Saudi Arabia Intercepts Second Yemen Missile Fired In The Past Month

Reuters: Saudi Arabia intercepts Yemeni missile, second in a month

DUBAI (Reuters) - A ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s armed Houthi group at Saudi Arabia was shot down on Thursday near the south-western city of Khamis Mushait, the Saudi-owned al-Arabiya channel reported.

It was the second ballistic missile fired from Yemen this month, after an earlier rocket was brought down near King Khaled Airport on the northern outskirts of the capital Riyadh.

A Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen has closed air, land and sea access in a move it says is meant to stop a flow of Iranian arms to the Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen. The blockade has cut food imports to seven million people on the brink of famine.

Read more ....

More News On Saudi Arabia Intercepting The Second Yemen Missile Fired In The Past Month

Saudi Arabia Intercepts Ballistic Missile Fired From Yemen, State Media Say -- RFE
Saudi Arabia intercepts second Yemen missile in a month -- AFP
Saudi Air Force destroys ballistic missile launched from Yemen -- CNN
Yemen rebel ballistic missile 'hits target' in Saudi: Houthi TV -- Gulf Times/AFP
Exclusive: Yemen rebel missiles fired at Saudi Arabia appear Iranian - U.N. -- Reuters

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry: Israel, Egypt, Saudis Pushed US to Bomb Iran

© REUTERS/ Darren Ornitz

Algemeiner: Kerry: Israel, Egypt, Saudis Pushed US to Bomb Iran Before Nuclear Deal

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday that Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia encouraged the US to “bomb Iran” before the 2015 nuclear deal was brokered by the Obama administration and other world powers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “genuinely agitating towards action” before the deal was finalized, said Kerry at the Ignatius Forum in Washington DC.

Kerry also stated that during his tenure as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Saudi King Abdullah, former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Netanyahu all pushed for military action against Iran.

“Each of them said to me, you have to bomb Iran, it’s the only thing they are going to understand,” said Kerry.

Read more ....

Update #1: Kerry: Israel, Egypt, Saudis pushed US to bomb Iran before nuke deal (Times Of Israel/AP)
Update #2: Israel, Middle East Leaders Tried to ‘Trap’ US into War With Iran - Kerry (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: The Israelis, Saudis, and Egyptians certainly misread the Obama administration on this issue.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev: U.S.-Russia Relations Are in ‘Disgusting’ Condition

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev © Ekaterina Shtukina / Reuters

Moscow Times: Russia's PM Medvedev Says U.S.-Russia Relations ‘Worst in Memory’

U.S.-Russia relations are in the worst state that Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev can remember, he said Thursday, even though he believes President Donald Trump wants to improve them.

Speaking at his annual question and answer session with journalists broadcast on Kremlin-run television, Medvedev said U.S.-Russia relations “are worst in my memory” — and, he stressed, he was alive during the period under former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev.

“They are very bad,” Medvedev said. “I would say appalling. They are the worst I can remember.”

Read more ....

WNU Editor: It is about to get worse as explained in the commentary .... The US sanctions bill is a timebomb for Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin (Natalie Nougayrède, The Guardian)

More News On Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's Remarks On Current U.S.-Russia Relations

Russia-US atmosphere 'getting ugly' though Trump is decent politician — PM Medvedev -- TASS
Russian PM says U.S.-Russia ties at low ebb but Trump 'friendly' -- Reuters
U.S.-Russia Relations Are in ‘Disgusting’ Condition, Medvedev Says -- Bloomberg

Geneva Peace Talks On Syria Have Been Extended To December 15

Radio Free Europe: UN: Geneva Peace Talks On Syria Extended To December 15

The UN special envoy for Syria says the current round of talks aimed at ending the conflict is to run through December 15.

Staffan de Mistura said in Geneva on November 30 that the Syrian government delegation might go home to "consult" for several days.

He told a news conference that the talks would focus on a new constitution and UN-supervised parliamentary and presidential elections.

The UN mediator also mentioned an unspecified "12 points" in the works that could lead to a "shared vision of what Syria could look like" after more than six years of war.

Read more ....

More News On Geneva Peace Talks On Syria Being Extended To December 15

Syria: UN-supported talks in Geneva extended until mid-December -- UN News Centre
UN extends Syria round to December 15, presidency not yet on table -- Reuters
Syrian talks in Geneva to continue to Dec. 15: UN envoy -- Xinhua
Syrian reconciliation talks in Geneva may continue until December 15 — UN mediator -- TASS

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- November 30, 2017

Harry J. Kazianis & Daniel L. Davis, National Interest: North Korea's Next Move (That Could Start a War): An Atmospheric Nuclear Test?

How Pyongyang's next move could spark what can only be described as a disaster.

For logical and traceable reasons, the chances of war on the Korean peninsula have moved beyond “possible” and now solidly into “likely” territory. The combined actions, decisions, and positions of Presidents George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump, along with North Korean dictators Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un, have perversely created a no-win situation in which war may now be unavoidable––a tragic and avoidable situation for which hundreds of thousands or millions of Americans, South Koreas, and Japanese may pay with their lives.

With the adoption of a rational policy, however, American security can be assured, and war avoided.

Read more ....

 Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- November 30, 2017

Give Up on Stopping North Korea -- Eli Lake, Bloomberg

There Have to Be Consequences For China -- By Joseph Bosco, RCW

China's military rise erodes American leadership in Asia -- Denny Roy, The Hill

Will Israel launch pre-emptive strike against Assad? -- Ben Caspit, Al-Monitor

Iran Reshapes the Middle East -- George Friedman, Geopolitical Futures

America lacks a coherent plan to counter Tehran's regional influence -- Michael Young, The National

Analysis: Israel zigzags on Iranian bases in Syria to give Russia room -- Seth J. Frantzman, Jerusalem Post

Kenya deeply divided -- Martina Schwikowski, DW

What can Kenya expect from Kenyatta's second term? -- Nanjala Nyabolaby, Al Jazeera

High-Technology Set to Dominate Russia’s Rearmament Program -- Roger McDermott, RCW/Eurasia Daily Monitor

Don't call Putin a genius -- Josh Cohen, Reuters

The US sanctions bill is a timebomb for Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin -- Natalie Nougayrède, The Guardian

Another Angela Merkel-led grand coalition in Germany: What you need to know -- Jefferson Chase, DW

Cash crunch: how Venezuela inadvertently became a cashless economy -- John Otis, The Guardian

The Blockchain Is Bigger Than Any Bubble -- Bloomberg editorial

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

CNBC: Dow rips 331 points higher, closes above 24,000 as chances of Senate tax bill passing rise

* The Dow and S&P 500 both hit all-time highs on Thursday.
* Wall Street awaited a Senate vote on tax reform.
* The Nasdaq composite tried to recover from sharp losses in the previous session.

Stocks rallied on Thursday as the possibility of the Senate passing a bill aimed at overhauling the U.S. tax code increased.

The Dow Jones industrial average surged 331.67 points to close above 24,000 for the first time, with United Technologies leading advancers on the 30-stock index.

The S&P 500 advanced 0.8 percent to close at 2,647.58 — an all-time high — with industrials and information technology among the best-performing sectors. L Brands and Kroger were the best-performing stocks in the index.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

U.N. brings Syria talks under one roof, not yet into one room.

Syria war: UN seeks urgent Eastern Ghouta medical evacuations.

Over 400 US Marines being withdrawn from Syria anti-IS operation.

US-led coalition says its strikes have killed 800 Iraqi and Syrian civilians.

Amnesty: Syrian military used cluster bombs in besieged area.

Saudi Arabia intercepts Yemeni missile, second in a month.

Exclusive: Yemen rebel missiles fired at Saudi Arabia appear Iranian - U.N..

Yemen war: Fighting breaks out among allied rebels. Tens of thousands gather in Yemen capital after rebel clashes.

Theresa May: Saudi blockade on Yemen must be eased.

Theresa May praises 'military successes' in retaking Mosul as she becomes first major foreign leader to visit Iraq.

Lebanon's Saad Hariri in 'constant fear of his life,' he tells French magazine.

Israel carries out Gaza strikes after mortar fire.

Israeli settler kills Palestinian in West Bank in what Army calls response to rock-throwing.

Turkish gold trader implicates Erdogan in Iran money laundering.

ASIA

North Korea: Unwanted war 'closer,' US warns.

Donald Trump slams 'sick puppy' Kim Jong-un as US asks China for North Korea oil sanctions. North Korea: US urges all nations to cut ties.

Beijing, Moscow express ‘grave concern’ at ‘explosive’ situation after DPRK test.

Russia calls on U.S., South Korea not to hold military drills in December. North Korea: Russia accuses US of provoking Kim Jong-un 'to fly off handle'.

Rebels killed in Kashmir encounter triggering protests. Five dead in Kashmir as militant death toll exceeds 200 this year.

Thailand arrests U.S. tourists for taking nude photos at Buddhist temple.

Thousands flee Bali volcano but some stay put or run to it.

AFRICA

Death toll from Somalia truck bomb in October now at 512: probe committee.

Niger approves use of armed American drones: U.S. official.

Between 400,000 and 700,000 African migrants in Libya: AU.

AU, EU summit winds up after anti-slavery initiative.

Libya migrants: Emergency evacuation operation agreed.

Russia negotiates deal for its warplanes to use Egypt bases.

Tear gas as police break up DR Congo opposition protests.

Zimbabwe offers amnesty for funds stashed abroad.

Zimbabwe's president names top military officers in new cabinet.

Zimbabwe will need international effort to restore economy: IMF.

EUROPE

No north-south Ireland border despite leaving customs union, British minister pledges.

Italy's Berlusconi sent to trial accused of bribing witness: source.

Russia-US atmosphere 'getting ugly' though Trump is decent politician — PM Medvedev.

Moscow mulls next move in escalating media spat with US.

Trump hits out at UK PM Theresa May after far-right video tweets. Donald Trump far-right Twitter posts spark outrage in UK.

US calls on Germany to cut diplomatic ties with North Korea.

Iceland's Left-Green leader Jakobsdóttir becomes new PM.

Finnish economy on the mend, posts fastest growth in EU.

France finds traces of radioactive caesium on Russian mushrooms: ASN.

Ukraine 'father of deceased' sets off courtroom grenades.

Police investigating how war criminal Praljak got chemical into courtroom.

