World News Briefs -- March 16, 2016

IBTimes: John Kerry To Visit Moscow To Discuss Syria Conflict After Russia’s Pullout

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is set to visit Russia next week to hold discussions on the Syrian crisis following Russia’s move to withdraw most of its forces from the conflict-torn country, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. Meanwhile, a member from the European parliament told Russia’s Sputnik news that Moscow will continue to play a key role in the ongoing reconciliation process in Syria after it withdrew its Aerospace Forces from Syria.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S., allies conduct 11 strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military.

Arab League welcomes Russian troop withdrawal from Syria.

Syria conflict: Kerry plans key talks in Russia.

Syrian Kurds to declare federal system - reports. Syrian Kurds planning to declare federalism.

Yemen conflict: 'Dozens killed' in strike on Hajja market.

Israel holding secret talks with Indonesia, Deputy FM reveals.

Russia's Putin says will meet Israeli PM Netanyahu soon.

ASIA

Afghan president: IS group is ‘on the run’ in Afghanistan.

A 5th district in Helmand province falls to the Taliban.

NATO sends general to troubled Afghan south.

'Artificial earthquake' detected in North Korea.

Bomb on bus kills 15 government employees in Pakistan.

Pakistani court lifts travel ban on former military ruler Musharraf.

China approves new five-year plan as Li reassures on economy.

Chinese Premier strikes mild tone on regional disputes.

Ties will progress no matter who wins U.S. election: China's Li.

Japan ruling party considers international arbitration over China dispute.

Indian Defense Minister to visit China, discuss boundary.

U.S. college student gets harsh sentence in N. Korea. US student Otto Warmbier given hard labour in North Korea.

AFRICA

Female bombers unleash carnage on Nigerian mosque. Nigeria mosque hit by Maiduguri suicide bombers.

Al-Qaida strikes West Africa to resist France, Islamic State.

Algerian extremist killed in military operation.

Egypt's currency devaluation and economic malaise.

Egypt’s President Sisi under unusually stinging criticism at home.

Libya's Tripoli PM warns U.N.-backed government not to enter capital.

Al Qaeda attack will not derail Ivory Coast revival, president says.

EUROPE

Brussels raid: Prosecutor says ISIS flag found, Algerian suspect killed. Brussels shooting: ISIS flag, ammo found in raid tied to Paris attacks. Brussels raid over Paris attacks: Dead gunman was Algerian national.
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EU sees Turkey migrant deal as 'temporary'.

Merkel condemns unilateral border closings ahead of EU summit. Merkel says EU-Turkey summit decisive to solving migrant crisis.

Netherlands votes to ban weapons exports to Saudi Arabia.

Ukrainian chief prosecutor back at work despite resignation over graft allegations.

Kosovo police arrest men suspected of financing Islamic State fighters.

Mass killer Breivik complains of isolation, microwaved meals.

AMERICAS

After a night of primary victories, Clinton looks ahead. Trump still not doing well enough to guarantee nomination.

US opens door wide to Cuba travel ahead of Obama visit.

Brazil's Rousseff resumes talks with Lula on Cabinet post.

Canada to run for 2021-2022 U.N. Security Council seat: Trudeau.

Argentina sinks Chinese fishing boat Lu Yan Yuan Yu 010. Argentina sinks Chinese boat with gunfire over 'illegal fishing'.

President Obama to nominate Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court, sources say.

Commuter chaos seen for Washington D.C. as safety inspection shuts subway.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda says it carried out Ivory Coast beach attack as revenge against France.

Islamic State militants 'lose 22%' of territory.

Counter-Terrorism: meth means a lot to Islamic terrorists.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Shares slip, dollar rises as caution reigns before Fed.

Rich countries have a $78 trillion pension problem.

London Stock Exchange and Deutsche Boerse agree merger.