World News Briefs -- July 12, 2018

Reuters: Trump claims NATO victory after 'go it alone' ultimatum

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Donald Trump claimed a personal victory at a NATO summit on Thursday after telling European allies to increase spending or lose Washington’s support, an ultimatum that forced leaders to huddle in a crisis session with the U.S. president.

Trump emerged declaring his continued commitment to a Western alliance built on U.S. military might that has stood up to Moscow since World War Two.

People present said he had earlier warned he would “go it alone” if allies, notably Germany, did not make vast increases in their defense budgets for next year.

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MIDDLE EAST

Deraa, birthplace of Syria uprising, retaken by government forces. Syria army enters and raises flag in Daraa, cradle of revolt.

Israel strikes three Syrian Army positions in response to drone infiltration.


Trump says Iran will seek fresh deal as looming sanctions weigh on economy.

Amnesty International accuses UAE, Yemen forces of torture.

Iraqis protest at oilfields to call for jobs and basic services.

Court defers decision on Israeli demolition of West Bank village.

Turkey detains three French over alleged PKK links: report.

ASIA

Peace in Afghanistan more elusive as Taliban shrug off talks.

US asks UN to cut off oil products to North Korea.

South Korea wants formal end to the Korean War this year.

Progress in North Korea but long road ahead: UN aid chief.

Chinese media decry Trump trade policy as 'crazy,' blames 'America first'.

Myanmar, Laos hit with visa sanctions for rejecting deportees from U.S..

Japan floods: Death toll rises to 200, as UN offers assistance.

Pakistan election: Bhutto outlines 'peaceful, progressive' vision.

AFRICA

Donald Trump vows to end Africa's 'vicious' conflicts.

South Sudan president's term extended. S.Sudan MPs extend interim government's mandate for 3 years.

Sudan extends ceasefire with rebels until year-end - statement.

Ethiopian rebel group declares ceasefire in wake of reforms.

Libyan commander wanted by ICC 'escapes prison'.

Kenyans call foul after MPs go to World Cup at taxpayers' expense.

Zuma's son charged with culpable homicide over crash.

EUROPE

Germany must do more, says Merkel after 'intense' NATO summit.

Donald Trump arrives in UK for start of contentious visit. Donald Trump arrives in London amid protests and Brexit chaos.

Trump: ‘Ultimate deal’ with Putin would be ‘no more nuclear weapons’.

In Brussels, Mike Pompeo gives EU a Twitter lecture on Iran.

Italy downplays German promises for migration deal.

Czech communists return to government as power brokers.

Spain to outlaw groups honoring dictator Francisco Franco.

German court allows extradition of former Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont.

AMERICAS

FBI agent angrily rejects charges of bias at chaotic hearing.

Trudeau, Trump talk trade during sideline meeting at NATO summit.

US says all eligible youngest children, families reunited.

Nicaragua unrest death toll rises before new protests.

El Salvador government rejects court ruling on kidnapped envoy.

Haiti should make plan to gradually lower fuel subsidies: IMF.

OPEC data show Venezuela oil output in free fall.

Venezuelans are starving, but the country still sends crude to Cuba.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Boko Haram continues to drive terrorism threat in northern Nigeria.

IS seizes village in south Syria: monitor.

New research shows why terrorists quit terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Brent crude suffers biggest price drop in two years.

Facebook ruling: German court grants parents rights to dead daughter's account.

Twitter begins killing millions of inactive, suspicious accounts.

Foreign investment in US down sharply.