World News Briefs -- January 18, 2018

A Turkish military tanks arrives at an army base in the border town of Reyhanli near the Turkish-Syrian border in Hatay province, Turkey January 17, 2018. REUTERS/Osman Orsal

Reuters: Turkey says could act in Syria unless U.S. withdraws support for Kurdish force

HATAY, Turkey (Reuters) - Turkey said on Wednesday it would not hesitate to take action in Syria’s Afrin district and other areas unless the United States withdrew support for a Kurdish-led force there, but Washington denied such plans and said “some people misspoke”.

Turkish President Erdogan has repeatedly warned of an imminent incursion in Afrin after Washington said it would help the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by the Kurdish YPG militia, set up a new 30,000-strong border force.

The plan has infuriated Turkey, which considers the Syrian YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant group, which has fought an insurgency in southeast Turkey since 1984. The PKK is considered a terrorist group by the European Union, Turkey and the United States.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Tillerson says U.S. military should stay in Syria and vows diplomatic push to end civil war.

Syria responds to Tillerson's US military engagement pledge.

Turkey says could act in Syria unless U.S. withdraws support for Kurdish force.

Damascus warns it may shoot down Turkish planes attacking Kurds within Syrian borders.

Palestinian killed in fire exchange with Israeli army.

Exclusive: Trump denies U.S. embassy to be moved to Jerusalem within a year.

Pence visit showcases dilemma facing Egypt, Jordan leaders.

ASIA

North Korea crisis: South to continue talks with 'clear eyes'.

Tillerson says Russia helps North Korea get fuel.

Japan, Australia eye deeper defense alliance.

China's economy grows by 6.9% in 2017.

China testing facial-recognition surveillance system in Xinjiang – report .

52 killed in bus fire in Kazakhstan.

Sunken tanker Sanchi: Four oil slicks seen, says China.

AFRICA

Sudan opposition leader vows to 'bury regime'.

Suicide bombing in Borno market causes multiple deaths.

Zimbabwe president promises 'free and fair' election in five months. Zimbabwe to hold first post-Mugabe vote in summer.

Ethiopia frees opposition leader Merera Gudina.

Egypt 2018 elections: Sisi expected to announce bid.

Senegal to revamp logging laws after massacre linked to timber trade.

South Africa: Cape Town slashes water use amid drought. Extreme drought grips parts of South Africa.

EUROPE

Merkel and Kurz clash over migrant quota.

UK to pay millions to keep France border agreement.

Russia’s National Guard vows to prevent unauthorized rallies during presidential election.

Russia moves toward creation of an independent internet.

Russia marks 75 years since breaking Nazi siege of Leningrad.

U.S. warns Kosovo against scrapping War Crimes Court.

NATO head urges Macedonia to end dispute with Greece, reform.

Transportation disturbed, flights canceled as storm lashes Europe.

AMERICAS

Trump wall: President denies changing view on Mexico border plan. Donald Trump tweets: Mexico border 'Wall is the Wall'.

Trump 'very eager' to be interviewed in Russia probe.

U.S. jobless claims plunge to lowest weekly tally since 1973.

Trump admin. moves to bar Haitians from agricultural, seasonal worker visas.

Mexico remittances: Transfers from US hit record high.

Pope Francis urges end to Chile's Mapuche conflict.

Pope wraps up Chile stop with visit to migrants, on to Peru.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Drone strikes on both sides of Pak-Afghan border kill 2, injure 1 suspected militant.

As ISIS threat fades, fight over who gets credit rises.

U.S. prosecutors charge German man with supporting al Qaeda.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Is the US a bigger debt risk than Russia and Botswana? A Chinese rating agency thinks so.

Twitter to notify users who were exposed to accounts run by Russian trolls.

Superjumbo jet future secured by Emirates order.

World News Briefs -- January 17, 2018

The flag of North Korea is seen in Geneva, Switzerland, June 20, 2017. REUTERS/Pierre Albouy

Reuters: North Korea rejects sanctions talk, ready for 'successful' Olympics: diplomat

GENEVA (Reuters) - North Korea rejects as a “provocation” a U.S.-led meeting in Vancouver that discussed tougher sanctions that Pyongyang will fight, a senior North Korean diplomat told Reuters on Wednesday.

