World News Briefs -- July 28, 2020

NBC: Europe faces down a second coronavirus pandemic wave

“No country is in red zone,” Enric Alvarez of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia said. “But lots are in the yellow zone.”

BARCELONA, Spain — A resurgence of coronavirus cases in Spain and beyond have people questioning if Europe, which has already been traumatized by more than 181,000 deaths in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, can reduce the impact of a second wave.

Clusters of cases have appeared in various parts of Europe. In Spain, some have required drastic measures. Now, epidemiologists throughout the continent agree that a second series of outbreaks is inevitable. The big question however, is whether the second wave arrives as a series of manageable ripples, often at the local and regional levels, or an all-out tsunami.

“As we move forward through time, the number of waves we will observe will be a function of how much of the economy we open up, said Gerardo Chowell, a professor of mathematical epidemiology and chair of the Department of Population Health Sciences at the Georgia State University School of Public Health. “You should be expecting these waves. But you can also be ready to control them. It’s not easy to do but it is possible.”

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen faces new famine threat.

Iran-backed militias suspected of continuing rocket attacks on Iraqi bases.

Iran threatens US by targeting replica aircraft carrier in Strait of Hormuz.

Netanyahu says Hezbollah ‘playing with fire,’ but Shiite group denies role in border clash. Lebanon's Hezbollah accuses Israel of fabricating border clash.

China signs series of deals to develop supergiant oilfield In Iran.

Federal Government seeks access to jailed Australian Kylie Moore-Gilbert moved to new prison in Iran.

Saudi Arabia gears up for downsized Hajj rituals due to Covid-19.

ASIA

Afghan gov't, Taliban agree Eid al-Adha ceasefire. Afghan talks back on track as new ceasefire agreed.

U.N. presses Taliban, Afghan Government for peace talks.

Beijing says troops disengaged on most of China-India border.

China ends extradition deals with Australia, Britain, Canada.

Malaysia's Najib sentenced to over a decade in jail in 1MDB trial.

Vietnam locks down its 3rd largest city as virus cases grow.

Australia's fires 'killed or harmed three billion animals'.

AFRICA

Mali's opposition rejects ECOWAS leaders' plan to end deadlock.

ECOWAS threatens sanctions against Mali's opposition.

UN, AU urge Darfur troop deployment to protect civilians.

Saudi FM discusses Libya with Algerian, Tunisian leaders.

Nearly 45 million people food insecure in southern Africa.

Nile mega-dam talks to 'drag on', says Egypt's el-Sisi.

Egypt’s Sisi rules out military action over GERD dispute with Ethiopia.

Somalia downplays EU criticism over ouster of former leader.

Uganda's ruling party nominates Museveni for election.

Kenya extends coronavirus curfew, restricts alcohol sales.

EUROPE

US-Russia launch talks in Vienna on nuclear arms control.

Brexit will deliver double shock to UK economy, study finds.

Europe warns Turkey against natural gas mission near Greece.

Belarus president who said vodka and taking a sauna were Covid-19 remedies tests positive for coronavirus.

Italian prime minister seeks to extend COVID-19 emergency period.

Spain slams UK, Germany for advising tourists to stay away.

Coronavirus: German officials 'very concerned' by rising cases.

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson warns of Europe 'second wave' amid Spain row.

AMERICAS

New COVID-19 cases in US decline for the first time in five weeks and average daily toll of 66,000 infections is the lowest in 10 days - but 22 states, mostly in the Midwest, are now seeing increases as hotspot regions plateau.

Democrats, GOP far apart as virus aid talks intensify.

Senate Republicans push back on McConnell's $1 trillion U.S. coronavirus relief proposal.

U.S. Attorney General Barr defends response to protests, Trump-tied cases. Barr condemns ‘rioters’ in much-anticipated House testimony.

Park Police chief testifies protesters were not cleared from Lafayette Square for Trump visit. Park Police head: No White House order for move on protest.

Six US mayors ask Congress to stop Trump federal deployment.

US scholars charged with lying about Chinese military ties.

Chile's President Pinera removes interior, foreign, defense ministers.

First hearing begins in Mexico's corruption trial of ex-Pemex boss.

Maduro’s hold on Venezuela tightens as coronavirus surges.

Bolivian prisons erupt into riots over lack of health care after coronavirus deaths.

Top Mexican drug kingpin El Mencho reportedly builds own private hospital.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Taliban accuses Afghan government of recapturing freed prisoners.

‘Al Qaeda active in 12 Afghan provinces’: UN report.

US military acknowledges civilian death from Somalia strike.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall St. pauses as pandemic hurts consumer confidence and earnings; stimulus underwhelms.

Air travel not expected to recover until 2024.

Spotlight on 4 Big Tech CEOs testifying in competition probe.

WTO is in 'a serious state of disrepair'.

U.S. shale producers, slammed by oil price crash, seen posting worst quarter since 2016.