Wednesday, March 9, 2016

World News Briefs -- March 9, 2016



Al Jazeera: Refugee crisis: Slovenia, Croatia 'close Balkan route'

Governments of Slovenia and Croatia place new restrictions on entry, effectively closing doors to refugees.

The Balkan trail from Greece to northern Europe used by refugees has been blocked after a string of nations slammed shut their borders.

Slovenia and Croatia, two of the countries along the well-trodden route, said late on Tuesday that no refugees wishing to transit towards other countries would be allowed to enter.

Serbia indicated it would follow suit.

EU member Slovenia said that from midnight (23:00 GMT), the only exceptions were for people wishing to claim asylum in the country or for refugees "on humanitarian grounds and in accordance with the rules of the Schengen zone".

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian Army wins back strategic region in Homs in blitz offensive.

U.N. sees no halt in Syria truce, talks to run to March 24.

Reports: Iran fires missile marked with ‘Israel should be wiped’.

Saudi Arabia, Houthi rebels hold direct talks on Yemen war. Yemen rebels and Saudis swap prisoners, agree border 'calm'.

Yemen war generates widespread suffering, but few refugees.

Biden, Netanyahu meet in Israel amid spate of new attacks. Biden criticizes Palestinians for not condemning attack.

Exclusive: Saudi Arabia seeks $6-8 billion bank loan to shore up state coffers.

ASIA

Taliban attack police headquarters in Afghanistan's Helmand.

Kim Jong Un poses beside possible nuclear warhead mock-up.

U.S. serves up Korean rocket salad in war drill response to North's nuclear threats.

Philippine president denies militants in south are linked to Islamic State.

No more smiles: Myanmar's transition sours ahead of presidential vote.

China says takes 'distinctly Chinese approach' to national security.

Asian stocks hit as China economy fears persist.

AFRICA

Tunisian forces kill 7 attackers in new round of clashes. Over 50 dead as Tunisia foils 'emirate' bid on Libya border.

South Sudan’s rival armies trade accusations over new clashes in Upper Nile region.

Mogadishu car bombing kills police officers.

Foreign Commandoes said to carry out night raid in Somalia. Helicopter raid targets Al-Shabaab camps in southern Somalia.

US commander in Africa says Libya is a failed state.

Tripoli volatile as push for unity government stalls.

Morocco accuses U.N.'s Ban of dropping neutral tone in West Sahara dispute.

EUROPE

Europe's deal with Turkey fails to deter migrant attempts for now.

Balkan route shutting down fast for refugees as Slovenia, Croatia close borders for transit. Balkan countries enact new restrictions on migrants.

Migrant crisis: Macedonia shuts Balkans route.

Hungary to send more police, army to patrol its borders.

Greek Prime Minister concerned with Turkey’s airspace violations.

Protests in France as labour reform anger grows.

Ukrainian pilot Savchenko vows to continue refusing water, food.

Russia running out of time for Rio, says Pound.

AMERICAS

Trump takes Michigan in repudiation of Republican establishment.

Michigan win rescues Bernie Sanders campaign ahead of key primaries. Bernie Sanders beats Hillary Clinton in stunning Michigan primary upset.

Venezuela opposition starts multi-pronged push to oust Maduro.

Socialist dream under threat in Venezuela's 'Chavez City'.

While not formal, Colombia has been enjoying de facto truce for 3 months.

Cuba issues bristling editorial ahead of Obama visit.

El Salvador mulls suspending some rights as crime spikes.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS 'minister of war' likely killed in US airstrike in Syria, defense official says.

GOP introduces resolution rejecting Obama's Gitmo plan.

ISIS glorifies the death of a 14-year-old child soldier.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Iran plays hardball with European oil buyers, slowing exports.

Concerns over a scramble for resources quiet for now, says World Bank.

Oil prices above $40, European shares bounce back.

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