Twenty nations agreed on Tuesday to consider tougher sanctions to press North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned Pyongyang that it could trigger a military response if it did not choose negotiations.

Choe Myong Nam, North Korea’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, said the Vancouver meeting was “harmful and dangerous.”

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

U.S. signals open-ended presence in Syria, seeks patience on Assad's removal.

Turkey says will respond immediately to any threats from Western Syria.

Turkey sees betrayal as US backs Syrian Kurds.

Nearly 4 years on, much of Syrian rebel ‘capital’ abandoned.

US military: No 'support' for Kurdish YPG in Afrin.

Iran's supreme leader: Saudis betrayed Muslim world.

Iran says Trump has thrown Airbus deals into doubt.

Saudi to inject $2bn in Yemen to halt currency collapse. Saudi Arabia gives Yemen $2 billion to stave off hunger and prop up currency.

Palestinian leader Abbas calls for Arab solidarity against Trump's Jerusalem decision.

After $65M U.S. aid cut, UNRWA launches global fundraising effort. Global NGOs criticise drastic US cuts of UNRWA funding.

Trump denies U.S. embassy to be moved to Jerusalem within a year.

Jailed head of Turkey's pro-Kurdish party acquitted of insulting minister.

ASIA

Taliban leader approved Islamabad meeting on Afghan peace talks: sources.

Days after oil tanker sinks, large slicks observed in East China Sea.

Tillerson says evidence sanctions 'really starting to hurt' North Korea.

BREAKING NEWS: North and South Korea agree to form their first joint Olympic team and march together in opening ceremony.

Korean War allies consider further sanctions against North Korea. Nations to consider more North Korea sanctions, U.S. warns on military option.

North Korea scoffs at Trump's 'nuclear button' tweet.

Myanmar police opens fire on demonstrators killing many. Seven ethnic Rakhine killed as Myanmar police fire on riot.

Philippines orders further probes into news site that angered Duterte.

UN must step up pressure on Pakistan: US.

China bans Muslim children from Quran classes.

Worker who accidentally sent out warning of imminent North Korean missile strike in Japan meant to send a different news flash, says broadcaster.

AFRICA

Italy approves military mission in Niger, more troops to North Africa.

Uganda's Museveni accuses U.N. of "preserving terrorism" in eastern Congo.

Suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers kill 12, injure 48.

Kidnappers abduct American, Canadian in Nigeria, two police killed: police official.

Sudan police fire tear gas as protesters march against price rises. Sudan holds communist leader after bread price demo: party.

Ethiopian PM arrives in Egypt for talks on sharing Nile.

Congo armed groups uniting against President Kabila: U.N..

Seven years since revolt, Tunisia struggles with economic woes.

Ethiopia releases top opposition figure from prison.

E. Guinea leader denies opposition death in custody claims.

Drought-stricken Cape Town, South Africa, could run out of water by April's 'day zero'.

EUROPE

Swedish PM does not rule out use of army to end gang violence.

Romanian president picks Dancila as new PM, graft in spotlight.

Farage backs off second Brexit referendum talk as EU says UK still welcome.

Embattled Schulz tries to sell coalition deal to sceptical SPD.

In challenge to Madrid, Catalan assembly elects separatist speaker.

Catalonia's new parliament meets following failed independence bid. Catalan MPs meet for first time since referendum bid.

Barred from election, Navalny vows to fight 'emperor' Putin.

Dialogue with US on nuclear-missile weapons is Russia’s priority task, says expert.

Czech government resigns as PM fights corruption allegations.

Italy: Some 1,400 refugees rescued at sea.

May and Macron to sign new Calais border treaty.

Russian watchdog Memorial hit by arson attack near Chechnya.

Britain appoints minister for loneliness to continue work of murdered politician Jo Cox.

German prosecutors reject clemency for 'Bookkeeper of Auschwitz'.

Even the eyelashes freeze: Russia sees minus 88.6 degrees F.