Muslim population in Europe projected to rise.

AMERICAS

Argentina abandons rescue mission for crew of missing submarine.

Honduran protesters, police clash in escalating election crisis.

Honduras election: Opposition candidate Nasralla rejects poll count. Tensions rise as winner of Honduras vote expected Thursday.

Sex scandal-hit US lawmaker hospitalized for stress: report.

Army veteran says Franken groped her during USO tour in 2003.

Bolivian court clears way for Morales to run again.

Venezuela arrests ex-oil bosses for graft in widening purge.

Venezuela arrests 2 top oil officials in corruption probe.

Former Argentine military officer jailed for life for crimes against humanity. 48 Argentinian military personnel are jailed for their involvement in 'death flights' - when prisoners were thrown out of planes - and other torture during junta rule 40 years ago.

Over half American kids will be obese by 35: Report reveals more than 57% of children are dangerously unhealthy.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

No lawyer for detained American accused of fighting with IS.

Russia already preparing military withdrawal from Syria: agencies.

Pro-ISIS group urges lone-wolf attacks on children in West as revenge. ISIS turns to lone wolves for Christmas attacks as caliphate crumbles.

Canada vows to assist Montreal woman and her children who escaped Islamic State.

ECONOMICS/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street gains, Dow tops 24,000 as tax bill gains steam.

Dow Jones hits 24,000 mark for first time.

Experts: Automation could take up to 800M jobs by 2030.

OPEC, Russia set to extend oil deal.

American Airlines glitch leaves 15,000 Christmas flights without a captain.

An American Islamic State Fighter Captured In Syria And Detained By The U.S. Military In Iraq Wants A Lawyer

Iraqi special forces intelligence agents check men's IDs in the search for Islamic State fighters in Mosul, Iraq on Nov. 27. Credit:Goran Tomasevic/Reuters

Politico: Judge orders government disclosures on American held by U.S. military

The Justice Dept. acknowledges the prisoner, who allegedly fought for ISIS in Syria, asked the FBI for a lawyer.

A visibly frustrated federal judge ordered the government on Thursday to disclose whether an American detained by the U.S. military on suspicion of fighting for ISIS in Syria was advised of his rights to an attorney and whether he indicated that he wants to pursue legal action challenging his detention.

During an hourlong hearing in U.S. District Court in Washington, Judge Tanya Chutkan repeatedly expressed surprise and concern at the government’s stance regarding the prisoner, who has been in U.S. custody since Sept. 12 and has not been publicly identified.

Read more ....

Update #1: The Latest: American Captured in Syria Has Asked for Lawyer (US News and World Report/AP)
Update #2: American Detained by Military Wants a Lawyer, Government Acknowledges -- New York Times
Update #3: DOJ: American caught fighting for ISIS has been read his rights, but not given an attorney -- The Hill

WNU Editor: I first commented on this case last month .... American ISIS Fighter Captured In Syria And Held In Iraq Now Wants A Lawyer (October 30, 2017). My commentary also still holds ....

.... If you have no evidence .... why keep him? The problem is that many of these surviving ISIS fighters have committed terrible war crimes .... and those who could provide evidence against these men have (unfortunately) been killed by them. This is not going to be resolved over night .... but I suspect that the pressure to release him is only going to grow with time.

Israel Bombs Targets In Gaza After Mortar Shelling

Smoke rises after war crafts belonging to Israeli army carried out airstrikes over Gaza City, Gaza on November 30, 2017. ( Ashraf Amra - Anadolu Agency )

Reuters: Israel strikes militant targets in Gaza after mortar barrage

JERUSALEM/GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli tanks and aircraft struck militant positions in the Gaza Strip on Thursday soon after Palestinian militants fired mortar shells at an Israeli military post close to the territory, the Israeli army said.

A Reuters witness in Gaza said he saw smoke rising from at least two targets struck by Israel, one belonging to Hamas and another to Islamic Jihad militants. Witnesses in the southern Gaza Strip said two Islamic Jihad posts was hit there.

No casualties were reported initially on either side.

Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus said the militants’ mortar barrage was aimed the Israeli army post and at construction crews working close by on the Israeli side of the Gaza border.

Read more ....

More News On Israel And Hamas Exchanging Fire

Israel bombs targets in Gaza in response to mortar fire -- Washington Post
IDF carries out fresh Gaza airstrikes, but says not looking for escalation -- The Times of Israel
IDF: Islamic Jihad Carried Out Gaza Mortar Fire in Retaliation for Tunnel Strike -- Haaretz
IDF retaliates after mortar shells fire from Gaza -- Ynetnews
IDF tanks & jets attack Hamas positions following mortar shelling from Gaza -- RT

Iraqi Intelligence: Islamic State Leader Baghdadi Hiding Near Iraq-Syria Border

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi © Social Media Website via Reuters TV / Reuters

FOX News: ISIS leader Baghdadi hiding near Iraq-Syria border, alive but injured, Iraqi military says

MOSUL, Iraq – The leader of the Islamic State group (ISIS), now in retreat across the Mideast, remains alive, albeit wounded, and hiding near the Iraq-Syria border, according to intelligence gathered by Iraq’s Ministry of Defense (MOD).

