Wednesday, May 28, 2014

World News Briefs -- May 27, 2014



Obama Outlines Plans for Foreign Policy -- Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON--President Barack Obama announced plans to keep a robust U.S. force in Afghanistan next year but then withdraw it by the end of 2016, as he prepared a major address Wednesday aimed at recalibrating American foreign policy and countering criticism that U.S. power has waned under his watch.

As part of that effort, officials said Mr. Obama is close to approving, for the first time, a military training program for the armed Syrian opposition, in a reflection of growing criticism that the U.S. hasn't done enough to help moderate rebels counter the Assad regime and challenge the growing strength of al-Qaeda-linked militants.

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MIDDLE EAST

Obama says U.S. to boost support to Syrian opposition groups.

Tens of thousands of Syrians abroad vote in early poll.

Iraq attacks kill 14 as 2014 toll tops 4,000.

Hamas prepares for unity government with last cabinet meeting in Gaza City.

Palestinians riot on Temple Mount as Jews gather at Wall for Jerusalem Day.

Courting Kurdish vote, Turkey's Erdogan warns against sabotaging peace.

In rare Israel visit, Lebanese church head hears exiled Christians.

ASIA

US, China roles in Asia-Pacific security to top multinational summit.

Relief in Afghanistan after Obama makes troop commitment.

Thai military relaxes curfew to boost tourism.

Thai military briefly cuts off Facebook to silence protests.

Pakistan Taliban splits into factions.

India, Pakistan leaders meet, signal steps to rebuild trust.

India special task force to find 'black money'.

AFRICA

U.S. tells citizens to leave Libya immediately.

Libya PM's home attacked as US deploys Marines.

Libyan warplanes hit Benghazi bases.

Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda sending 2,500 troops to South Sudan.

Boko Haram too extreme for 'al Qaeda in West Africa' brand.

Egypt voting extended amid poor turnout. Egypt polls open for 3rd day, few voters show up.

Mozambique's opposition Renamo warns of more bloodshed.

South African Platinum strike talks break down: minister. South Africa mines minister vows to break strike deadlock.

EUROPE

Chechen troops suspected of helping pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine. Calm returns after battle as divided east Ukraine city awaits fate.

Russia warns of 'fratricidal war' in Ukraine.

Chechen leader denies sending troops to Ukraine.

Russia's Gazprom says Ukraine will owe $5.2 billion as of June 7.

Russia offers humanitarian aid to east Ukraine.

Prudent on talks, Turkish Cypriots say gas find could be obstacle.

Hundreds of migrants storm across Spanish border at Melilla. French riot police clear three migrant camps in Calais.

AMERICAS

Obama: US must show restraint abroad.

Obama tells cadets U.S. must refocus on terrorism.

Divided Latin America favors fast-growing Pacific region.

Brazil police fire tear gas at anti-World Cup protesters.

It’s official: Most American kids are physically unfit.

US civilian pilots still straying into restricted airspace.

@HiddenCash: Mystery benefactor Twitter clues lead to money.

U.S. author, poet Maya Angelou dies at 86: publisher.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US to start $5 billion anti-terrorist fund.

First American jihadist may have carried out suicide bombing in Syria: report.

Military judge asked to review Guantanamo order.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Corporate stranglehold of farmland a risk to world food security, study says.

Google is to start building its own self-driving cars.

Goldman’s Cohn says inactive trading environment is abnormal.

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