Thursday, December 20, 2018

World News Briefs -- December 20, 2018



Al Jazeera: Syria: World reacts to Trump's decision to pull US troops out

UK, France stunned, while Russia and Turkey sense opportunity to advance own agenda, as Trump says ISIL is defeated.

In the wake of US President Donald Trump's announcement that he would pull troops out of Syria, some international allies have reacted with shock and dismay, while Russia and Turkey seemed to welcome a decision that could allow them to advance their own plans in Syria.

Trump's decision to pull out completely was confirmed by US officials and is expected to take place in the coming months.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

US to continue Syria air war for now, future unclear.

Syria: Putin welcomes Trump's decision to pull out US troops.

Syria's Kurds say Trump US troop pullout harms anti-IS fight.

UN Syria envoy: constitutional committee will not be formed by year's end.

'Uneasy calm' in Yemen's Hodeida as combatants await UN truce team.

Israeli Prime Minister vows to continue aggressive actions against Iran in Syria.

Netanyahu warns Lebanese to stop Hezbollah tunnels into Israel.

UN food aid to Gaza, West Bank cut back due to funding shortfall.

ASIA

UAE says US-Taliban talks show 'positive' result.

US envoy doubts Afghan Taliban's desire for peace.

Afghan Taliban, US conclude marathon peace talks arranged by Pakistan.

North Korea: 'Bizarre' U.S. must show signs of denuclearization.

Report: Discussion for Kim Jong Un's visit to Seoul 'ongoing'.

US hopes for Kim-Trump summit in early 2019.

US and UK accuse China of sustained hacking campaign .

China says third detained Canadian is woman being punished for working illegally.

Sri Lankan president appoints cabinet after political crisis.

Japan 'to leave whaling commission to resume hunting'.

AFRICA

Protests over rising prices spread to Sudan's Khartoum.

DR Congo elections: Sunday voting may be delayed. DRC presidential election postponed for at least a week.

Over 300 dead in Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak.

Madagascar counts votes in tense election run-off.

Opposition boycotts Togo parliamentary elections ahead of polling. Togo calm as polling stations open.

Senegal: Opposition leaders get creative to win votes.

Morocco murders: Three arrested over 'bestial' tourist killings.

EUROPE

Russia's Vladimir Putin warns about growing threat of nuclear war.

Putin: Voters' choices of Trump and Brexit 'disrespected'.

Belgium: King yet to accept resignation of PM.

Danish Parliament OKs plan to house migrants on 17-acre island.

Trump urges Kosovo to reach 'historic' deal with Serbia.

Albania expels Iran envoy in 'terrorist' row.

Flights suspended at London's Gatwick Airport after reports of drone sightings.

Poland signs 20-year liquefied natural gas deal with US.

AMERICAS

Trump vents frustration over wall funding, fueling uncertainty over shutdown.

Defying critics, Trump again suggests military troops should build the border wall.

Trump supporters angry at his 'retreat' on border wall.

DOJ charges Chinese nationals in cyber espionage campaign.

US to send migrants back to Mexico while cases pending: DHS.

Lula jailing: Brazilian judges raise and dash prison release hopes.

Brazilian prosecutor files graft charges against outgoing President Michel Temer.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Morocco: Killing of Scandinavian backpackers linked to terrorism.

Germany, France, UK: 'Islamic State' not defeated in Syria.

Kurdish allies say U.S. withdrawal from Syria will revive ISIS.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fed raises rates despite Trump opposition.

Airbus shares plunge on reported US corruption probe.

Oil prices sink to lowest in a year as stock markets fall.

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