World News Briefs -- September 26, 2019 (Evening Edition)

Daily Mail: Intelligence whistle-blower is revealed to be male CIA AGENT who worked at the White House as Donald Trump launches furious attack on his sources calling them 'close to a spy' and hinting at death penalty for 'treason'

* Bombshell whistle-blower complaint is published and reveals new allegations of a high-level White House cover-up as well as claims of abuse of power
* Official was identified by the New York Times to be a CIA officer who had been detailed to the White House
* Official was given a 'read-out' of the call but did not listen to it
* Whistle-blower says they were told by 'disturbed' White House officials about the aftermath of the call
* Its contents were moved to a secret computer system more normally used for 'covert action' despite not being 'national-security sensitive'
* White House officials 'voiced concern internally that this would be an abuse of the system,' the complaint says
* Complaint says it was not the first time Trump's calls to foreign leaders had been placed on secret server run by the National Security Council
* House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the effort to 'lock down' the Ukraine call shows 'this is a cover-up'

The whistle-blower whose complaint about President Trump's effort to press Ukraine into investigating Joe Biden jump-started impeachment efforts has been revealed to be a CIA officer who has been detailed to the White House.

The agent, identified as a man, has returned to working at the CIA, the New York Times reported.

The paper included an explanation from its executive editor about why it published the information. The whistle-blower's lawyer, Andrew Bakaj, called it 'deeply concerning and reckless, as it can place the individual in harm’s way' and declared his client's right to remain anonymous.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

US says Syria used chemical weapons in May attack.

US deploys air defense systems, troops to Saudi Arabia.

Pompeo has no comment on possibility of U.S.-Iran prisoner swap.

Iranian president: US should end ‘maximum pressure’ policy.

Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei calls Europe untrustworthy.

White House increases pressure on Iran by barring officials from U.S., imposing new sanctions.

Japan's Abe urges Iran to take actions that are 'grounded in wisdom'.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin asks Benjamin Netanyahu to form government.

UN condemns Saudi air attacks on Yemen.

U.S.-made bomb killed civilians in Yemen, human rights group says.

Khashoggi murder 'happened under my watch,' Saudi Crown Prince tells new documentary.

5.7-magnitude earthquake shakes Istanbul, injures eight.

ASIA

North Korea says lack of progress casts doubt on prospects for future summit with U.S.: KCNA.

Afghan presidential election: Security still tops voters' mind.

Imran Khan warns UN of potential nuclear war in Kashmir.

Bangladesh to fence Rohingya camps in further crackdown.

Report: North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly to visit Moscow.

UNESCO hails South Korea's proposal to register DMZ as world heritage site.

Beijing vows to retaliate after US’ Hong Kong human rights bill is approved by congressional committees.

India builds first mass detention centre for 'illegal immigrants'.

AFRICA

Sierra Leone leader: Add Africa to UN Security Council now.

Libya's Khalifa Haftar says open to dialogue as fighting drags on.

Egyptian authorities threaten to 'decisively confront' protesters. Egypt responds to anti-Sisi protests with wave of arrests.

Egypt's rival camps wage online battle over Sisi.

Flee or die: The cruel choice in jihad-hit Burkina Faso.

Sudan closes borders with Libya, Central African Republic.

Malawi protester dies in custody after army arrest: lawyer.

Many feared dead in Chad gold mine collapse: Minister.

South Africa violence: Army deployment in Cape Town extended.

EUROPE

UK leader Johnson faces backlash over confrontational tone.

Ukrainian leader bristles at release of Trump transcript.

Ukrainian leader's rivals use Trump call to kick him, voters more forgiving.

UK Brexit ideas fall short, says European Parliament chief.

New Spanish poll points to another election stalemate.

Poland's ruling party has 40% support before Oct.13 vote - Reuters poll.

Russia preparing surprise measures for US amid visa spat, says top diplomat

Austria: Far-right ex-leader Strache investigated for reported misuse of party funds.

Jacques Chirac, former French president, dies aged 86 .

AMERICAS

Whistleblower on Trump-Ukraine contacts is a CIA officer: sources.

Trump raises $13M after Pelosi announces impeachment inquiry.

White House intervened to 'lock down' records of Trump-Ukraine call - whistleblower.

Trump says fate of the nation at stake as Democrats try to 'destroy' the GOP.

Senators fret over prospect of Trump trial.

Senate again votes to end DoD-dependent border emergency, bucking veto threat.

Trump administration slashes the U.S. refugee program for 2020: statement.

The Coast Guard busted another 'narco sub' carrying 12,000 pounds of cocaine.

At UN, Venezuela’s rival delegations circle each other.

Venezuela crisis: US bans top officials from entering country.

Five years after mass student kidnapping, Mexico digs for remains in new dump.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. military court appoints panel to hear Omar Khadr's war-crimes appeal.

Urgent new warnings about ISIS fighter jailbreaks, as Trump threatens Europe with releasing them.

U.S. military again strikes Islamic State in Libya.

Malaysia arrests 16 for suspected ISIL links, plotting attacks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street dips as whistleblower report adds to investor caution.

UK's business committee to investigate Thomas Cook collapse.

US businesses spend less but Q2 GDP growth confirmed at 2%.

Huawei founder hints at problems with access to western finance.