World News Briefs -- October 18, 2019

A demonstrator holds a tire during a protest targeting the government over an economic crisis, in Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon October 18, 2019. REUTERS/Aziz Taher

Reuters: Protests sweep Lebanon as fury at ruling elite grows

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of angry Lebanese took to the streets on Friday, blocking roads and burning tyres in a second day of nationwide protest to demand the removal of a political elite they accuse of looting the economy to the point of collapse.

Addressing protesters, Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri blamed his rivals in government for obstructing reforms that could have resolved the economic crisis and gave them a 72-hour deadline to stop blocking him, otherwise hinting he may resign.

He said Lebanon was going through an “unprecedented, difficult time”.

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MIDDLE EAST

Fighting continues on Syria-Turkey border amid war crimes allegations.

UN investigates alleged use of white phosphorus in Syria.

Turkey plans presence across northeast Syria, Erdogan says.

Pompeo meets Netanyahu in Israel amid concerns about Syria, Iran.

Lebanon: WhatsApp tax sparks mass protests. Lebanon scraps WhatsApp tax as protests rage.

Amid protests, Lebanon's Hariri sets deadline to resolve crisis.

ASIA

Bombing at Afghanistan mosque kills at least 60. Explosion at Afghan mosque kills dozens.

UN: Afghan insurgents responsible for most 2019 casualties.

Moon Jae-in's encounter with Japan envoy raises hopes of improved ties.

Pakistan avoids FATF 'black list,' gets stern warning.

China bankrolls Solomon Islands stadium ahead of Pacific summit.

China's economy marks slowest growth on record.

'Free to kill': Duterte tells newly appointed police chief.

New Zealand to test 'armed response teams' after Christchurch attacks.

AFRICA

Partial Mozambique election results show big win for ruling party.

Violent protests against Madagascar's 'new city'.

Victims of Libya air raids fear returning home.

Guinea prosecutor seeks jail terms for opposition leaders.

Bobi Wine calls Museveni 'enemy of Uganda'.

Deadly flooding causing problems across Africa.

Stony silence from Eritrea as Ethiopia basks in Nobel glow.

Kenyan port of Mombasa becomes world's new drug trafficking hub.

EUROPE

EU urges Turkey to end Syria military operation after ceasefire announcement.

Brexit: Johnson in race to win support for deal. Boris Johnson returns to London to sell lawmakers new Brexit deal.

Catalonia holds general strike as protesters descend on Barcelona.

Catalan president seeks independence vote by 2021.

Wanted ex-Catalan leader Puigdemont surrenders to Belgian authorities.

EU leaders leave Balkan states hanging on accession talks. EU blocks Albania and North Macedonia membership bids.

AMERICAS

'Failure:' Mexico admits bungled arrest of kingpin's son amid mayhem.

White House aide's words on Ukraine upend impeachment strategy, rattle allies.

Trudeau could lose power in Canada’s election Monday.

Venezuela joins U.N. Human Rights Council despite strong opposition.

Brother of Honduras president found guilty in vast drug conspiracy case.

Argentineans mark day of loyalty to former leader Juan Peron.

Surge of Mexican migrants is new challenge for Trump border crackdown.

Mexico deports 311 Indian migrants to New Delhi.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

'ISIS will be back.’ Lawmakers voice Syria fears to Pentagon chiefs.

Belgium to evacuate Isis suspects from Syria detention camps.

After Turkey attacks Syria, detained IS women await 'deliverance'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. moves ahead with tariffs on European Union goods.

NBA facing 'substantial' losses over China dispute.

Samsung says fix coming for security-flawed Galaxy phones.