“We have a lot of information. He is alive, moving between the Iraq and Syria border in desert areas,” Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, the spokesperson for the MOD and for Joint Operations Command, in partnership with the U.S.-led coalition, told Fox News in Baghdad on Tuesday. “There are still ISIS sleeper cells scattered in these desert areas.”

More specifically, MOD intelligence indicates the self-styled caliph lurks between the border city of Al-Qaim in the Anbar governorate in Iraq and Abu Kamal in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor governorate, on the bank of the Euphrates River.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: No one has a clue on where Baghdadi is .... but it looks like he is still alive. 

Iranian General Qassem Soleimani Calls American Soldiers Cowards Who Wear Diapers

Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s Quds Force, poses with Kurdish fighters in Iraq in this undated photo. (photo by Twitter/@Mojtaba_Fathi)

Times Of Israel: Iranian commander in Syria: US troops are pants-pissing wimps

During pep talk to his forces in eastern Syria, Qassem Soleimani seen on video accusing cowardly American soldiers of wearing diapers.

The head of Iran’s powerful Quds Force derided American soldiers as incontinent cowards in a speech to troops during an offensive to retake a strategic eastern Syria town from the Islamic State.

In a speech posted online Sunday, Maj.-Gen. Qassem Soleimani can be seen giving a pep talk to Iranian soldiers, apparently near al-Bukamal in eastern Syria, where Syrian regime forces and their allies have been fighting to recapture the town from Islamic State jihadists.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The video is here .... Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani: Americans Are Cowards; Brought Diapers for Their Soldiers in Iraq (Memri).

Russia Has Signed A Draft Agreement With Egypt To Use Its' Airbases And Airspace

Egypt Independent: Egypt and Russia agree on draft deal to use others’ airbases, airspace

The Egyptian and Russian government agreed on a draft deal on Thursday which would allow the two countries to use each other’s airspace and airbases.

The final terms are yet to be agreed upon.

According to the Russian state-run news channel, Russia Today, the draft was prepared by the Russian Defense Ministry and received approval from Russian Foreign Ministry as well as the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

The approval was published as a PM decree on Thursday by Russian governmental legal paperwork portal shows. The Russian defense and foreign ministries negotiated and signed the draft agreement with their Egyptian counterparts, according to Russia Today.

Read more ....

More News On Reports That Russia Has Signed A Draft Agreement With Egypt To Use Its' Airbases And Airspace

Russia negotiates deal for its warplanes to use Egypt bases -- ABC News/AP
Russian military working on deal to use Egyptian air bases - document -- Reuters
Russia, Egypt in Talks to Sign Airbase Deal -- Moscow Times
Egypt-Russia talks focus on combating terror, enhancing military cooperation -- Egypt Independent

U.S.-Led Coalition: Airstrikes Have Killed 801 Civilians In Syria, Iraq Since The Start Of The War Against ISIS

People run in panic after a coalition airstrike hit Islamic State fighters positions in Tahrir neighborhood of Mosul, Iraq, on November 17, 2016 (Photo: Reuters)

VOA: US-led Coalition Says Its Airstrikes Have Killed 801 in Syria, Iraq

The U.S.-led coalition targeting the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq said Thursday its airstrikes have killed 801 civilians since late 2014.

The figures came in the coalition's latest monthly statement about its investigations into reports of possible civilian casualties resulting from the strikes.

In October, the coalition says it investigated 64 such reports, of which five were deemed credible and resulted in 15 deaths. Another 695 reports were still open.

"We continue to hold ourselves accountable for actions that may have caused unintentional injury or death to civilians," the statement said. "We take all reports of civilian casualties seriously and assess all reports as thoroughly as possible."

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Only 800 civilians killed after dropping tens of thousands of bombs. Sorry .... but I am skeptical.

More News On The U.S.-Led Coalition Admitting That Airstrikes Have Killed 801 Civilians In Syria, Iraq Since The Start Of The War

At least 801 civilians killed in coalition airstrikes in Iraq and Syria: Pentagon -- Ahram Online
US-led coalition against ISIS admits to killing at least 800 civilians in airstrikes -- Business Insider/Reuters
U.S. Says Coalition Strikes Killed More Than 800 Civilians In Fight Against ISIS -- NPR
US-led coalition says its strikes have killed 800 Iraqi and Syrian civilians -- The Guardian
Coalition: At least 801 civilians killed since start of anti-ISIS campaign -- The Hill
Anti-IS coalition admits causing 801 civilian deaths in Iraq, Syria -- Iraqi News

Did U.S. Special Operations Forces Massacred Civilians In Somalia?

Christina Goldbaum, Daily Beast: Strong Evidence that U.S. Special Operations Forces Massacred Civilians in Somalia

An investigation by The Daily Beast on the ground in Somalia appears to confirm that American soldiers were involved directly in the deaths of 10 innocent civilians.

MOGADISHU, Somalia—It was around five in the morning when Abdullahi Elmi heard the gunfire. Sitting in his small home in Bariire, in southern Somalia, the farm administrator had been recording the names of the laborers who had worked the day before. Stacks of accounting books sprawled on the floor around him. Across the room, his wife sat with their 3-year-old son who dozed as his mother rocked him back and forth in her arms.

