World News Briefs -- January 25, 2018 (Eveniong Edition)

Reuters: Trump threatens to pull aid to Palestinians if they don't pursue peace

DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to withhold aid to the Palestinians if they did not pursue peace with Israel, saying they had snubbed the United States by not meeting Vice President Mike Pence during a recent visit.

Trump, speaking after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the World Economic Forum, said he wanted peace. However, his remarks could further frustrate the aim of reviving long-stalled Israeli-Palestinian talks.

Palestinians shunned Pence’s visit to the region this month after Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and vowed to begin moving the U.S. embassy to the city, whose status is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran has fired 23 ballistic missiles since start of 2015 nuclear deal, explosive report shows.

Turkey to U.S.: End support for Syrian Kurd YPG or risk confrontation.

Trump and Erdogan talk, but there's disagreement over what was said.

Trump urges Turkey to limit offensive in northern Syria.

Air strikes kill at least 13 in east Syrian Islamic State territory: reports.

Syria, Russia accuse US of lying about chemical weapons attacks.

'Last hope' Syrian peace talks start in Vienna. De Mistura: Syria talks in Vienna at 'critical moment'.

Iranian-backed Iraqi militias form coalition ahead of parliamentary elections.

Russia's Putin to meet Israel's PM Netanyahu on Jan. 29: RIA.

Trump says U.S. aid to Palestinians won't continue until they return to peace talks.

John Kerry reportedly coaches Palestinians not to 'yield' to Trump in peace talks, spurring backlash.

Trump's Jerusalem move boosts Palestinian support for 'armed struggle': poll.

Palestinian Ambassador to U.S.: We had hopes for Trump but he backstabbed us.

Haley: Abbas lacks 'courage and the will' to seek 'real peace'.

ASIA

UN official says not safe yet for Rohingya return to Myanmar.

Save the Children head vows charity to stay in Afghanistan after deadly attack.

U.S. imposes more North Korea sanctions; urges China, Russia expulsions.

North Korea calls for unification with South Korea and vows to 'smash' all challenges to achieving the 'breakthrough'.

Kabul hotel attack killed 40 people: official.

'Now is not the time': violence forces refugees to flee Afghanistan again.

China 'holding at least 120,000 Uighurs in re-education camps'.

Myanmar says Richardson dropped from advisory panel. Rohingya crisis: US diplomat quits Myanmar panel over Aung San Suu Kyi 'whitewashing'.

Hurdles for Abe as he braces to tackle constitutional revision.

AFRICA

ANC leader says South Africa in new era as talk of Zuma exit grows.

Landmine kills 13 civilians in Mali, say local officials.

Thousands flee to Uganda as DRC violence surges.

Congo 'state agents' murdered hundreds in 2017, says UN report.

Video emerges of 'brutal summary executions' in Libya following twin car bombing.

Senegal massacre probe sees link with some Casamance rebels.

Zimbabwe president: 'Transparent' elections before July.

Egypt marks seventh anniversary of Arab Spring uprising.

DR Congo, Belgium in new diplomatic spat.

EUROPE

Spain seeks to challenge Puigdemont candidacy to form govt.

Trump in Davos: threatens Palestinians, reassures Brits.

Trump touts 'America First' to sceptical Davos elite.

Trump hails 'great relationship' with UK's May.

Europe doesn't want 'permanent obstacle to dealing with Russia,' says top US negotiator.

German government tight-lipped on threat of Islamic extremism in the Balkans.

Syria war: Germany suspends upgrade to Turkey tanks.

Rise in migrant arrivals to Italy raises fears over Libyan lawlessness.

Milan train derailment leaves at least 3 dead, many injured.

AMERICAS

DOJ office says it has found missing text messages of FBI officials.

U.S. Senator Grassley plans to release Trump Jr. interview transcript.

Trump promotes 'America First' agenda to 'World First' elite gathered in posh Swiss resort.

Trump ‘looking forward’ to being questioned under oath.

Trump says he’s open to pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.

Chuck Grassley concerned DOJ, FBI lost ability 'to do their jobs free from partisan political bias'.

Oprah not interested in presidential bid.

Undeterred by failed appeal, Brazil’s da Silva vows to run.

Brazil court upholds Lula da Silva's graft conviction.

Venezuelan refugees in Colombia face deportation threat.

Patrick Brown steps down as Ontario PC leader amid sexual misconduct allegations.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. slaps sanctions on six militants after cutting aid to Pakistan.

French suspect denies knowing he was hiding Paris attackers.

Pakistan ‘condemns drone strike’ that killed Haqqani Network commander.

U.S. military kills 150 Isis fighters with airstrikes, showing war against militants is ‘far from over’.

Beating back ISIS in Syria raises new challenges for US.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow and S&P 500 reach records; market cools after Trump talks up dollar.

Trump says he would re-enter TPP trade deal if it's made 'substantially better'.

2017 was a disaster year for global insurers, with record weather-related costs.

US 'not concerned' with short term dollar value: Mnuchin.

Cannabis growers in marijuana mega-merger.