Monday, March 19, 2018

World News Briefs -- March 19, 2018 (Evening Edition)



CNN: ISIS rebuilding as Turkish push into Afrin pulls forces from anti-terror fight, US says

Washington (CNN)The US warned Monday that ISIS has begun reconstituting in some areas of Syria because a Turkish military offensive against a northern city has pulled the US' Kurdish allies away from the fight against the terrorist group.

"We are very concerned about the effect fighting there has had on our defeat ISIS efforts and would like to see an end to the hostilities before ISIS has the opportunity to regroup in eastern Syria," said Pentagon spokesman US Army Col. Rob Manning, discussing the Turkish offensive against Afrin.

The State Department went a step farther, saying that ISIS has already begun to rebuild in places.

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MIDDLE EAST

Turkish police seize radioactive material in anti-smuggling raid.

Turkey to expand fight against Syrian Kurds east of Afrin.

Syria war: Afrin looted by Turkish-backed rebels. Turkey-led forces comb Syria's Afrin after ousting Kurds.

Kurdish fighters vow to fight Turkey army after Afrin withdrawal. Kurdish fighters vow to fight Turkey army after Afrin withdrawal.

Turkey warned over military offensive in Syria’s Afrin.

In Damascus, Syrians pray Ghouta offensive will end shelling nightmare.

Bashar al-Assad visits army in Eastern Ghouta as strikes continue.

Iraq establishes National Oil Company.

French consulate worker accused of smuggling arms to Palestine.

Mohammed bin Salman: Only death can stop me from ruling.

On eve of Trump-Saudi meeting, Riyadh calls Iran nuclear deal flawed.

Palestinian President threatens to end Gaza reconciliation with Hamas.

ASIA

China forms new economic team as President Xi kicks off second term.

N. Korea 'in talks to free US detainees' as diplomacy escalates.

Kim Jong-un has committed to denuclearisation, says South Korea.

Report: North Korea imported large amounts of diamonds, wine, cosmetics.

China promotes foreign minister, names new defence chief amid military expansion. China's Congress names key economic and defense officials in Cabinet reshuffle.

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi cancels Lowy Institute lecture.

China throws sinking Brunei a lifeline.

Japan PM Abe denies involvement in school scandal cover-up.

S. Korea prosecutors seek arrest of ex-president Lee.

New Caledonia to vote on independence from France in November.

AFRICA

Egypt: Sudan's Bashir arrives in Cairo amid easing tensions.

UNSC: 13 million people need humanitarian aid in DR Congo.

Egypt military says 36 jihadists, 4 soldiers killed in Sinai.

S.Sudanese flee only to find unrest across the border. Living across the front lines in South Sudan.

AU launches ambitious bid for world's largest free trade area.

Lake Chad: 'Rate of its shrinking is getting faster'.

Italy seizes Spanish rescue boat that defied Libyan threats.

Zimbabwe stolen funds amnesty: Millions still to be returned.

After 2017 election, US poised to fight fake news - in Kenya.

Drought-stricken Cape Town counts the cost.

EUROPE

Angela Merkel visits Poland in bid to thaw chilly relations.

Russia's Presidential election observers were pressured and intimidated.

Russia election: Putin ready for 'constructive' dialogue.

Putin calls for Russian unity after landslide election victory.

Russia election: Muted Western reaction to Putin victory.

Salisbury spy poisoning: Vladimir Putin rejects claims as 'nonsense'.

Kremlin's demand to Britain: Show proof of poisoning or apologize.

Russia: West just angry over advances in Syria.

Russian spy: EU offers solidarity over Salisbury poisoning case.

Brexit: Michel Barnier says draft transition treaty mostly agreed. The UK and EU agree terms for Brexit transition period.

AMERICAS

Trump pushes death penalty for some drug dealers.

Colombia proposes IMF assistance for Venezuelan refugees.

Bolivia takes Chile to ICJ to get back lost coastline.

US gets tougher on Russia; new sanctions, accusations.

Trump tweets raise fears for Mueller but White House says he's safe. White House says Trump isn’t considering firing Mueller.

White House: Jeff Sessions' job is safe.

Austin Police chief: 4th bombing shows ‘different level of skill’.

Venezuela town issues own currency amid cash shortages.

6 months after Mexico quake some still camp outside homes.

For Puerto Rico, the return to business as usual is slow.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR


Jailbird jihadists, a security threat for Europe.

Voice chat app Zello turned a blind eye to Jihadis for years.

US tells Pakistan: Do more to wipe out terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow drops 335 points, Nasdaq slides 1.8% as Facebook drags tech shares lower.

Uber halts self-driving car tests after death.

EU, US lawmakers scold Facebook, Trump-linked Cambridge Analytica.

German Economy Minister Altmaier warns against trade war ahead of trip to US.

Snowden: Facebook a ‘surveillance company’ that collects and sells user data.

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