Sunday, January 21, 2018

World News Briefs -- January 21, 2018



BBC: Turkish ground troops enter Afrin enclave

Turkish ground troops have crossed into northern Syria as part of Ankara's campaign to rid the border area of Kurdish fighters, Turkey's PM says.

Binali Yildirim said the aim was to establish a 30km (19-mile) "safe zone" deep inside Syria, Turkish reports say.

But the Kurdish YPG militia says it has repelled Turkish troops in Afrin.

Turkey's operation, announced Saturday, risks increasing tensions with the US, which was supporting the YPG in the fight against Islamic State jihadists.

The YPG (Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units) is part of a US-backed alliance with a number of ethnic Arab militias called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF has said it will have no choice but to defend itself if attacked.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Turkish City Reyhanli hit by rocket attack from Afrin: 1 killed, 32 wounded.

Syria's Assad slams Turkey offensive as 'support for terrorism'.

Syria army says captured key military airport in northwest.

France urges UN meeting as Syria fighting escalates.

UN appeals for nearly $3 bn to save millions in Yemen.

Iran to support efforts by Iraq, Kurds to resolve dispute. Iran's Rouhani says wants to improve ties with Iraqi Kurds.

Jordan's King Abdullah tells Pence of concern over Jerusalem.

Palestinians fight Facebook, YouTube censorship.

ASIA

Taliban militants claim responsibility for attack on Kabul hotel. At least 19 dead after overnight battle at Kabul hotel.

The risk of violence in Afghanistan is so high the Red Cross is scaling back its operations.

China vows action after US warship sails near South China Sea island.

China's doorway to N. Korea feels sanctions pinch.

Seoul says North Korea's Olympic participation will aid peace and ease tensions.

North Korean girl band leader heads delegation to South.

Growing concerns over Rohingya repatriation deal.

Commercial rocket from New Zealand deploys small satellites.

AFRICA

DRC army 'at war' with two militia groups: minister.

Congolese security forces kill five while dispersing anti-Kabila protest. Anti-Kabila protests turn deadly in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Sudan-Egypt border: Tensions rises over disputed region.

Thousands of women in anti-president protest in Togo.

Mines still claim legs and lives in Libya's Benghazi, months after war ceased.

UN warns of "lost generation" in South Sudan's grinding conflict.

250,000 South Sudanese children could die by July.

Failure to launch: Egypt opposition hits roadblock on path to presidency.

Somali president sacks Mogadishu mayor, names replacement.

Somalia: Satellite imagery reveals devastation amid forced evictions of thousands who fled conflict and drought.

EUROPE

Kremlin: no talks yet about any new Putin-Trump meeting: RIA.

Kremlin spokesman: Putin, Ukraine's leader meet unannounced.

Czech presidential election headed for tight run-off vote -poll.

Germany: SPD meets to decide whether to accept coalition talks.

Merkel, Macron to deepen Franco-German cooperation, strengthen EU.

Iran deal ‘fixes’ to dominate Tillerson’s agenda in Europe.

Spurned by Trump, Europeans ponder how to meet Iran ultimatum.

Spain to seek ex-Catalan leader's arrest if travels to Denmark.

Mass protests in Romania: Stop corruption!

AMERICAS

Democrats, GOP hold out hope for ending government shutdown.

How shutdown affects key parts of US federal government.

Trump calls for Republicans to trigger 'nuclear option' if stalemate continues.

US Government shutdown sees landmarks close as Donald Trump starts second year in office.

Global female empowerment marches enter second day.

Honduras' military clashes with protesters over president's re-election.

'We loot or we die of hunger': food shortages fuel unrest in Venezuela.

Guatemala businessman to face graft charges after U.S. deportation.

Border wall models thwart U.S. Special Forces in tests.

Billionaire Toronto couple was murdered: private investigators.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Tunisian forces kill top aide of Al Qaeda leader in Maghreb: official.

Iraq to hang German woman for belonging to 'Islamic State'.

Former Guantanamo detainee warns against spilling secrets.

Scholar explains what lures Jihadists from Daesh to al-Qaeda.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Amazon's automated grocery store of the future opens Monday.

NAFTA future iffy going into new round of negotiations.

Twitter to notify users exposed to Russian propaganda during U.S. elections.

Saudi Arabia calls for oil producers to extend cooperation. Oil producers will cooperate beyond 2018, says Saudi Arabia.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

"Afghan asylum seeker flees to Sweden with new ID after being accused of sexually abusing girl, four, in Germany"

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5294795/Asylum-seeker-accused-child-sex-abuse-flees-Sweden.html#ixzz54qbQZOyH

*** The prosecuter in the case refused to have the perpetrator get a test to determine age.

*** "Later, because he denied the allegations, the enquiry was dropped."

So typical of German liberals.

Prime Minister Merkel is a war criminal.