Tuesday, March 15, 2016

World News Briefs -- March 15, 2016



Reuters: Russian warplanes leave Syria, raising U.N. hopes for peace talks

Russian warplanes began leaving Syria on Tuesday as Moscow started to draw down forces that have tipped the war President Bashar al-Assad's way, and the U.N. envoy said he hoped the move would have a positive impact on peace talks under way in Geneva.

As the first aircraft touched down in Russia, U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura called it a "significant development" and said he hoped President Vladimir Putin's move would advance progress towards a solution and a peaceful political transition in Syria.

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MIDDLE EAST

Putin's shock plan to pull troops from Syria puts pressure on Assad.

Al Qaeda in Syria threatens fresh offensive within 48 hours as Russia starts military withdrawal and first planes fly out of war-torn country.

U.S., allies conduct 14 strikes in Iraq, three in Syria: U.S. military.

Few signs of compromise as Syria war talks resume.

UN: Aid not reaching 20 percent of Syrians in urgent need.

Iraqi commander sees Islamic State retrenching before Mosul battle.

Iran warns of possible ‘Armageddon’ if Syria can’t be held together.

Iran Foreign Minister denies missile test breached UN rules.

Turkey's military: 45 PKK rebels killed in air strikes. Turkey hits PKK targets in Iraq after Ankara bombing.

Ankara bombing: Erdogan seeks to widen terrorism definition.

ASIA

North Korea readying another nuclear bomb for test – Kim Jong-un. N Korea will soon test nuclear warheads, Kim Jong-un says.

Htin Kyaw, Aung San Suu Kyi loyalist and friend, elected Myanmar’s president. Myanmar officially ends half a century of military rule.

Pakistan religious groups say law protecting women from abuse 'un-Islamic'.

Japan opposition new name seen as risk ahead of election.

Taiwan president-elect touts new cabinet, mum on China ties.

Rape on Okinawa stirs old anger against U.S. military.

Chinese courts convict more than 99.9 per cent of defendants.

AFRICA

Suspected militants stage attack near key east Libya oil field - officials.

Somali militants seize small port in Puntland region.

Benin to deploy troops to anti-Boko Haram task force.

EU suspends aid to Burundi's government.

Herders suffer as Nigeria army shuts cattle trade to fight Boko Haram.

Nigeria leader fails to pursue military killings of suspects.

Nigeria's NNPC 'failed to pay' $16bn in oil revenues.

Zimbabwe hunger may spiral out of control, UN warns.

EUROPE

Macedonia says returned about 1,500 migrants to Greece. Deadly, desperate... and futile: Hundreds of migrants who risked their lives crossing river to get into Macedonia are rounded up on trucks and sent straight back to Greece.

Greek PM sees 'no chance' Balkan route will reopen, migrants must move to shelters.

Ukrainian party has buried idea of technocrat government: president's party.

EU ministers agree to stand firm against Russia.

EU referendum: 'Brexit could weaken Nato alliance', warns US general.

Brussels police shot at during raid linked to Paris attacks.

Car explodes in Berlin; driver killed.

Breivik gives Nazi salute in court return to challenge jail isolation.

AMERICAS

US presidential election: Five states vote in primaries.

Rubio, Kasich fighting to keep White House hopes alive.

Trump breaks 50% in national support for the first time.

U.S. relaxes Cuba trade, travel rules ahead of Obama visit. With Havana trip, Obama seeks to make history, lock in Cuba opening.

Former Brazil president Lula 'to become minister'. Brazil's former president Lula 'likely to take cabinet position'.

Brazil Supreme Court accepts plea deal for Rousseff ally Do Amaral.

Double stabbing at Toronto military site prompts probe into possible terror link.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State atrocities against Christians called ‘genocide,’ US House unanimously declares.

Top Islamic State commander dead a week after US-led airstrike in Syria. Top ISIS commander 'Omar the Chechen' believed dead after airstrike. Islamic State commander Omar Shishani dead, says Pentagon.

Official: Islamic State militants accidentally blow themselves up in Afghanistan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices plummet on fear Iran will torpedo output freeze plan.

Apple fight could escalate with demand for 'source code'.

VW investors file multi-billion dollar suit in Germany.

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