In Brief: U.S. President to expel 200,000 Salvadoreans, Hundreds of migrants die near Libyan coast, Syrian Government kill dozens of civilians, Thousands protest for higher wages in Tunisia, Myanmar army admits to killing Rohingya Muslims, North Korea agrees to join Winter Olympics in South Korea, 7 killed as bomb targets police in Pakistan, Incumbent Czech President to face run-off after winning first round of Presidential election, ELN rebels resume fire after ceasefire with Colombian Government ends, Suicide bombing in Iraq kills 8, Israel approves construction of 352 new settler homes in the West Bank, Oil tanker sinks off Chinese coast killing all 32 crew members.

The United States of America

• Trump gives 200,000 Salvadoreans deadline to leave U.S.
• US Army soldier dies at base in Kosovo 
• Mudslides triggered by heavy rain kill at least 17, up to 43 missing
• Trump says open to talks with North Korea
• VP Pence to lead U.S. delegation to Winter Olympics
• Trump cancels trip to Great Britain, blames Obama 
• U.S. ambassador to Panama resigns, says cannot serve Trump
• Trump approves Iran nuclear deal, says it will be last time if deal is not re-negotiated
• African Union demands apology from Trump after offensive comments
• Top U.S. diplomat for refugees to quit post
• False ballistic missile alert sparks Hawaii panic 
• Trump calls on Pentagon, diplomats to sell more weapons

Libya

• As many as 64 migrants dead in Mediterranean boat sinking 
• At least 50 migrants missing off Libyan coast
• U.N. endorses elections by end of 2018
• Suspected ISIS bomber surrenders at Libyan checkpoint prior to attack
• 81 migrants arrested, will face deportation

Syria

• Government attack in rebel-held territory kills at least 40
• Israeli missiles target Damascus military outposts
• Government forces capture 14 villages from rebels 
• U.N. says Syrian forces have killed 85 civilians in 2018 
• Insurgents launch counter-offensive in northwest Syria
• Chlorine gas attack carried out on the outskirts of Damascus 

The United Kingdom

• Northern Ireland minister quits as PM May shuffles Cabinet 
• Foreign minister says Jerusalem should be shared capital of Israel and Palestine
• Britain sends frigate to escort Russian ships through English channel
• U.K. refuses Ecuador request to grant Assange diplomatic status
• Foreign minister challenges U.S. to find better alternative to Iran Deal
• Spain and U.K. hold first talks on Brexit’s fallout in Gibraltar 
• UKIP leader’s girlfriend suspended over racist remarks about Meghan Markle 

Turkey

• Turkey to extend state of emergency for another 3 months 
• Parliament strips pro-Kurdish lawmaker of her status for second time 
• Turkey to end extraditions to U.S. unless cleric Gulen is turned over
• President Erdogan calls on Putin to end northern Syria attacks by regime forces
• Plane with 168 passengers skids off runway, everyone safe

Egypt

• Egypt sets March 26-28 as Presidential election date
• President Sisi wins huge parliamentary support for second term
• Mubarak’s security boss wins appeal against corruption conviction
• Former military chief of staff to run for President
• Egypt to impose curfew on parts of North Sinai
• President reshuffles government, appoints 4 new ministers 

Jordan

• Jordan arrests 17 in failed ISIS attack plot 

Bulgaria

• Businessman murdered in Sofia 
• Thousands protest in Sofia against ski area expansion
• Parliament overturns presidential veto on anti-corruption law 

Madagascar

• Cyclone kills 29, displaces thousands

South Africa

• Death toll in South Africa listeria outbreak jumps to 61
• 200 injured in commuter train crash outside Johannesburg
• 1 killed during protests at platinum producer 

Liberia

• Ruling political party expels President Johnson Sirleaf 

Mexico

• 11 dead after gun battle erupts outside beach resort in Acapulco
• Interior Minister Osorio Chong steps down
• U.S. warns of travel to 5 Mexican states 
• Journalist murdered in Tamaulipas 
• 9 bodies found in truck in Veracruz 

Somalia

• Somaliland passes first law against rape 

Sudan

• Student killed in bread protests 
• Sudan protests to U.N. over Egypt hold on border territory 

Brazil

• Drug lord accused of deadly jail riot arrested

Myanmar

• Trial set to begin for two Reuters journalists 
• Army admits to killing Rohingya Muslims 

France

• President Macron says China’s new ‘Silk Road’ cannot be one-way
• Thieves raid jewelry store at Paris Ritz Hotel
• Macron tells Netanyahu the Iran nuclear deal must be preserved
• French salmonella baby milk scandal affects 83 countries

Tunisia

• Protester killed in clashes with police over price hikes, unemployment 
• At least 300 arrested as army deploys
• Authorities arrests another 150 including opposition leaders over unrest 

Iran

• Iran stages pro-government rallies, derides Trump ‘blunder’ at U.N.
• Iran bans English in primary schools
• 3,700 arrested amid protests, unrest 
• Warship crashes at Capsian port, 2 crew missing
• 8 earthquakes strike along Iran-Iraq border 
• Britain, France, Germany plead for U.S. to preserve Iran deal
• Iran says nuclear deal with major powers not renegotiable 
• U.S. sanctions head of Iran’s judiciary over human rights abuses

Iraq

• Suicide bombing in Baghdad kills 8, wounds at least 10
• PM Abadi to seek re-election, allied with Iran-backed group

Congo

• Police fires teargas on churchgoer’s protest
• Gunfire as Congo police disperse mourners at Kinshasa church
• Congolese troops launch offensive against Ugandan rebels in Beni 
• 4 soldiers killed in a hit-run attack in Central Congo

Albania

• Authorities fire police chief, promises to fight against cannabis trade

North Korea

• North Korea to join Winter Olympics in South Korea 
• Putin says ‘shrewd and mature’ North Korean leader has ‘won this round’ with the West

Bangladesh

• Bangladesh court upholds law banning Rohingya Muslims from getting married in the country

Australia

• First gay weddings take place in Australia
• U.S. tourist dies on popular hike near Alice Springs

Germany

• Shots fired at Kurdish footballer’s car in Germany
• Court halts deportation of Turk convicted of Islamist support 
• Police makes 169 arrests in mafia raids
• U.S. Army howitzer shipment halted by Germany police 
• Merkel close to breaking impasse over new government 

Palestine

• 2 Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli troops in Gaza and the West Bank
• Egyptian navy opens fire on Palestinian fisherman at sea and kills him 
• Israel destroys Hamas tunnel under key Gaza crossing
• President Abbas calls Trump’s plan the ‘slap of the century’

Lebanon

• Bomb places in car wounds Palestinian in Southern Lebanon

Greece

• Lawmakers to limit Sharia law after European Court challenge
• Communist protesters storm labor ministry 
• Greeks strike over law restricting right to strike 

Switzerland

• 13,000 tourists stuck in Zermatt amid avalanche risk 
• Anti-Trump demonstrators march in Bern

Poland

• Prime Minister reshuffles his cabinet ahead of key E.U. visit 
• Hundreds protest against proposed abortion restrictions 

Pakistan

• Bomb targets police truck in Quetta, 7 killed, 23 injured
• 2 dead in protests over girl’s rape and murder

Israel

• U.N. urges Israel to find solutions for African migrants
• Israel approves construction of 352 new settler homes in West Bank

The Philippines

• Philippines to protest to China over apparent airbase on manmade island
• Ash eruption from volcano triggers evacuation

Japan

• U.S. apologizes to Japan over repeat accidents on Japanese territory involving American military equipment 
• U.S. approves anti-ballistic missile sale to Japan
• Japan protests presence of Chinese military ships in waters near disputed islands
• Heavy snow strands 430 people overnight on train in Japan
• PM Abe rejects South Korean call for new steps to help ‘comfort women’

Peru

• President Kuczynski reshuffles Cabinet after Fujimori uproar 
• Protesters demand the pardon of former President be removed
• Earthquake kills 1, injures 65, dozens of homes destroyed 
• Former President Fujimori hospitalized with heart problems 

Ivory Coast

• Rival army factions clash at military bases in Bouake 
• Soldiers loot arms, burn military bases 

Ecuador

• Ecuador to explore mediation to solve Assange standoff 
• Ecuador grants nationality to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange

Venezuela

• Lootings and street protests continue in Southeastern Venezuela
• Teen killed in looting on highway 
• 4 Venezuelans die on boat trip to Curacao 
• Motorcycle gunmen kills pro-government legislator 
• Government and opposition conclude talks without agreement

Yemen

• Houthi’s threaten to block Read Sea shipping lane 

Russia

• U.S. report warns of Russian meddling across Europe 
• Putin to raise minimum wage from May 1
• Russia kills militants behind Syria airbase attack 

Spain

• Catalan separatists agree to re-elect Puidgemont 
• Nightclub ceiling collapses in Madrid, 26 injured

Honduras

• 7.6 magnitude earthquake hits sea north of Honduras

South Korea

• President Moon says Trump deserves credit for North Korea talks 

Colombia

• ELN rebels resume attacks after ceasefire expires
• President recalls peace negotiators 
• ELN rebels kidnap oil workers near the border with Venezuela 

Italy

• Berlusconi’s coalition rises in polls ahead of elections 
• Putin denies meddling in Italian election 

India

• 3 students die in boat accident near Mumbai 

Ethiopia

• Authorities ban foreign adoptions amid concerns of abuse
• Court jails members of group committed to overthrowing the government 

Sri Lanka

• Alcohol ban on Sri Lankan women reinstated by President

Czech Republic

• Lawmakers postpone confidence vote for PM as billionaire battles fraud allegations
• Incumbent President wins first round of Presidential election, will face run-off against Drahos

Cyprus

• Cyprus company sues former Trump campaign manager Manafort for fraud

Denmark

• Denmark and Greenland sign deal to clean up U.S. military waste

Nigeria

• At least 15,000 Cameroonian refugees flee to Nigeria amid crackdown
• At least 70 people buried after clashes between farmers 

Afghanistan

• U.S. Service member wounded in possible insider attack

Ukraine

• 3 Ukrainian soldiers killed as fighting picks up

China

• Authorities demolish well-known evangelic church 
• Burning oil tanker sinks off Chinese coast killing all 32 crew members 

Chile

• Vandals attack churches in Chile three days ahead of Pope visit 
• 3 churches firebombed, President calls for ‘respect’
• Chile complains of World Bank unfair treatment

Qatar

• Qatar says Emirati plane violated airspace, UAE denies 
• Qatari royal held against his will by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

Hungary

• Hungary summons Romanian ambassador over PM’s remarks threatening ethnic Hungarians 

Cameroon

• Farmers abandon cocoa plantations amid crackdown

Portugal

• At least 8 killed, dozens hurt in fire, stampede

Guatemala

• Congressman arrested, accused of plotting murders of two journalists 

Austria

• Thousands protest against Government’s shift to the right

Norway

• Liberals to join Conservative-led government 

Thailand

• 16 injured in tourist boat explosion near Phi Phi island 

Papua New Guinea

• Thousands evacuated after volcano explodes on Northern Coast

Indonesia

• Golkar party appoints new parliamentary speaker amid corruption investigation

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In Brief: Iranian turmoil continues as Government arrests thousands, Dozens of civilians killed in Syria, U.S. suspends nearly $1 billion in aid to Pakistan, Israel orders African migrants to leave, Multiple terrorist attacks strike Nigeria, North and South Korea discuss participation in Winter Olympics, At least 20 killed as suicide bomber targets police in Afghanistan, Turkey detains 70 military officers in post-coup crackdown, 51 dead in Peru as bus falls off cliff, Al Shabaab kills 5 Kenyan police officers, 8 migrants found dead off Libyan coast, Ugandan President signs law removing age-cap for Presidency in bid for re-election.

