Friday, October 20, 2017

World News Briefs -- October 20, 2017

Reuters: Pair of mosque attacks kill at least 50 in Afghanistan

KABUL (Reuters) - A suicide bomber killed at least 30 people inside a Shi‘ite mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday night, a security official said, and a separate bombing killed at least another 20 at a mosque in the middle of the country.

The Kabul bombing is the latest in a string of violent attacks on the country’s Shi‘ite minority. The attack occurred at Imam Zaman mosque in the western Dasht-e-Barchi part of Kabul as Shi‘ite worshippers gathered for prayers.

A senior security official said the exact number of casualties was unknown but that security forces at the scene had removed at least 30 bodies.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraqi and Kurdish forces exchange fire at border. Iraq army seizes town near Erbil after fierce clashes. Kirkuk province: Iraqi and Kurdish forces in fierce fight.

Iraqi court issues arrest warrant for Kurdish vice president.

Baghdad takes last Kirkuk sector, Rosneft backs Irbil.

US-backed Syrian force declares victory over IS in Raqqa. Raqqa to be part of 'federal Syria', U.S.-backed militia says.

Syria's war: Rebels groups sign fragile ceasefire covering Eastern Ghouta.

Turkey worried Kurdish influence will grow in Syria after Raqqa.

Hamas must disarm to join Palestinian unity government - US.

$50,000 payments help grieving Gaza families end blood feuds.

EU considers reducing $5bn accession aid to Turkey.

ASIA

Kabul Shia mosque blast kills dozens. Afghan official: Suicide bombing at Kabul mosque kills 30.

Having nuclear weapons 'matter of life and death' for North Korea: agency.

North Korea: CIA director says regime nearly capable of nuclear attack.

North Korea 'rant' letter shows sanctions are biting, says Australia's PM Malcolm Turnbull. North Korea writes open letter to Parliament urging Australia to move away from Trump administration.

South Korea to push ahead with nuclear power plants.

East Timor government faces uncertainty after parliamentary defeat.

New Zealand to hold cannabis referendum within three years.

AFRICA

At least 46 attacks in area of Niger where U.S. troops killed: U.N..

Kenya’s police say 4 killed in opposition demonstrations.

US warns Americans about visiting Sudan over 'terror risks'.

EU 'running out of money' to stop migrants travelling from Africa.

Togo opposition accuses government of brutal crackdown.

Niger raid highlights US forces' growing Africa role.

Malawi cracks down on 'vampire' lynch mobs.

EUROPE

Catalonia crisis: Spain plans for elections as independence row grows. Spain’s leader prepares to unveil specific Catalan measures.

EU leaders decline to mediate over Catalonia as Spain decides next step.

EU leaders struggle to break through Brexit talks impasse.

NATO leaders set to meet July 11-12, 2018 in Brussels.

Jamaica or bust: Merkel starts crunch coalition talks.

Italian regions go to the polls in Europe's latest referendums on autonomy.

Czechs set to elect Teflon-coated billionaire Andrej Babis.

Anger over Donald Trump's UK crime tweet.

AMERICAS

Trump tax cuts gain momentum as Rand Paul goes 'all in'.

Barack Obama delivers veiled but withering rebuke of Donald Trump. Obama and Bush decry deep US divisions without naming Trump.

Puerto Rico continues to struggle a month after Hurricane Maria.

Cuban oil drilling ready for 2018.

Venezuela swears in governors amid opposition boycott.

Brazil prosecutors investigate plan to give reconstituted food to poor people.

Exclusive: New data shows race disparities in Canada's bail system.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

France's Macron says Raqqa fall not end of battle against Islamic State.

US drone strike targets al-Shabab after Somalia attack.

Syrian refugee detained in Greece on terror charge.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

The massive Saudi Aramco IPO doesn't look like a great investment to many.

Hurricanes, earthquakes estimated to cost insurers $95B.

Amazon: More than 100 cities bid for new headquarters.

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