AMERICAS

Mexico leftist leads presidency race, PRI hopeful struggles: poll.

Trump's not letting up on attack the media but ethics experts warn White House officials will break rules if they take part in 'fake news awards'.

Republican senator slams Trump for Stalin-like attacks on media.

WH directed Bannon silence in House interview. Trump's ex-aide Bannon strikes deal to avoid grand jury testimony: CNN.

Lawmakers want James Clapper prosecuted for surveillance testimony before statute of limitations runs out.

Trump's medical sparks online 'girther' movement.

Wave of looting shutters stores, spreads fear in Venezuela.

'Rambo' police pilot Oscar Perez, who hijacked helicopter, killed in operation in Venezuela.

Argentines try to understand why the pope won’t return home.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

White House: 73% of convicted terrorists since 9/11 were non-citizens.

US drone strike inside Pakistan targets ‘Afghan extremist’.

French jihadist wives press charges over Syria detention.

ISIS wanted to blow up the Statue of Liberty with pressure cooker bombs.

Is Turkey aligned with al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib?

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow ends above 26,000 for first time on earnings optimism.

The antitrust case against Facebook, Google and Amazon.

$260 billion ‘cryptocalypse’ as cryptos plunge 30 per cent amid fresh China, South Korea fears. Bitcoin crashes below $10,000, losing over half its value since last month’s record.

Apple supplier workers describe noxious hazards at China factory.

YouTube toughens advert payment rules.

World News Briefs -- January 17, 2018

Reuters: Koreas to form unified ice hockey team, march together in Olympics

SEOUL (Reuters) - The two Koreas will field a combined women’s ice hockey team and march together under one flag at next month’s Winter Olympics in the South, Seoul said on Wednesday, after a new round of talks amid a thaw in cross-border ties.

North and South Korea have been talking since last week - for the first time in more than two years - about the Olympics, offering a respite from a months-long standoff over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs, although Japan urged caution over the North’s “charm offensive”.

The two Koreas will compete as a unified team in the Olympics for the first time, though they have joined forces at other international sports events before.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Nearly 4 years on, much of Syrian rebel ‘capital’ abandoned.

US military: No 'support' for Kurdish YPG in Afrin.

Iran's supreme leader: Saudis betrayed Muslim world.

Iran says Trump has thrown Airbus deals into doubt.

Saudi to inject $2bn in Yemen to halt currency collapse. Saudi Arabia gives Yemen $2 billion to stave off hunger and prop up currency.

Palestinian leader Abbas calls for Arab solidarity against Trump's Jerusalem decision.

After $65M U.S. aid cut, UNRWA launches global fundraising effort. Global NGOs criticise drastic US cuts of UNRWA funding.

Jailed head of Turkey's pro-Kurdish party acquitted of insulting minister.

ASIA

BREAKING NEWS: North and South Korea agree to form their first joint Olympic team and march together in opening ceremony.

Korean War allies consider further sanctions against North Korea. Nations to consider more North Korea sanctions, U.S. warns on military option.

North Korea scoffs at Trump's 'nuclear button' tweet.

Myanmar police opens fire on demonstrators killing many. Seven ethnic Rakhine killed as Myanmar police fire on riot.

Philippines orders further probes into news site that angered Duterte.

UN must step up pressure on Pakistan: US.

China bans Muslim children from Quran classes.

AFRICA

Suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers kill 12, injure 48.

Kidnappers abduct American, Canadian in Nigeria, two police killed: police official.

Sudan police fire tear gas as protesters march against price rises. Sudan holds communist leader after bread price demo: party.

Ethiopian PM arrives in Egypt for talks on sharing Nile.

Congo armed groups uniting against President Kabila: U.N..

Seven years since revolt, Tunisia struggles with economic woes.

Ethiopia releases top opposition figure from prison.

E. Guinea leader denies opposition death in custody claims.

EUROPE

Embattled Schulz tries to sell coalition deal to sceptical SPD.

Catalonia's new parliament meets following failed independence bid. Catalan MPs meet for first time since referendum bid.

Barred from election, Navalny vows to fight 'emperor' Putin.

