War News Updates: World News Briefs -- December 14, 2020

Daily Mail: Biden IS president-elect as California puts him over the 270 mark: Joe to address the nation this evening and say 'it's time to turn the page' despite Trump STILL not admitting he lost

* President-elect Joe Biden will address the nation Monday night from Wilmington, Delaware

* Shortly before 5:30 p.m. EST California's Electoral College votes put him over the needed 270 vote threshold to officially win the White House

* Biden will say it's 'time to turn the page' on the election, as the Electoral College confirms Monday that he's the winner

* The Biden-Harris transition team released two portions of Biden's speech Monday afternoon

* 'In this battle for the soul of America, democracy prevailed,' Biden plans to say

President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College win became official just before 5:30 p.m. Monday, with California's votes pushing him over the 270 vote threshold.

With California's vote in, Biden stood at 302 Electoral College votes, with 306 expected, compared to Trump's 232.

Ten minutes later, Trump tweeted that he had a 'very nice meeting' with Attorney General Bill Barr and announced Barr was leaving the administration.

Trump had been fuming all weekend over Barr not exposing that federal authorities were investigating Biden's son Hunter's taxes before the November 3 election.

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MIDDLE EAST

Oil tanker 'attacked by bomb-laden boat' in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia says.

Fighting intensifies between Peshmerga and PKK in northern Iraq.

Rouhani accuses Israel of assassinating Iranian nuclear scientist to drag region into war.

Iran says it would rejoin nuclear deal within an hour of US doing so.

Iran's ballistic missile program is non-negotiable, President Hassan Rouhani says.

France, other European countries withdraw from Iranian business forum over execution.

Iran warns US warplanes not to cross its red lines, threatens ‘crushing response’.

U.S. sanctions Turkey over purchase of Russian S-400 missile system.

Hamas says ready to resume Palestinian unity talks.

ASIA

Singapore approves Pfizer-BioNTech virus vaccine.

Coronavirus: Success stories Japan and South Korea start to struggle.

Japan halts travel campaign amid record surge in COVID-19 cases.

Doctors warn Delhi's intensive care units are full and COVID-19 symptoms are getting worse.

Scores killed after Taliban attacks on military checkpoints in Kandahar.

Afghan president calls for peace talks to be moved home.

India, Pakistan repeat war of words over ‘cross-border terrorism’.

China trade surplus hits record $75B as Nov exports soar.

Indian farmers intensify protests, testing Modi's promised market miracle.

North Korea threatens Seoul's top diplomat over COVID-19 comments.

Malaysia crystal meth bust biggest-ever, authorities say.

AFRICA

At least 27 killed in jihadist attack in southeast Niger.

More than 300 students still unaccounted for after Nigerian school raid.

Swaziland Prime Minister is the first world leader to die of Covid-19 two weeks after he was rushed to South African hospital.

DR Congo: Authorities powerless to stop deadly violence in North Kivu.

Ethiopia PM visits Tigray capital after offensive.

UN 'frustration' at lack of access to Tigray.

Algeria’s Tebboune makes first TV appearance in almost two months.

Ivory Coast’s Alassane Ouattara sworn in for disputed third term.

EUROPE

EU, Britain inch closer to deal with concession.

UK and EU make ‘some progress’ on Brexit trade deal after ditching deadline.

Brexit: EU's Barnier says trade deal 'possible'.

Armenia-Azerbaijan prisoner swap begins.

Bellingcat and Navalny present evidence linking Russian FSB to poisoning.

New Covid-19 strain found in UK spreads FASTER, is already in nearly 60 local authority areas – health secretary.

Britain goes into strictest lockdown as COVID-19 variant identified.

Italy climbs into fifth place for most coronavirus deaths.

Venice, Italy, floods after experimental barrier system not activated.

Macron plans referendum to add climate clause to constitution.

EU to unveil landmark law curbing power of tech giants.

AMERICAS

US begins Covid-19 vaccine campaign as death toll passes 300,000.

Donald Trump OUSTS Bill Barr after 'very nice meeting' in wake of revelation AG intervened to keep Hunter Biden probe secret and slapped down claims of voter fraud.

Biden picks leave Democrats with slimmest House majority in modern history.

Republicans press FBI for briefing on efforts by Chinese government operatives to gain influence with lawmakers.

DHS among U.S. agencies hit by hack linked to Russians.

Canada joins Britain in approving Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine.

Venezuela crisis: Fleeing migrants found drowned.

US Marine found guilty of smuggling guns to Haiti in purported plot to become President.

Solar eclipse plunges parts of Chile, Argentina into darkness for two minutes.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Saudi Arabia says explosives strike on oil tanker at Jeddah an act of ‘terrorism’.

US officials concerned about movements of Iranian-backed militias amid heightened tensions.

US removes Sudan from state sponsors of terrorism list.

Hezbollah militant Salim Ayyash given life sentences for Hariri killing.