World News Briefs -- March 21, 2016

Reuters: Obama to meet Castro face-to-face on historic Cuba trip

U.S. President Barack Obama turns from sightseeing to state business on his historic Cuba trip on Monday, pressing President Raul Castro for economic and democratic reforms while hearing complaints about continued U.S. economic sanctions.

Obama and Castro will have their fourth meeting, likely their most substantial, at the Palace of the Revolution, where Castro and his predecessor, older brother Fidel Castro, have led Cuba's resistance to U.S. pressure going back decades.

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MIDDLE EAST

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.

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

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

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

Russia mourns plane crash victims as investigation begins.

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.

Greece appeals for logistics aid for migrant deal to work.

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

Barack Obama in Cuba at start of historic visit.

Cuba breaks up weekly dissident march hours before Obama visit.

Venezuela leader overshadows Obama in Cuba media.

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

Priceline strikes deal with Cuba to let Americans book hotels.

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

Apple starts busy week with new iPhone launch.