Dialogue with US on nuclear-missile weapons is Russia’s priority task, says expert.

Czech government resigns as PM fights corruption allegations.

Italy: Some 1,400 refugees rescued at sea.

May and Macron to sign new Calais border treaty.

Russian watchdog Memorial hit by arson attack near Chechnya.

Britain appoints minister for loneliness to continue work of murdered politician Jo Cox.

German prosecutors reject clemency for 'Bookkeeper of Auschwitz'.

AMERICAS

Republican senator slams Trump for Stalin-like attacks on media.

WH directed Bannon silence in House interview. Trump's ex-aide Bannon strikes deal to avoid grand jury testimony: CNN.

Lawmakers want James Clapper prosecuted for surveillance testimony before statute of limitations runs out.

Trump's medical sparks online 'girther' movement.

Wave of looting shutters stores, spreads fear in Venezuela.

'Rambo' police pilot Oscar Perez, who hijacked helicopter, killed in operation in Venezuela.

Argentines try to understand why the pope won’t return home.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

French jihadist wives press charges over Syria detention.

ISIS wanted to blow up the Statue of Liberty with pressure cooker bombs.

Is Turkey aligned with al-Qaeda affiliate in Idlib?

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

The antitrust case against Facebook, Google and Amazon.

$260 billion ‘cryptocalypse’ as cryptos plunge 30 per cent amid fresh China, South Korea fears. Bitcoin crashes below $10,000, losing over half its value since last month’s record.

Apple supplier workers describe noxious hazards at China factory.

YouTube toughens advert payment rules.

World News Briefs -- January 16, 2018

Reuters: U.S.-led meeting urges North Korea pressure despite North-South detente

VANCOUVER (Reuters) - The world needs to step up pressure on North Korea to force it to abandon its nuclear weapons program and should not be fooled by a charm offensive in engaging South Korea, participants at a 20-nation meeting on North Korea said on Tuesday.

“We must increase the costs of the regime’s behavior to the point that North Korea must come to the table for credible negotiations,” U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the one-day meeting he is co-hosting with Canada in Vancouver.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has refused to give up development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States in spite of increasingly severe U.N. sanctions, raising fears of a new war on the Korean peninsula.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Turkish attack on US-backed Kurds in Syria believed imminent. Syria war: Turkish forces mass near Kurdish areas. Turkey threatens military action against Syrian Kurds allied with US.

Syria: Kurdish civilians fear threat of Turkey offensive. Syria Kurds say will defend enclave from Turkish 'scourges'.

Erdogan hopes to continue talks on Syria with Putin rather than Trump.

Iran says planned U.S.-backed force inside Syria would fan war.

Syrian army vows to eject US troops.

Fighting in northwest Syria causes 200,000 displacements: UN.

Riyadh says another missile from Yemen intercepted, this one targeting Jazan.

5,000 children killed or injured in Yemen war: UN.

Experts doubt Emirati claim Qatar intercepted aircraft.

US holds back $65m aid to Palestinians.

ASIA

Afghan refugees in Pakistan face mass deportation.

Afghan president meets UN Security Council, calls for more pressure on Pakistan.

North Korea missile launch alert sent by Japanese broadcaster NHK in error.

Tillerson vows allies won't ease up on North Korea pressure. US, allies meet on N.Korea but China absence looms.

Plan for joint Olympics team with North gets icy reception in South Korea.

South Korea refuses to send back 12 North Korean defectors.

Rohingya crisis: Bangladesh and Myanmar agree repatriation timeframe. Rohingya refugees to return 'within two years.

China races to tackle expanding oil spill after tanker sinks, fearing major environmental catastrophe.

China reprimands companies calling Tibet and Taiwan independent.


Duterte denies ordering shutdown of news site Rappler.

India ends government subsidies for Hajj pilgrimage.

AFRICA

Sisi: Egypt does not want war with Sudan and Ethiopia.

Sisi vows to protect Egypt's Nile use.

Senegal: Army targets rebel hideouts in Casamance region.

Dozens arrested in Sudan as protests over price hikes continue.

