World News
Iran: EU promises to salvage nuclear deal despite Trump move
EU Commissioner for Energy and Climate visits Tehran to reassure Islamic Republic that Europe is committed to nuclear deal; but Iran's nuclear chief says Tehran has several options if efforts fail, including resuming 20% uranium enrichment.Reuters 13:05 , 19.05.18
Romanian PM faces possible dismissal over Jerusalem embassy move
PM Dăncilă gets into hot water over her Israel visit, planned embassy move, with the head of opposition filing a complaint against her; President Iohannis, her chief political opponent, will be able to dismiss her from office if an investigation is opened; PA recalls Bucharest envoy over country's embassy move, pro-Israeli stance.Attila Somfalvi 11:26 , 18.05.18
Trump tells N. Korea's Kim to denuclearize or risk overthrow
US President Trump says Kim would 'get protections that would be very strong' if he signs deal to get rid of nuclear weapons, but could risk the fate of Libyan leader Gadhafi, who died at the hands of rebel forces, if such an agreement is not reached.Associated Press 23:36 , 17.05.18
Syria's Assad flies to Russia for talks with Putin
Assad and Putin discuss political process in Syria, now made possible after 'terrorists have laid down their arms,' according to the Russian president; 'We have always wholeheartedly supported the political process, which should proceed in parallel with the war on terrorism,' the Syrian president says.Reuters 23:03 , 17.05.18
New US sanctions hit at Hezbollah financiers, funding
Treasury Department imposes sanctions on Hezbollah's financier, Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi, and its representative to Iran, Abdallah Safi Al-Din; US 'will expose and disrupt Hezbollah and Iranian terror networks at every turn,' says Treasury Secretary Mnuchin.Reuters 21:52 , 17.05.18
Swiss minister: UN Palestinian refugee agency 'part of the problem'
Switzerland's Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis says Palestinian 'dream' of return is 'unrealistic,' noting 'UNRWA maintains this hope' and adding that while the UN agency 'worked as a solution for a long time, today it has become part of the problem.'AFP 21:30 , 17.05.18
EU's Tusk: 'With friends like Trump, who needs enemies?'
European Union Chairman Tusk criticizes US President Trump for pulling out of Iran nuclear deal and leading trade disputes; Tusk says Europe must protect trans-Atlantic bond, has to be prepared for times when 'we will have to act on our own'; French lawmaker voices concerns about future relations with US, say it's time for 'Europe to stand up for itself.'Reuters 10:59 , 17.05.18
Iranian FM meets EU counterpart as Europe tries to save nuclear deal
Striking an optimistic tone, Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif describes meeting as 'good and constructive,' adding 'We are on the right path to move forward' in salvaging nuclear deal, but EU officials are despondent: 'We don't have much to threaten the Americans. Optimism doesn't abound.'Reuters 15:44 , 15.05.18
Rouhani says Iran may remain part of nuclear accord
Iranian president says US withdrawal from agreement was a 'violation of morals'; Foreign Minister Zarif visits other signatories in effort to salvage deal; in Tehran, calls on Rouhani to apologize for 'damages caused by the nuclear accord.'Reuters 22:58 , 13.05.18
Merkel decries US pullout from Iran deal, gets peace prize
German Chancellor Angela Merkel awarded St. Francis Lamp for peace for political risks she took by opening Germany to Syrian refugees; she expresses concern over US pullout from Iran nuclear deal, stressing need to resolve Mideast crisis.Associated Press 09:24 , 13.05.18
Indonesians protest US recognition of Jerusalem as capital
Some 5,000 Indonesians gather in capital of Jakarta to protest President Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and US Embassy move there; protesters waved Palestinian flags along Indonesian ones, then performed Friday prayers.Associated Press 22:13 , 12.05.18
North Korea says it will dismantle nuke test site May 23-25
Ahead of Kim Jong Un's summit with President Trump next month, North Korea will destroy tunnels at nuclear testing ground; journalists from US, South Korea, Russia, China and Britain invited to witness demolition.Associated Press 19:40 , 12.05.18
Trump signs Holocaust property law that has angered Poland
US president signs Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today Act, requiring State Department to report steps countries took to compensate Holocaust survivors for assets seized by Nazis; being only European country lacking compensation law, Poland bristles at seemingly being singled out; critics say law unfairly sets Jewish claimants above non-Jewish ones.Associated Press 18:14 , 12.05.18
