Wall Street Journal: Mattis Heads to Asia on Trump Administration’s First Overseas Trip
New defense chief to face questions over what to expect from new president; jitters among allies
WASHINGTON—Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is headed to Asia this week as the first member of the Trump cabinet to venture abroad amid the administration’s tumultuous start.
Mr. Mattis will have the daunting task of representing a government that has upended a longstanding alliance with Mexico and antagonized much of the Middle East with new blocks on immigration, and must reassure jittery allies that the U.S. will continue to be their friend, according to U.S. officials.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syrian militias get more U.S. support for IS fight, plan new phase.
UN postpones Syria political talks until Feb. 20 .
Abadi: Iraq will not retaliate against US travel ban.
Iran: Missile tests not in violation of nuclear deal. US government calls for urgent UN consultation after Iran allegedly test launches ballistic missile.
Yemen war erases decade of health gains, many children starving: UNICEF.
Trump courts Jordan's king amid embassy, refugee concerns.
Violence erupts during eviction of Israeli settlers from illegal outpost.
Saudi Arabia signals end of tax-free living as oil revenues slump.
ASIA
Trump's defense chief heads to Asia, eying China, North Korea threat.
Afghanistan reconstruction 'remains tenuous and incomplete': U.S. watchdogs.
Amnesty warns of crimes against humanity in Philippines. Philippines drugs war killings systematic, planned: Amnesty.
Chinese state media editorial warns South Korea over THAAD.
Bangladesh firm on Rohingya relocation plan, wants Myanmar to take them back.
Pakistan, fearing US visa ban, cracks down on militant group.
Ex-U.N. chief Ban rules out presidential run in South Korea complaining of 'fake news'.
AFRICA
Fresh clashes near South Sudan's oil hub of Malakal.
Libyan officials criticize U.S. travel ban, doubt over February conference.
Refugees in Kenya hit by US travel ban after years of waiting for asylum.
Morocco's king hails 'return home' to AU after 33 years. African leaders preach unity in readmitting Morocco into AU.
900 churches in Nigeria destroyed by Boko Haram.
The turmoil engulfing Zimbabwe football.
Two Russian pilots, Congolese officer die in helicopter crashes.
EUROPE
Ukraine clashes rage for third day, sparking EU concern. Kiev and Kremlin trade blame over surge in east Ukraine fighting. Ukraine: Fighting flares up in eastern town of Avdiivka.
EU chair labels Trump a 'threat' as Europeans debate U.S. ties.
Britain's House of Commons begins debating Article 50 trigger bill.
France's Fillon hit with new allegations over wife's employment. 'Fake job' scandal deepens for France's Fillon. Police raid French parliament in François Fillon investigation.
France's Le Pen defiant as EU seeks return of misspent money.
Theresa May in trouble over Trump's UK state visit invite. British Parliament to debate Trump's state visit after petition.
Foreign state seen behind hack into Czech Foreign Ministry email.
Chancellor Angela Merkel holds talks with Swedish government, royals.
Austria to ban full-face veil in public places.
AMERICAS
Trump picks conservative judge Gorsuch for Supreme Court.
Trump team kept Gorsuch secret with back roads and military jet.
Venezuelan State-Oil firm poised for default.
Canada 'trash radio' under fire after Quebec mosque attack.
Mexico arrests soldiers attempting to sell firearms to Los Zetas Cartel.
Standing Rock tribe says it will take legal action against Dakota pipeline decision.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US misfires in online fight against Islamic State.
IS using drones, other innovating tactics with deadly effect.
Shabaab details deadly raid on Kenyan military base in Somalia.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
EU, Mexico to speed up trade talks amid Trump fallout.
Tesla, BMW electrics fall short of highest crash-test rating.
Apple defies Wall Street with strong revival in iPhone sales.
Buffett bought $12 billion in stocks since the election.
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