Former DR Congo army chief accused of coup bid held in Gabon.

'Al-Shabaab is recruiting children in Somalia' - HRW.

Nigeria releases Boko Haram suspects after rehabilitation.

'Employ us or kill us': Tunisian youth on the margins.

EUROPE

Donald Tusk: EU's 'heart still open to UK' over Brexit.

Czech government loses confidence vote in parliament.

'Iranian spies' targeted in German police searches.

Refugee numbers in Germany dropped dramatically in 2017.

France will not allow another refugee camp in Calais, says Macron.

EU: Serbia, Montenegro 'could join in 2025'.

Danish police charge young people for sharing video of teens having sex following Facebook tip-off.

EU to remove Panama, Korea, UAE, 5 others from tax haven blacklist.

AMERICAS

Trump Russia: Bannon 'ordered to testify to grand jury'. Steve Bannon subpoenaed to testify in Mueller's Russia investigation – report.

Trump administration appeals ruling on young immigrants.

Trump 'healthy,' no cognitive issues: doctor.

Watchdog says democratic freedoms waning in US under Trump.

Venezuela helicopter pilot Oscar Pérez killed in raid. Venezuelan rebel police officer killed in shootout with special forces.

Venezuela President orders hate crime probe for 2 Bishops.

Colombian suspension bridge collapse kills nine workers, injured five.

Searching for answers: Argentine Congress launches probe into vanished sub.

WHO: All of Sao Paulo state at risk for yellow fever.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Sahel zone: New operation to fight terrorism.

Arrest warrants are issued for 20 Australian jihadis who have travelled to Iraq and Syria to fight with Islamic State.

Neil Prakash: Australian Islamic State terrorist linked with failed Statue of Liberty bomb plot.

Pakistan releases pro-Taliban leader Sufi Muhammad.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow industrials recede from 26,000 as early gains fade.

China Development Bank commits $250bn to Belt and Road.

McDonald's aims for fully recycled packaging by 2025.

BP's Deepwater Horizon bill tops $65bn.

World News Briefs -- January 15, 2018 (Evening Edition)

VOA: Tillerson to Join Foreign Ministers in Vancouver for North Korea Talks

STATE DEPARTMENT — Days after high-level talks between South and North Korea, U.S. Secretary State Rex Tillerson will join foreign ministers in Vancouver on Tuesday to discuss the latest diplomatic push to counter Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile threats.

Foreign ministers of the U.N. Command Sending States are set to gather on January 16 to assess progress made by the international pressure campaign aimed at thwarting North Korea's efforts to evade U.N. sanctions through smuggling.

While participants in the talks will be from countries that have sent troops and humanitarian aid to support South Korea during the Korean War, U.S. officials said the gathering itself would not be focused on coordinating a military plan.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Baghdad reports 'atmosphere of trust' in talks with Kurdistan region.

Erdogan accuses U.S. of creating `Army of Terror' on Turk border. Erdogan: US trying to form 'terror army' in Syria.

Russia's Lavrov: US wants to slice up Syria.

Turkey to launch imminent Syria operation against YPG.

Twin blasts kill dozens in Baghdad. Double suicide bombing in Baghdad kills at least 38 people.

UAE claims Qatari fighter jets intercepted 2nd civilian aircraft - reports. Qatar denies intercepting Emirati civilian aircraft.

Car bomb blast in Lebanon's Sidon wounds Hamas member.

Iran unblocks Telegram messaging app as protests wane.

Israel vows to destroy all Gaza attack tunnels by year-end.

Mahmoud Abbas dismisses Donald Trump's peace efforts as 'slap of the century' to Palestinians.

Palestinian leaders urge PLO to suspend recognition of Israel.

Across the Mideast, Palestinians brace for Trump aid cuts.

ASIA

Top U.S. general says 'not giving up' on Pakistan ties.

North Korea meeting to stress importance of sanctions: Canada.

Indian army kills 7 Pak soldiers, 5 JeM terrorists in J&K. Kashmir border violence kills nine.

Japan says China sent nuclear-powered sub to disputed isles.

Chinese President Xi publishes a new book on governance.

