Tuesday, March 8, 2016

World News Briefs -- March 8, 2016

An MQ-1B Predator from the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron takes off from Balad Air Base in Iraq.

Voice of America: US to Release Information on Drone Strikes

WASHINGTON — The United States is promising more transparency on the country’s sometimes-controversial use of drones to strike at terrorist targets.

White House Counterterrorism advisor Lisa Monaco announced Monday the administration will release an assessment in the “coming weeks” of both combatant and civilian casualties due to drone and other counterterrorism strikes dating back to 2009.

“We know that not only is greater transparency the right thing to do, it is the best way to maintain the legitimacy of our counter terrorism actions and the broad support of our allies,” Monaco said during a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria opposition: Circumstances not suitable for peace talks. U.N. says substantive Syria talks to start by March 14.

Syrian army retakes village in Aleppo province from Islamists: monitor.

War could cost Syria nearly £1tn in lost economic growth by 2020, study warns.

Yemen's Houthis in Saudi for talks on ending war: sources.

Israel's Netanyahu rejects US 'surprise' at Obama talks cancellation.

Turkey seizes opposition news agency, days after it takes over newspaper.

Executions in Saudi Arabia reach ‘frightening’ rate as 70th prisoner in 2016 is killed.

Palestinians sue pro-Israel tycoons for $34.5bn.

Biden arrives in Israel to talk billions in military aid — and patch things up.

ASIA

South Korea announces unilateral sanctions on North Korea.

Russia: N.Korean threats becoming legal grounds for military force.

Afghan government still wants talks with the Taliban.

Pakistan hints at progress on Taliban talks within days.

China won't budge on South China Sea sovereignty.

Chinese exports plunge 25% in February.

MH370 search: Investigators remain 'hopeful' on anniversary.

AFRICA

Al-Shabab denies US strike in Somalia killed 150 fighters. Somalia's al-Shabab: Toll of US air strikes exaggerated.

Tunisia: Death toll up to 55 in clashes near Libyan border. Tunisia kills militants near Libya border.

South Sudan civil war marked by killing, rape.

WFP says Boko Haram has caused 5.6 million people hunger.

Central African Republic: UN chief ‘deeply troubled’ by scale, nature of harm to children.

What crisis? Undeterred, China snaps up vital Congo resource as western miners bail out.

Benin PM Zinsou faces run-off in presidential election.

EUROPE

Migrant crisis: UN legal concerns over EU-Turkey plan. Refugee crisis: EU and Turkey reach 'breakthrough' deal.

As crunch votes loom, Merkel says migrant plans gaining traction.

Migrants undeterred by deal to stop rush to Europe.

NATO recommits to defending Turkey's border with Syria.

Bank of England warns of Brexit risks, angering eurosceptics.

France votes on bill that could make Apple unlock terrorist data.

French rail strike over labour reforms threatens travel chaos.

AMERICAS

Candidates eye Michigan delegates on Super Tuesday 2.

No third-party candidacy for Bloomberg.

Dem lawmakers back brief supporting Obama's immigration action.

Lawmakers to go to Cuba with Obama, who mulls more trade moves.

Colombia’s FARC rebels ‘days away’ from ceasefire with govt.

Venezuela opposition begins push to seek Maduro's exit.

Venezuela investigates possible slaying of 28 missing miners.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

'New strategy needed' for rehabilitating IS child soldiers.

Islamic State's money problems.

Ex-Guantanamo prisoners suspected of rejoining militants increases: U.S.. The number of ex-Guantanamo prisoners suspected of rejoining militants has doubled.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil hits $40 a barrel amid commodities comeback.

IMF urges action as risks to the world economy rise.

Maria Sharapova: Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche distance themselves following drugs test.

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