World News Briefs -- August 21, 2017

Daily Mail: Eclipse mania! Millions of Americans sit in some of the 'worst traffic jams in history', flock to Burning Man-style festivals and fill camp grounds at 21 national parks ahead of TODAY'S once-in-a-lifetime celestial event

* The eclipse begins its cross-country trajectory over the Pacific Coast of Oregon late Monday morning and will reach South Carolina's Atlantic shore some 90 minutes later
* On Monday, the deepest part of the shadow, or umbra, cast by the moon will fall over a 70-mile-wide, 2,500-mile-long 'path of totality' traversing 14 states
* Officials in Oregon and other states are warning drivers the eclipse could cause the worst traffic jams
* Experts advise people to wear proper protective eyewear or risk lasting blind spots during the eclipse
* Monday's event will be the first total solar eclipse spanning the entire continental United States since 1918
* It is also the first total solar eclipse visible anywhere in the Lower 48 states in 38 years

Twilight will fall at midday on Monday, stars will glimmer and birds will roost in an eerie stillness as millions of Americans and visitors witness the first total solar eclipse to traverse the United States from coast to coast in 99 years.

The sight of the moon's shadow passing directly in front of the sun, blotting out all but the halo-like solar corona, may draw the largest live audience for a celestial event in human history. When those watching via broadcast and online media are factored into the mix, the spectacle will likely smash records.

'It will certainly be the most observed total eclipse in history,' astronomer Rick Fienberg of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) said last week.

The eclipse begins its cross-country trajectory over the Pacific Coast of Oregon in late morning. It will reach South Carolina's Atlantic shore some 90 minutes later.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi forces advance on Isis-held city of Tal Afar. Iraq: Islamic State militants warned 'surrender or die' as battle to take back Tal Afar begins. IS conflict: Iraq army makes advances on Tal Afar.

US-led strikes killed 27 civilians Sunday in Syria's Raqa: monitor.

Syria war: Russian jets 'destroy IS convoy near Deir al-Zour'. Russian air force destroys 200+ ISIS terrorists heading for Deir ez-Zor, Syria – MoD.

Analysis: The Syrian regime’s offensive towards Deir Ezzor.

Turkey, Iran step up coordination in Syria.

Suleimani: Iran has 'upper hand' in region but is not a source of crisis.

3 Lebanese soldiers killed during offensive against IS.

ASIA

South Korea and US launch Ulchi Freedom Guardian drills.

Joint US-South Korea military exercises not meant to raise tensions, says Moon.

South Koreans split over US missile shield.

China's top diplomat issued stern warning to North Korea, Seoul says.

North Korea warns Australia over joint military exercises with US and South Korea.

War with India won’t give China any clear gain, only cause casualties, assesses govt. India says China stand-off will end 'soon'.

Nine killed in Philippines militant attack: police.

Bangladesh sentences 10 Islamists to death over plot to kill PM Sheikh Hasina.

China-Taiwan tensions show at Universiade sports event.

AFRICA

Thirteen dead in fresh C. Africa clashes.

Aid workers face unique crisis in South Sudan war, says ICRC.

Death toll in DR Congo landslide climbs to 140.

Hospital officals: Nearly 500 dead in Sierra Leone mudslides.

Somalia forces capture key al-Shabab town of Bariire.

President Buhari in plea for Nigerian unity. Muhammadu Buhari addresses nation on return from UK.

Grace Mugabe gets diplomatic immunity, returns home to Zimbabwe pursued by assault allegation.

EUROPE

Police extend hunt for Barcelona attack suspect across Europe. Barcelona search for van attack suspect intensifies, widens.

Spanish town struggles to reconcile locals as extremist cell.

US Embassy in Russia suspends issuing nonimmigrant visas.

Moscow to further examine US decision to limit issuing visas to Russians.

Marseille crash: one dead after car driven into bus shelters.

Moroccan suspect named over Finland stabbings in Turku.

German nationalists try reviving migration as election topic.

Migrants in Rome evicted from office block as UN voices concern.

AMERICAS

Eclipse eve: Millions converge across US to see sun go dark. Millions pour into US towns in path of total eclipse.

Trump will address path forward on Afghanistan.

Most Americans oppose threatening North Korea with military action: CBS News Poll.

British spy behind Trump-Russia dossier could be forced to talk after US court ruling.

President Maduro strips Venezuela’s parliament of power.

NAFTA partners wrap up first round of renegotiation talks.

Leo Varadkar and Justin Trudeau take part in Montreal Pride Parade.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Lebanon says it helped foil plot to down plane in Australia.

Suspect raising money for IS granted bail in Pakistan.

Soft targets and tourist terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US business economists fret over Trump policy agenda.

France’s Total buying Maersk Oil for $7.45 billion.

Most expensive British car ever sold goes for $22.5 million.