North Korea to send orchestra to Winter Olympics. North Korean pop group could perform at Winter Olympics.

Thai junta boss eyes staying on with little stopping him.

Huge oil spill left after burning tanker sinks off China.

Indonesia Stock Exchange floor collapse leaves dozens injured. Indonesia Stock Exchange reopens after structural collapse.

AFRICA

Nigeria's Buhari vows to punish all those behind ethnic violence.

Tunisia says more than 900 arrests in anti-austerity violence.

Policeman killed in fresh violence in anglophone Cameroon.

Deadly clashes in Libyan capital force airport to close. 10 killed in clashes at Libya's main international airport.

Libyan eastern army accuses Turkey of sponsoring terrorism in Libya.

Three DR Congo soldiers killed while fighting Ugandan rebels.

Somalia's Shabaab forcing civilians to hand over children: HRW.

'People were screaming': troops destroy $200,000 aid camps in Somalia.

Sudan announces arrival of military reinforcements in Kassala province. Sudan deploys more troops to Eritrea border.

Zimbabwe aide: I feared Robert Mugabe lynching.

WHO says 'high' cholera risk in DR Congo capital.

Zambia cholera crisis: 'Burying people by the hundreds'.

Tropical cyclone threatens Mauritius and Reunion.

EUROPE

Greek parliament approves more bailout reforms despite protests.

America Last? EU says Trump is losing on trade.

Romania’s PM resigns after he loses support from party.

Russia's Sergei Lavrov slams US for ignoring 'multipolar' world.

Russia will not support U.S. bid to change Iran nuclear deal: Lavrov.

Russian Ambassador offered US counterpart to resume contacts in '2+2' format.

Growing number of nations banking on military might to guarantee sovereignty, says Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.

UK air force scrambles 2 fighters as Russian jets fly nearby.

Spain to impose direct rule on Catalonia if ex-leader Carles Puigdemont tries to govern from Brussels.

Merkel could join Macron in Davos for epic clash with Trump.

IMF concerned by Ukraine's new anti-corruption draft law - paper.

Pope warns world is one step away from nuclear war.

AMERICAS

Trump blames Senator Durbin for blowing immigration deal.

Reported hijab attack on 11-year-old girl 'did not happen,' Toronto police say.

Hawaii missile false alarm due to badly designed user interface, reports say. Hawaii alert: Employee who sent missile warning reassigned.

Hawaiian emergency worker who sent the wrong message is reassigned.

China absence looms over Canada meeting on how to pressure North Korea.

Trump defends himself anew against charges that he is racist.

Venezuela forces launch deadly assault, capture rebel police officers.

Venezuelan rogue police pilot says he is wounded as authorities close in.

Peru earthquake: Casualties reported after powerful quake hits south coast.

Chile, Peru await tricky Pope Francis visit.

Chile complains of World Bank unfair treatment.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Trump thanks Qatar for efforts to combat terrorism.

The US military is fighting terrorism in 76 countries around the world — here's where.

The legacy of the 'Islamic State'.

Sahel defence ministers in Paris in push for 'G5' force.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Carillion collapse weighs heavily on UK and European equities.

Dollar fall weighs on global stocks; US shut for holiday.

Ford to invest $11bn and have 40 hybrid and fully electric vehicles by 2022.

Airbus says A380 superjumbo production could end.

World News Briefs -- January 15, 2018

Kurdish YPG fighters head a convoy of US military vehicles in Syria. (Reuters: Rodi Said, file photo)

ABC News Online: Syria: Turkey and Russia voice opposition to US-led border security force

Plans for a US-led coalition to train a 30,000-strong border security force in Syria has been met with strong opposition from Turkey and Russia.

The coalition on the wejsaid initial training was already underway of the Kurdish-dominated force that would secure Syrian-opposition-held territory bordering Turkey to the north, Iraq in the south-east and Syrian forces backed by Russia and Iran along the Euphrates River Valley.

The group will be largely drawn from Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) — an alliance of militias in northern and eastern Syria dominated by the Kurdish YPG.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Erdogan accuses U.S. of creating `Army of Terror' on Turk border. Erdogan: US trying to form 'terror army' in Syria.