Iran

• Protesters attack police stations
• Iran blames CIA for protests 
• Students ‘among more than 1,000 arrested’
• Revolutionary Guard claims victory against protesters 
• Tens of thousands rally in favor of Government after days of protest
• 3 intelligence agents killed in Piranshahr 
• Over 20 hurt as magnitude 5.1 earthquake hits western Iran

Syria

• Car bomb kills 23 in Idlib 
• President Assad names new ministers for defense, industry, and information
• Russian jets kill at least 30 civilians near Damascus 
• At least 10 hospitals targets over the past 10 days 

The United States of America

• U.S. suspends at least $900 million in security aid to Pakistan
• U.S. sanctions companies linked to Iran missile program 
• Trump threatens to withhold aid cash to Palestinians 
• Soldier killed on New Year’s Day mission in Afghanistan 
• Trump administration places Pakistan on watch list for religious freedom violations 

Egypt

• Gunman kills 2 Christian brothers at alcohol store near Cairo
• Authorities hang 4 convicted militants 
• Hot air balloon crashes over Luxor killing tourist
• Authorities detain 75 people in human trafficking investigation
• Former PM Shafik to no longer run for Presidential Election 

Brazil

• 9 killed in prison riot near Brasilia, 106 prisoners escape

Sweden

• Man dies in Stockholm after picking up suspected grenade

Norway

• Labour party’s deputy leader resigns over harassment allegations 

Spain

• At least 209 migrants reach Spain after storming fence

Israel

• Israel orders African migrants to leave, U.N. says the move violates international and Israeli laws
• Netanyahu denies Israeli involvement in Iran protests 
• Authorities indict Palestinian teenage girl who punched soldier
• Israel supports gradual funding cut to U.N. agency for Palestinians 

Indonesia

• 8 killed, 13 missing after boat capsizes off Kalimantan island

Nigeria

• Army claims 700 Boko Haram captives have escaped
• At least 16 killed by gunmen in Southern Nigeria after a New Year’s Day church service
• Suicide bomber kills 11 people in mosque attack in northeast Nigeria
• Military rescues schoolgirl abducted by Boko Haram in 2014

Australia

• Thousands flee, 2 injured as barge carrying fireworks catches fire at Terrigal beach 

Palestine

• Palestinian envoy sent back to Washington after consultations with President Abbas 
• Palestinian Christians attack car of Greek Patriarch in protest against church’s decision to sell West Bank land to Jewish groups 
• Israel to restore power supply to Gaza

South Korea

• South Korea offers talks with North Korea on Winter Olympics cooperations
• No military drills with USA during Winter Olympics 

South Africa

• 2 climbers die after falling from a cliff on Table Mountain 
• 18 killed, over 260 injured in train crash 

Afghanistan

• Taliban ambush kills local police chief 
• Suicide bomber hits police in Kabul, at least 20 killed

Pakistan

• Pakistan summons U.S. envoy over Trump’s tweet
• U.S. suspends security assistance to Pakistan 

Uganda

• President Museveni signs law removing age cap for President 

Turkey

• Two artillery shells from Syria hit southeastern Turkey
• Authorities to detain 70 military officers suspected of coup links 
• Jailed pro-Kurdish opposition co-leader to step down amid charges of supporting terrorism 
• Authorities remove opposition party mayor from office
• German and Turkish officials vow to end spat 

Bulgaria

• President vetoes anti-corruption law

South Sudan

• U.S., Britain warn South Sudan parties over ceasefire violations
• New fighting near Juba as cease-fire violated

The United Kingdom

• Man found dead in London’s Canary Wharf financial district 

Venezuela

• Soldier arrested for killing pregnant woman in line for food
• U.S. imposes more sanctions on Venezuelans 

Peru

• 51 dead after bus falls off cliff near Lima 
• Former Authoritarian President Fujimori leaves clinic as free man, reigniting anger over pardon

France

• President Macron asks Rouhani to show restraint, postpones minister’s visit to Tehran
• 1 killed as storm cuts power to 225,000 households in Northern and Eastern France
• Protests greet Erdogan as he visits Macron in Paris 
• Macron suggests E.U. partnership with Turkey

Yemen

• Saudi-led coalition denies blocking aid to Yemen
• Mine blast injures Yemeni army chief-of-staff

Liberia

• President-elect Weah tempers expectations, plans agricultural push 

Italy

• 6 dead as tanker explodes near Brescia 
• Rome mayor moves to delay start of trial on lying charges

North Korea

• North Korea re-opens cross-border communications with South Korea 
• North Korea likely to attend Winter Olympics in South Korea 

Somalia

• U.S. airstrike destroys vehicle carrying explosives west of Mogadishu
• Prime Minister fires 3 ministers as country battles insurgency
• U.S. airstrike kills 2 militants west of Mogadishu 

Ethiopia

• Authorities to free jailed politicians to ‘foster national reconciliation’

Kosovo

• 4 Kosovo members of Parliaments get suspended jail term for tear gas protest 

Russia

• Military helicopter crashes in Syria, killing 2
• At least 7 Russian planes destroyed by shelling at Syrian airbase
• 10 people killed in Siberian factory fire
• Russia berates U.S. for U.N. talks on Iran, calls it an ‘internal affair’

United Arab Emirates

• Norway suspends arms sales to U.A.E. over Yemen war
• U.A.E. to resume flights to Tunis ending row over ban on women passengers

Kenya

• Al Shabaab kills 5 police officers out on patrol near border with Somalia 

China

• 10 people missing as cargo vessel sinks off Shanghai coast
• 32 missing, oil tanker on fire after collision off China’s East coast

Zambia

• Foreign minister resigns over his country’s ‘greed’

India

• Thousands of protesters from a low-caste community disrupt key transport services in Mumbai 
• Mumbai fire kills 4 

Ireland

• 1 dead, 2 injured in knife attack in Dundalk 

Iceland

• Iceland to require companies to prove equal pay for women

Mexico

• Former mayor and son murdered in central Mexico
• Attorney General vows to crack down on money laundering
• 5 men found dead in car in Veracruz 
• U.S. National Security Advisor claims Russia is meddling in Mexican election 

Equatorial Guinea

• Authorities stop coup attempt by ‘mercenaries’ 

Qatar

• Royal jewels stolen from Venice exhibition

Congo

• 37 die in Congo flooding after heavy rain 
• U.N. to investigate deaths of Tanzanian peacekeepers in Congo

New Zealand

• Storm pummels the North Island leaving thousands without power

Sudan

• Sudan recalls its ambassador from Egypt amid tensions 
• Sudan closes border with Eritrea 
• Student killed, opposition leader detained as bread protest continue 

Panama

• Panama extradites former Mexican governor accused of corruption

Mozambique

• 7 injured in plane crash 

Myanmar

• Rohingya insurgents launch ambush, injure 6 members of the security forces 

Georgia

• Court sentences former president in absentia to 3 years in prison for abuse of power 

Zimbabwe

• President rules out forming coalition government with opposition 
• Former ministers loyal to Mugabe charged with corruption

Libya

• 8 migrants dead, 86 rescued from sinking boat off Libyan coast

Cuba

• U.S. Senator says no evidence of ‘sonic attacks’ in Cuba

Austria

• 2 German skiers killed in avalanche in Austrian Alps 

Canada

• 2 planes collide on the ground at Toronto’s airport 

Saudi Arabia

• 11 Saudi princes detained following protest over utility bills
• Saudi warplane crashes in Yemen

Vietnam

• Ex-U.N. chief Ban’s nephew pleads guilty to U.S. corruption charges

Kuwait

• Kuwait City Stadium barrier collapse injures 40 football fans

Senegal

• At least 13 killed by gunmen outside the town of Ziguinchor 

Malaysia

• Opposition alliance names 92-year-old Mahathir as Prime Minister candidate 

Cameroon

• Separatist leader taken into custody in Nigeria

Germany

• Merkel hopeful as coalition talks begin

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In Brief: ISIS attack on Muslim cultural center in Afghanistan kills 41, Thousands protest against Government in Iran, At least 9 killed in shootout outside Coptic Church in Egypt, Pope Francis calls for two-state solution in Israel-Palestine, Russian opposition candidate Navalny barred from Presidential election, Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels swap prisoners, Former soccer star George Weah elected President of Liberia, Congolese security forces kill 7 during anti-government protests, U.S. airstrike kills 13 al-Shabaab militants in Somalia.

Afghanistan

• ISIS attack on Shiite Muslim cultural center in Kabul kills 41, injures 84
• Suicide attack at funeral in Eastern Afghanistan kills 15

Iran

• Thousands protest against high prices in Tehran
• Protests turn against government, spreads to several major cities
• 2 protesters killed in provincial town
• Government temporarily restricts access to social media
• 1 dead after 4.2 magnitude earthquake near Tehran 

Egypt

• At least 9 killed in shootout outside Cairo church
• Authorities hang 15 militants for killing security forces in Sinai
• Militants kill 2 in North Sinai
• Police officer, 5 soldiers killed in explosion in Sinai
• Court jails former President Morsi over insulting judiciary
• Security forces kill 3 suspected militants, arrest 10 others 

Turkey

• 3 soldiers killed in Southeast Turkey
• Erdogan calls Assad a terrorist, says impossible to continue with him
• Authorities detain 54 former university staff in Gulen-related operation
• Turkey to lift restrictions on visa services for U.S. citizens 
• Authorities arrest 120 ahead of New Year’s Eve attack anniversary 
• Russia agrees to sell surface to air missiles to Turkey 
• Turkey detains 75 ISIS suspects 

The Vatican

• Pope Francis calls for two-state solution in Israel-Palestine 

Bahrain

• Military court convicts 6 to death on terror charges

Russia

• Bus drives into pedestrian underpass in Moscow, 4 killed
• Gunman opens fire at Moscow pastry factory, killing 1
• Blast rips through supermarket in St. Petersburg, 10 hurt
• Opposition candidate Navalny barred from Russian Presidential election 
• Bus drives into bus stop in Moscow, injures 3
• St. Petersburg supermarket bombing suspect arrested
• Court upholds ban on Navalny running for presidency 

Canada

• Canada to expel Venezuelan diplomat in retaliatory move

The United States of America

• U.S. says it negotiated $285 million cut in U.N. budget 
• U.S. missions in Turkey to resume full visa services
• 12 dead in New York apartment fire
• Authorities claim Romanians hacked police cameras days before Trump’s inauguration 
• Putin voices hope for cooperation with U.S. in letter to Trump
• Anger grows as only half of Puerto Rico has power
• Military to accept transgender recruits 

