Friday, May 19, 2017

World News Briefs -- May 19, 2017 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Vote counting starts after heavy turnout in Iran election

Vote counting began in Iran on Saturday after a large turnout in an unexpectedly tight presidential election pitting President Hassan Rouhani, who wants to normalize ties with the West, against a hardline judge who says he has already gone too far.

Friday's voting was extended by at least five hours to 11 p.m. (1830 GMT) because many people were still waiting in line, state television reported. Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani-Fazli said that by law voting could not continue past midnight.

Rouhani, 68, who swept into office four years ago promising to open Iran to the world and give its citizens more freedom at home, faces an unexpectedly strong challenge from hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, a protege of supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

US makes proposal to Russia for managing Syria battlefield.

Convoy hit by coalition in Syria likely 'Iranian-directed': Mattis.

Syrian war: US military strikes pro-Assad convoy amid clashes with coalition forces, officials say.

High-stakes airstrike in Syria: Pro-Assad militia threatens US troops in defiance of Russia.

Syria and Russia condemn US-led attack on pro-Assad forces. Moscow slams US-led coalition airstrikes on Syrian forces as 'unacceptable'.

Amid Raqqa, Mosul fights, US prepares for IS endgame effort.

WHO: Speed of Yemen cholera outbreak 'unprecedented'. Nearly 23,500 cholera cases, 242 deaths in Yemen in three weeks : WHO.

Iranians turn out in large numbers for closely watched vote.

Iran election: Voters go to the polls to pick president. Iran votes in first presidential election since nuclear deal. Huge turnout as Iranians deliver verdict on Rouhani.

Saudi looks to assert regional role with Trump summit.

ASIA

Philippines' Duterte: China threatened 'war' over sea row.

Amid torture allegations, Afghan vice president departs for Turkey.

North Korea conflict would be tragic on 'unbelievable scale': Mattis.

North Korea says U.S. has to roll back 'hostile policy' before talks.

Kim's missile developers receive a hero's parade as North Korea celebrates the launch of its longest-range rocket yet in huge step forward in creating a nuke that can hit America.

Experts question North Korea role in WannaCry cyberattack.

China says willing to put South Korea ties back on track, urges THAAD resolution.

Chinese, Japanese, US jets intercept over disputed territory. Chinese jet 'flies upside down' over US spy plane. Japan scrambles jets after China allegedly flies drone.

Heatwave grips northern China.

Myanmar failing to stop spread of religious violence, UN envoy says.

Suspected Pakistani militants gun down three workers on China 'Silk Road' project.

Duterte bans public smoking in Philippines, asks citizens to help.

Emperor Akihito: Japan's government approves abdication bill.

AFRICA

141 killed in south Libya airbase attack.

20,000 flee latest fighting in Central African Republic.

Somalis needing food aid increase to 6.7 mln: UN.

Angola opposition demands answers about dos Santos' health.

South Sudan government forces killed 114 civilians, UN says.

Sudan president will not attend Saudi summit with Trump.

Churches warn South Africa becoming a 'mafia state'.

Number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo now up to 29.

EUROPE

EU eyes start of Brexit negotiations on June 19.

French President Macron calls for countries’ support in fighting extremism.

Facebook blocks Pulitzer-winning reporter over Malta government exposé.

UK police say WikiLeaks' Assange will be arrested if he leaves Ecuador's embassy.

Swedish prosecutors drop rape probe against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Julian Assange: Sweden drops rape investigation.

Trump under pressure to assure NATO allies he has their back.

Greece approves more austerity to unlock bailout.

Merkel says Britain to be treated fairly, but will pay Brexit price.

Russia to discuss Ukraine’s missile drills near Crimea with ICAO.

Spain's Podemos files motion of no confidence against PM Rajoy.

Macron arrives in Mali for visit to French troops.

AMERICAS

Amid tumult, Trump leaves on first presidential foreign trip.

Russia probe reaches current White House official, people familiar with the case say.

Trump told Russians that firing ‘Nut Job’ Comey eased pressure from investigation.

White House reveals details on military and wall ahead of budget proposal.

Brazil’s top prosecutor accuses Temer of obstructing justice.

Michel Temer: Brazil president 'won't quit' over bribe claim.

In secret recording, Venezuelan general pushes for snipers to control demonstrators.

Venezuela protests: Passport of opposition leader Capriles 'seized'.

Trump administration sanctions Venezuela Supreme Court.

Biden isn't ruling out 2020 run for president.

Suspect in deadly Times Square mayhem charged with murder.

Connecticut, nation’s wealthiest state, may be tapped out on taxing the rich.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Terror suspect harshly interrogated by CIA won’t testify.

ISIS video shows new weapons, ‘American’ urging attacks in U.S..

US VP warns of ISIL 'genocide' against Christians.

Laptop bombs a question of when, not if - UN official.

AFRICOM: 'Terrorist groups' remain a challenge across Africa.

Wave of ‘more dangerous, skilled’ ISIS jihadists bound to hit Europe – UN counterterrorism chief.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Bitcoin hit another record and it’s gained almost $4 billion just this week.

Trump pulls trigger on Nafta negotiations.

China, Japan extract combustible ice from seafloor.

US oil output back near records, challenging OPEC.

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