Russia's Lavrov: US wants to slice up Syria.

Turkey to launch imminent Syria operation against YPG.

Twin blasts kill dozens in Baghdad. Double suicide bombing in Baghdad kills at least 38 people.

UAE claims Qatari fighter jets intercepted 2nd civilian aircraft - reports. Qatar denies intercepting Emirati civilian aircraft.

Car bomb blast in Lebanon's Sidon wounds Hamas member.

Iran unblocks Telegram messaging app as protests wane.

Israel vows to destroy all Gaza attack tunnels by year-end.

Mahmoud Abbas dismisses Donald Trump's peace efforts as 'slap of the century' to Palestinians.

ASIA

Indian army kills 7 Pak soldiers, 5 JeM terrorists in J&K. Kashmir border violence kills nine.

Japan says China sent nuclear-powered sub to disputed isles.

Chinese President Xi publishes a new book on governance.

North Korea to send orchestra to Winter Olympics. North Korean pop group could perform at Winter Olympics.

Thai junta boss eyes staying on with little stopping him.

Huge oil spill left after burning tanker sinks off China.

Indonesia Stock Exchange floor collapse leaves dozens injured. Indonesia Stock Exchange reopens after structural collapse.

AFRICA

Deadly clashes in Libyan capital force airport to close. 10 killed in clashes at Libya's main international airport.

Libyan eastern army accuses Turkey of sponsoring terrorism in Libya.

Three DR Congo soldiers killed while fighting Ugandan rebels.

Somalia's Shabaab forcing civilians to hand over children: HRW.

'People were screaming': troops destroy $200,000 aid camps in Somalia.

Sudan announces arrival of military reinforcements in Kassala province. Sudan deploys more troops to Eritrea border.

Zimbabwe aide: I feared Robert Mugabe lynching.

WHO says 'high' cholera risk in DR Congo capital.

Zambia cholera crisis: 'Burying people by the hundreds'.

Tropical cyclone threatens Mauritius and Reunion.

EUROPE

Russia's Sergei Lavrov slams US for ignoring 'multipolar' world.

Russia will not support U.S. bid to change Iran nuclear deal: Lavrov.

Russian Ambassador offered US counterpart to resume contacts in '2+2' format.

Growing number of nations banking on military might to guarantee sovereignty, says Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.

UK air force scrambles 2 fighters as Russian jets fly nearby.

Spain to impose direct rule on Catalonia if ex-leader Carles Puigdemont tries to govern from Brussels.

Merkel could join Macron in Davos for epic clash with Trump.

IMF concerned by Ukraine's new anti-corruption draft law - paper.

Pope warns world is one step away from nuclear war.

AMERICAS

China absence looms over Canada meeting on how to pressure North Korea.

Trump defends himself anew against charges that he is racist.

Hawaii missile false alarm due to badly designed user interface, reports say. Hawaii alert: Employee who sent missile warning reassigned.

Venezuelan rogue police pilot says he is wounded as authorities close in.

Peru earthquake: Casualties reported after powerful quake hits south coast.

Chile, Peru await tricky Pope Francis visit.

Chile complains of World Bank unfair treatment.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

The US military is fighting terrorism in 76 countries around the world — here's where.

The legacy of the 'Islamic State'.

Sahel defence ministers in Paris in push for 'G5' force.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dollar fall weighs on global stocks; US shut for holiday.

Ford to invest $11bn and have 40 hybrid and fully electric vehicles by 2022.

Airbus says A380 superjumbo production could end.

World News Briefs -- January 13, 2018

The Hill: Iran says it won't accept Trump’s demands to change nuclear deal

Iran said Saturday that it won't accept President Trump's demands to change the Iran nuclear deal following the president's threat to pull out of the agreement unless allies fix the Obama-era pact's "terrible flaws."

Iran's Foreign Ministry said in a statement reported by the state-run IRNA news agency that it "will not move beyond its commitments" in the 2015 agreement and "will accept no change in the letter and spirit of the nuclear accord."

