Friday, July 29, 2016

World News Briefs -- July 29, 2016

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry during a meeting in Moscow, Russia, July 15, 2016. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin

Reuters: Attempt at U.S.-Russia cooperation in Syria suffers major setbacks

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's attempt to elicit Russian military cooperation in the fight against Islamic State in Syria suffered two potentially crippling blows on Thursday.

First, the Syrian army said it had cut off all supply routes into the eastern part of the city of Aleppo - Syria's most important opposition stronghold - and President Bashar al-Assad's government asked residents to leave the city.

That move, U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity said on Thursday, appeared to be an effort to pre-empt a U.S. demand that Russia and Syria reopen a major road into the divided northern city before talks could begin on creating a joint intelligence center to coordinate air attacks against Islamic State.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: 'Civilians die' as US-Russia plan falters.

Syria's Nusra Front says ending al Qaeda ties; U.S. fears for Aleppo.

Syrian army commander said to ‘narrowly survive’ Israeli strike.

Syria conflict: Deadly strike on Save the Children maternity hospital.

ICRC: Anti-'IS' fight could displace 1 million in Iraq.

Yemen: Houthi, Saleh council formation criticised by UN.

Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz if it faces military action from 'enemies'.

Turkey’s Erdogan slams US reaction to failed coup.

ASIA

SIGAR report: Taliban gained territory in Afghanistan. Afghan government loses 5 percent of territory in 4 months: U.S. government watchdog.

Nearly 300 ISIS militants killed in Nangarhar operations, Afghanistan's MoD claims.

North Korea threat prompts Japan to upgrade Patriot batteries in time for Olympics: sources.

China, Laos say rail project to go ahead, pending environment study.

South China Sea: Vietnam airport screens hacked.

Exclusive: New York Fed asks Philippines to recover Bangladesh money. Malaysia names new anti-graft chief as corruption scandal drags on.

Australia's PM fails to endorse predecessor Kevin Rudd for UN job.

AFRICA

Libya forces 'retake' Benghazi district from jihadists.

Regional troops recapture Nigeria town from Boko Haram.

Nigeria Boko Haram crisis: UN aid convoy ambushed.

Hissene Habre: Chad's ex-ruler ordered to pay compensation to victims.

South Sudan's new VP pours scorn on predecessor Machar, deepening rift.

South Sudanese refugees influx to Uganda straining UN.

Two Kenyans sentenced to death for police murders before elections.

EUROPE

Islamic State threat in Europe shifts.

Summer of fear: the anxious mood in Germany and France.

French PM open to temporary ban on foreign financing of mosques. France church attack: Manuel Valls highlights 'justice failure'.

Eurozone GDP growth halves as French economy stalls.

Pope Francis visits Auschwitz death camp.

Russia will seek Ukraine foreign assets freeze if $3bn debt not repaid.

Ukraine bans 243 Russian companies from working on its territory — security service.

IMF announces further delay in Ukraine bailout.

Air France grounds scores of flights.

Recent attacks in Western Europe are scaring away Chinese tourists.

AMERICAS

Clinton to nation: It's a 'moment of reckoning'. Clinton promises steady leadership, strong hand as commander in chief.

Exclusive: FBI probes hacking of Democratic congressional group - sources.

US GDP growth misses forecasts despite spending surge.

El Salvador claims blow against powerful street gang.

Venezuela has a new 'forced labor' law that can require people to work in fields.

CDC: Zika could affect 10,000 pregnancies in Puerto Rico by year's end.

Zika virus: Florida cases 'likely' to be first US-based infections.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Nusra Front's Jolani speaks to media.

US General: Afghan IS linked to main group.

FBI chief: Success against ISIS means more terror.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Profit at oil firms hit by fall in crude.

Amazon boss Bezos becomes world's third richest.

Last call for free Windows 10 upgrade.

Good-bye, video cassette recording!.

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