Tuesday, February 25, 2020

World News Briefs -- February 25, 2020 (Evening Edition)



AP: ‘Time is everything’: World braces for spread of new virus

China’s massive travel restrictions, house-to-house checks, huge isolation wards and lockdowns of entire cities bought the world valuable time to prepare for the global spread of the new virus.

But with troubling outbreaks now emerging in Italy, South Korea and Iran, and U.S. health officials warning Tuesday it’s inevitable it will spread more widely in America, the question is: Did the world use that time wisely and is it ready for a potential pandemic?

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria's Idlib sees ghost towns as hundreds of thousands flee.

Turkey-backed fighters recapture key town in Syria's Idlib.

Talk about truce with terrorists in Idlib means surrender — Lavrov.

Yemen: US to stop aid in Houthi areas if rebels do not cooperate.

Remaining parties in Iran nuclear deal to meet in Vienna.

Saudi nationals sentenced for 'offering intelligence to Iran'.

Netanyahu to approve 3,500 Jewish homes on disputed 'E1' land.

Coronavirus: Gulf states suspend more flights.

First Iraqis catch coronavirus amid fear of Iran epidemic spillover.

Iranian clerics keep shrines open, even as virus spreads.

ASIA

Afghan government agrees to postpone Ghani inauguration: U.S..

China struggles to revive manufacturing amid virus outbreak.

Trump wraps India visit after defense, trade talks with PM Modi.

Deadly violence rocks New Delhi as Trump praises Modi on ‘religious freedom’. Delhi clashes: Thirteen killed as Hindu and Muslim groups clash.

Pompeo confirms US will sign Taliban deal if weeklong 'reduction in violence' is successful.

US urges Afghans to unite for Taliban talks amid election dispute. US upbeat on Taliban peace, warns Afghan leaders.

Kazakhstan's crackdown on opposition dashes hopes for fair polls.

East Timor PM Taur Matan Ruak resigns as coalition collapses.

Of the 200 cities with worst air pollution, 90 per cent are in China and India.

AFRICA

East Africa’s huge locust outbreak now spreads to Congo.

Algerian leader to go to Saudi Arabia in first state visit since election.

Former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak dies aged 91.

Egypt executes eight men over church bombings: sources.

Regional leaders react to the passing of Egypt's Hosni Mubarak.

Libya conflict: Turkey confirms first soldiers killed. Erdogan says two Turkish troops killed in Libya.

Watchdog HRW accuses army in massacre in anglophone Cameroon.

Lesotho PM expects praise for early resignation.

Ethiopia to free high-profile prisoners 'for the national good'.

EUROPE

Europe: Officials try to stem virus panic, keep borders open.

6 European nations report virus cases with Italy link.

Italy sees virus cases rise 45% in a day; deaths up to 11.

Coronavirus spreads through Europe from Italy to Austria, Croatia and Tenerife.

Coronavirus updates: Borders remain open as Italian cases rise 45%.

Russia-China trade impacted by coronavirus but situation not critical, deputy PM says.

Switzerland confirms its first coronavirus case — media.

Coronavirus: Tenerife hotel with hundreds of guests locked down. Tenerife coronavirus: 1,000 guests at hotel quarantined.

Greece: Clashes on islands over new migrant camps.

CDU politicians Merz and Laschet announce their bids to lead Germany's biggest party.

Belarus, Russia sign protocol on compensations for off-spec oil.

Man who drove into carnival crowd injured 52, German police say.

AMERICAS

As world scrambles, experts warn virus spread in US certain. U.S. braces for coronavirus spread as outbreaks worsen in Italy, Iran.

Trump, US officials send mixed messages on virus risk here.

Democrats warm up for big debate, unloading on Sanders.

Bernie Sanders under sustained attack ahead of debate.

Coronavirus could cause 'severe disruption' in America, CDC says.

GOP chairman of Appropriations panel worries Trump 'lowballing' coronavirus funding request.

Trump says Russian interference ‘highly exaggerated’, blames Adam Schiff for leaking report.

Brazil: Murder rate spikes in CearĂ¡ state as police strike.

Chile anti-government protests mar music festival's opening night.

Harvey Weinstein to face charges in Los Angeles after guilty verdict in New York.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. military says killed militant leader behind attack in Kenya that killed Americans.

Sahel summit appeal to step up fight against jihadism.

Shaky ceasefire holds between Islamic Jihad, Israel in Gaza.

As Yemen's war intensifies, an opening for al-Qaeda to resurrect its fortunes.

9/11 firefighter who found own brother in rubble dies of related illness.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks sink, bonds soar on fears virus will stunt economy.

Dashboard of a downturn: coronavirus starts to set off some recession alarm bells.

Oil slips for 3rd day as virus fears outweigh supply cuts.

Coronavirus outbreak to cost airlines almost $30bn.