Monday, September 26, 2016

World News Briefs -- September 26, 2016



Reuters: Kerry defends diplomacy as Russian-backed forces pound Aleppo

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry defended his efforts to negotiate with Moscow over the war in Syria on Monday, despite the collapse of a ceasefire that has led to a massive Russian-backed assault on the besieged rebel-held sector of Aleppo.

Medical supplies were running out in eastern Aleppo, with victims pouring into barely functioning hospitals as Russia and its ally President Bashar al-Assad ignored Western pleas to stop the bombing of the last major urban area in opposition hands.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria conflict: Obama 'deeply concerned' about Aleppo.

Air strikes pound rebel-held Aleppo districts. Aleppo: Bodies litter floor at makeshift hospital.

Russia dismisses war crimes claims as Aleppo campaign continues. What you did in Iraq & Libya is the real barbarism – Russian FM spox rebukes US envoy to UN.

Syrian foreign minister says cease-fire agreement 'not dead'.

US military hits another Islamic State chemical weapons facility in Iraq.

Erdogan: Mosul offensive will commence October 19.

Ahmadinejad allies say Iran leader told him not to run again.

Six soldiers killed in clashes with militants in southeast Turkey: sources. Ten Turkish troops killed in two separate 'PKK attacks'.

Christians, Jews in Turkey growing more fearful of Islamic extremism.

Israeli official: Gaza underground wall to be done in months.

Israeli consortium signs gas deal with Jordan.

Saudi king cuts ministers' salaries 20%.

ASIA

U.S. charges four Chinese nationals, China-based firm for evading sanctions on North Korea.

China probes North Korea bank suspected of nuclear link - South Korea paper.

India's PM says Pakistan's support of terror is destabilizing Asia.

Afghan forces 'kill Pakistan Taliban commander Azam Tariq'.

China to build outposts for Tajik guards on Tajikistan-Afghanistan border.

New HRW report charges Pakistan police with torture, extrajudicial killings.

S&P threatens Philippines credit rating over drug war, and Duterte is not happy.

Philippines' Duterte wants to 'open alliances' with Russia, China.

Hague court to arbitrate in East Timor-Australia maritime border dispute.

AFRICA

Death toll from militia violence in central Congo jumps to 49.

Somalia's parliamentary election postponed again. Somalia delays elections one more month.

Armed men kill soldier, civilian in Mali's Timbuktu: Army.

Deadly Boko Haram attacks in northeastern Nigeria. Nigeria military: 8 soldiers killed in attacks by extremists.

Man purporting to be Boko Haram leader taunts Nigerian military in video.

At least 13 killed in clashes in central DRC.

South Sudan’s Riek Machar calls for armed struggle.

Aid workers pulled out of volatile South Sudan region.

Moroccan party to oppose 'creeping conservatism' in October vote.

Ali Bongo to be sworn in as Gabon president Tuesday.

Big South African union backs Ramaphosa as next president.

EUROPE

Portugal's Guterres leads race for U.N. chief after fifth ballot.

EU launches debit cards for refugees in Turkey.

France's president visits Calais, calls for demolition of the 'jungle'.

UK appears headed for 'hard Brexit', Scots minister says after talks.

Azerbaijanis vote on boosting president's powers. Azerbaijan votes in controversial referendum to increase president's powers.

Switzerland votes in referendum for increased government surveillance. Swiss endorse new surveillance powers.

Italy warns Swiss over Swiss-first employment referendum.

Knives out for young pretender Macron in French presidential race.

Bosnian Serb referendum backs disputed 9 January holiday.

Spain's Socialist chief calls for leadership race to review government options.

AMERICAS

Clinton and Trump to square off in highly anticipated debate. Clinton, Trump hours away from historic debate battle.

Poll: Clinton, Trump in virtual dead heat on eve of first debate.

Violent crime rises in US: FBI.

Venezuela opposition calls October 12 protest to press Maduro recall.

Missing Mexico students: Case unresolved two years on.

Colombia and FARC prepare to sign historic pact. Colombia, Marxist rebels to sign accord ending 52-year war.

Colombia's President Santos says Farc deal must rebuild country.

Fears for Mexico's economy grow as the peso nears the 20 to the dollar mark.

Iran releases Canadian academic held since June.

Brazil police arrest ex-finance minister Palocci in graft probe.

Charlotte ends curfew imposed after black man shot by police.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State 'dead set' on using chemical arms: Pentagon spokesman.

Senate to vote Wednesday on override of Saudi 9/11 bill.

ISIS hacker gets 20 years for giving terrorists US military kill list.

Spanish police arrest two accused of supporting Islamist militants.

War crimes tribunal for IS detainees lacks support.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Saudi Aramco eyes $334bn investment by 2025.

Global stocks drop ahead of first US presidential debate. Wall Street falls with presidential debate on tap.

Opec plans fresh oil price talks says energy minister.

Deutsche Bank shares plummet to record low as Merkel rules out bailout.

China slowdown is global economy's biggest threat, Rogoff says.

Twitter may be sold for $16bn, but unclear if it's up for sale. Disney considering bid for Twitter: report.

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