Tuesday, October 21, 2014

World News Briefs -- October 21, 2014

A black flag belonging to the Islamic State is seen near the Syrian town of Kobani, as pictured from the Turkish-Syrian border near the southeastern town of Suruc in Sanliurfa province, October 6, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Umit Bektas

Kurds, Islamic State Militants Continue Kobani Fighting -- Voice of America

Kurdish fighters and Islamic State militants continue to battle in the northern Syrian town of Kobani.

Plumes of smoke could be seen Tuesday from across the border in Turkey, as the two sides clashed again in the weekslong fight that has drawn international support to help the Kurds hold off militant attempts to take the town.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said planes from the U.S.-led coalition also carried out fresh airstrikes in the area Tuesday, targeting the Islamic State group.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

ISIL 'launches fierce new assault' on Kobane.

Kurdish fighters enter Syria as Turkey, US continue talks on Islamic State.

Islamic State wins ground from Syrian government in east: monitor.

Consumed by Islamic State, Iraq's Anbar province a key battleground again.

Baghdad restaurant bombs kill 21. Multiple car bombings rock Baghdad.

Exclusive: Iran offers 'compromises' in nuclear talks, West unmoved.

Palestinians downbeat on promised rebuilding of ruined Gaza Strip.

Iranian cleric's death leaves gap in key power body.

ASIA

India says Islamic State not yet a threat.

Taliban bomb attack on bus kills four Afghan troops and wounds 12, as terrorists target 'slave soldiers'.

Pakistan Taliban sack spokesman Shahidullah Shahid for IS vow.

Hong Kong leader extends olive branch to pro-democracy protesters. Hong Kong talks fail to break impasse.

Exclusive: North Korean Ambassador says his country will keep nuclear program.

Japan PM's woes may not end despite resignations of two ministers.

Activists: China executed 2,400 people in 2013.

AFRICA

WHO outlines next steps in Ebola crisis.

WHO: Ebola vaccine trials in W. Africa in January.

Boko Haram ceasefire ignored as violence flares in Borno state.

South Sudan sexual violence ‘rampant’, says UN envoy.

US urges investigation into Congo security forces violations.

Sudan's Bashir to seek re-election in 2015.

Oscar Pistorius given five years for Reeva Steenkamp death. Pistorius starts five-year term for killing Reeva Steenkamp. Oscar Pistorius starts serving 5-year prison term.

EUROPE

Ukraine, Russia, EU energy chiefs meet to finalize gas deal.

Ukraine used cluster munitions in populated areas of Donetsk: HRW. Ukraine crisis: Army accused of using cluster bombs.

Ukraine parliament says hundreds died in battle.

War heroes and activists to shape new-look Ukraine parliament.

Polish ex-minister quoted saying Putin offered to divide Ukraine with Poland. ‘Total tripe’: Kremlin spokesman slams article on ‘Putin’s plan to divide Ukraine with Poland’.

Russia plans to deploy troops along entire length of Arctic border.

Cyprus cries foul as Turkish vessel enters waters.

Poland to appeal European court ruling on CIA jails.

AMERICAS

Radicalized Canadian Muslim convert runs down two young soldiers in his car before being shot dead by police.

US cautiously optimistic after no new Ebola in 5 days.

Mexico offers rewards for information on missing students.

Polls shows Rousseff gaining momentum as Brazil election nears.

UN rights chief urges Venezuela to free opposition leader.

Latin America's growing middle classes are restless.

Baseball's World Series matches Kansas City, San Francisco.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US seeks to avoid civilian casualties during drone strikes: White House.

What we learn from ISIS' online magazine.

Report: ISIS oil production worth $800M per year.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oscar de la Renta, legendary designer, dead at 82.

Total's CEO Christophe de Margerie dies in Moscow plane crash.

Apple's record 39.3 million iPhones sales over three months drive its revenue to $42BILLION - but company reveals number of customers buying the iPad has stalled.

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