Tanzania

• Authorities threaten to shut down churches after cleric criticizes President Magufuli 

Nepal

• Nepal bans solo climbers from Mount Everest 

Ukraine

• Government and Pro-Russian rebels swap prisoners 
• Bitcoin exchange manager kidnapped for ransom in Kiev
• Man with explosives takes 11 hostages 

Peru

• Thousands protest against Fujimori pardon 
• Presidential advisor and Culture minister resign after Fujimori pardon

Great Britain

• British ship escorts Russian ship near national waters
• Fire in Liverpool destroys hundreds of vehicles 

Cuba

• 39 injured in fireworks explosion at Cuban festival on Christmas Eve

Switzerland

• 3 people die in avalanches in the Alps 

Congo

• Attackers torch President’s property, 1 police officer killed
• Congo releases U.S. citizen detained for nearly 2 years
• Security forces kill at least 7 during anti-government protests 

Israel

• Syrian, Iranian backed forces advance in border area near Israel
• Minister plans Trump train station at Western Wall
• Parliament passes disputed law preventing police investigators from going public with their findings 
• PM’s political party calls for de-facto annexation of Israeli settlements

Nigeria

• 4 killed in suspected Boko Haram attack, army claims it repelled the assault 
• U.S. agrees to sell fighter planes to Nigeria 

Libya

• Explosion hits oil pipeline in central Eastern Libya 
• Libya puts 142 migrants on plane to Guinea 
• Eastern Libyan forces say they fully control Benghazi

Pakistan

• Suspected U.S. drone kills militants on Pakistan-Afghan border

Italy

• Coast Guards rescue more than 250 migrants in the Mediterranean 
• Italy aims to send up to 470 troops to Niger to curb people-smuggling 
• President dissolves parliament ahead of elections 
• Italy to vote on March 4, hung parliament feared 

Venezuela

• 28 arrested after looting, violence
• Explosion at major refinery injures 2
• Thousands protest over pork shortage, Maduro blames Portugal

Argentina

• Judge says death of prosecutor Nisman was murder
• Explosion at port kills 1, injures 8

India

• Police kill Kashmir ‘Merchant of Death’ 
• Fire in Mumbai kills at 15 
• 4 police officers, 2 militants killed in Kashmir attack

Syria

• Military jet downed in Northern Hama, pilot killed
• Dozens of militants evacuated from Southern Syria 
• Putin tells Assad they will help defend Syrian sovereignty 

Saudi Arabia

• Israel excluded from Saudi-hosted Chess championship
• 2 Saudi Princes released from detention in anti-corruption investigation

North Korea

• Missile developers hit by U.N. sanctions 
• Russian tankers fueled North Korea via transfers at sea
• Kim Jong Un says nuclear weapons will prevent war with U.S.

Zimbabwe

• President appoints ex-military commander as Vice President

Somalia

• U.S. airstrike kills 13 al-Shabaab militants in Southern Somalia 

Vietnam

• Authorities jail 15 for plot to blow up airport in Ho Chi Minh

Yemen

• French President Macron presses Saudi King to lift Yemen blockade
• U.N. says Saudi-led coalition raids in Yemen killed 109 civilians in the past 10 days 

Cambodia

• Prime Minister Hun Sen vows to stay in power for at least another 10 years 

Myanmar

• Authorities extend Reuters reporters custody

Germany

• At least 25 injured as cruise ship hits bridge in Duisburg 

France

• French Islamist militant detained in Syria 

South Korea

• President calls sex slave deal with Japan flawed
• South Korea holds Hong Kong ship over North Korean oil
• Authorities hold Panama oil tanker suspected of North Korea trade

China

• Chinese tourist killed, several injured in bus accident in Iceland 
• China denies selling oil illegally to North Korea 

Brazil

• Top prosecutor challenges President Temer’s Christmas pardons 

Bosnia

• Prosecutor indicts 14 Bosnian Muslims over war crimes against Serbs 

Liberia

• Former soccer star George Weah elected President 

Mexico

• Regional lawmaker shot dead in Jalisco
• 10 killed in car crash near Acapulco 

Palestine

• Teenager who slapped Israeli soldier to face charges in military court
• Thousands protest against Trump in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, at least 20 injured
• Palestinians recall envoy to the U.S.

Namibia

• Deputy Prime Minister survives crash that killed 3

Spain

• Prime Minister calls for Catalan Parliament to be formed on January 17

South Sudan

• Military raids home of exiled former army chief

South Africa

• Court finds that Parliament failed to comply with its duties to hold President accountable 

The Philippines

• Police kill 2 people rushing to the hospital, believed they were gunmen on the run 

Mali

• President names former defense and foreign minister as Prime Minister

Greece

• Turkey says granting asylum to alleged coup plotter will affect ties 
• Earthquake rattles Athens, no casualties reported 

Sudan

• Sudan announces state of emergency in Kassala, North Kurdufan

Zambia

• President orders military to help fight cholera spread, over 1,500 infected, 41 killed

Kenya

• 36 dead in bus crash in Central Kenya

Australia

• 6 dead as seaplane crashes into Sydney river

Costa Rica

• At least 12 killed in plane crash in Costa Rica

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In Brief: Typhoon kills at least 230 people in the Philippines, Saudi-led coalition kills dozens in Yemen, U.N. Security Council unanimously imposes new sanctions on North Korea, Suicide bomber kills at least 3 near Kabul intelligence agency, U.N. overwhelmingly denounces U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital, At least 61 dead after days of violence in Ethiopia, Ugandan Parliament passes law allowing President Museveni to seek re-election, Catalan separatists regain majority in regional election, Peruvian President narrowly avoids impeachment, Car deliberately plows into crowd in Melbourne, Australia.

Yemen

• Saudi-led airstrike kills 10 in Sanaa
• Cholera outbreak infects over 1 million people
• Saudi-led airstrikes kill at least 9, including 5 children in Southern Yemen 
• U.S. calls for delivery of U.N. aid shipments to Yemen

The Philippines

• At least 230 killed in massive typhoon
• Fire in shopping mall kills 37
• Maoist rebels attack soldiers on typhoon relief duty
• Military removes navy chief
• President Duterte declares unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels for Christmas
• Ferry capsizes with 252 on board, at least 5 dead

North Korea

• U.S. blames North Korea for ‘WannaCry’ cyber attack
• Soldier flees to South Korea via heavily fortified border
• U.N. Security Council unanimously imposes new sanctions on North Korea
• Foreign Ministry says new U.N. sanctions an act of war

Palestine

• 2 Palestinians killed along border with Israel
• U.N. decries Israel’s killing of Gaza amputee
• President Abbas meets King Salman and Saudi Crown Prince in Riyadh
• Indonesia to allow tariff-free import of some Palestinian goods
• Hamas leader says Palestinian unity deal is collapsing 
• Abbas calls on France to step up as he rejects U.S. as peace broker

Israel

• Military strikes Hamas targets in Gaza after Palestinian rocket attacks
• Authorities find no wrongdoing in Palestinian amputee’s death
• Thousands protest against Netanyahu in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
• Two Kosovo men plead guilty to plotting to attack Israeli soccer team

Egypt

• Security forces kill 5 suspected militants in Northern Egypt
• Military officer killed in attack on military airport 
• Hundreds attack Coptic church in Cairo, 3 injured
• Security forces kill 9 suspected militants in Sharqiya 

Iraq

• Kurdish protesters set fire to party offices in Northern Iraq
• 3 killed, 80 wounded in protests in Kurdish town of Ranya
• Iraqi Kurdish security forces raid local broadcaster NRT, take it off air 
• Opposition groups quit Iraqi Kurdish government 

Zimbabwe

• Military leader Chiwenga set to retire
• 1st white farmer gets land back under new President
• President appoints former army chief as party VP 
• Military chief looks set for Vice Presidency

Great Britain

• U.S military fires shots as man tries to force entry to Royal Air Force base
• 4 arrested for plotting terrorist attacks 
• U.S. President Trump to visit Britain in February, will not meet Queen Elizabeth 
• Deputy PM resigns after pornography scandal 
• Theresa May says Russia is trying to weaponize information
• Foreign Minister tells Russia “we can’t ignore your election meddling”

France

• President Macron slams Assad for comments on France supporting terror 

India

• Bus accident kills at least 32 in Northern India 
• Ruling party pulls ahead in local elections after tight race

Uganda

• 6 members of Parliament ejected in debate to extend rule of President Museveni
• Parliament passes law allowing President to seek re-election

China

• Air force conducts drills in Sea of Japan and around Taiwan
• China condemns U.S. ‘Cold War mentality’ on national security 
• China jails 44 Taiwanese for fraud 
• Authorities punish over 8,000 people for misuses of government funds

Somalia

• Security forces arrest former minister in raid
• Lawmakers seek to impeach president amid political crisis 

Bangladesh

• At least 10 killed as hundreds of people rush to get free food 

Honduras

• Opposition candidate admits defeat after U.S. recognizes Hernandez as winner 

Afghanistan

• Suicide bomber kills at least 3 near Kabul intelligence agency
• Gunmen seize building in Kabul, fire on security forces
• U.S Vice President Pence makes unannounced visit to Afghanistan 

Ethiopia

• At least 61 dead after days of violence in Oromiya 

Moldova

• Moldova recalls ambassador to Russia as dispute escalates 

Albania

• Opposition protesters clash outside Parliament 

Japan

• Japan to expand ballistic missile defense with ground-based radar stations 
• Cabinet approves missile defense system amid North Korea threat 

United States of America

• U.N. overwhelmingly denounces U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital
• VP Pence delays trip to Egypt and Israel because of U.S. tax vote
• U.S. vetoes U.N. call for withdrawal of Trump Jerusalem decision
• At least 3 killed in train derailment in Washington State
• Trump threatens Jerusalem opponents with U.S. funding cutoff
• U.S. sanctions Myanmar, South Sudan, and Gambian individuals for rights violations, corruption
• U.S. restores trade benefits to Gambia and Swaziland

Spain

• Catalan separatists regain majority in regional election 
• Former Catalan leader calls on talks with Spain 
• PM Rajoy refuses to negotiate with former Catalan leader, is willing to talk to new Catalan leader
• Rajoy rules out national election
• King Felipe warns separatists, urges unity

Greece

• Explosion at court complex in Athens causes damage, no injuries reported 

Cameroon

• Separatists kill 4 police officers as Anglophone crisis worsens 

Italy

• PM to shift military forces from Iraq to Niger

Bulgaria

• Authorities arrest gang suspected of smuggling migrants to Western Europe
• Parliament passes anti-corruption law under E.U. pressure

Argentina

• Congress approves pension reform despite massive protests  

South Africa

• Ramaphosa wins election as ANC president 
• ANC calls for nationalizing central bank 
• ANC decides on Israel embassy downgrade