Trump announces date for summit with North Korea's Kim
Meeting to be held June 12 in Singapore, President Trump tweets, adding both leaders will 'try to make it a very special moment for world peace'; Senate's top Democrat Chuck Schumer casts aspersions on accomplishment, says 'in eagerness to strike deal, get photo op, Trump will strike a quick and bad one.'Reuters 19:26 , 10.05.18
Cheney, Panetta worry about consequences of Iran deal withdrawal
Vice president in George Bush administration and former President Obama's defense secretary raise risk of conflict in Middle East, upsetting European allies and casting uncertainty over global oil supplies following President Trump's pullout from international agreement.Reuters 11:47 , 10.05.18
In 1990s redux, EU to consider blocking US sanctions over Iran
EU may turn to obscure statute banning EU companies from adhering to US imposed sanctions to force US to back down from enforcing compliance on European companies dealing with Iran; Europe scrambling to salvage nuclear pact; Complexities of international finance make it difficult to enforce.Reuters 21:33 , 09.05.18
Europeans scramble to save Iran deal after Trump reneges
After US pulls out of nuclear agreement, French FM insists 'The deal is not dead,' while IAEA confirms Tehran continues honoring commitments under accord; EU says it will remain committed to deal, while Russian President Putin 'deeply concerned' by US move.Reuters 17:19 , 09.05.18
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei: Trump speech 'silly and superficial'
In the wake of the US pullout from the nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says Trump 'had maybe more than 10 lies in his comments' about Tehran's nuclear program; 'Mr. Trump I tell you on behalf of the Iranian people: You've made a mistake,' he adds.Reuters, AP 12:34 , 09.05.18
Iran Revolutionary Guards chief: 'Fate of nuclear deal is clear'
Mohammad Ali Jafari calls to expend Tehran's military capabilities in wake of US withdrawal from nuclear deal, asserting enrichment was just an excuse to limit the Islamic Republic's missile program and regional influence.Reuters 10:31 , 09.05.18
Iranian lawmakers set paper US flag ablaze at parliament
In impromptu demonstration over Trump's decision to pull out of nuclear deal, Iranian MPs chant 'Death to America' and burn piece of paper representing the agreement; parliament speaker: 'Trump does not have the mental capacity to deal with issues.'Associated Press, Reuters 08:35 , 09.05.18
European signatories reiterate commitment to Iran deal
France's Macron, Germany's Merkel and Britain's May issue joint statement lamenting US withdrawal, reiterating 'continuing commitment' to deal; former president Obama, who signed the deal, decries pullout as well, calling it 'misguided'; move hailed by US regional allies Saudi Arabia, UAE.News agencies 01:01 , 09.05.18
Rouhani: Uranium enrichment may resume if deal fails
After Trump announcement US will be withdrawing from 2015 agreement, Iran's president says if deal's goals can still be achieved with other members, it would remain in place; warns Tehran can resume nuclear activities 'in the next weeks.'Associated Press 22:53 , 08.05.18
Anti-Semitic crime, mostly with far-right motive, edges up in Germany
Anti-Semitic crimes increased by 2.5% last year despite overall drop in political crimes, report shows; while such crimes by migrants are on a slight rise, more than 85% of them are committed by far-right, Interior Minister Seehofer says.Reuters 19:21 , 08.05.18
Europe expects Trump to announce withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal
Ahead of President Trump's expected announcement, Western officials foresee announcement of withdrawal, re-imposition of sanctions; US "let it be known it was over," diplomat says; Iranians bellicose ahead of announcement, saying Trump 'responsible for deal's collapse,' vowing to 'not remain passive' and proclaiming they are 'unafraid of US sanctions or attack.'News agencies 17:55 , 08.05.18
'Nazi grandma' arrested after failing to report to prison
Holocaust denier Ursula Haverbeck was sentenced to two years behind bars, but failed to turn herself in to begin sentence; she claimed 'the Holocaust is the biggest and most sustained lie in history' and that Auschwitz was 'not historically proven.'AFP 12:09 , 08.05.18
To quit or not to quit: Trump's options on Iran nuclear deal
