Thursday, February 8, 2018

World News Briefs -- Febraury 8, 2018



ABC News Online: 'A war against civilians': Millions trapped as Syrian regime closes in on the final rebel stronghold in Idlib

A humanitarian crisis is developing in a small province of Syria that experts say could dwarf what the world saw in Aleppo.

Two million Syrian civilians are trapped in Idlib province between advancing Syrian regime forces and opposition fighters, including hardline jihadist groups.

But unlike in previous years, the border with neighbouring Turkey is now closed and civilians have nowhere to go as the fighting and the bombing intensifies.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Death toll tops 220 in four-day Syria regime assault on rebel enclave. Air attacks on Eastern Ghouta and Idlib kill nearly 200. East Ghouta reels under intense Russian, Syrian bombing.

U.S. dismisses fears of wider war after deadly Syria clashes.

Tehran steps up pressure on Ankara over Syrian operation.

Turkey, Russia and Iran leaders to discuss Syria in Istanbul: Turkish source.

Exclusive: U.S. not planning to contribute money at Iraq reconstruction conference - officials.

Iran's hijab protests cap years of evolution.

UNESCO: Yemen war threatens history.

Lebanon: Israel border wall 'threatens security'.

ASIA

US bombers halt the Taliban with no victory in sight.

North Korea not interested in meeting with VP Pence: report.

Queues, protests as North Korean orchestra performs in South.

Myanmar 'starving out' Rohingya in Rakhine: Amnesty. Rohingya refugees say gov't imposed starvation "crueler" than killing.

UN Security Council told Maldives crisis may get worse.

Nepal Communist parties poised to take power.

ICC to investigate allegations Rodrigo Duterte committed crimes against humanity. Philippines drugs war: ICC announces initial inquiry into killings.

Bangladesh court hands jail term to former PM Khaleda Zia.

MH370: Malaysian military sidelines crash investigators as power play emerges on search team.

AFRICA

Thousands flee militia violence in C.Africa.

UN appeals for $1 bn for Boko Haram-hit NE Nigeria.

'Day of anger' in Chad sees low turnout amid security lockdown.

South Africa in limbo as Zuma, deputy discuss possible exit.

Egypt must end death penalty: EU politicians.

Nigeria's president warns Togo about political instability.

Libyan commander wanted by ICC hands himself in.

At least 50 arrested over Guinea post-electoral violence.

EUROPE

Spain sounds alarm over fighter influx from Sahel.

Few cheers at home for Germany's loveless coalition.

European Parliament condemns Turkey's crackdown on Afrin critics.

Putin, 7 rivals register for Russia’s presidential race.

Poroshenko sacks Lozhkin after news of $500m deal.

Alexei Navalny: 'There is no pro-Putin majority' in Russia.

Tens of thousands mourn Russian pilot killed in Syria.

French environment minister denies sexual harassment allegations.

AMERICAS

Hours from deadline, US Congress to vote to avert shutdown. US lawmakers push for budget vote to avert government shutdown.

Uranium One informant says Moscow paid millions in bid to influence Clinton. Uranium One informant makes Clinton allegations to Congress.

George W. Bush: 'Clear evidence Russians meddled' in election.

George W. Bush on immigrants: 'We ought to say thank you and welcome them'.

US immigration arrests up 30 percent in 2017.

Venezuela sets April 22 for election after talks break down.

Venezuela opposition ponders whether to fight Maduro in vote. Venezuela opposition weighs election run after talks end.

Colombia tightens border control as Venezuela migrants surge.

Bogotá holds its nose as bin strike drags on.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. launches airstrikes on Taliban training camps.

Afghan official: Chinese, Uzbek IS militants killed in raid.

Syria war: Last of British IS 'Beatles' gang captured by Kurds. Two British IS 'Beatles' fighters captured in Syria: US official.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow drops by more than 1,000 points twice in week.

Central bankers seek to soothe nerves after market turmoil.

Elon Musk's Tesla posts record quarterly loss.

Messaging service Twitter finally turns a profit.

Cambodia Facebook feud hits California courts.

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