Iran

• U.S. urges U.N. to punish Iran, but Russia says no sanctions 

Poland

• Pilot ejects before crash, survives 
• E.U. launches unprecedented disciplinary measures against Poland, says judicial reforms threaten the rule of law
• President signs judicial overhaul bills into law

Libya

• U.N. to move 10,000 migrants from Libya in 2018
• 3 workers die in gas accident at oilfield 

Russia

• Authorities detain Norwegian citizen over suspected spying
• U.S. sanctions Chechen leader, 4 others under Magnitsky Act
• Russia negotiates more arms sales to Serbia 
• Russian hackers targeted more than 200 journalists globally
• Opposition candidate Navalny clears first step towards Presidential candidacy 

Finland

• Deputy head of nationalist Finns party quits leadership post after harassment 

Vietnam

• Police orders prosecution of oil firm official in corruption crackdown
• Court upholds jail term for prominent activist 

Tunisia

• Tunisia bans UAE Emirates airline from landing in Tunis

Mexico

• At least 12 dead in bus crash excursion to Mexican ruins 
• Journalist shot dead at Christmas celebration at son’s school
• 6 bodies hung from bridges near Los Cabos tourist resort 
• Governor of Nuevo Leon requests leave to run for President
• Murders hit record high in 2017

Kenya

• Police raid Islamic school, arrest teachers and detain 100 children
• At least 2 people killed in a fire at popular nightclub in Kisumu

Syria

• Airstrikes on rebel-held village kills 19

Myanmar

• Myanmar bars U.N. rights investigator before visit 
• U.S. levies sanctions against Myanmar general  

South Korea

• Coast guards fire 249 warning shots to fend off Chinese fishing boats 
• 29 killed in building fire in Jecheon 

Congo

• Congo and Uganda launch joint operations against rebels blamed for attacks on U.N. 
• Ugandan army attacks rebel camps in Eastern Congo 
• Government signs peace accord with ‘Ninja’ rebels 

Peru

• President narrowly avoids impeachment over corruption scandal 
• President pardons former leader Fujimori

Canada

• Trudeau violated ethics rules with vacation visit to Aga Khan island

Nigeria

• Cameroonian troops enter Nigeria without authorization 
• Monkeypox spreads to 23 states, at least 61 people infected

Denmark

• Denmark will no longer automatically accept U.N. refugee resettlement quota

Australia

• Car deliberately plows into crowd in Melbourne, 19 injured
• Australia ends airstrikes in Iraq and Syria 

Saudia Arabia

• Saudi’s intercept Yemen rebel missile targeting royal palace in Riyadh

Czech Republic

• Far right party will not support government 

Belgium

• Belgium to appoint female ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Cuba

• President Castro to step down in April 2018

South Sudan

• Government and rebel groups sign ceasefire
• 1st violation of ceasefire reported

Ukraine

• Ukraine accuses government interpreter of being Russian spy
• U.S. will provide Ukraine with enhanced defensive capabilities 

Malaysia

• Authorities arrest 20 over suspected terror links 

Turkey

• Police arrest 15 senior military officers in Gulen investigation
• Over 2,700 people fired from public institutions over links to “terror organizations”

Venezuela

• Authorities expel top Brazilian and Canadian diplomats 

Guatemala

• Guatemala to move embassy to Jerusalem, backing Trump

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In Brief: Many casualties reported in Yemen as Saudi blockade continues; At least 12 people killed in terrorist attacks in Afghanistan; Palestinian protests intensify in response to Trump’s Jerusalem decision; 18 Somalian police officers killed in suicide bombing; Conservative Billionaire Piñera elected President of Chile; At least 9 killed in attack on church in Pakistan; Turkish air strikes kill 29 Kurdish militants; Austrian Conservatives and Nationalists agree to coalition government; Peru’s President faces impeachment; British Parliament asserts final say on Brexit deal; Hernandez officially declared winner of Honduras presidential election.

Yemen

• At least 39 Yemeni’s killed in Saudi-led raid on police camp in Sanaa
• Russia suspends diplomatic presence in Yemen, moves envoy to Saudi Arabia 
• U.S. aid chief says Saudi port blockade continues, aid not coming in
• Yemeni army pushes Houthi’s from outpost in Southern Yemen
• Saudi-led coalition airstrike hits wedding, at least 10 women killed

Afghanistan

• Taliban kill 11 Afghan police officers in attack on checkpoint in Helmand province
• Car bomber attacks NATO convoy in Kandahar, 1 killed

Palestine

• 4 killed in clashes with Israel, at least 160 injured
• President Abbas says no role for U.S. in peace process
• 2 killed in Gaza blast, Israel military denies it carried out attack
• Palestinians will go to Security Council over U.N. membership
• Palestinian Billionaire Masri released by Saudi’s after several days of detention

Israel

• E.U. tells Netanyahu it rejects Trump’s Jerusalem move
• Israel closes Gaza border crossings 
• Israel to investigate fatal shooting of Palestinian paraplegic 
• Thousands of Israeli’s march against Netanyahu’s alleged corruption in Tel Aviv 
• U.N. to vote on call for U.S. Jerusalem decision to be withdrawn

Somalia

• At least 18 police officers killed in suicide bomb attack on police academy in Mogadishu 
• Car bomb kills journalist in Mogadishu 
• U.S. drone strike removes ‘imminent threat’ to Mogadishu
• Al Shabaab kill bomb disposal expert in Puntland
• U.S. commander orders new investigation into Somalia raid 
• U.S. suspends aid to Somalia’s military over corruption concerns

Russia

• Putin declares victory against terrorists in visit to air base in Syria
• Russia to resume direct flights to Egypt 
• Former economics minister sentenced to 8 years in jail for corruption 
• Parliament sets March 18 as presidential election date
• 3 militant suspects killed in raid in Caucasus 
• CIA helps prevent terror attack in St. Petersburg 
• Putin orders partial return of troops in Syria

Pakistan

• Suicide bombers attack church in Quetta, 9 killed, more than 50 injured
• Top court rejects bid to bar opposition leader

Chile

• Conservative Billionaire Sebastian Piñera elected President of Chile 
• Mudslides kill at least 5 in Southern Chile, 15 missing

France

• 6 children killed in bus-train collision in Southern France
• Corsica’s nationalists win local elections
• Climate summit in Paris attracts most world leaders and tech giants
• African anti-jihadi force gets $130 million from Saudi Arabia and U.A.E.
• France cautious over U.S. evidence on Iran weaponry in Yemen

United States of America

• Failed terrorist attack at New York City bus terminal
• U.N. expert says torture persists at Guantanamo Bay
• White House signals Western Wall to be part of Israel

Indonesia

• Parliament speaker resigns, indicted for corruption
• Court rejects petition to ban consensual sex outside marriage
• Earthquake rattles Java island, 3 dead
• Tens of thousands rally over Trump’s Jerusalem stance

Turkey

• Turkish air strikes kill 29 Kurdish militants in Northern Iraq
• Turkey express intent to open embassy in East Jerusalem 
• Russia and Turkish Presidents meet in Ankara 

Thailand

• E.U. to resume political contact at all levels with Thailand 

Libya

• Libyan forces suffer casualties as fighting drags on in Benghazi 
• Amnesty accuses the E.U. of being complicit in migrant torture
• Coast Guards rescue more than 250 migrants trying to reach Italy 
• Gunmen assassinate mayor of Misrata 

Macedonia

• Former Macedonian Prime Minister resigns party leadership

Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Arabia to allow movie theaters after decades of ban

Tanzania

• President Magufuli pardons two child rapists 

Australia

• Prominent opposition lawmaker quits over claims of China links 
• Government survives Sydney election
• Man arrested for attempting to sell North Korean missiles 

Ukraine

• Judge frees former Georgian President from detention

Egypt

• Russian President Putin visits with President Sisi
• Supporters of opposition presidential candidate arrested

Botswana

• Court orders government to recognize transgender woman as female 

Japan

• Japanese air force drills with U.S. bombers near Korean peninsula 
• Japan adopts additional sanctions against North Korea 

South Sudan

• Death toll from fighting in Great Lakes rises to 170

Zimbabwe

• Mugabe flies to Singapore in first trip since resignation
• President seeks to end Western sanctions, says they cripple national development 

China

• China conducts ‘island encirclement’ patrols near Taiwan
• Fire in Beijing kills 5
• China accuses U.S. of interfering in its internal affairs as U.S. considers navy visits to Taiwan

Austria

• At least 1 killed, 18 injured in gas plant explosion 
• Conservative and Nationalist parties agree to coalition

Honduras

• Helicopter crash kills 6, including President’s sister
• Dozens of protesters injured in clashes as electoral crisis continues, army moves in
• Hernandez officially declared winner of Presidential election

Philippines

• Lawmakers approve 1-year extension of martial law in Southern Philippines
• Landslides kill at least 26 in Central Philippines 

Mexico

• At least 11 killed during pilgrimage near Mexico City

Myanmar

• Two Reuters journalists arrested in Myanmar 

Brazil

• Police raid homes of two members of Congress in bribery investigation

Iran

• U.N. chief claims Iran may be defying U.N. on missiles, OK on nukes 

Congo

• Court sentences 12 to life in prison for gang-raping children

United Kingdom

• Parliament asserts final say on Brexit deal
• British Embassy staffer strangled in Lebanon

Lebanon

• Lebanese army to get $120 million in U.S. aid

South Africa

• President Zuma loses two court cases linked to corruption allegations 
• ANC chooses new leader to succeed Zuma 

Ecuador

• Vice President Glas sentenced to 6 years in jail for corruption 

North Korea

• Russian and North Korean military commission meets in Pyongyang 

Nigeria

• Nigeria to release $1 billion from excess oil accounts to fight Boko Haram 
• Authorities arrest over 400 Boko Haram fighters and their families 
• 4 killed in ambush on World Food Programme convoy 

Italy

• Italy adopts living wills allowing patients to refuse treatment 

Iraq

• Iraq hangs 38 Sunni militants on terrorism charges
• U.S. backed Syria fighters kill at least 20 ISIS fighters near Jordanian and Iraqi borders 

Colombia

• Colombia’s biggest criminal gang declares unilateral ceasefire to help “bring about peace”

Netherlands

• 2 dead, several wounded in stabbing in Maastricht 
• Man with knife shot at Amsterdam airport

Venezuela

• Nephews of First Lady sentenced to 18 years in prison in U.S. drug case

Germany

• Social Democrats agree to talk with Merkel on new government 
• 3 die in small plane crash in Southwestern Germany 

Peru

• President defies impeachment threat over payments scandal, won’t resign 
• Congress launches process for President’s ouster

Syria

• Syrian troops march into rebel-held province of Idlib
• At least 9 civilians killed in airstrikes in Idlib 

Romania

• Thousands of Romanians attend funeral of former King Michael
• Thousands protest against judicial changes in Bucharest

India

• Police arrest Christian priest after complaint by Hindu group 

Gabon

• 2 Danish journalists wounded in knife attack

Kazakhstan

• 3 astronauts blast off for International Space Station

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In Brief: Trump announces U.S. Embassy move to Jerusalem as Arab states protest; Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Britain condemn U.S. decision; Former Yemen President killed after switching sides in civil war; Honduras opposition contest Presidential election; Iraqi PM announces end of war against ISIS; U.K. and E.U. agree to preliminary Brexit deal; Russian air-strikes kill dozens in Syria; 15 U.N. peacekeepers killed in Congo; Australia allows same-sex marriage; Putin announces re-election bid; IOC bans Russia from 2018 Winter Olympics.

