Wednesday, July 19, 2017

World News Briefs -- July 19, 2017



BBC: Saudi-led bloc modifies demands to end Qatar crisis

The four Arab nations leading a boycott of Qatar are no longer insisting it comply with a list of 13 specific demands they tabled last month.

Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt told reporters at the UN they now wanted it to accept six broad principles.

These include commitments to combat terrorism and extremism and to end acts of provocation and incitement.

There was no immediate comment from Qatar, which denies aiding terrorists.

It has refused to agree to any measures that threaten its sovereignty or violate international law, and denounced the "siege" imposed by its neighbours.

The restrictions put in place six weeks ago have forced the gas-rich emirate to import food by sea and air to meet the basic needs of its population of 2.7 million.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Pentagon: Rebel forces taking heavy casualties in Raqqa fight.

Opposition infighting in Syria's Idlib kills 14: monitor. Clashes erupt between rebels, al-Qaida in northwest Syria.

Iraqi Generals warn of difficult road ahead after Mosul.

Sold by IS in Raqqa, Yazidi female fighters back for revenge.

Yemen war: Saudi-led air strike kills displaced civilians. 20 Yemeni civilians reported dead in air strike.

Iran's president threatens response to new US sanctions.

Iranian President Rouhani's brother 'released on bail'.

Turkey holds six rights activists on charges of aiding terror group. Berlin condemns Turkey arrests of Peter Steudtner and further human rights activists.

ASIA

Sikkim standoff: Chinese army moves huge military hardware into Tibet for 'logistical support'.

China 'aggressive' in border row, says India diplomat.

Rohingya Muslims tell of gang rapes and secret killings in Myanmar's hidden region.

Russia's flour aid arrives in N. Korea.

Philippines' Duterte seeks to extend martial law in Mindanao.

Philippines shelves rebel talks after attack on Duterte guards.

Singapore offers Manila drones, urban warfare training.

Japan to host first meeting of world maritime security leaders: Abe.

Fiji's military says it will accept results of election.

AFRICA

S.Sudan clashes force patients, doctors to flee hospital.

Morocco sentences 23 to prison over W. Sahara killings.

China, Tunisia call for new efforts to stabilize Libya.

Surviving the deadliest migration route from Libya to Italy.

Egypt police trap and kill 3 top ‘terrorist group’ members.

Some former Sisi allies turn critics as Egypt election nears.

Maldives President arrests nephew amid power struggle.

EUROPE

U.S., Russia talks on seized properties end with no deal.

Trump and Putin had another, undisclosed conversation at G20.

Russians fear economic problems more than war – poll.

Macron suffers biggest test of authority as military head quits.

EU urges Poland to halt judicial reforms or face sanctions.

Ukraine separatist 'Little Russia' sparks concern over peace deal. Ukraine conflict: Russia rejects new Donetsk rebel 'state'.

Christian refugees flee Islamic persecution in Greek Camps.

AMERICAS

Trump pivots from Obamacare repeal to ordering Republicans to 'let it fail'. ‘Let Obamacare fail,’ Trump declares as GOP plan collapses.

Australians see woman’s shooting by police as US nightmare.

Trump to nominate Jon Huntsman as US ambassador to Russia.

Mexico begins extra security on electronics for U.S.-bound flights.

Legal pot sales begin in Uruguay under landmark 2013 law.

Canadian town near site of mosque attack votes against Muslim cemetery. Canada town votes against having a Muslim cemetery.

Chile moves towards legalising abortion in limited cases.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaeda is getting stronger and more active in Indian subcontinent, say experts.

Indonesia disbands Hizbut Tahrir amid crackdown on hard-line Islamist groups.

Iran continues to protect AMIA bombing suspects.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Lockheed Martin profits jump on higher F-35 jet sales.

Ecuador risks Opec split by increasing oil output.

Mercedes recalls 3m diesel cars over emissions concerns.

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