When the sound of gunshots began, Abdullahi thought they were too far away to be heading toward his farm. But within seconds they seemed to grow louder, and closer, sending Abdullahi and his wife, carrying their young son, sprinting through the nearby forest of banana trees in search of safety.

Read more ....

More News On The Pentagon Denying Reports That U.S. Special Operations Forces Massacred Civilians In Somalia

US military: No civilians killed in August raid in Somalia -- Washington Post
Pentagon rejects claims US forces fired on Somali civilians -- The Hill
US Military Denies Killing Somali Civilians in August Raid -- VOA/Reuters
US: No civilians killed in Somalia raid -- Middle East Monitor
AFRICOM refutes reports of civilian deaths in Somalia operation -- Stars and Stripes

New York Times: White House Considering Replacing US Secretary or State Tillerson With CIA Director Pompeo

Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson in September at the White House. Credit Doug Mills/The New York Times

New York Time: White House Plans Tillerson Ouster From State Dept., to Be Replaced by Pompeo

WASHINGTON — The White House has developed a plan to force out Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson, whose relationship with President Trump has been strained, and replace him with Mike Pompeo, the C.I.A. director, perhaps within the next several weeks, senior administration officials said on Thursday.

Mr. Pompeo would be replaced at the C.I.A. by Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas who has been a key ally of the president on national security matters, according to the White House plan. Mr. Cotton has signaled that he would accept the job if offered, said the officials, who insisted on anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations before decisions are announced.

It was not immediately clear whether Mr. Trump has given final approval to the plan, but he has been said to have soured on Mr. Tillerson and in general is ready to make a change at the State Department. Mr. Tillerson was at the White House on Thursday morning, although he was not listed on the White House public schedule.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: President Trump just said no .... Trump says Tillerson is "here" as he meets with Crown Prince of Bahrain (CBS). What's my take .... there are just as many differences between President Trump and CIA Director Mike Pompeo as they are with US Secretary of State Tillerson, and yes ..... I will be surprised if US Secretary Tillerson is removed in January.

More News On Reports That The White House Is Considering Replacing US Secretary or State Tillerson With CIA Director Pompeo

White House readies plan to replace Tillerson with Pompeo at State, install Cotton at CIA -- Washington Post
White House has plan to replace top diplomat with CIA chief: U.S. officials -- Reuters
Trump weighs plan to replace Tillerson with CIA’s Pompeo -- AP
White House considering replacing Tillerson with Pompeo -- CNN
Rex Tillerson expected to step down in January, plans discussed for Pompeo to take place -- FOX News
White House reportedly has plan to replace Rex Tillerson with CIA chief -- The Guardian
Trump may replace Tillerson with Pompeo: reports -- The Hill
White House 'has plan to replace Tillerson' -- BBC
White House Weighs Replacing Tillerson With CIA Chief -- Bloomberg

World News Briefs -- November 30, 2017

The Chinese Envoy, who just returned from North Korea, seems to have had no impact on Little Rocket Man. Hard to believe his people, and the military, put up with living in such horrible conditions. Russia and China condemned the launch.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2017

Reuters: Trump: China's N.Korea diplomacy appears to have 'no impact on Little Rocket Man'

WASHINGTON/MOSCOW (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed a Chinese diplomatic effort to rein in North Korea’s weapons program as a failure on Thursday, while Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Beijing should do more to limit oil supplies to Pyongyang.

In a tweet, Trump delivered another insulting barb against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who he called “Little Rocket Man” and a “sick puppy” after North Korea test fired its most advanced missile to date on Wednesday.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: UN seeks urgent Eastern Ghouta medical evacuations.

Over 400 US Marines being withdrawn from Syria anti-IS operation.

US-led coalition says its strikes have killed 800 Iraqi and Syrian civilians.

Amnesty: Syrian military used cluster bombs in besieged area.

Yemen war: Fighting breaks out among allied rebels. Tens of thousands gather in Yemen capital after rebel clashes.

Theresa May: Saudi blockade on Yemen must be eased.

Theresa May praises 'military successes' in retaking Mosul as she becomes first major foreign leader to visit Iraq.

Lebanon's Saad Hariri in 'constant fear of his life,' he tells French magazine.

Israel carries out Gaza strikes after mortar fire.

Israeli settler kills Palestinian in West Bank in what Army calls response to rock-throwing.

ASIA

North Korea: Unwanted war 'closer,' US warns.

Donald Trump slams 'sick puppy' Kim Jong-un as US asks China for North Korea oil sanctions. North Korea: US urges all nations to cut ties.

Beijing, Moscow express ‘grave concern’ at ‘explosive’ situation after DPRK test.

Russia calls on U.S., South Korea not to hold military drills in December. North Korea: Russia accuses US of provoking Kim Jong-un 'to fly off handle'.

Rebels killed in Kashmir encounter triggering protests. Five dead in Kashmir as militant death toll exceeds 200 this year.

Thailand arrests U.S. tourists for taking nude photos at Buddhist temple.

Thousands flee Bali volcano but some stay put or run to it.

AFRICA

Between 400,000 and 700,000 African migrants in Libya: AU.

AU, EU summit winds up after anti-slavery initiative.

Libya migrants: Emergency evacuation operation agreed.

Russia negotiates deal for its warplanes to use Egypt bases.

