Thursday, May 16, 2019

World News Briefs -- May 16, 2019 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Trump says he hopes U.S. not going to war with Iran

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he hoped the United States was not heading to war with Iran as he met with Switzerland President Ueli Maurer, whose nation has served as a diplomatic conduit between the two countries.

Asked by reporters if Washington was going to war with Tehran, Trump responded, “Hope not” as he greeted Maurer at the White House.

Tensions have escalated in recent days with increasing concerns about a potential U.S.-Iran conflict. Earlier this week the United States pulled some diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad following weekend attacks on four oil tankers in the Gulf.

Switzerland, a neutral country, has historically been a liaison between the United States and Iran, which have no diplomatic relations.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Trump told U.S. defense chief: no war with Iran: N.Y. Times.

Bomb-laden drones of Yemen rebels threaten Arabian Peninsula.

Saudis blame Iran for drone attack amid calls for US strikes.

Saudi coalition answers oil attacks with airstrikes in Yemen.

Iran calls US reimposition of sanctions 'unacceptable' as tensions escalate.

Iran showing 'maximum restraint,' US escalation 'unacceptable': Zarif.

Iraqi Airways to resume flights to Syria after 8-year break.

After fleeing bombs, Syrian families shelter in olive groves.

Born under IS, sick Iraqi children left undocumented, untreated.

UN calls on Qatar to reform workers rights, abolish death penalty.

IMF says Saudi budget deficit to hit seven percent of GDP in 2019.

ASIA

Nine killed in gun battles in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Philippines recalls envoys in Canada over trash shipments.

Taliban attack leaves 10 soldiers dead in southern Afghanistan.

Trump to visit South Korea in June for. talks with Moon.

Report: Seoul not ruling out Trump visit to Korean DMZ.

Steven Mnuchin expects to visit Beijing ‘in near future’ for US-China trade talks.

Who’s coming when? Steven Mnuchin’s trade talks travel plan is news to Beijing.

Report: U.S.-China trade war could hurt Japan, Taiwan firms.

China charges Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor with spying.

Bob Hawke: Australia's former PM dies at 89.

AFRICA

France's Macron to meet Libya's eastern commander Haftar next week: presidency.

Egypt's Sinai: At least 47 fighters, 5 troops killed in battle.

Death toll from Niger ambush rises to 28 soldiers killed: army.

Libya: UN-backed government defending capital from warlord Haftar now using drones on front lines.

Sudan military rulers suspend talks with protesters for 72 hours.

Libya: UN-backed government defending capital from warlord Haftar now using drones on front lines.

Kenyan al-Shabab returnees recount stories of pain and fear.

Security concerns as Mozambique grapples with cyclone.

Rwandans accused of 1999 tourist murders in Uganda secretly brought to Australia in deal with United States.

EUROPE

Ex-ETA leader Josu Ternera detained in France. Former Basque terrorist leader captured after 17 years on the run.

ETA’s bloody history: 853 killings in 60 years of violence.

May agrees to set her exit date after Brexit bill vote.

Boris Johnson confirms bid for leadership of Conservative Party.

Merkel rules out top EU job after term as German chancellor ends.

Austria bans Muslim headscarf in primary schools.

Italy's Matteo Salvini investigated over use of police aircraft.

Overwhelming majority of Europeans predict EU collapse in coming decades - Poll.

AMERICAS

Trump pushes immigration plan favoring ‘merit’ over family.

Trump declares national emergency over threats against US technology amid campaign against Huawei.

Trump to meet with Swiss president amid tensions between US, Iran.

U.S. military to build 6 tent cities near border for migrants. DHS asks military to build six new tent cities at the southern border.

Venezuela says talking with "democratic" opposition in Norway. Mediation in Norway aims to resolve Venezuela crisis.

Rationing begins, as Cuba braces for economic impact from Venezuela crisis.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio announces presidential bid.

Donald Trump pardons former media mogul Conrad Black, convicted of fraud in 2007.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State group claims deadly ambush on Niger soldiers.

UN sanctions Islamic State’s Khorasan province, as jihadists claim operations in Kashmir and Pakistan.

U.S. declines to support global call to combat extremism online.

ISIL claims 'province' in India, officials call it 'propaganda'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US stock indexes extend winning streak to 3rd day.

EU fines Citigroup, JPMorgan, 3 other banks $1.2B for collusion.

US blacklists Huawei as Trump declares national emergency.

GozNym cyber-crime gang which stole millions busted.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Not only that, but with a change of government old contracts may not be honored. Why back a losing horse?

Maduro was given the same ultimatum as Assad. Stay with the ship. In Syria's case the strategy is going to work for the foreseeable future, maybe 10 years or more.

Russian can only maintain so many money pits. Economically, Venezuela is a lost cause. Putin is throwing in the towel.