Thursday, March 15, 2018

World News Briefs -- March 15, 2018



BBC: Saudi Arabia pledges to create a nuclear bomb if Iran does

Saudi Arabia has warned that it will develop its own nuclear weapon if regional rival Iran acquires one.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told US network CBS News his country did not want to acquire nuclear weapons.

"But without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we would follow suit as soon as possible," he added.

Iran limited its nuclear programme under a 2015 deal with several world powers - but US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw from it.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Saudi will develop a nuclear bomb if Iran does, Crown Prince warns as he likens regime's leader to Hitler. MBS: Saudis will pursue nuclear weapons if Iran does.

Iran slams 'simple-minded' Saudi crown prince.

Thousands flee in first mass exodus from Syria's besieged eastern Ghouta.

Saudis in secret talks with Houthis to end Yemen's war: report.

UN council says Yemen conditions 'devastating' for civilians.

7 years on, Syrians despair over a country in pieces.

Israel court suspends plan to deport thousands of African migrants.

UN gets $100M in new funds for Palestinian aid after US cuts.

ASIA

North Korea's top diplomat in Sweden for talks.

U.S. envoy says he urged North Korea to release Americans before summit.

China is ready for a trade war with the US — and it could hurt Americans.

Myanmar willing to take back fewer than 400 Rohingya refugees.

Former Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad slams Prime Minister Najib Razak for 'destroying the country'.

Defying the Taliban: Afghan women apply to join police force.

Sri Lanka lifts ban on Facebook imposed after spasm of communal violence.

AFRICA

South Africa slams Australia visa plan for white farmers.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa promises to speed up the pace of land reform.

Cameroon to pursue crackdown on anglophone separatists.

U.S. military discloses firefight in Niger in December.

UN renews S. Sudan mission, with arms embargo threat.

Cameroon holds first cabinet meeting since 2015.

Mauritius PM says president's decision not to resign is deplorable.

Libya navy seizes oil tanker suspected of smuggling.

Djibouti says US has no need to worry about Chinese port deal.

Zimbabwe’s ex-leader Mugabe calls his ouster a disgrace.

EUROPE

US, France, Germany blame Russia for UK nerve agent attack on ex-spy Sergei Skripal. Allies back UK to condemn Russia over Salisbury nerve agent attack.

Slovakian journalist's murder sparks anti-Government protests, PM tenders resignation. Slovakia's PM Robert Fico resigns amid public outcry.

Slovakia's deputy premier Peter Pellegrini tapped to lead new government.

Hungarian leader says Europe is now 'under invasion' by migrants.

Ukraine accuses war hero lawmaker of planning attack on parliament.

Finland named world's happiest country in 2018.

Russian aeroplane loses gold-silver bars on take-off.

AMERICAS

Trump 'admitted making up figures to Justin Trudeau'.

US gets tougher on Russia; new sanctions, accusations. US punishes 19 Russians over vote meddling and cyber-attacks.

Six to 10 people killed in Florida foot bridge collapse: senator.

Peru President Pedro Kuczynski faces another impeachment vote.

Colombia detains Cuban accused of planning attack on U.S. citizens.

Bolivia: Seven prisoners killed in police raid on notorious jail.

Brazilian councilwoman and rights activist gunned down in Rio de Janeiro.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Mali militias say have US vehicle taken in Niger attack.

Egypt’s president ready to join fight against militants.

French 'Islamic State executioner' killed: sources.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US stocks end mostly lower as midday gains slip away.

Don’t push us, China says to Trump’s demand for US$100 billion cut in the Sino-US trade gap.

At G20 meet, US seeking 'like-minded' countries on China.

Peter Thiel: Europe is cracking down on Silicon Valley out of 'jealousy'.

Bad blood: The rise and fall of Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes.

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