Trump said Friday that he would again waive sanctions that were lifted as part of the Obama-era agreement, but the administration said he was doing it for the last time.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian war: Reports of chlorine gas attack on rebel-held Eastern Ghouta.

Syria's Ghouta: 'Nearly 180 killed' in two weeks.

Syrian troops repel attacks by terrorist groups in Aleppo, Idlib and Hama — SANA.

Iraq: Baghdad bombing kills 8, wounds 10.

Iran sanctions: Tehran vows retaliation over Trump move. Iran rebuffs Donald Trump's demand for more nuclear negotiation. Nuclear trade deal: Iran says it will retaliate against 'hostile' US sanctions on chief judge.

Netanyahu urges Macron to 'fix' Iran nuclear deal.

Saudi accused of rights abuses in Yemen civilian deaths.

After al-Qaeda: No signs of recovery in Yemen's Mukalla.

Saudi Arabia to seek extradition of corruption suspects.

47 Palestinians wounded in clashes with Israeli Army in Gaza, West Bank.

ASIA

North Korean state media hail talks with South as path to reunification.

Japan, Latvia to cooperate in adding pressure on North Korea.

China, Russia must help resolve NKorea crisis: Trudeau.

China's 2017 exports rose 7.9% in dollar terms — imports jumped 15.9%.

China says Iran nuclear deal not derailed, pledges constructive role.

Myanmar: Rebel group says bodies found in mass grave not militants.

Pakistan-US ties tested but not killed by huge aid cut.

Thousands protest against Austrian government's shift to the right.

AFRICA

Donald Trump should apologize for remarks: African states.

More protests expected in Tunisia after mass arrests.

Tunisia president meets unions, employers after unrest.

DR Congo army launches new operation against Ugandan rebels.

DR Congo protests: Church leaders vow to fight on. DR Congo Catholics call for new anti-Kabila rally.

Zambia cholera outbreak: Riots over emergency measures. Zambia's army moves in as slum riots amid cholera outbreak.

Tanzania leader rules out extending presidential term.

South Africa's ANC leader Ramaphosa urges unity as Zuma booed. South Africa’s new party leader targets ‘billions’ in graft.

Protests in Johannesburg over 'racist' H&M ad.

EUROPE

Czech president will face runoff election with strong lead. Czech President Zeman wins first round of voting in re-election bid. Miloš Zeman leads first round of Czech Republic presidential elections.

Russia deploys more surface-to-air missiles in Crimean build-up as new US sanctions expected.

Russian-trained mercenaries back Bosnia's Serb separatists.

New U.S. sanctions attempt to influence Russia before election: Tass.

No Grand Coalition! Opponents of Merkel alliance hit the road.

Bulgaria parliament overturns presidential veto on anti-corruption bill.

Alt-Right Trump supporters attempt to 'arrest' London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Anti-Trump demonstrators march in Swiss capital.

Macron: French baguettes should be Unesco-listed treasures.

US envoy reportedly 'dismayed' over his past comments on Muslims, violence in Netherlands.

AMERICAS

Diplomats scramble to contain outrage over Trump’s remarks.

Democratic lawmakers want to subpoena Trump Organization.

Trump gets 'excellent health' report from White House doctor amid mental fitness questions.

Chelsea Manning seeks Maryland U.S. Senate seat: election filing.

Argentina unions’ leaders arrested in Uruguay.

Chile: Attackers firebomb churches ahead of Pope Francis visit.

Frustration mounts for mudslide-ravaged California town known for luxury and calm.

Toronto police investigate 'scissor attack' on girl's hijab.

FBI knew Las Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock had big gun stashes, records show.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State group offshoot claims 2017 Niger attack on US. Islamic State affiliate claims deadly attack on U.S. troops in Niger.

Denmark faces ‘serious’ terrorism risk – Security & Intelligence agency.

US killed three ‘key’ AQAP leaders in Yemen.

France drops terrorism charges against Canada professor.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks keep pushing higher in 2018, led by retailers.

Oil prices rise to hit four-year high of $70 a barrel.

Tencent, the $500bn Chinese tech firm you may never have heard of.

South Korea considers Bitcoin trading ban.