 United States of America

• Trump recognizes Jerusalem as capital of Israel, will move U.S. embassy
• Supreme Court backs Trump’s travel ban
• U.S. flies bomber over South Korea in show of force to North Korea
• Trump taps career diplomat to run U.S. Embassy in Cuba
• Thousands forced to evacuate from fires in Southern California 
• 2 killed in school shooting in Nex Mexico
• 14 U.N. Security Council members criticize U.S. action on Jerusalem
• E.U. calls on U.S. to stick to Iran nuclear deal

Yemen

• Former President Saleh killed after switching sides in civil war
• Saudi air strikes hit Sanaa in retaliation 
• Death toll in Sanaa fighting rises to 234 killed, 400 wounded
• Saudi-backed fighters capture coastal area from Houthi’s 
• U.S. military air strikes kill 5 al Qaeda militants 

Honduras

• Incumbent President Hernandez leads in presidential election recount, irregularities reported
• Opposition challenges presidential election, will seek to annul results and request full recount
• OAS refuses to back Honduran results after vote count chaos 
• Election tribunal recounts 4,753 ballots, same results 

Iraq

• Prime Minister announces war against ISIS has ended

Israel

• Israel strikes Gaza militant post after rockets fired at Israel
• Thousands march in Tel Aviv to protest against Netanyahu as he faces corruption allegations 
• French President Macron asks Netanyahu to make gestures towards peace, suggests freeze of settlement constructions
• Palestinian stabs Israeli security guard in Jerusalem

Palestine

• Palestinians protest Trump’s move on Jerusalem 
• Hamas calls for uprising in response 
• 2 killed in clashes between protesters and Israeli forces along the Gaza fence, many injured
• Israeli strikes kill 2 Hamas men 
• E.U. vows push to make Jerusalem capital for Palestinians too 
• President Abbas will refuse to meet U.S. Vice President Pence during visit over Jerusalem move
• U.S. House passes measure to limit aid to Palestinians over ‘martyr payments’ 

United Kingdom

• Plot to kill Prime Minister Theresa May foiled
• U.K. and E.U. claim Brexit breakthrough 
• Voters may be able to change final deal

India

• Rahul Ghandi set to be opposition Congress party chief
• China criticizes India over crashes drone on border
• Soldier kills 4 colleagues at camp in Central India

Pakistan

• Bomb blast kills 9 near Afghan border
• U.S. defense chief urges Pakistan to redouble efforts against militants 
• Over 300 Balock separatist militants surrender

France

• Rock-star legend Johnny Hallyday dies after battle with lung cancer
• France and Qatar sign deals with $12 billion
• Pro-Palestinians march in Paris 
• Conservatives elect new leader, Laurent Wauquiez to oppose President Macron

Spain

• Judge withdraws arrest warrant for Catalan leaders 
• Thousands of Catalans rally in Brussels, decry E.U. failures to help

Malta

• 10 arrested in journalist’s bombing murder
• Police suspect car bomb that killed reporter was triggered from boat 

Turkey

• Turkey says recognizing Jerusalem as capital would cause catastrophe 

Syria

• Bus bomb kills 8 in Homs city
• Russian air strikes kill 21 in Eastern Syria 
• Israeli missiles target Syrian military facility near Damascus 
• Russian long-range bombers hit ISIS targets
• U.N. calls for urgent evacuation of 137 sick Syrian children

Italy

• Police arrest woman mafia boss, 24 others in Palermo
• Thousands of Democrats protest against fascism 

Egypt

• Security forces kill 5 suspected militants in raid
• Former interior minister arrested for corruption
• Arab foreign ministers meet in Cairo for emergency meeting on Jerusalem

Central African Republic

• Christian militants kill U.N. peacekeeper in Bria

Sierra Leone

• Peace diamond sold for $6.5 million in New York; half of the proceeds to be used for infrastructure in Sierra Leone 

Mali

• Saudi Arabia pledges $100 million to African anti-jihadist force 

North Korea

• Senior North Korean diplomat meets with U.N. political affairs chief
• Government says U.S. threats make war unavoidable on Korean peninsula 
• U.N. urges North Korea to keep diplomatic channels open

Chile

• Leftist leader backs center-left candidate Guillier in run-off presidential election

Japan

• Japan wants missile with enough range to strike North Korea 
• E.U. and Japan conclude world’s largest free trade agreement 
• Samurai sword attack leaves 3 dead at Tokyo shrine 
• Man kills wife, priestess sister, and himself with sword in family feud 

Brazil

• Prosecutor accuses ex-minister, congressman of money laundering
• Police catch most wanted favela boss in Rio de Janeiro 

Mexico

• U.N. rights team warns of crisis for the safety of journalist’s 
• Opposition leader Anaya to seek presidency in coalition

China

• China warns of imminent attacks by “terrorists” in Pakistan
• China accuses Australia of paranoia over foreign influence laws
• Macau suspends lawmaker for protest

South Africa

• Listeria kills at least 36 people 
• Corruption watchdogs find $22 million misspent during Mandela’s funeral
• Court rules Zuma’s appointment of state prosecutor invalid

Australia

• Citing concerns over China, Australia cracks down on foreign political influence
• Parliament allows same-sex marriage

New Zealand

• Foreign minister praises China ties, puts away fears of protectionism 

South Sudan

• At least 45 killed in ethnic fighting 
• Government wants thousands sheltering in U.N. camps to leave

Georgia

• Protesters gather in Kiev after police recapture former Georgia leader

Greece

• Greek islanders protest in Athens over migrant overcrowding
• Turkish President Erdogan visits Greece to discuss borders 

Iran

• British foreign minister visits President Rouhani to lobby for jailed aid worker 

Austria

• Constitutional court legalizes same-sex marriage 

Qatar

• Gulf rulers boycotting Qatar skip annual cooperation summit 

Myanmar

• U.N. claims Myanmar forces may be guilty of genocide against Rohingya Muslims 

Lebanon

• Hariri rescinds resignation as government agrees to deal
• Major powers push Saudi Arabia and Iran to stop interfering in Lebanon
• Thousands protest against Trump protest at U.S. Embassy in Beirut, tear gas used

Mongolia

• President vetoes 2018 budget claiming the planned deficit would violate terms of IMF bailout agreement 

Afghanistan

• At least 80 al-Qaeda militants killed in Eastern Afghanistan including top leader

Ethiopia

• German tourist shot dead in Northeastern Ethiopia 

Russia

• President Putin announces re-election bid 
• IOC bans Russia from 2018 Winter Olympics 
• Russia declares 9 U.S. media outlets ‘foreign agents’
• Lawmakers vote to bar entry of U.S. reporters 

Germany

• Passenger train hits freight train, dozens injured 
• On Jerusalem, Merkel sticking to U.N. resolutions 
• Center-left party agrees to hold talks with Merkel
• German intelligence warns of increased Chinese cyber-spying 

Paraguay

• Congress legalizes planting of marijuana for medical uses 

Colombia

• Shoot-out between rebels kills 13 

Venezuela

• Venezuela’s U.N. envoy resigns on orders of President Maduro 
• Main opposition parties banned from presidential election 
• Ruling Socialist Party wins Zulia state governorship 

Saudi Arabia

• Detainees in anti-corruption drive receive pardon in exchange for settlements 
• Saudi Arabia condemns Trump decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital 
• Trump asks Saudi Arabia to allow immediate aid to Yemen

Kosovo

• President wants international missions to leave country 

Libya

• African Union to evacuate 15,000 migrants from Libya this year

Somalia

• Air-strikes reported near Mogadishu, al Shabaab militants targeted 

Czech Republic

• President appoints Andrej Babis as new Prime Minister 

Guatemala

• 5 people electrocuted decorating Christmas tree

Uganda

• 281 troops to withdraw from Somalia 

Cambodia

• U.S. restricts visas for Cambodians ‘undermining democracy’ 

Algeria

• Algeria says Jerusalem announcement ‘blatant violation’ of U.N. resolutions 

Ivory Coast

• Ivory Coast to retire 1,000 soldiers to slim down military 

Cameroon

• Government escalates military crackdown on Anglophone separatists 

Argentina

• Federal judge seeks arrest of former President Fernandez for treason 

Nepal

• Millions vote for provincial, national assemblies
• Alliance between former Maoist rebels and moderate communists head for election victory 
• K.P. Oli wins parliament seat, likely to be next Prime Minister 

Madagascar

• IMF approves $44.5 million credit for Madagascar 

Malaysia

• Prime Minister Najib calls on Muslims worldwide to oppose recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital

Zimbabwe

• Budget proposal aims to woo foreign investors 
• Bank accounts of Mugabe’s allies frozen

Nigeria

• Anti-Boko Haram general fired 

Poland

• Finance Minister Morawiecki to be new Prime Minister
• Polish parliament, defying E.U. approves judiciary overhaul

Tunisia

• Thousands protest against Trump’s Jerusalem decision

Liberia

• Court clears way for Presidential run-off vote

Congo

• 15 U.N. peacekeepers killed, 53 injured in worst single attack against U.N. mission

Serbia

• President says Serbia does not plan to join NATO

Norway

• Liberal Party seeks to join right-wing government 

Maldives

• Maldives rush through trade pact with China despite opposition 

Finland

• 2 die after boat capsizes in Gulf of Finland 

Vietnam

• Police arrest former politburo member over misconduct 

Kuwait

• Kuwait names ruler’s son as defense minister in Cabinet shakeup 

Sweden

• 3 arrested after attempted attack at Swedish synagogue 

Indonesia

• Thousands protest Jerusalem move outside U.S. Embassy in Jakarta 

Romania

• Over 20,000 protest against proposed judicial reforms 

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In Brief: North Korea launches ICBM missile into the Sea of Japan; Pope Francis visits Myanmar as Rohingya crisis continues; 9 killed in Taliban attack on Pakistani college;  Jordan urges U.S. not to recognize Jerusalem as Israel capital, warns of dangerous consequences; Thousands protest in Honduras as vote recount begins; Japanese Emperor announces abdication date; South Korea and U.S. launch largest-ever aerial drills amid North Korean crisis; Dozens killed as Russian jets bomb residential areas in Syria.

