World News Briefs -- July 23, 2020

Reuters: Record numbers of coronavirus cases in every global region: Reuters tally

(Reuters) - Almost 40 countries have reported record single-day increases in coronavirus infections over the past week, around double the number that did so the previous week, according to a Reuters tally showing a pick-up in the pandemic in every region of the world.

The rate of cases has been increasing not only in countries like the United States, Brazil and India, which have dominated global headlines with large outbreaks, but in Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Bolivia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Bulgaria, Belgium, Uzbekistan and Israel, among others.

Many countries, especially those where officials eased earlier social distancing lockdowns, are experiencing a second peak more than a month after recording their first.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iran says U.S. warplanes harassed commercial flight over Syria.

Iran says Mahan Air passengers can sue US army in its courts.

Ukraine: Black boxes confirm interference with jet downed in Iran.

Iranian president urges coronavirus caution during religious festivities.

Kidnapped German curator Hella Mewis freed by Iraq military.

Europe warns Turkey against natural gas mission near Greece.

Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia opens as a mosque for Muslim prayers.

Turkey and Greece exchange harsh words over Hagia Sophia prayers.

ASIA

‘Americans were interfering in China’s domestic affairs’: Beijing justifies closing US Chengdu consulate.

China accuses US of improperly entering Houston consulate.

Beijing should close US consulate for Hong Kong, Chinese polls say.

India and China set for more talks to reduce border tension.

Australian Government declares Beijing's South China Sea claims illegal in letter to United Nations.

S. Korea reports Covid-19 spike, virus-wracked US states tighten controls.

Pakistan: Protests erupt over Parachinar bomb attack.

Originally set to open Friday, 2020 Tokyo Olympics hope to return in a year.

AFRICA

Tracking Africa's coronavirus cases.

Africa's varied COVID-19 rates and responses.

Somalia's parliament ousts prime minister in no-confidence vote.

COVID-induced khat shortage adds to health problems in Somalia.

Gunmen kill at least 20 farmers in Sudan's Darfur, tribal chief says.

West African leaders plan extraordinary talks on Monday to end Mali crisis.

French soldier killed in combat in Mali.

Sudan: Mass grave linked to 1989 coup attempt on al-Bashir found.

US military claims Russia sending military equipment to Libya.

EUROPE

Germany calls on UK to show more realism in Brexit negotiations.

Germany braces for a second coronavirus wave amid rising infections.

‘Intensifying’ rise in French Covid-19 cases as death toll also edges up.

Mandatory masks becoming the rule amid Europe’s virus uptick.

National security law: EU proposes cutting off Hong Kong’s access to goods used in surveillance and ‘internal repression’.

China insiders see ‘no progress’ on ending subsidies, as clock ticks on EU investment deal talks.

Barred presidential candidate flees Belarus, fearing arrest.

Massive protest against governor’s arrest challenges Kremlin.

Russia satellite: Kremlin accuses US and UK of 'distorting' truth.

Croatia Parliament approves new centre-right government.

Thousands of Hungarians protest against sackings at news website. Hungary's Index journalists walk out over sacking.

Former SS Nazi guard convicted in Germany's 'last' Holocaust trial.

AMERICAS

Federal agents use tear gas to clear rowdy Portland protest.

Trump cancels GOP convention plans in Jacksonville.

Trump admin blacklists brothers with close ties to Venezuela's Maduro family.

China's consulate in Houston emptied after US spy row.

US intelligence chief warns of foreign meddling in 2020 vote.

Virus-hit Texas braces as 2020's first hurricane, Hanna, takes aim.

Bolivia postpones election for second time.

'No coffins or oxygen': Bolivia struggling amid coronavirus surge.

Brazil’s Bolsonaro says he tested negative for coronavirus.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. airstrike in Somalia kills seven Islamic State terrorists.

Tehran continues its terror campaign in Europe.

IS prisoner issue a ticking timebomb for the West.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street Week Ahead: Investors hedging, worry about exuberance, as U.S. risks rise.

Coronavirus: Disney delays blockbuster films due to pandemic.

Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple hearing faces delay.

Amazon, Google and Wish remove neo-Nazi products.

Goldman Sachs to pay $3.9B to settle Malaysian 1MDB scandal.