle with Apple over San Bernardino killer's phone.

Mars has 'widened its recall to 55 countries'.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Guantanamo does not undermine national security.


Obama does.