VOA: Obama: US to Maintain 8,400 Troops in Afghanistan into Next Year
WHITE HOUSE — U.S. President Barack Obama’s plan to maintain 8,400 U.S. troops in Afghanistan through the end of his presidency leaves many unanswered questions about the best path forward as the security situation continues to worsen, experts said.
The administration had initially planned to reduce the number of U.S. troops from the current 9,800 to around 5,500 by the end of 2016. But Obama said Wednesday that the security situation in Afghanistan "remains precarious" and so he is leaving more troops than originally planned through the end of his administration.
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MIDDLE EAST
Islamic State group battered, but still unbowed in Syria.
Syria conflict: Army declares 72-hour Eid al-Fitr truce. Syrian army declares 72-hour halt in fighting.
Iraq sees worst bombing since invasion with 250 deaths. Death toll from Baghdad blast rises to 250 - Iraq's Health Ministry.
After IS's defeat, sectarian fears rise in Iraq's Fallujah.
Islamic State pressured after Turkey tightens Jihadi highway.
At least 26 killed in South Yemen army base attack: sources. Double car bomb strikes Yemen military base. Yemen: Aden army base hit by double car bomb attack.
Saudi King seeks revenge after deadly suicide attacks.
Iran threatens to restart nuclear program.
ASIA
Obama, in shift, says he will keep 8,400 U.S. troops in Afghanistan until 2017.
Cambodian opposition marks 1997 coup.
Open criticism, unruly militias add to Afghan government woes.
US sanctions North Korea leader Kim Jong-un for human rights abuses.
North Korea releases water from border dam without notice.
Chef at Bangladesh cafe probably working with attackers: police.
Australian PM Turnbull in reach of hollow election victory.
China chides U.N. group over criticism of 'arbitrary' detention.
China flooding: Wuhan on red alert for further rain.
AFRICA
Two Dutch soldiers killed in Mali peacekeeping accident.
France sentences two men to life in prison for 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Zimbabwe 'shut down' over economic collapse.
Boko Haram's devastation leaves tens of thousands starving.
UN envoy: No recognition for Libya's eastern government.
Rights group blasts EU plans on halting Libya migrant exodus.
Violence erupts again in South Sudan as faith in peace deal flounders.
Willie Kimani: Kenyan lawyer tortured before death.
Oscar Pistorius sentenced to 6 years in prison for murder. Oscar Pistorius: Six years for Reeva Steenkamp murder.
EUROPE
NATO-Russia Council to meet in possible move to ease tensions.
EU lawmakers endorse new Border and Coast Guard Agency.
Scathing report slams Blair over botched Iraq war. British inquiry slams ex-PM Blair for catalog of failures over Iraq war.
Blair denies lying as inquiry damns handling of Iraq War.
In shadow of Brexit, NATO considers Russian deterrence.
Thousands join protests in Kiev against rising gas prices, utility rates.
German intel: more 'turbo-radicalized' neo-Nazis emerging.
France makes strong bid for banking business poised to leave London.
Lionel Messi sentenced to 21 months in prison on tax fraud charges.
AMERICAS
Chilean President Bachelet's approval rating hits record low.
Brazil's Rousseff gives impassioned defense against impeachment.
GOP seeks hearings on FBI decision on Clinton emails. FBI director to appear Thursday before lawmakers to explain Clinton decision.
Victims of gang violence in Central America flee homes to 'save their lives': U.N..
Brazil police arrests nine over corruption at nuclear plant.
Myriad of problems overshadow excitement of upcoming Rio Olympics.
Venezuelans storm Colombia border city in search of food and basic goods.
Pope accepts resignation of Brazilian bishop in sex abuse case.
US trade deficit expands more than expected.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Taliban condemns suicide attack in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Muslims worldwide come to grips with a bloody Ramadan.
UN counterterror chief: Nations must work smarter against IS.
US, Brazil search for missing former Gitmo detainee.
ISIS reportedly boils its fleeing fighters alive in Fallujah.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Record-low US Treasury yield points to rising economic fears.
Fed minutes suggest rate hikes on hold until Brexit impact clearer.
Shares slide as Brexit fears take hold.
France overtakes Britain as world's No. 5 economy after pound drops.
U.S. factory orders fall as military spending plunges.
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