Iraq

• At least 17 killed, 28 injured in suicide attack in Southeast Baghdad
• 80 Kurdish militants killed in air strike in Northern Iraq
• French President calls on Iraq to dismantle all militias 

Yemen

• Car bomb explodes outside Yemeni ministry offices in Aden, at least 2 killed
• 4 supporters of former President killed in Sanaa
• Red Cross buys fuel to help provide clean water for a million people 
• 3 killed in clashes between Yemeni rebels 
• Former President Saleh offers to “turn the page” and talk to Saudi-led coalition 
• U.N. seeks to evacuate 140 aid workers from Yemen

Myanmar

• Pope Francis visits Myanmar, demands rights for all in speech
• Pope Francis holds emotional meeting with refugees

Syria

• Shelling kills 3 in Damascus 
• Syria accepts Russian plan for ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta 
• U.N. seeks urgent medical evacuation of 500 people from Eastern Ghouta
• Government negotiator quits U.N. talks, may not return
• Israeli missiles hit Syrian military post near Damascus 
• Kurdish YPG seize eastern region from ISIS 
• Russian jets bomb residential areas in Eastern Ghouta, kill at least 27 

Pakistan

• Islamists celebrate victory as law minister resigns 
• Gunmen kill intelligence officer at mosque in Islamabad
• 9 killed, 35 injured in Taliban attack on Pakistani college in Peshawar 

United States of America

• Hawaii to resume nuclear siren tests amid North Korea threat
• Number of U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq significantly higher than reported 
• U.S. urges all nations to cut ties with North Korea 
• More than 400 U.S. troops leaving Syria coalition
• Flynn pleads guilty on Russia, reportedly ready to testify against Trump 
• U.S. quits talks on global migration U.N. pact over sovereignty clash

Kenya

• President Kenyatta sworn-in as deadly clashes continue 

North Korea

• North Korea tests suspected ICBM, lands in Sea of Japan
• Germany withdraws diplomat from North Korea

United Kingdom

• Prince Harry and Actress Meghan Markle to wed next year 
• PM Theresa May meets leaders of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq
• E.U. and Britain reportedly agree on settlement post-Brexit

Indonesia

• Bali airport reopens after being closed for a few days due to volcanic ash

Romania

• U.S. criticizes plans to weaken Romania anti-corruption fight
• Coastguard rescues 66 migrants on ship in Black Sea

Lebanon

• Prime Minister Hariri threatens to resign over Hezbollah influence
• Hariri signals he may withdraw resignation next week 

Palestine

• Hamas vows it won’t disarm, threatens to expand its military activities against Israel into the West Bank 
• Fatah and Hamas delay full Gaza handover by 10 days 
• Israel strikes militant targets in Gaza
• President Abbas warns U.S. against Jerusalem recognition 

Honduras

• Opposition candidate rejects official election count
• 2 dead, over 20 injured in protests over delayed Honduran vote count 
• Opposition candidate leads mass protest, appeals for army support
• Electoral Court begins partial recount of presidential election

Brazil

• Environmentalist Marina Silva to run for President in 2018

Ireland

• Deputy PM resigns to avert snap elections as Brexit crisis continues
• Foreign minister named Deputy PM

Mexico

• Finance minister Meade resigns to run for presidency 

Zimbabwe

• President appoints Chinamasa acting finance minister
• February 21 officially declared Mugabe national holiday
• President appoints Cabinet that includes mostly party loyalists and military
• President drops minister of education and labor after 2 days 
• 21 killed, many injured in truck accident 

Somalia

• U.S. air strike kills ISIS militant in Northeast Somalia 
• 10,000 Somali refugees flee to Mogadishu 
• Death toll from Somali truck bomb now at 512 people 

Sudan

• General and 9 soldiers killed in Darfur clashes 
• Militia leader suspected of human rights abuses arrested in Darfur 

Japan

• 8 found dead in boat near the coast of Japan 
• Emperor to cede all public duties after abdication
• Emperor will abdicate April 30, 2019
• U.S. military base worker jailed in Japan

Mali

• Regional elections delayed by security concerns 
• At least 17 killed in gold mine dispute on Mali-Guinea border 

Australia

• Man arrested for planning New Year’s Eve terror attack in Melbourne 
• Same-sex marriage bill clears Senate 
• Royal commission to conduct investigation into banks 
• Former Deputy PM wins election, reclaims seat he was forced to vacate due to dual citizenship 
• PM Turnbull to lead government in next election 
• Member of Parliament proposes to partner during parliamentary debate on same-sex marriage

China

• U.S. court charges Chinese hackers with attacks on 3 corporations 
• China sentences Taiwan activist to 5 years in jail for subversion
• General being investigated for corruption commits suicide 
• Skyscraper fire kills 10 in Tianjin 

Saudi Arabia

• Senior Saudi Prince Miteb freed in $1B settlement after weeks in detention 
• French President gives Saudi Arabia list of extremist organizations 
• Yemen rebels fire missiles at Saudi Arabia 
• U.N. aid chief appeals for full lifting of Yemen blockade 

France

• President Macron calls human trafficking of African migrants a ‘crime against humanity’
• Grenade thrown at French troops in Burkina Faso before Macron’s arrival 
• Corsican nationalists surge in 1st round of local elections 

Russia

• Weather satellite fails to enter orbit after launch 
• France finds traces of radioactive cesium in Russian mushrooms 
• Russia denies its planes killed civilians in Syria
• Russia negotiates deal for its warplanes in exchange to use Egypt military bases 
• Russia accuses U.S. of provoking Kim Jong-un 

Greece

• Counter-terrorism police detain 9 Turkish militants ahead of Erdogan visit 

Afghanistan

• Roadside bomb kills at least 8 civilians in Kandahar 
• ISIS seizes new Afghan town after luring Taliban defectors 
• Commander of Taliban ‘special forces’ killed in Helmand province

Egypt

• Security forces kill 11 suspected militants in raid 
• Court jails 16 for ‘debauchery’ as LGBT crackdown continues
• President Sisi gives military 3 months to secure Sinai 
• Former Egyptian PM Shafiq intends to run in 2018 election
• Presidential candidate deported from UAE to Egypt 

United Arab Emirates

• UAE denies claim of Yemen missile attack against nuclear plant 

Germany

• Pro-refugee German mayor stabbed in suspected political attack 
• Police secure nail-filled package near Potsdam market 
• Far-right meeting sparks protests and clashes in Hannover 

Thailand

• Police arrest 16 protesting against coal-fired power plant 

Vietnam

• Blogger jailed for environmental reports 

Venezuela

• Authorities arrest 2 top oil officials in corruption investigation

Bolivia

• Court strikes down term limits, clears way for President Morales to run for 4th term 

El Salvador

• Court finds that former President Funes illegally enriched himself 

Turkey

• Syrian Kurdish militia opens fire on Turkish border post 
• Authorities issue warrants against 360 military personnel 
• Gold trader tells U.S. court that Erdogan personally approved his sanction-breaking deals with Iran
• Authorities seize assets of gold trader facing trial in U.S. 

South Sudan

• Tribal militia kills 43 in Jonglei 

Bosnia

• War crimes convict dies after taking poison in court 

Iran

• Iran denies airspace to Bulgarian PM’s plane en route to meet with Saudi officials 
• At least 42 injured as earthquake hits Southeast Iran, destroys homes 

Czech Republic

• Government resigns, making way for election winner Babis 

Spain

• Passenger train derails in Spain leaving 21 injured
• 3 migrants found dead near Gibraltar 

Philippines

• Soldiers kill 14 Maoist rebels in Manila 

Nigeria

• President Buhari vows to fly home stranded migrants 
• Ethnic clashes leaves 4 police officers dead Adamawa 
• Nigerians protest against Libya’s slave market 
• 13 killed in Boko Haram suicide bombing at market in Biu 
• Former ally of President Buhari joins opposition party 

Argentina

• Court sentences 29 people to life in prison for dictatorship crimes
• Argentina abandons rescue mission for crew of missing submarine 

Iceland

• Left-Green opposition leader to become new Prime Minister

Austria

• Finance minister will not serve in new government 

Finland

• Court bans neo-nazi group 

Israel

• Israeli settler kills Palestinian in West Bank in response to rock-throwing 
• Israeli man dies after being stabbed by Palestinian in Arad
• Intelligence chief says he plans to succeed Netanyahu 
• Trump likely to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital next week 
• 20,000 Israeli’s protest against Netanyahu’s corruption

Bangladesh

• Pope Francis thanks Bangladesh for helping with Rohingya refugees

Ukraine

• Father of victim sets off two grenades in courtroom, kills himself and injures at least 7 others

Niger

• Niger approves use of armed American drones

Italy

• Berlusconi sent to trial, accused of bribing witness

Netherlands

• 2 suspected al Qaeda fighters arrested 

Morocco

• 3 migrants die in boat accident off Moroccan coast 

Cameroon

• Secessionists kills 4 soldiers and 2 police officers 

Georgia

• Wanted ISIS member killed in Tbilisi siege

Jamaica

• New York model brutally killed near Jamaican resort 

Albania

• At least 1 person killed by torrential rains and floods 

India

• Cyclone hits Southwestern India coast killing 14, many missing 

South Korea

• At least 8 killed as fishing boat capsizes off Western Coast
• South Korea and U.S. kick off largest air exercise amid North Korea warning 

South Africa

• President Zuma says South Africa and Morocco will resume diplomatic ties

Jordan

• Jordan urges U.S. not to recognize Jerusalem as Israel capital

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In Brief: 305 killed in attack on mosque in Egypt; Zimbabwe’s President resigns after 37 years in power, Vice-President sworn-in as President; Suicide bomber kills at least 50 at mosque in Nigeria; U.S. cuts off arms supply to Kurds in Syria; Lebanese PM rescinds resignation; Hundreds arrested in Turkey as post-coup crackdown continues; Turkey, Iran, and Russia agree to political solution in Syria; Assad meets Putin in Russia; Germany’s Merkel agrees to coalition with Social Democrats; Chechen leader announces intention to step aside; Russian air-strike kills dozens of civilians in Eastern Syria.

