World News Briefs -- August 16, 2019

CNN: Kashmir remains paralyzed by lockdown as resentment simmers

Eleven days after the Indian government suspended all communications in Indian-controlled Kashmir, the disputed region still has no contact with the outside world.

Millions of residents in the Kashmir Valley -- one of the most militarized regions in the world -- are living behind a virtual curtain. Unable to access the internet, send letters, or even make calls using a fixed line, India's most volatile region has vanished from the modern world.

"No telephone lines are working, no internet is working, no broadband is working. There is a virtual clampdown. There is no communication link... My own office is not functioning and I am not in touch with a single bureau member in Srinagar," said Anuradha Bhasin, executive editor of the Kashmir Times.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria says air defenses foil missile strike.

Eight years on, Syria's neighbours weary of war refugees.

Turkey says Syria safe zone centre to start work next week.

Iraq takes security measures following mysterious blasts.

Iran says tanker freed by Gibraltar poised to set sail.

Iran's Khamenei meets Yemen rebels after blow for Saudi coalition.

Tlaib says she won't visit Israel after being treated like 'a criminal'. Tlaib won't visit West Bank under 'oppressive' Israeli conditions.

ASIA

Pakistan summons Indian diplomat for third consecutive day Amid LoC shelling.

China media says Hong Kong response 'won't repeat' Tiananmen.

Hong Kong on brink of recession as trade war, political protests escalate.

Asian markets move higher as China announces plans to help economy.

North Korea snubs peace talks with South Korea over war drills.

South Korea says North Korea has fired more projectiles into the sea.

Report: North Korea uranium plant sending toxic waste into river.

Emperor voices 'deep remorse' 74 years after Japan's WWII surrender.

AFRICA

Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to new province as epidemic continues to spiral.

First confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo's South Kivu province.

Chaos in Harare as Zimbabwe riot police violently disperse protesters. Zimbabwe police violently break up protests after court ban.

Amnesty urges Sudan's military to extradite ousted al-Bashir.

Huawei allegations: Uganda denies spying on Bobi Wine.

UK judge to allow firm to try to seize $9 billion in Nigerian assets in gas dispute.


Seventeen Chinese, Ukrainian seamen kidnapped off Cameroon.

Gabon's Bongo in first live public appearance after stroke.

EUROPE

U.S. special envoy to Ukraine says Russian propaganda hindering peace efforts.

Veteran politicians said to be willing to lead anti-Brexit government.

UK government would win no confidence vote says energy minister: Sky News.

EU27 ready for all Brexit scenarios, German finance minister Scholz says.

Six EU nations to take in migrants: Italy's PM.

Italian political standoff keeps rescued migrants stranded at sea.

Kremlin hands top state honors to pilots after crash-landing.

Russia bird strike: How cool heads glided jet down to safety.

AMERICAS

'We’re not for sale': Greenland’s FM fires back at reports Trump toyed with idea of buying Greenland.

Obama has taken active interest in Biden's campaign: report.

U.N. study: More than 500 migrants dead in Americas so far.

Mexico finds dozens of lost, starving migrants from South Asia.

Bolsonaro angry as Norway stops funding Amazon protection.

Argentina central bank faces peso test ahead of fraught election.

China's biggest energy company shuns Venezuela oil on tighter U.S. sanctions.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Brother of Afghan Taliban leader killed in Pakistan mosque blast.

Air operations against ISIS rise as group lingers.

Security scare in New York, empty rice cookers found.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Alibaba co-founder Tsai will buy full control of NBA Nets.

Cathay Pacific boss Rupert Hogg quits after protest row.

Exclusive: China-owned oil tanker changes name in apparent effort to evade U.S. sanctions.