Thursday, March 30, 2017

World News Briefs -- March 30, 2017 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: U.S. priority on Syria no longer focused on 'getting Assad out': Haley

The United States' diplomatic policy on Syria for now is no longer focused on making the war-torn country's president, Bashar al-Assad, leave power, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said on Thursday, in a departure from the Obama administration's initial and public stance on Assad's fate.

The view of the Trump administration is also at odds with European powers, who insist Assad must step down.

"You pick and choose your battles and when we're looking at this, it's about changing up priorities and our priority is no longer to sit there and focus on getting Assad out," U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley told a small group of reporters.

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MIDDLE EAST

Tillerson tells frustrated Turks: U.S. faces tough choices in Syria.

Pentagon responds to criticism over civilian deaths in Mosul blast.

ISIS is smuggling women and children into the line of fire in an attempt to increase civilian casualties caused by US bombs, military claims.

Iraqi forces in Mosul see deadliest urban combat since World War II. Mosul shows difficulty of removing militants from urban area.

UN chief in Iraq backs fight against Islamic State group.

Rush hour on Mosul's 'displacement highway'.

Turkey announces end to military operation in Syria. Turkey 'ends' Euphrates Shield campaign in Syria. Turkey ends 'Euphrates Shield' operation in Syria.

UN: Number of Syrian refugees passes five million. UN calls for action as Syrian refugee numbers exceed 5 million.

Syrian opposition rejects 'any role' for Assad.

Assad’s fate ‘to be decided by Syrian people,’ says Tillerson. US says Assad's overthrow no longer a priority.

Iran denies meddling in Arab world.

Rattled by Donald Trump's ambiguous policies, Arab leaders renew calls for Palestinian statehood.

Thousands commemorate Palestinian 'Land Day'.

Netanyahu vows to move ahead on new settlement plan. Israeli Cabinet approves new settlement, first in 2 decades.

ASIA

South Korea's ousted leader Park Geun-Hye arrested. Park Geun-hye, disgraced former South Korean President, locked up in Seoul.

US wants China to take action to stop North Korea nuke tests. US warns China it is losing patience over North Korea.

North Korea condemns U.S. senators for 'offending' Kim Jong Un.

Kim Jong-nam: Malaysia releases body of slain half-brother of Kim Jong-un, diplomatic spat ends.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi defends first year in power.

Russia, Iran urge dialogue between Afghanistan, Taliban.

Philippines' Duterte threatens press over critical coverage.

Cambodian opposition figure sentenced again.

Veils and 'abnormal' beards banned as China attempts to combat religious extremism in Xinjiang. China's Xinjiang cracks down on Muslim practices in 'anti-extremist' push.

Trump to meet China's Xi in Florida next week.

AFRICA

Trump approves plan to ramp up Somalia anti-terror campaign.

Boko Haram faction seeks grassroots support in NE Nigeria.

Libya asks EU for ships and radars to stop migrants: sources.

Aide to warlord Kony surrenders as US pulls from mission.

Ethiopia extends state of emergency by four months.

US demands cuts to UN's DRC troop deployment.

UN to scale back DR Congo peacekeeping force.

Exclusive: South Africa's Zuma considers stepping down early in deal to oust Gordhan.

South African opposition parties aim at President Jacob Zuma.

EUROPE

Merkel, Orban clash on refugees, laying bare European disunity.

EU to lay out Brexit response, set negotiating priorities.

Putin wants to meet Trump before July's G20 summit.

West ignoring Putin's actions, says dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Russia opposes THAAD defense system in Korea.

Putin says Western criticism of Russia's handling of protests political.

Poland shuts down Ukraine consulates following Lutsk grenade attack.

Brexit: No talks with the UK before clear withdrawal terms, says France.

EU could BREAK UP the US: Juncker in jaw-dropping threat to Trump over support for Brexit.

AMERICAS

White House tells Russia probers: Come see intel yourselves.

Russian experts paint sinister picture of Russian meddling.

Senators voice alarm over Russian election interference. Russia draws senators' focus in hearing on election meddling.

U.S. appeals injunction of Trump revised travel order.

US senators McCain and Graham: We won't back short-term government funding bill.

Venezuela Supreme Court takes over legislative powers from National Assembly. Venezuela high court to take over National Assembly duties.

Leftist gains edge ahead of tense Ecuador presidential vote.

Brazil ex-speaker Eduardo Cunha jailed for 15 years.

El Salvador becomes first country to ban metals mining.

10 bodies found in mass grave in Mexico.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Trump grants U.S. military more authority to attack militants in Somalia.

Top general: ISIS ‘extraordinarily savvy’ in cyber.

Pentagon picks national security lawyer to run Guantanamo war court.

Canadian airport employees showed signs of radicalization, visited ISIS websites – report.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US stocks shake gloom as oil tops $50/barrel.

SpaceX launches its first recycled rocket in historic leap.

US move to relax privacy rules for internet service providers could trigger European pushback.

Toshiba shareholders angry as chip unit sale approved.

UK's Brexit poses trade headache.

Air traffic booming around the world.

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