Tear gas as police break up DR Congo opposition protests.

Zimbabwe offers amnesty for funds stashed abroad.

Zimbabwe will need international effort to restore economy: IMF.

EUROPE

Russia-US atmosphere 'getting ugly' though Trump is decent politician — PM Medvedev.

Moscow mulls next move in escalating media spat with US.

Trump hits out at UK PM Theresa May after far-right video tweets. Donald Trump far-right Twitter posts spark outrage in UK.

US calls on Germany to cut diplomatic ties with North Korea.

Iceland's Left-Green leader Jakobsdóttir becomes new PM.

Finnish economy on the mend, posts fastest growth in EU.

France finds traces of radioactive caesium on Russian mushrooms: ASN.

Ukraine 'father of deceased' sets off courtroom grenades.

Police investigating how war criminal Praljak got chemical into courtroom.

Muslim population in Europe projected to rise.

AMERICAS

Honduras election: Opposition candidate Nasralla rejects poll count. Tensions rise as winner of Honduras vote expected Thursday.

Sex scandal-hit US lawmaker hospitalized for stress: report.

Army veteran says Franken groped her during USO tour in 2003.

Bolivian court clears way for Morales to run again.

Venezuela arrests 2 top oil officials in corruption probe.

Former Argentine military officer jailed for life for crimes against humanity. 48 Argentinian military personnel are jailed for their involvement in 'death flights' - when prisoners were thrown out of planes - and other torture during junta rule 40 years ago.

Over half American kids will be obese by 35: Report reveals more than 57% of children are dangerously unhealthy.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Russia already preparing military withdrawal from Syria: agencies.

Pro-ISIS group urges lone-wolf attacks on children in West as revenge. ISIS turns to lone wolves for Christmas attacks as caliphate crumbles.

Canada vows to assist Montreal woman and her children who escaped Islamic State.

ECONOMICS/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow Jones hits 24,000 mark for first time.

Experts: Automation could take up to 800M jobs by 2030.

OPEC, Russia set to extend oil deal.

American Airlines glitch leaves 15,000 Christmas flights without a captain.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- November 30, 2017

ABC News: US intelligence agencies assessing N. Korean missile analysts say is capable of hitting mainland US

U.S. intelligence agencies are still assessing North Korea’s claim that it has developed a dangerous new type of missile even as national security analysts say they have determined there is enough information that suggests the missile launched Tuesday could reach all of the U.S. mainland as North Korea has claimed.

North Korea announced on state television Tuesday night that it had tested a new type of mobile-launched intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), called the Hwasong 15, that it said was capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to the mainland United States. U.S. intelligence analysts are looking at the test, including the possibility it could have been a three-stage missile.

Read more ....

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- November 30, 2017

North Korea's new Hwasong-15 missile: What the photos show -- CNN

What North Korean photos say about new ballistic missile -- AP

North Korea signals intent to 'complete' its nuclear force -- The Hill

Five years in North Korea's quest for nuclear missiles -- UPI

US, China hold low-key military talks amid NKorea tensions -- FOX News/AP

Russian Military Deploys Marines on North Korea Border Region After Kim Jong Un's Missile Test -- Newsweek

Russia creates full coverage missile attack warning system -- TASS

Hypersonic weapon development more effective in Russia than in US, expert notes -- TASS

Russian Navy hopes to get 5th generation submarines in 2030s -- TASS

Russia negotiates deal for its warplanes to use Egypt bases -- AP

Russian military working on deal to use Egyptian air bases: document -- Reuters

ISIS Could Use Drones to Spread Deadly Viruses, Top Terror Chief Warns -- Newsweek

Terrorists 'certain' to get killer robots, says defence giant -- BBC

Manila to beef up attack capability with Super Tucano -- Flight Global

Iran claims to be building region’s largest warship -- Jane's 360

Finland establishes 24/7 military hotline with Russia -- Defense News

Exclusive: Macron to propose military action against human traffickers -- France 24

Franco-German fighter jet project likely to be opened to other countries -- Reuters

Lockheed submits proposal for Canadian combat ships -- UPI

British military to test space-based intelligence gathering -- Defense News

NATO mulls 'offensive defense' with cyber warfare rules -- Reuters

It’s official: Romania signs deal to buy US missile defense system -- Defense News

Coast Guard: Russia and U.S. Working Well Together in the Bering Sea, Arctic -- USNI News

America sold nearly $42B in weapons to foreign countries in 2017 -- Defense News

Pentagon: US sold almost $42B in weapons to other nations in 2017 -- The Hill

Military leaders: Lack of a new budget could 'break the U.S. Air Force' -- UPI

US Army Tests Robotic Kits on Vehicles for Autonomous Convoy Operations -- Sputnik

In a first, the Army’s new handgun will be issued to team leaders -- Army Times

Here’s What Soldiers Think Of The Army’s Brand New Handgun -- Task & Purpose

Pilot error cited in Super Hornet crash -- Navy Times

‘Disgrace Upon US Navy': Fat Leonard Corruption Affair Implicates Senior Admiral -- Sputnik

The military is offering Amazon a $5 billion contract without seeing if anyone can do it cheaper -- Casey Given, Washington Examiner

U.S. Launches Drone Strikes Against The Haqqani Network In Pakistan

Reuters: Suspected U.S. drone targets Haqqani militants in Pakistan, killing four

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan (Reuters) - A suspected U.S. drone strike on Thursday targeted a hideout of the Haqqani militant network along Pakistan’s mountainous border with Afghanistan, killing four people, officials said.

