Sunday, March 4, 2018

World News Briefs -- March 4, 2018



Reuters: Syrians flee government advances in eastern Ghouta

Thousands of civilians have fled advances by Syrian government forces in eastern Ghouta over the last two days, a war monitor and a resident said, as Damascus makes rapid gains in a fierce assault against the last major rebel enclave near the capital.

Government forces need to advance just a few more kilometers (miles) further to split the enclave in two, said a commander in the military alliance that backs President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces had seized around a quarter of eastern Ghouta in a ground assault that got underway on Feb. 27, building on a ferocious air and artillery bombardment that has killed hundreds.

One of the main insurgent groups in eastern Ghouta, Jaish al-Islam, said the government’s“scorched earth policy” had forced rebels to retreat and regroup, but vowed to recover lost territory.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian government forces seize quarter of eastern Ghouta, monitor says.

Syria war: Residents flee Eastern Ghouta bombardment.

Syrian regime captures 10 percent of eastern Ghouta: Monitor.

In Syria’s Ghouta, shelters are tombs for the living.

Rebels in Syria's Ghouta regroup after retreat: rebel spokesman.

Dozens of fighters killed in Turkish airstrikes in Afrin.

Turkey reconnects FSA-held Idlib with Azaz.

Kirkuk not as liberated from IS as claimed.

France says Iran ballistic missile program a major concern.

Iranian General wants to 'slap West in face' with proof of US-Daesh cooperation.

Saudi crown prince lands in Egypt on first public trip.

Erdogan in Africa: ‘New world order’ in the making.

Turkish President Erdogan targets the internet.

ASIA

US, Afghan leaders agree on peace push, Taliban don’t.

South Korea to send special envoys to North for talks. Donald Trump suggests he will talk to Pyongyang as South Korea sends envoy to North Korea.

North Korea ready to 'take measures' against U.S. sanctions and joint drills with South Korea.

Xi term-limits controversy looms at China political meeting.

China says lifting term limits is about protecting authority of party.

Pakistani ruling party gains control of senate.

Beijing works to rally 'sons and daughters' abroad to help create 'Chinese Dream'.

Cambodia questions US aid cut: 'There is no aid'.

Papua New Guinea earthquake: Tens of thousands need urgent aid. Week after Papua New Guinea quake, nearly 150,000 people in urgent need of aid.

AFRICA

4 soldiers, 10 jihadists killed in Egypt Sinai campaign.

DR Congo: Dozens killed in new flare-up of ethnic violence.

Seven dead in east DR Congo raid blamed on Ugandan rebels.

UN warns situation in DR Congo reaching 'breaking point'.

Burkina Faso attacks claimed by Mali-based Al Qaeda affiliate.

Doctors Without Borders pulls out of Nigerian town after attack.

S.Africa firebrand Malema launches bid for presidency.

Egypt court upholds Tiran, Sanafir transfer to Saudi Arabia.

Zimbabwe court orders payment to farmers evicted by Grace Mugabe.

Heavy rains bring flooding to parts of Kenya.

EUROPE

Italy goes to the polls after divisive election campaign.

Merkel secures fourth term in power after SPD backs coalition deal.

UK leader tries to ease concerns of banks in Brexit talks.

Slovak leader urges govt changes amid crisis over reporter. Slovak president urges government shakeup in wake of murder of journalist.

Putin: Russia will ‘never’ extradite citizens accused by US.

Macedonians rally against name deal with Greece.

Protesters mock Catalan independence bid with secession call of their own.

Sweden experiencing unprecedented violence and crime.

France: Police battle protesters over nuclear waste storage plans.

Ukrainians injured as police dismantle Kiev 'tent city'.

Fewer migrants enter Europe via the Mediterranean Sea, says UN agency.

AMERICAS

Brace yourselves for round two: North East to be hit by a second storm in less than a week after deadly 'Bombogenesis' kills nine, leaves two million without power and brings the worst flooding in years to parts of Massachusetts.

Trump puts aside the feud with media for a night at Gridiron.

Canada's Freeland to meet top U.S. Congressmen amid trade row: lawmaker.

DOJ processing pardon case for ex-sailor who invoked ‘Clinton defense’.

Polish group sues Argentine paper under new Holocaust law.

Mexico missing Italians: Police accused of handing them to gang.

Tiny Canada town defeats oil firm in court fight over drinking water.

A year later, the Oscars return to the scene of the flub.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Burkina Faso: Mali-based militant group claims deadly attacks.

US military confirms death of Pakistani Taliban commander.

Ex-CIA chief warns ISIS could send chemical weapon "recipe" to followers in US.

Where is al-Qaeda in Syria?

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

White House: No exemptions from steel, aluminum tariffs. Trump tariffs expected next week, with no country exemptions: Ross.

Trump escalates trade war rhetoric with threat to tax Europe-made cars.

UK leader expresses concern on trade war in call with Trump.

Trump trade war: China vows retaliation if tariffs bite.

China says it does not want a trade war with US.

Wilbur Ross says world leaders call Trump about tariffs.

World's 5 largest gold nuggets that haven't been melted down.

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