World News Briefs -- March 21, 2016 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: Obama spars with Castro on human rights during historic Cuba visit

U.S. President Barack Obama pushed Cuba to improve its record on human rights and sparred with President Raul Castro during a historic visit to the Communist-ruled island on Monday, while Castro hit back by decrying U.S. "double standards".

Human rights remained an impediment to strengthening ties with Cuba despite the rapprochement reached by the two leaders in December 2014, Obama said, adding a "full flowering" of the relationship could happen only with progress on the issue.

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MIDDLE EAST

New U.S. base in Iraq draws more Islamic State fire, militia threat.

Syria opposition says government wasting time at Geneva talks. Syrian government refuses to discuss Assad's future.

Syria death toll from Russian airstrikes rises, say activists.

Syria regime pressured on transition as talks open second week.

Russia demands urgent action to combat Syria violations.

Yemeni officials say government, rebels, agree on ceasefire. Yemen peace talks could resume in Kuwait this month.

Fears in Iraqi government, army over Shiite militias’ power.

Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia demands withdrawal of U.S. force deployed in Iraq.

Amid ISIS and Kurdish attacks in Turkey, Erdoğan vows to combat ‘biggest waves of terrorism’ ever. Erdogan says Turkey battling 'terrorist wave' after Istanbul bombing.

Biden says Israel settlements raise questions about commitment to peace.

US undermining Iran's banks - Khamenei.

ASIA

Myanmar's Suu Kyi unlikely to take formal role in new government.

Hope for change in Myanmar stems Rohingya migrant flow.

North Korea 'fires short-range missiles' into sea. North Korea ups tensions with new projectile launch.

As North Korea flexes its muscles, some in South want nukes, too.

Indonesia protests China's retrieval of illegal fishing ship.

China slams U.S., Philippine military deployment in South China Sea. China says U.S.-Philippines base deal raises questions.

Chinese planner promises foreign companies access to markets.

Kazakh leader's party wins vote criticized by Western monitors.

2 British ships arrive in Japan to carry plutonium to US.

Australian PM takes bold gamble, sets in motion July 2 poll.

AFRICA

Tunisian forces kill 'terrorist' near border attack town.

Gunmen attack EU military training base in Mali capital.

Morocco asks U.N. to shut military office in Western Sahara.

65 Shebab insurgents killed in NE Somalia: army.

Kenyan army battles al-Shabab militants in Somalia. Kenya says it killed 34 Al-Shabab militants.

Egypt Sinai mortar attack death toll rises to 15 policemen.

Somali militants overrun military base, killing at least one.

It’s a #SuperSunday in Africa, with elections being held in Benin, Cape Verde, Congo, Niger, Senegal and Zanzibar.

Benin prime minister concedes defeat in presidential runoff.

Cameroon military frees CAR rebel hostages.

Algerian army kills militants behind Krechba gas plant attack: source.

Zambia arrests opposition leader for saying president misused public funds: police.

EUROPE

Greece asks EU partners for help to make migrant deal work. Greece appeals for logistics aid for migrant deal to work.

Russia mourns plane crash victims as investigation begins.

Paris suspect 'worth weight in gold' to police: lawyer.

Paris attacks: Suspect's 'accomplice' named as Najim Laachraoui. Captured Paris attack suspect 'worth weight in gold' to police: lawyer.

Belgium: Europe's front line in the war on terror.

Ukrainian pilot Savchenko guilty of Russian journalists’ murder, illegal border crossing - court. Savchenko trial: Russian court gives verdict on Ukraine pilot.

Poland's president: good talks on security with US senators.

Vladimir Putin's public trust rating drops 10 percent in a year: poll.

Despite rising pressure from Moscow, Georgia committed to West, minister says.

AMERICAS

Raúl Castro, Obama spar on human rights, Guantanamo, views of U.S. and Cuba. Obama, Castro split on human rights in historic remarks.

Castro refuses to admit Cuba has political prisoners.

Barack Obama in Cuba at start of historic visit.

Cuba breaks up weekly dissident march hours before Obama visit.

Argentina, United States to resume sharing financial intelligence.

Venezuela leader overshadows Obama in Cuba media.

Portugal makes arrest in major Brazilian corruption probe.

Brazil poll shows strong support for president's impeachment.

White House to lay out 'next chapter' for ObamaCare.

Haiti lawmakers reject acting leader's prime minister choice.

Army seizes 762 kilos of cocaine in southwestern Colombia.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

IS suffers blows in Iraq, Syria but still launches attacks.

Iraqi military discover body of Daesh commander Shishani.

Al Qaeda’s strategy five years into the Syrian revolution.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Marriott wins back Sheraton-owner Starwood with new offer.

Apple hopes small is big again as iPhone SE debuts.

Priceline strikes deal with Cuba to let Americans book hotels.

Exclusive: China central bank to Fed: A little help, please?.