If confirmed, it would be the fourth such U.S. strike inside Pakistan since President Donald Trump took office in January.

Two Pakistani intelligence officials and a local government officer said an unmanned aerial vehicle dropped two missiles on a compound housing militants under the command of a senior network commander, Abdur Rasheed Haqqani.

Read more ....

Update #1: Airstrike target Haqqani network compound in Kurram Agency of Pakistan (Khaama Press)
Update #2: Pakistan: US missiles kill 3 militants near Afghan border (National Post/AP)

WNU Editor: More indications that the U.S. is intensifying its war against the Taliban and its allies.

Political Unrest Grows In Honduras As Vote Count Delayed

Supporters of Salvador Nasralla, presidential candidate for the Opposition Alliance Against the Dictatorship, raise their fists as they sing the national anthem, while waiting for official presidential election results outside the warehouse of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal in Tegucigalpa, Honduras November 29, 2017. REUTERS/Jorge Cabrera Reuters

New York Times: Political Unrest Grips Honduras After Disputed Election

MEXICO CITY — Honduras was on the edge of political turmoil on Thursday, with the opposition candidate accusing vote counters of trying to “steal our victory” in an election whose results are sharply contested.

The candidate, Salvador Nasralla, said Wednesday that he would not accept the count of the country’s electoral commission, whose computer tally showed that President Juan Orlando Hernández had closed a gap that initially put Mr. Nasralla ahead in the voting that ended Sunday.

Mr. Nasralla’s statement that he would not accept the count represented an about-face from a letter he had signed a few hours earlier along with Mr. Hernández. Brokered by the Organization of American States, the agreement committed both men to respecting the commission’s results.

With ballots counted at about 80 percent of polling places, the candidates’ vote totals were almost even when Mr. Nasralla backtracked on the agreement. A final result is expected on Thursday.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: I guess someone gave him a heads-up that a fix may be in .... Honduras election: Opposition candidate Nasralla rejects poll count (BBC).

More News On The Political Unrest In Honduras

The Latest: Honduras: Vote computers failed, 'not critical' -- Washington Post/AP
Honduras president edges into lead, vote count delayed again -- AP
Honduran election crisis festers as rivals claim victory -- Reuters
Tensions rise as winner of Honduras vote expected Thursday -- UPI
Rising Tension In Honduras As Presidential Vote Count Drags On -- NPR
Honduras election: Tensions high as vote count delayed -- Al Jazeera

Russia Accuses U.S. Of Goading North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un

© REUTERS/ Yuri Gripas

BBC: North Korea: Russia accuses US of goading Kim Jong-un

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the US of seeking to provoke North Korea into stepping up its nuclear missile programme.

He rejected a call by the American envoy to the UN Security Council to sever ties with the North after its latest ballistic missile test.

Russia argues sanctions do not work and advocates negotiations instead.

The US has warned that North Korea's government will be "utterly destroyed" if war breaks out.

On Wednesday, the North tested its first missile in two months, saying the continental US was now within striking distance.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Kim Jong Un has been pushing his nuclear program hard-core long before President Trump even announced himself as a candidate for President two years ago. Lavrov's blaming President Trump for North Korea's nuclear program is a big stretch.

More News On Russia Accusing The U.S. Of Goading North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un

US should come clean if it’s looking for pretext to destroy N. Korea – Russian FM Lavrov -- RT
Kremlin warns against severing ties with North Korea -- TASS
US Continues to Provoke North Korea - Lavrov -- Sputnik
North Korea: Russia accuses US of provoking Kim Jong-un 'to fly off handle' -- ABC News Online
Russia Accuses U.S. of Trying to Provoke North Korean Leader 'To Fly off Handle' -- US News and World Report/Reuters
Russia accuses US of deliberately provoking North Korea -- CNBC
Russia rejects US call to cut ties with North Korea -- Al Jazeera

South Korean Minister: North Korean Missile Tests Before The Olympics Could Stop The Games

Daily Mail: North Korean missile test next year could deal ‘fatal blow’ to the Winter Olympics, South Korean minister warns

* Unification Minister Cho Myoung-Gyon said North could stop the games starting
* He said if the North 'provokes' the South in February next year, it would be 'fatal'
* Therefore, he said, it is important to stage the games 'in a stable atmosphere'
* Comes a day after the North fired yet another intercontinental ballistic missile

North Korea could deal a 'fatal blow' to the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea if it launches a missile before the event, a minister for the host country has warned.

Unification Minister Cho Myoung-Gyon made the remarks as reports said annual South Korea-US military exercises might be postponed to avoid coinciding with the winter games and Paralympics in South Korea's Pyeongchang.

'If the North provokes again at a time when the Olympic Games are imminent, it may deal a fatal blow to the Olympics,' he said at a forum in Seoul.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The games will go on, it is the tourists and some athletes who may stay away.

