Tuesday, August 29, 2017

World News Briefs -- August 29, 2017



Reuters: Trump headed to Texas as Houston struggles with record rainfall

HOUSTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump headed to Texas on Tuesday to survey the response to devastating Tropical Storm Harvey, the first major natural disaster of his White House tenure, as officials in Houston struggled to manage the record-breaking rains.

The slow-moving storm has brought catastrophic flooding to Texas, killed at least nine people, led to mass evacuations and paralyzed Houston, the fourth most-populous U.S. city. Some 30,000 people were expected to seek emergency shelter as the flooding entered its fourth day.

Officials in Harris County, where Houston is located, said reservoirs built to handle drainage water were beginning to overflow on Tuesday. They urged residents to evacuate as they released water to alleviate pressure on two dams, a move that would add to flooding along the Buffalo Bayou waterway that runs through the area.

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S. coalition exchanged fire with rebels in Syria: spokesman.

Kirkuk votes to take part in Kurdish independence poll.

Lebanon frees hundreds of ISIS fighters in exchange for soldiers’ bodies.

Rights groups demand UN probe into Yemen abuses.

Netanyahu: Iran building missile sites in Syria.

Tehran shuns US call for UN inspection of military sites. Iran dismisses idea of military site inspections.

Israeli MP prays at flashpoint Jerusalem holy site.

Hajj pilgrimage entangled in web of Saudi politics.

ASIA

Trump issues warning to North Korea over missile launch.

Japan's Shinzo Abe consults with Trump after North Korea missile launch. Japan's Abe, Trump hold 40-minute long call on North Korea missile.

Japanese react furiously to North Korean missile launch.

North Korea says US war games driving towards 'extreme level of explosion' after firing ballistic missile over Japan. N. Korea: US pushing region to 'extreme level of explosion'.

South Korea conducts bombing drill as US, Seoul discuss tougher sanctions on North.

Dynasty grows: Kim Jong-un has reportedly fathered a secret, third child.

Pakistan and China discuss Afghanistan after US official snubbed by Islamabad.

'No way in, no way out': Philippine military contains Marawi battle within 500 sqm.

Rohingya fleeing Myanmar violence face expulsion despite U.N. appeal. Rohingya men answer call to arms against Myanmar's forces.

AFRICA

African and European leaders agree action plan on migration crisis.

Backed by Italy, Libya enlists militias to stop migrants.

War-ravaged South Sudan passes budget, but funding will be 'difficult'.

Tonga's speaker says power grab behind parliament sacking.

Qatar-Gulf crisis spreads to Africa.

Nigeria seizes $21m linked to Diezani Alison-Madueke.

South African minister Motsoaledi blasts African leaders' 'health tourism'.

EUROPE

Russia seeks to reassure over war games, denies invasion plans.

US ‘should & will’ get along with Russia – Trump.

Merkel calls for extension of EU border controls.

Merkel: Lifting anti-Russian sanctions would benefit both Russia and Germany.

Romania’s ruling party says no euro decision has been made.

Macron calls fight on 'Islamist terrorism' a priority of French foreign policy.

European Security Organization urges Trump to stop attacks on the press.

Italy drought: Rome forced to cut water pressure at night.

AMERICAS

Dramatic nighttime rescues in flooded Houston suburbs as Harvey rolls on.

Two more days of 'catastrophic' rains forecast from Harvey.

Colombia protests what it says was Venezuelan military incursion over border.

US sanctions to pile misery on moribund Venezuelan economy.

Russia: US setting stage for Venezuela invasion.

Crisis flares in Guatemala over corruption and organised crime.

Bolivians divided over plan to build road through national park.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S., Iraq blacklist Islamic State finance official: U.S. Treasury.

The problem is al-Qaeda not ISIS (Commentary).

The threat of small-dollar terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Global stocks in retreat after North Korean missile test.

Euro rises to 18-month high against dollar.

Despite new U.S. sanctions, Russian oil traders say it's business as usual.

Burger King launches WhopperCoin crypto-cash in Russia.

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