Tuesday, August 25, 2020

World News Briefs -- August 25, 2020


SCMP/AFP: Coronavirus cases and deaths are starting to slow in most regions, WHO data shows

* The World Health Organisation said Covid-19 cases had fallen 5 per cent in the last week, and deaths had dropped by 12 per cent
* The Americas are the hardest-hit by the pandemic, and reported the biggest slowdown, while India and the Eastern Mediterranean saw cases rise

The coronavirus pandemic is still raging worldwide, but fresh World Health Organisation(WHO) data indicates its pace is easing in most regions, with the biggest slowdown seen in the hard-hit Americas.

More than 1.7 million new coronavirus cases and some 39,000 new deaths were recorded last week, the WHO said in a situation report published late on Monday.

The numbers for the seven-day period ending on August 23 mark a 5 per cent decrease in new Covid-19 cases globally and a 12 per cent drop in new deaths compared to a week earlier.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Military vehicle attacked during joint Turkish-Russian patrol in Syria's Idlib.

Camp Taji turned over to Iraq Security Forces as coalition departs.

Iran, IAEA Chief say Tehran talks 'constructive'.

Iranian FM accuses Pompeo of ‘lawless bullying’ as UNSC president dismisses US push for sanctions ‘snapback’.

Iran’s Rouhani says talks possible if US returns to 2015 nuclear deal.

Turkey says ready for talks with Greece without preconditions.

Gaza imposes lockdown as infections discovered.

ASIA

Dozen killed in Taliban truck bomb, other attacks across Afghanistan.

US-China trade war: both sides cling to phase one deal as wider relationship crumbles.

Australia kills sale of a dairy business to China as trade tensions rise.

Kim Jong Un remains in charge in North Korea, Seoul says.

India's main opposition party faces leadership crisis.

Philippine army may seek martial law return after suicide attacks.

Rohingya refugee crisis remains unresolved 3 years after violence.

AFRICA

Mali junta denies three-year transition plan with military government.

Mali coup: ECOWAS, junta transition talks end without deal.

Tunisia to get second new government in six months.

Sudan military, civilian rulers trade blame for economy.

Pompeo becomes 1st U.S. secretary of state to visit Sudan since 2005.

Burkina Faso army blamed for extrajudicial torture, deaths.

DR Congo claims victory over two-year-long measles epidemic that killed thousands of children.

Polio eradication in Africa points to challenges ahead. Africa is now officially free of polio, says World Health Organization.

EUROPE

The people 'want a new Belarus,' opposition leader says.

Belarus Mi-24 helicopter gunship used to bring down balloons carrying pro-opposition flags.

Pompeo: US 'deeply concerned' by reports Russian opposition leader was poisoned.

Kremlin says no need for investigation into Alexei Navlany falling ill. Kremlin claims German doctors 'rushing' to say Navalny was poisoned.

Greece may talk to Turkey, but not under 'military pressure', Athens says as rival drills begin in Eastern Mediterranean.

Germany's Maas calls on Greece and Turkey to avoid 'catastrophe'.

German economy plunges by record 9.7%.

Spain calls in its army to fight COVID-19 resurgence.

Armenian military officer taken into Azerbaijani custody.

AMERICAS

Wisconsin police shooting victim Jacob Blake currently paralysed from waist down as buildings set ablaze in second night of protests.

Trump to nominate acting DHS Secretary Wolf for Senate confirmation.

COVID-19 cases in the US decline for the fifth straight week and average daily infections drop to 42,000 for the first time since June - but South Dakota sees a 50% surge following its annual Sturgis motorcycle rally.

Genetic data show how a single superspreading event sent coronavirus across Massachusetts - and the nation.

More than half of San Francisco storefronts closed due to pandemic.

'They think they’ll be left to die': pandemic shakes already fragile Venezuela.

Brazil's Bolsonaro renews attacks on media.

Gulf storms: Laura upgraded to hurricane as it heads towards US.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

UN: Over 10,000 Islamic State fighters active in Iraq, Syria.

Sudan and Pompeo 'discuss removal from terror list'.

Pentagon secrecy around COVID at Guantanamo Bay is one more reason to shut the prison ((Commentary).

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple defeats bid to return 'Fortnite' to App Store.

U.S., Chinese negotiators cite 'progress' in Phase One trade deal.

KFC drops Finger Lickin' Good slogan amid coronavirus.

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