Egypt

• ISIS-affiliated militants kill 305 worshippers in attack on mosque in Sinai
• 29 people detained on suspicion of espionage for Turkey

Zimbabwe

• Mugabe resigns as President after 37 years in power
• Former Vice-President Mnangagwa sworn-in as President
• Mugabe granted immunity, assured of safety in Zimbabwe
• Stock market loses $6 billion, index falls 40% after military takeover
• Ousted finance minister in court over corruption charges

Nigeria

• At least 50 killed by suicide bomber at Mosque in Northeastern Nigeria
• 30 people killed in attack on cattle herders 
• Army repels Boko Haram attack on town of Magumeri

Syria

• Kurdish militia attacks Turkish outpost in Idlib
• Turkey, Iran, and Russia agree to political solution in Syria
• Russian bombers hit ISIS targets in Syria’s Deir al-Zor province
• Syrian opposition to form 50-member delegation at U.N. talks in Geneva
• U.S. to cut off its supply of arms to Kurds fighting in Syria 
• Government forces kill at least 23 in attack on rebel stronghold in Damascus
• Russian air strikes kills at least 53 civilians in Eastern Syria

Kenya

• Supreme Court upholds Kenyatta’s re-election

Myanmar

• Leader Suu Kyi blames world conflicts partly on illegal immigration 
• U.S. declares violence to be ‘ethnic cleansing’ after Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar 
• Myanmar and Bangladesh sign agreement covering the return of Rohingya Muslims 

North Korea

• 2 top North Korean military officers punished
• U.S. declares North Korea a terror sponsor 

India

• Nationalist party member offers $1.5 million for anyone who beheads star Bollywood actress
• At least 3 dead as Indian passenger train derails in Northern India  

Japan

• U.S. troops in Japan banned from drinking after fatal car crash 
• Government to spend $17 billion to subsidize education

Libya

• Medical staff goes on strike after doctor’s kidnapping 
• 31 bodies recovered after migrant boat sinks off Libya

Afghanistan

• U.S. and Afghan forces launch joint attacks on Taliban opium factories to curb funds
• ICC prosecutor seeks investigation into human rights abuses by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan 
• Afghan air-strike kills at least 20 Taliban at religious school east of Kabul 

Italy

• Anti-establishment 5-Star movement wins local elections in Rome 

Lebanon

• Lebanese President rejects terrorism suggestion
• Hariri meets with Egyptian President Sisi in Cairo 
• Hariri returns to Beirut two weeks after resignation
• Hariri rescinds resignation 

Pakistan

• Court orders release of Islamist leader blamed for Mumbai attacks in 2008
• Suicide attack kills top Pakistani police officer in Peshawar
• 6 killed, 200 injured as police and Islamist protesters clash near Islamabad 
• Army deployed in Islamabad as violence breaks out during protests 

Spain

• Apartment building fire in Granada kills 1, leaves 32 injured 
• Dancefloor of nightclub collapses in Tenerife injuring 40 people 

Turkey

• Authorities detain 51 teachers over alleged links to coup
• Authorities orders detention of 216 people in post-coup investigation
• Authorities detain 99 suspects in widening post-coup investigation
• 79 former teachers detained in post-coup investigation

China

• China upset as Indian President visits disputed border region
• Authorities detain 18 after apartment fire
• Chinese rights lawyer jailed 2 years for inciting subversion of state power
• China’s Okay Airways orders 5 Boeing planes for $1.4 billion 
• Chinese Air Force flies around Taiwan and over the South China Sea in training drills 
• Huge blast in Ningbo city kills at least 2

Mexico

• TV executive shot dead in Mexico City while riding bike

New Zealand

• Prime Minister Ardern regrets ‘Trump story’ of being mistaken for Trudeau’s wife

Vietnam

• Vietnamese pilot killed in training course crash
• Authorities prosecute bank officials in corruption crackdown

Australia

• Prime Minister cancels parliamentary week amid same-sex marriage debates
• 9th lawmaker resigns as dual citizenship crisis widens 

Poland

• Polish government accuses E.U. of attacking Poland 

Iraq

• Supreme Court rules Kurdish referendum unconstitutional 
• Suicide bombing kills 32 at marketplace in Northern Iraq
• Iraqi forces launch operation to clear desert of ISIS near Syria 

Ghana

• British camera operator dies on set of Netflix drama in Ghana 

Cambodia

• China supports Cambodia’s crackdown on political opposition

Saudi Arabia

• Saudi agency says country targeted in cyberspying campaign 
• Saudi Arabia agrees to buy $7 billion in precision munitions from U.S. firms 

United States of America

• U.S. border agent killed near Mexican border
• U.S. ending temporary permits for almost 60,000 Haitians 
• U.S. sanctions 13 Chinese and North Korean organizations 
• NAFTA talks hit wall as Mexico and Canada push back on U.S. demands
• Navy plane crashes in Philippine Sea, 3 missing 
• MS-13 gang beheads man in park near Washington D.C. 

Uganda

• Police raid newspaper office, detain staff over article about President

Russia

• Syrian President Assad meets Putin in Sochi
• Russia denies nuclear accident after radioactive traces found 
• Russian billionaire put under formal investigation in France on suspicion of money laundering 
• Russian President signs bill targeting foreign media 
• Chechen leader announces intention to step-aside, Kremlin to pick new successor 

United Kingdom

• U.K. preparing to increase ‘Brexit divorce bill’
• Panic on London’s Oxford Street after reports of shooting 

Ukraine

• E.U. slaps sanctions on top officials in Sevastopol
• 5 Ukrainian servicemen killed by pro-Russian rebels in Eastern Ukraine 

Somalia

• Somaliland picks ruling party’s candidate as new President

Philippines

• Duterte threatens to close mines that support opposition

Germany

• Police detain 6 Syrians suspected of planning attack on behalf of ISIS 
• Merkel’s conservative party agrees to pursue coalition with Social Democrats 

Iran

• President Rouhani declares end of ISIS 

Angola

• President Lourenco fires police and intelligence chief in crackdown

Colombia

• 10 people missing after boats capsize in the Orinoco river 

Bosnia

• U.N. court convicts former Bosnian-Serb commander of crimes against humanity, gets life sentence

Denmark

• Prime Minister’s party loses in local elections, Social Democrats gain
• Supermarket hit by Black Friday cyber attacks 

Georgia

• 4 killed in apartment siege in Tbilisi 
• 11 killed in fire at Black Sea resort in Batumi 

Yemen

• Saudi coalition to reopen rebel-held port for aid deliveries after urgent U.N. appeal 

Palestine

• Palestinian factions agree to general elections by end of 2018
• Border between Gaza and Egypt remains closed after attack on mosque in Egypt 

Papua New Guinea

• Officials pressure refugees to leave camp 

Sudan

• Sudanese President visits Putin in Russia, asks for protection from U.S.

France

• Macron and Poland’s PM meet in Paris, take first step towards closer ties 
• Tiger shot in Paris after roaming streets
• 5 migrants injured as shots fired in Calais brawl

Mali

• 40 human traffickers arrested, 500 people rescued in West Africa 
• 4 U.N. peacekeepers, 1 Malian soldier killed in multiple attacks 

South Sudan

• Fighting between rebel and government forces kills 27

Chad

• Chad rejects U.S. bribery allegations against President Deby

Rwanda

• Rwanda offers refuge to 30,000 enslaved African migrants stuck in Libya 

Ireland

• Irish government on verge of collapse ahead of E.U. Brexit summit 

Kosovo

• Police arrest Kosovo opposition leader for no-show at court 

Thailand

• Prime Minister reshuffles cabinet for the 5th time since coup 

Bangladesh

• Strike called over increase in electricity price, could affect Pope Francis’ visit 

Algeria

• Ruling parties retain majority in local elections

Indonesia

• Speaker of Parliament detained in anti-corruption investigation for 5th time 
• Bali volcano eruption causes airports to close 
• Indonesia warns of ‘imminent’ large eruption risk

Honduras

• President declares victory in Presidential election, rival claims lead

Romania

• Tens of thousands protest in Bucharest against plan to overhaul the judiciary

Central African Republic

• Militants kill Egyptian U.N. peacekeeper in Southern C.A.R.

Nepal

• Nepal votes for Parliament for first time in 18 years

Israel

• Israel and the Trump administration work to prevent publication of U.N. database blacklisting companies building settlements 
• Health minister resigns over railing maintenance work on the Sabbath

Greece

• 1 dead in altercation among Afghan migrants on Greek island

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In Brief: Lebanese PM leaves Saudi Arabia, meets with Macron; Zimbabwe President Mugabe refuses to resign despite military coup; Humanitarian crisis intensifies in Yemen as Saudi blockade continues; Argentinian Navy loses contact with submarine carrying 44 crew; Australians overwhelmingly vote to support same-sex marriage; Senior Chinese diplomat visits North Korea; German Chancellor Merkel 4th term in doubt as coalition talks collapse; Russia vetoes U.N. investigation into Syria’s chemical weapons; Conservative billionaire wins 1st round of presidential election.

Lebanon

• Lebanese PM leaves Saudi Arabia for France
• PM Hariri meets with French President Macron in Paris
• Lebanese President accuses Saudi Arabia of controlling Hariri

Zimbabwe

• President Mugabe under house arrest after army takeover
• Ruling party removes Mugabe as party leader
• In televised speech, Mugabe defies pressure to resign 

Yemen

• Saudi led air-raids put Sanaa airport out of service, jeopardizing relief shipments
• At least 6 killed in ISIS suicide bombing in Aden
• U.N. pleads for end of Yemen blockade, warns that ‘thousands’ will die
• World Bank approves $150 million to restore services in Yemeni cities

Pakistan

• Afghani militants kill 2 Pakistani soldiers
• Anti-corruption court issues arrest warrant for finance minister
• 15 bullet-ridden kidnap victims found in southwest Pakistan
• Gunmen kill police officer and his family in Baluchistan province

Syria

• Airstrikes on rebel-held town kills at least 61 people
• Senior commander in U.S. backed Syria forces defects to Turkish rebels 
• 6 Russian long-range bombers strike ISIS targets in Syria
• Violence in Damascus kills at least 5 children 
• ISIS car bomb kills 20 in Eastern Syria

Iran

• U.N. agency report shows Iran meeting its nuclear commitments
• Revolutionary Guard killed in Syria 

Somalia

• Polls close in Somaliland Presidential election
• U.S. drone strike kills several al-Shabaab militants northwest of Mogadishu

Congo

• Train crash in southeast Congo kills at least 34

Australia

• Australians overwhelmingly vote to support same-sex marriage
• 8th lawmaker resigns in dual citizenship crisis 
• Diplomat dies in New York City building fall

Spain

• Spain sees Russian interference in Catalonia separatist vote
• Police protest in Madrid to demand better pay
• Spain saves 500 migrants 
• Attorney General dies in Argentina due to kidney infection 

Romania

• Ruling party leader investigated over ‘criminal group’

North Korea

• North Korean soldier shot while defecting to South Korea
• Images show North Korea’s submarine ballistic missile program
• North Korea rules out negotiations on nuclear weapons 

China

• Senior Chinese diplomat visits North Korea as envoy of President Xi
• China denounces U.S. call to register Chinese journalists as agents
• Housing block fire kills 19 in Beijing
• 3 dead in gas leak at refinery in Dalian 

Egypt

• 3 militants killed, 74 arrested in Sinai raids

South Africa

• Church group attacks Johannesburg police officer

United Kingdom

• PM Theresa May accuses Putin of election meddling
• Russian cyber operatives attacked Energy, Telecom, and Media
• E.U. gives Theresa May two weeks to act on divorce bill

Peru

• Ancient Peruvian mural at Ventarron destroyed by fire
• Peruvian President denies corruption allegations

Kenya

• Supreme Court throws-out opposition coalition from election challenges
• 5 Kenyans killed by mobs

Myanmar

• Military denies atrocities against Rohingya replaces general in charge of operations
• U.S. Secretary of State calls for Rohingya investigation
• U.N. calls for end to Myanmar military operations
• Injuries reported as military truck hits landmines in Rakhine

Japan

• Tokyo governor quits as head of conservative opposition party

United States of America

• Trump skips East Asia leaders summit, sends Tillerson instead
• U.S. to vote ‘no’ on banning Nazi speech at U.N.
• U.S. to lift ban on elephant hunting trophy imports
• Keystone oil pipeline leaks in South Dakota

Afghanistan

• Taliban attack check-points, kill 27 police officers in Kandahar
• Suicide bomb attack on regional political leader kills at least 9
• More than 30 rescued in raid on Taliban prison

