Thursday, November 9, 2017

World News Briefs -- November 9, 2017



ABC News Online: Islamic State: Army commander claims end of group in Syria and Iraq, as last bastion falls

Syria's army and its allies have captured Islamic State's (IS) last main stronghold in Syria, a commander in the alliance claimed, bringing the self-declared caliphate close to complete downfall.

"Albu Kamal is free of the Daesh organisation," said the commander in the military alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

On Wednesday, after a month's-long advance through central and eastern Syria, the Syrian army and allied Shi'ite militias encircled and attacked the town in eastern Syria, close to Iraq's border.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria war: Army retakes last IS urban stronghold.

Iraq Kurdistan secession bid takes a toll on economy.

Saudi anti-corruption probe finds '$100bn was embezzled'. Saudi Arabia: 201 people held in $100bn corruption inquiry.

Saudi Arabia orders citizens to leave Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister calls for sanctions on Iran for its 'support of terrorism’.

Iran's president says Saudi Arabia behind 'hostility' in region.

Macron unexpectedly heads to Riyadh to discuss crises with Crown Prince.

Yemen facing 'largest famine in decades' if blockade isn't lifted, UN aid chief says. Yemen conflict: UN official warns of world's biggest famine.

ASIA

Trump, Xi present united front despite differences. In Beijing, Trump presses China on North Korea and trade.

NATO looks for Afghans to take offensive in 2018: US general.

Despite NATO pledge to increase Afghan support, troop shortfall remains: U.S..

North Korean diplomat in Pakistan suspected of bootlegging booze.

UNICEF centres are havens for Rohingya child refugees.

Schools close as smog chokes India’s ‘gas chamber’ capital.

More than 90 killed in Vietnam's deadliest typhoon in years.

AFRICA

Libyan rivals split over army leadership - Tripoli parliament head.

Cameroon issues arrest warrants for separatist leaders.

ICC war crimes judges approve Burundi investigation.

UN releases Central African Republic war crimes suspects.

Uncertainty as DRC sets election date to replace Kabila.

Mugabe faces 'unprecedented' political threat as sacked deputy gathers support.

Zimbabwe renames airport after Robert Mugabe. Zimbabwe re-names Harare Airport after Mugabe.

EUROPE

Britain given three weeks to decide EU divorce bill.

Catalonia general strike: Protesters disrupt roads, trains.

Spain: Catalan ex-speaker, lawmakers testify before Supreme Court.

NATO to beef up in face of 'assertive' Russia.

Eurozone growth at fastest pace in 10 years.

Breed like rabbits and reverse population decline, Poles urged.

German court hands suspended sentence to Swiss spy for snooping on tax officials.

AMERICAS

Trump optimistic on trade, North Korea after China talks.

US 'loses 60% of career ambassadors' since January.

New U.S. government rules restrict travel and trade with Cuba.

EU to impose arms embargo on Venezuela as crisis deepens.

Texas execution of Ruben Cardenas Ramirez sparks row with Mexico.

Biden: 'I regret that I am not president' but 'it was the right decision' for family.

Mexico says there's 'life after NAFTA' if pact fails.

Colombia seizes largest stash of cocaine ever.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Egypt fears influx of militants after Islamic State defeat.

IS militants evacuate last stronghold in Syria to government.

ISIS group issues threat before Paris attack anniversary, vows to kill kids.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. worried AT&T buying Time Warner would hike costs for media rivals: source.

Global growth buoys earnings as third quarter fuels Europe, U.S. equity boom.

Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett are wealthier than poorest half of US.

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