Friday, December 19, 2014

World News Briefs -- December 19, 2014



Iraqi Kurds Claim Major Victory Over Islamic State -- Voice of America

Kurdish forces in northern Iraq pressed forward Friday with their largest offensive to date against the Islamic State group, moving to secure territory reclaimed from IS fighters in a two-day offensive and to capitalize on news of several IS leaders’ deaths.

Officials said roughly 8,000 Kurdish peshmerga troops, aided by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, on Thursday recaptured a large amount of territory and broke a siege on Iraq's Mount Sinjar. Thousands of civilians and soldiers from the Yazidi religious minority sect had been trapped there for months, AFP news agency reported.

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MIDDLE EAST

Rocket fired from Gaza hits southern Israel, military says.

One million people wounded, diseases spreading in Syria: WHO.

Mount Sinjar: Islamic State siege broken, say Kurds. Iraqi Kurds say siege of Mount Sinjar broken.

Turkey says training of Syrian opposition may start before March.

Iran honors nuclear deal with powers, IAEA report shows.

Gulf braces for tough times over oil price plunge.

Turkey issues arrest warrant for top Erdogan rival Fethullah Gulen – state media.

ASIA

Pakistan: 77 militants killed after school massacre. Pakistan military kills 67 militants after Taliban school massacre. In expanding offensives, Pakistan military kills at least 67 suspected militants.

Pakistan to appeal bail for 'Mumbai plotter'.

North Korea behind Sony hack, with possible China link: U.S. official.

Communist snub: China not invited to North Korea anniversary.

China to set up satellite, radar network to strengthen maritime power.

China arrests aid worker in sign of crackdown on Christian activists.

China revises up size of its economy in 2013.

Cairns deaths: Eight children found in Australian home.

AFRICA

Millions face acute hunger in South Sudan next year.

Boko Haram unrest: Nigerian militants 'kidnap 200 villagers'.

Libya's two biggest oil ports were not damaged during clashes: workers.

Kenya security law: President Uhuru Kenyatta signs bill.

Tunisia's old regime hopes makeover can win it the election.

UN chief visits Ebola-hit nations.

EUROPE

Five more Ukrainian soldiers killed despite truce - Kiev military.

Russia warns US over sanctions bill.

Russia's parliament rushes through bill boosting banking capital.

Manufacturers face 'bloodbath' in Russia, says Renault Nissan boss.

Vladimir Putin invites Kim Jong-un to Moscow.

Russia to seek 10 years in prison for opposition activist.

EU leaders prepare for long confrontation with Russia.

France's Hollande and pro-reform allies get poll boost.

Most Catalans would vote to stay in Spain: poll.

AMERICAS

Obama signs Russia sanctions bill, no plans to use it for now.

President Obama signs bill authorizing sanctions against Venezuela.

GAO report finds US unprepared for catastrophic disaster.

Cubans imagine new, more prosperous life without an old foe.

No word yet from Fidel amid historic US-Cuba shift.

As US-Cuba relations warm, fuming Venezuelan president left in the cold.

U.S. sanctions mother-in-law of Mexican Sinaloa cartel leader.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Several 'high-value' ISIS leaders killed in Iraq, Pentagon officials say.

Cuba thaw won’t change Gitmo.

U.S. backed talks with ISIS over American hostage: newspaper.

Harsh interrogations can’t be ruled out, new US Senate Intel chief suggests.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple 'deeply offended' by BBC investigation.

Global markets rejoice as oil prices stabilize to near $60/bbl.

FIFA to release World Cup corruption report.

1 comment:

James said...

Congrats to the Pesh merga. I would advise them though that it is easier to go in than to leave. Also the Janes' report is significant and should not be ignored.