Wednesday, February 21, 2018

World News Briefs -- February 21, 2018 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Syria's Ghouta residents 'wait to die' as more bombs fall

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Residents of Syria’s eastern Ghouta district said they were waiting their “turn to die” on Wednesday, amid one of the most intense bombardments of the war by pro-government forces on the besieged, rebel-held enclave near Damascus.

At least 38 people died on Wednesday. At least 310 people have been killed in the district since Sunday night and more than 1,550 injured, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said.

The eastern Ghouta, a densely populated agricultural district on the Damascus outskirts, is the last major area near the capital still under rebel control. Home to 400,000 people, it has been besieged by government forces for years.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russia resists Western bid to condemn Iran at U.N. over Yemen arms.

Stakes rise in Turkey's Afrin assault as pro-Assad militia arrive.

Talks to end conflict in Syria's Eastern Ghouta break down: Russia.

Doctors forced to use expired drugs as 300 die in Syria's Eastern Ghouta

Russia denies role in deadly air strikes on Syria's Eastern Ghouta.

Military action against Syria still on the table, Jim Mattis and Rex Tillerson say.

Turkey says whoever helps Kurd militia in Syria is 'legitimate target'.

At least 15 dead in air strike in northern Yemen: residents.

UN: Food aid to Palestinian refugees will end soon.

Netanyahu aide agrees to implicate PM over corruption claims – reports.

Bahrain: Five years in jail for Nabeel Rajab's tweets.

Gaza to pump sewage straight into sea as crisis worsens.

ASIA

Pakistan Supreme Court rules ousted PM Sharif cannot lead his party.

South Korean presidential adviser: Many hurdles ahead to resolving North Korea issue.

North Korean media slams Pence amid reports of canceled secret meeting. North Korea canceled planned meeting with Pence.

Report: North Korea mine struggling as sanctions squeeze regime.

North Korea's Kim Yo-jong baby rumours fascinate South.

After Kim Jong-un's sister, South Korea prepares for Ivanka Trump visit.

Grenade on Sri Lanka bus injures 19; military rules out attack.

Trudeau "assures" India Canada won't support Sikh separatists. Canada downplays rift with India over Sikh issue.

AFRICA

More than 90 Nigerian schoolgirls missing after Boko Haram attack: sources.

Al-Shabaab plundering starving Somali villages of cash and children.

DRC: Thousands flee amid surge in 'horrific violence'.

Switzerland imposes sanctions on allies of Congo's Kabila.

'I inherited a broke country', says new Liberian president.

5 South African officers killed in police station ambush.

Qatar and Chad restore relations, first since blockade.

South Africa hikes sales tax in 'tough' post-Zuma budget.

Cape Town's Day Zero pushed back, but authorities say drought threat still real.

EUROPE

Merkel ally blasts foreign minister for questioning NATO target.

Latvia's reputation at stake after corruption allegations.

Greek parliament debates whether to probe politicians in drug bribery case.

Pro-Brexit Tory MPs set out demands in letter to Theresa May.

Man who says he was a Russian 'troll' arrested after going public.

German prisons: 150 dangerous Islamists need deradicalizing, say police.

Accusations about Berlusconi's ties to Sicilian mafia revived.

Bulgaria and Romania push to join EU's Schengen Area.

Germany deports more rejected Afghan asylum seekers.

Macron's MPs: New immigration bill 'betrays French values'.

AMERICAS

Venezuela opposition to boycott 'fraudulent' presidential vote.

Venezuelans report big weight losses in 2017 as hunger hits.

'It's becoming impossible': Venezuelans flee as crisis deepens.

Democrats want $300 million to fight possible Russia election tampering.

Billy Graham: Influential US evangelist dies at 99.

New sealed charges brought in case against ex-Trump campaign manager.

Trump-Russia inquiry: lawyer who worked with Manafort pleads guilty to lying to FBI.

Florida shooting survivors rally for stricter gun controls.

Brazil's Congress approves military intervention in Rio.

Venezuela raised $735mn on launch of oil-backed ‘petro’ cryptocurrency – Maduro.

Land fight could grant thousands of indigenous Americans new rights in Canada.

Justin Trudeau dismisses suggestions of India 'snub', criticised in Canada for 'family vacation'.

Peru coach plunges off Pan-American Highway killing dozens.

Pope's investigator meets Chile sex abuse victims.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Israeli intelligence helped Australia stop airliner attack: Netanyahu.

Russia, Pakistan form anti-terror military cooperation commission.

IS-run terror camps used to recruit Afghan youth, says CIS Anti-Terrorism Center chief.

Pentagon: First Gitmo transfer under Trump could happen 'soon'. U.S. misses deadline to repatriate detainee who pleaded guilty.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street falls as Fed minutes send bond yields higher.

BP says world's oil consumption will peak in late 2030s.

Plastic bans worldwide will dent oil demand growth, says BP.

Text of revised Pacific trade deal released.

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