Wednesday, August 20, 2014

World News Briefs -- August 20, 2014



US Confirms American Journalist's Beheading -- Voice of America

WASHINGTON - U.S. intelligence officials on Wednesday confirmed the authenticity of a grisly video showing the beheading of American freelance journalist James Foley by the Islamic State militant group.

The Sunni extremist group had released the Internet video Tuesday, claiming it had killed Foley in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes targeting the group’s fighters in northern Iraq.

The militant group also is threatening to kill a second hostage American journalist, Steven Joel Sotloff, U.S. officials said.

Foley disappeared November 22, 2012, after being abducted by unidentified gunmen.

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MIDDLE EAST

James Foley 'beheading': West condemns 'barbaric' murder. James Foley remembered as 'brave and tireless' journalist.

Islamic State opens new anti-U.S. front with beheading video.

Iraqis in besieged town appeal to army for help.

Islamic State repels Iraqi military's 3rd attempt to retake Tikrit. Iraqi effort to recapture Tikrit said to stall.

Top Kurdish minister rejoins Iraqi government.

Gaza conflict: Israel 'targets Hamas leader Deif'. Palestinians bury the baby son and wife of Hamas leader targeted in Israeli airstrikes as Hamas warn 'You've opened the gates of hell'.

Iran's parliament dismisses moderate minister.

ASIA

Pakistan cleric's supporters attempt to blockade parliament, but MPs escape.

Military secures sensitive sites in Pakistan capital; Political instability grows.

Nervous Afghans near political deadline.

Afghanistan bars New York Times reporter from leaving country. Afghanistan orders NYT reporter to leave.

US experts fault both Japan, South Korea for strained relations.

U.S. official says unified with Japan on need for Russian sanctions.

Japan landslides kill 32 in Hiroshima prefecture.

AFRICA

Relief official urges groups to step up Ebola efforts.

Ebola crisis: Liberian troops impose slum quarantine.

C.African Republic will have 7,600 UN peacekeepers.

Nigeria’s Boko Haram forces victims to fight, kill.

Four beheaded corpses found in Egypt's Sinai: security sources.

Egypt suffers regular blackouts due to worst energy crisis in decades.

Ethiopia hosts largest number of refugees in Africa.

Shares in South Africa's banks fall after Moody's downgrade.

EUROPE

'We will oppose ISIS with every breath in our body': Foreign Secretary says terrorist who beheaded US journalist IS British and troops could be sent to Baghdad, as Cameron breaks off holiday over crisis.

France seeks global meeting on Islamic State group.

Fighting in eastern Ukraine kills 43 in 24 hours. Ukraine conflict: Fierce battle for town of Ilovaisk.

NATO to shun substantial eastern footprint in nod to Russia.

German leader emerges as key figure in Ukraine talks.

Russia forces its popular bloggers to register -- or else.

Austria detains nine suspected of wanting to join militants in Syria.

AMERICAS

Poll: Majority of Americans support airstrikes in Iraq.

House Intel chief: Obama should cut vacation short to deal with ISIS.

US Attorney General to visit Ferguson amid relative calm.

Landmark Brazil poll brings good news for Rousseff. Exclusive: Brazil's PSDB party would support Silva in runoff.

Venezuela holds 13 and seizes tonnes of food in smuggling crackdown.

China to spend $1bn on massive Caribbean resort.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS beheading: Militants ‘represent a direct threat’ to UK security says Foreign Sec.

Al Qaeda in Yemen declares support for ISIS.

9/11 terror trials delayed by allegations of torture.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple soars to record amid optimism about coming products.

Is this the world’s most expensive apartment?

Former Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer leaves firm.

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