Monday, August 3, 2015

World News Briefs -- August 3, 2015 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Special Report: State Department watered down human trafficking report

In the weeks leading up to a critical annual U.S. report on human trafficking that publicly shames the world’s worst offenders, human rights experts at the State Department concluded that trafficking conditions hadn’t improved in Malaysia and Cuba. And in China, they found, things had grown worse.

The State Department’s senior political staff saw it differently — and they prevailed.

MIDDLE EAST

U.S., allies stage 29 air strikes against Islamic State: statement.

US begins armed drone flights from Turkey.

First U.S.-trained Syria rebel believed killed in fighting: sources.

Syrian rebels backed by the U.S. will have air cover, source says. U.S. to defend Syrian rebels with airpower, including from Assad.

At least 31 people dead, dozens injured after a Syrian fighter jet crashes into Ariha marketplace: monitor.

Iran-Saudi Arabia relations: Diplomatic ties could resume despite Yemen conflict, Iranian official says.

Yemen conflict: President Hadi loyalists storm key air base. Pro-Hadi fighters, Houthis battle over Yemen's largest military base.

Sauid-led coalition deploys 3,000 troops in Yemen, sources say.

Iran nuclear deal: John Kerry tries to ease Gulf concerns. Gulf allies 'back Iran nuclear deal' after US security guarantees. We want Iran cooperation, not meddling, Gulf Arabs tell Kerry.

Iran bans newspaper of nuclear deal critic, warns others.

Turkey vows 'whatever necessary' in fight against militants.

Turkey's main opposition accuses Erdogan of blocking coalition efforts.

Israel vows to fight Jewish terrorism as 16yo girl stabbed at pride parade dies.

Russia's Lavrov meets Hamas chief, invites him to Moscow: official.

ASIA

US-China nuclear agreement passes congressional review.

US ‘softly’ says no to Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

No-shows likely for China’s World War II parade amid rising tensions with West, neighbors.

China wants no talk of South China Sea at upcoming ASEAN meeting.

MH370 investigators to meet in France ahead of debris analysis. Barnacles on debris could provide clues to missing MH370: experts.

Massive strike hits Aussie airports as Abbott plans pay cuts for customs, immigration staff.

India orders clampdown on Internet porn, sparks censorship debate.

Floods, landslides kill 75, displace thousands in eastern India.

AFRICA

Ethiopia jails 18 Muslims over alleged terror.

Sudan says Bashir plans to speak at U.N. summit in New York.

10 soldiers killed in attack on Mali camp: military.

Nigerian troops rescue 178 people from Boko Haram.

Burundi's Pierre Nkurunziza warns against vengeance.

Egypt prolongs role in Saudi-led Yemen coalition.

South Sudan to unveil own plan to end conflict.

Libya probing guards seen in video beating jailed Gaddafi son.

Zimbabwe authorities seek another American in lion hunt.

EUROPE

Catalonia to hold Sept 27 elections in fresh independence challenge.

Greek shares plunge as market reopens.

Four killed as new Ukraine peace talks fall apart. Ukraine rebels kill four troops in heavier shelling. Ukrainian casualties reported before peace talks.

Nato reports surge in jet interceptions as Russia tensions increase.

Russia says security forces kill 14 Islamist militants.

Soldiers in Hungary begin building fence to stop migrants.

Calais crisis: '1,700 intrusions' at Eurotunnel terminal.

Migrant flow to Europe is result of US, EU military ops in Middle East – Czech president.

Immigrants in Germany swell to record high 11 million.

AMERICAS

Venezuela prevents opposition leader from running.

Brazil police arrest Lula minister in bribery scandal.

Canada PM calls Oct. 19 election, focus on sluggish economy.

New Clinton e-mails released with redactions for now-classified items.

Six 'highly dangerous' gang members escape from El Salvador jail.

Brazil police 'killed hundreds' in Rio - Amnesty.

Colombia to buy land for poor in post-war period.

Chile poll: Bachelet's approval rating at new low.

Obama set to announce steeper emissions cuts from US power plants.

Obama charm offensive targets Venezuela after Iranians, Cubans.

Puerto Rico agency poised to default on $58 million payment.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State claims camp in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

Bad chemical plant info leaves U.S. vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

Islamic State's newest concern: Internet security.

Life through the Islamic State's Twitter lens.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices slide as worries about global supply glut mount.

Weak oil prices, China worries drag Wall Street lower.

Global investors shrug off slump in Greek market.

UN States set goal to end poverty, hunger in next 15 years.

Former bank trader convicted in Libor scandal.

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