The Guardian: Trump knew for weeks Michael Flynn misled over Russia contact
White House says resignation a result of ‘eroding level of trust’, not potential violation of law, as GOP divided over inquiry into Flynn’s calls with ambassador
Donald Trump is facing mounting pressure to explain his ties with Russia after it emerged that he knew weeks ago his national security adviser had misled officials about secret communications with Russian officials but did not fire him.
The retired general Michael Flynn was forced to quit on Monday night after reports that he could be vulnerable to blackmail by Moscow.
Democrats demanded an independent investigation into Flynn’s phone calls with the Russian ambassador, what Trump knew about them and when. A senior Republican promised to examine the matter “exhaustively”, but others in the party were reluctant.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria's al-Bab largely under control of Turkey-backed rebels, Turkish PM says.
Syria war: 'Dozens killed' as jihadists clash in Idlib.
UN: 'Looming catastrophe' in four besieged Syrian towns.
Syria talks in Astana 'to be held behind closed doors'.
Lebanon PM stands firm on Assad 'crimes'.
Saudi royals host Erdogan ahead of Syria talks.
Yemen conflict: Seven Saudi soldiers killed on border.
Hardliner named as new Hamas leader in Gaza Strip.
Iran urges Gulf states to 'seize the opportunity' of Rouhani visit.
Turkey: Hundreds detained over alleged links to PKK.
ASIA
Brother of Kim Jong-Un 'assassinated' in Malaysia. Kim Jong-un's half-brother Kim Jong-nam 'assassinated by female North Korean agents' in Malaysian airport. North Korea suspected behind murder of leader's half-brother: U.S. sources.
US calls for collective action to hold N. Korea ‘accountable’ for ballistic missile test.
China says opposes N Korean missiles tests that violate UN resolutions.
North Korea diplomat calls missile launch self-defense, slams U.N. resolutions.
Seoul questions defense system after latest North Korea missile launch.
Russia gathers stakeholders, sans US or NATO, for Afghanistan conference.
Four Indian soldiers, four militants dead in Kashmir gun battles.
Philippine drug war continues despite corruption.
India to launch a record 104 satellites.
AFRICA
Clashes leave over 100 dead in Congo. UN: Soldiers kill 101 in clashes with Kamwina Nsapu.
South Sudan war reaches 'catastrophic proportions': UN report.
Famine gripping Somalia and South Sudan.
Drought is pushing food prices up sharply in East Africa.
Burundi govt again refuses crisis talks with opposition.
US warns of growing piracy risk off West Africa.
UN expert calls on Cameroon to restore net services.
Head of Libya's unity govt to meet rival army chief.
Plague of armyworms threatens to strip southern Africa of key food crops.
EUROPE
Nervous NATO allies seek reassurance from Trump's defense chief.
Trump expects Russia to ‘return Crimea' – White House.
Montenegrin PM warns Russia to 'Keep Hands Off' NATO bid.
Russia denies targeting French presidential contender.
Anti-Islam Wilders frontrunner as Dutch election campaign begins.
France's Fillon puts down rebellion but lawmakers nervous.
Merkel seeks speedier deportations to Tunisia.
Greece defies creditors over more cuts as economy shrinks unexpectedly. Greek economy shrinks between October and December.
Disgruntled Rome official quits, adding to woes of 5-Star mayor.
AMERICAS
Donald Trump knew for weeks that Michael Flynn was misleading over Russia, White House says.
White House tries to insulate Trump from Russia scandal.
Russia cloud over Trump not likely to fade with Flynn exit.
Sanctioned for drugs, Venezuelan vice president slams U.S. 'aggression'. Venezuela's VP shrugs off drug sanctions as US weighs policy.
Paraguay police seize tonnes of Venezuelan currency.
Argentine prosecutor asks to investigate president over postal service deal.
Mexico economy minister says doubts U.S. border tax will materialize.
Canadian judge rules in favor of forcibly adopted First Nations survivors.
California sheriff: Nearly 200,000 residents evacuated near dam can return home but should stay prepared.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Al Qaeda likely to absorb ISIS amid weakened territorial holdings.
As Islamic State loses territory, it seeks to survive online.
Mosul is still a dangerous flashpoint in fight against Islamic State.
Three people including a 16-year-old girl are charged over plans to carry out 'imminent terror attack' in France 'after police found explosives in a flat'.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Yellen flags 'uncertainty' over US fiscal policy.
Apple, banks push Wall Street to all-time high.
oshiba facing end of the road as earnings report delayed, chairman Shigenori Shiga to step down.
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