Nigeria

• 17-year-old girl murdered for body parts in suspected ritual
• Suicide bombers kill 14, injure 29 in Maiduguri 

Venezuela

• Venezuela fails to make $200 million payment on foreign debt
• Former chief prosecutor seeks ICC investigation in Maduro for crimes against humanity
• Former Caracas mayor flees house arrest, arrives in Spain

Russia

• Russian lawmakers approve bill targeting foreign media in retaliation to U.S. actions
• Plane crash kills 6 in eastern Russia
• Russian central banks says it can handle any U.S. sanctions on its debt
• Russia casts 10th U.N. veto on Syria weapons investigation
• Russia casts 11th U.N. veto on Syria weapons investigation

Israel

• Army chief says Israel is ready to share information with Saudi Arabia 
• Israel fires tank shell into Syria as a ‘warning shot’ after Syrian border construction
• President denies pardon for soldier who killed injured Palestinian 
• Police interview PM Netanyahu for 6th time in corruption investigation

France

• Airbus to sell 430 planes to Phoenix-based company for $49.5 billion in massive deal
• Saudi-led forces extract 2 French journalists from Yemen
• Police officer kills 3 in Paris after apparent domestic dispute

Greece

• Flash floods near Athens kill at least 19 people
• More than 10,000 protesters march to U.S. embassy on anniversary of 1973 crackdown
• Greek centrists elect politician Fofi Gennimata as party leader

Macedonia

• Lawmakers approve Albanian as second language

Indonesia

• Police officer killed in shooting near Freeport mine 
• Speaker of Parliament arrested in corruption investigation

Switerzland

• Swiss woman abducted in Sudan freed by security forces

Cambodia

• British and Canadian tourist found dead in hotel
• Supreme Court orders opposition party to be dissolved
• Cambodian court charges two journalists with espionage

Sri Lanka

• Police arrests 19 people after Buddhist-Muslim violence

Ecuador

• Vice-President Glas to face corruption trial

Libya

• East Libyan forces hit ISIS camp with air-strike

Liberia

• U.S. embassy defends credibility of Liberia presidential election

Tanzania

• At least 11 people killed in aircraft crash in Serengeti National Park

Angola

• President Lourenco fires daughter of predecessor from oil company

Palestine

• Palestinians say opening of Gaza border crossing delayed
• Egypt-Gaza border opens up under Palestinian control for first time in a decade
• Palestinians ‘could freeze U.S. ties’ over closure of Washingon D.C. office

Vatican

• Pope Francis calls out climate change deniers 

Turkey

• 136 people detained for suspected ties to coup plotters 
• 2 Turkish soldiers killed in northern Iraq
• Police tracks down 42 university staff in post-coup crackdown
• Turkey abandons NATO drills over portrayal as the enemy 
• Turkish prosecutors open investigation into U.S. attorneys 
• Ankara bans all gay rights functions 

Thailand

• Thailand plans joint arms factory with China in sign of strengthening relationship

India

• Emergency anti-pollution measures lifted in New Delhi
• 4 arrested for gang-rape on a teenage girl

Sudan

• U.S. claims Sudan commits to severing ties with North Korea

Argentina

• Argentine navy loses contact with submarine carrying 44 crew
• Navy says it may have received signals from missing sub

Serbia

• Serbia holds military drills with America in defiance to Russia

Italy

• Notorious mafia ‘boss of bosses’ Toto Riina dead at 87

Iraq

• Iraqi forces retake last ISIS-held town in Iraq

Bulgaria

• 9 killed in minibus crash in central Bulgaria 

Poland

• Raytheon gets approval for $10.5 billion missile sale to Poland 

Cameroon

• Fire rips through Parliament in Yaounde

Germany

• Merkel’s 4th term in doubt as German coalition talks fail

Chile

• Conservative billionaire wins 1st round of presidential election, will face center-left senator in run-off

Algeria

• 286 migrants picked-up off coast of Algeria

Morocco

• 15 killed in food aid stampede in southwest Morocco

Norway

• King Harald hospitalized with infection

Singapore

• Singapore suspends trade ties with North Korea

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In Brief:  Trump meets with Asian leaders on 12-day trip; Massive earthquake kills many near Iraq/Iran border; Lebanon in crisis as PM remains in Saudi Arabia; Syria declares victory against ISIS; NATO sends more troops to Afghanistan; Israeli PM questioned by police for 5th time; Famine continues in South Sudan and Yemen; Macron visits Saudi Arabia amid crackdown; Slovenian President re-elected in narrow victory.

United States of America

• U.S. to end temporary residency program for Nicaraguans
• Trump not invited to Paris climate summit next month
• U.S. calls for U.N. action against Iran over Yemen missiles
• Trump administration tightens sanctions on Cuba 
• In fiery speech in South Korea, Trump warns North Korea ‘do not underestimate us, and do not try us”

Yemen

• Saudi-led military coalition opens Yemen border crossing as aid agencies warn of deadly famine

Iran

• At least 407 dead, 6,700 injured in earthquake near Iraqi border
• Iranian political activist murdered in Netherlands 

Lebanon

• Lebanese fear PM’s resignation was Saudi power-play
• Hariri visits UAE
• Iranian president accuses Saudis of meddling in Lebanon
• Hezbollah leader says Saudi Arabia declared war on Lebanon
• Hariri says he will return to Lebanon soon, hints he make take back resignation 

South Korea

• Hundreds protest against Trump in Seoul

Sri Lanka

• Dozens of men describe rape, torture by Sri Lanka government 

Saudi Arabia

• Saudi Crown Prince blames Iran for ballistic missile launched by Yemen rebels 
• Anti-corruption claims detainees will face trial
• Saudi Arabia bars Yemeni president from going home 
• Saudi banks freeze more than 1,200 accounts in anti-corruption purge 
• Saudi king appoints 30 judges, promotes 26 amid anti-corruption purge

Nigeria

• Police kill 1, arrest two suspects in British kidnapping 

Egypt

• President Sissi announces support for term limits 
• At least 9 killed as militants target transport convoy
• Egypt and IMF reach agreement on $2 billion loan disbursement 

United Kingdom

• Foreign Minister Boris Johnson calls Iranian official over detained woman
• Former Welsh government minister found dead
• British aid minister resigns over undisclosed meetings with Israeli officials
• London mayor calls on British foreign minister Johnson to resign 

Syria

• Syrian government indicates it will sign Paris climate accord
• Syria declares victory over ISIS 
• ISIS militants regain control of Albu Kamal city after Iranian-backed militants forced to retreat

Thailand

• Senior Thai royal official dismissed in latest shake-up

Afghanistan

• At least 2 killed as ISIS suicide bomber hits local TV station in Kabul
• NATO to send 3,000 more troops to Afghanistan after U.S. shift
• U.N. claims at least 10 civilians may have been killed in U.S. air-strike despite U.S. investigation claiming none 

Israel

• Police questions Netanyahu’s closest associate over country’s purchase of German submarines
• Netanyahu pledges $57 million to build roads for West Bank settlers in further encroachment on Palestinian land 
• Police question Netanyahu for 5th time in corruption case

Kenya

• Petitions filed in Supreme Court challenging Kenyatta’s election win

South Sudan

• U.N. claims 1.25 million people face starvation in South Sudan
• Commander defects to rebels amid showdown with ex-army chief

Myanmar

• U.N. condemns violence in Myanmar forcing Rohingya’s to flee

Liberia

• Supreme Court halts presidential runoff elections as it investigates allegations of fraud 

France

• French Prosecutor opens investigation into new Charlie Hebdo threats 
• French arrest 9 in anti-terrorism investigation
• Macron visits French naval base in Abu Dhabi, promises to defeat ISIS
• French President visits Saudi Crown Prince in Riyadh
• Man deliberately rams car into students near Toulouse

Zimbabwe

• President Mugabe fires his Vice President, opening way for his wife to gain power

Argentina

• Investigation concludes that Prosecutor Nisman was murdered after accusing President of cover-up

Turkey

• Turkish court upholds 25-year jail term for opposition lawmaker
• Prosecutor issues detention orders for 53 soldiers over Gulen links 
• Explosion in textile factory kills 5, injures 16 in the Gursu district 
• Police detains 165 suspected ISIS militants in Ankara
• Turkey completes purchase of Russian missile defense system 

Philippines

• Philippines start construction near China’s man-made islands in the disputed South China Sea
• Philippine troops rescue 3 Vietnamese sailors abducted by ISIS militants for 9 months 
• ISIS militants kill 6 soldiers in southern Philippine island
• Trump offers to mediate feud in South China Sea

India

• Indian forces kill militant leaders nephew in Kashmir 
• Toxic air in New Delhi causes massive health concern
• At least 16 dead after tourist boat capsizes in South India

Greece

• Two gunmen fire shots at socialist headquarters in Athens 

Pakistan

• Pakistani diplomat shot near his residence in eastern Afghanistan
• Suicide bomber attacks vehicle carrying senior police officer, kills 4

Cambodia

• PM Hun Sen claims the U.S. is plotting his downfall

Spain

• Catalonia’s leader granted freedom to campaign for independence 
• Constitutional court annuls Catalonia’s declaration of independence 
• Spain rescues 276 migrants crossing Mediterranean Sea
• 750,000 people rally in Barcelona to support independence bid 

Vietnam

• Death toll from Vietnam’s Typhoon reaches 61, reservoirs close to bursting 
• TPP countries agree to move ahead with trade pact without U.S.

Italy

• Berlusconi’s center-right coalition narrowly wins regional vote in Sicily

Venezuela

• E.U. to impose arms embargo on Venezuela 

China

• U.S. and Chinese companies agree to $253 billion in business deals during Trump’s visit 

Palestine

• Abbas’ administration resumes security coordination with Israel, eyes control of Gaza strip 

Cameroon

• Separatist attacks kill 4 security forces as Anglophone dispute escalates 

Australia

• 2 children killed as car crashes into classroom in Sydney 
• Member of Parliament resigns over dual nationality

Russia

• Putin suggests Russian doping scandals could be an attempt by the U.S. to interfere in Russian presidential election

Burundi

• International Criminal Court opens investigation into Burundi’s state-sponsored deadly violence

Brazil

• Congressional committee votes to ban all abortions 
• U.S. military joins Brazil army exercises 

Colombia

• At least 4 dead, 18 missing in landslides in Southwest Colombia

Somalia

• U.S. drone kills several Al Shabaab militants west of Mogadishu

United Arab Emirates

• France sells 2 military ships to UAE

Iraq

• Mass grave found near Hawija could contain up to 400 bodies
• Military helicopter crashes, 3 crew members killed

Slovenia

• President Pahor re-elected for 2nd term with 53% of the vote

Central African Republic

• 7 killed in grenade attack on peace concert in Bangui

Libya

• 28 bodies with bullet wounds and torture marks found west of Tripoli 

Guatemala

• Telecommunications firm shuts down service after 3 employees killed

Costa Rica

• Magnitude 6.5 earthquake hits near San Jose

Poland

• 60,000 white nationalists march through the streets of Warsaw

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