U.S. UN Ambassador Nikki Haley: North Korea Would Be 'Utterly Destroyed' In War

CBS: Nikki Haley says North Korean regime "will be utterly destroyed" if war comes

UNITED NATIONS -- After the launch this week of an intercontinental ballistic missile by North Korea, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley and her counterparts from Japan and the Republic of Korea requested an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting.

At the Council meeting late Wednesday, the United States set out a path forward, asking China to cut off oil to North Korea and asking the U.N. to cut off North Korea's voting rights at the U.N., saying, "we need China to do more."

"Through sanctions we have cut off 90 percent of North Korean trade and 30 percent of its oil. But the crude oil remains. The major supplier of that oil is China." Haley said.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: She is even warning China .... Nikki Haley to China: Cut off oil to North Korea, or we'll take the situation into our own hands (CNBC).

More News On U.S. UN Ambassador Nikki Haley Warning North Korea It Would Be 'Utterly Destroyed' In A War

Pyongyang provocation ‘brings us closer’ to a war Washington doesn’t seek: Nikki Haley -- Japan Times/AP
Kim Jong-un will be 'utterly destroyed' in war: Haley -- Sydney Morning Herald
Haley: 'North Korean regime will be utterly destroyed' if war breaks out -- The Hill
Haley: North Korea has brought the world 'closer to war' -- The Hill
'If there's a war, the North Korean regime will be destroyed' -- Arutz Sheva
At UN, Ambassador Haley warns against war in which North Korean regime ‘will be utterly destroyed’ -- NBC
US: North Korea would be 'utterly destroyed' in war -- SKY News

China Deploys Special Forces To Syria To Fight Chinese Islamists

Chinese Special Operations Forces (File Photo)

Middle East Eye: The Dragon and the Lion: China's growing ties with Syria

China has benefitted from the bickering between Russia, US and Turkey - emerging as a dominant player in Syria in terms of political and economic diplomacy

Last March, China quietly deployed troops to Syria. The soldiers, according to Chinese officials, trained members of the Syrian army, offering advice on medicine and logistics. Despite how little fanfare surrounded this move, it was, in fact, very significant: this is the first time China has sent troops to the Middle East for any reason other than to protect ongoing commercial projects.

The war in Syria has had a significant impact on global stability with grave implications for European security, the American presidential elections of 2016 and for Islamist non-state groups operating in Asian countries such as China, Philippines, Malaysia and even the secure city state of Singapore.

The effect of the war on China’s policy in the Middle East since 2014, particularly in Syria, has transformed it from one of caution to one of proaction.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: According to the news website New Arab, these forces have been in Syria since the beginning of the year.

More News On China Deploying Special Forces To Syria To Fight Chinese Islamists

China Reportedly Sending Special Forces to Syria -- Financial Tribune
China to deploy 'Night Tigers' to Syria in support of Assad's forces -- New Arab
China To Deploy Elite Troops In Syria To Fight Alongside Assad's Army -- Zero Hedge
China to deploy troops to fight alongside Assad in Syria -- Middle East Monitor

U.S. Creating A Hostile Terrain For Taliban

Daily Mail: The US is reshaping the terrain of Afghanistan with bombs by using B-52s to collapse mountain passes and level potential cover

* B-52s are being used to drop 'dumb bombs' on strategically important locations
* They can destroy mountain paths, overlooks and routes through valleys
* That forces enemies to use routes that are easier to monitor and attack
* They're also used to destroy buildings that insurgents can hide in for ambushes
* Civilian body count has risen since Trump allowed such bombing runs to occur
* But the Air Force said it does everything it can to minimize collateral damage
* Other planes and munitions have been used but the B-52 and Mk 82 are favored

The US is using bombs to transform the very terrain of Afghanistan in an effort to deny enemies control of the battlefield.

A US Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) spokesperson told The Drive that B-52s were being used to drop 500-pound-class Mk 82 'dumb bombs' onto mountain passes and cover in order to destroy the enemy's advantage.

'These terrain denial strikes are useful in enabling freedom of maneuver for our forces, elimination of cover and concealment by enemy forces, [and] affecting enemy pattern of life in such a way that allows us to gain invaluable intelligence on their networks,' he said.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Considering how large Afghanistan is as a country, you are going to need a lot of bombs to have an impact.

Tweets For Today

The US warns that North Korea's leadership will be "utterly destroyed" if war breaks out as it calls on all countries to cut all diplomatic and trade ties with Pyongyang https://t.co/HQiazO52ba pic.twitter.com/4LQLtllWLY

— AFP news agency (@AFP) November 30, 2017

How far will Kim go? https://t.co/CZjA7Bnd0N

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) November 30, 2017

Iceland's Left-Green opposition leader to become new prime minister https://t.co/l6Myd4xaYG pic.twitter.com/VFBNURlLCU

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) November 30, 2017

Bubble trouble? Bitcoin tops $11,000 after $1,000 surge in 12 hours https://t.co/I5mp7DZGi0

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) November 29, 2017

Researchers compared the bones of women from over 7,000 years ago to rowers from the elite Cambridge University Women's Boat Club. Who was stronger?
https://t.co/QPb7MFQLrT

— AFP news agency (@AFP) November 29, 2017

WATCH: The annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. pic.twitter.com/IjLjikob4T

— NBC News (@NBCNews) November 30, 2017