As the US president prepares to announce his decision on the future of the international agreement with Tehran, Iranian President Rouhani warns of ‘problems’ and Prime Minister Netanyahu suggests ‘we all wait for tonight.’ Here are four possible avenues Trump could take.Reuters and Ynet 11:28 , 08.05.18
Trump to announce decision on Iran nuclear deal on Tuesday
President Trump criticizes former secretary of state Kerry over efforts to salvage agreement with Tehran, 'US does not need John Kerry's possibly illegal Shadow Diplomacy on the very badly negotiated Iran Deal. He was the one that created this MESS in the first place!'Associated Press 23:58 , 07.05.18
Report: Israeli private security firm spied on Obama aides for Trump
Black Cube, notorious for its work for disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, reportedly hired by Trump administration officials to spy on 2 Obama aides involved with Iran nuclear deal; Black Cube investigators collected information about their family members, make of cars, New Yorker report divulges.Ynet 10:28 , 07.05.18
Top Republican lawmaker warns Trump against leaving Iran deal
Chairman of House Armed Services Committee Rep. Thornberry, who stringently opposed nuclear deal at its inception, says US withdrawal will mean inspectors' departure while Europe will not renew sanctions, eroding Washington's leverage against Tehran.Reuters 21:57 , 06.05.18
Rouhani says plans in place for any Trump decision on nuclear deal
Iranian president warns US will regret decision if President Trump chooses to exit agreement, says it is ready 'to confront America's plots against our country'; 'Atomic energy organization, economic sector' have received orders to resist, he adds, concluding that, 'America is making a mistake if it leaves nuclear accord.'Reuters and Ynet 19:25 , 06.05.18
Report: Trump aides hired Israeli private investigators to discredit Iran deal
According to the Observer, officials linked to Trump's team contacted a private Israeli intelligence firm last year to 'get dirt' on Obama administration officials Ben Rhodes and Colin Kahl, who took part in talks over the nuclear deal, in an effort to undermine the agreement itself.Ynet 11:32 , 06.05.18
Opposition candidate to Erdoğan: 'Let's race like men'
With President Erdoğan moving elections up by more than a year to shore up hold on power, country's largest opposition party elects combative former physics teacher to run against him; lawmaker Muharrem İnce calls on Erdoğan to free jailed pro-Kurdish party leader, says will not reside in opulent presidential palace if elected.Reuters 20:22 , 05.05.18
Washington DC councilman in hot water over anti-Semitic remarks
Councilman Trayon White posts YouTube video saying Washington snowfall due to 'Rothschilds controlling climate to create natural disasters'; rally in his defense features speaker who says all Jews are 'termites'; rally's organizer resigns, attempts to defuse tensions by White fail as left guided tour of US Holocaust Memorial Museum abruptly and without explanation.Associated Press 18:21 , 05.05.18
Former London mayor Livingstone: 'Nazis and Zionists collaborated'
Ken Livingstone, who was suspended from the British Labour Party for saying Hitler was a Zionist, asserts in interview with Sky News that Zionists reached deal with Nazis in the 1930s to move Jews to land of Israel; 'They didn't like each other, but they collaborated,' he insists.Ynet 13:23 , 05.05.18
Report: Kerry meets with Zarif in effort to salvage nuclear deal
According to the Boston Globe, the former US secretary of state has been on a shadowy campaign to save the deal signed under the Obama administration by trying to pressure Trump White House from the outside; he also reportedly met with Macron and Steinmeier, spoke to EU foreign policy chief Mogherini.Ynetnews 10:11 , 05.05.18
Iran's foreign minister says Tehran will not renegotiate nuclear deal
Mohammad Javad Zarif insists in YouTube message Iran has 'implemented deal in good faith'; in message to President Trump, a former real estate mogul, Zarif says 'When you buy a house ... you cannot come back two years later and try to renegotiate the price.'Ynet and news agencies 15:30 , 03.05.18
Report: Trump has all but decided to quit Iran nuclear deal
White House official familiar with Trump administration’s considerations says president may still opt to remain in the 2015 deal for sake of 'alliance maintenance' with European partners, while a second official said he may decide on ‘not a full pull out'; both sources say US negotiators are hamstrung by lack of clarity on Trump's ‘red line.’Reuters 08:39 , 03.05.18
Danish man blasts Malaysian police on Albatsh case, convicted under fake news law
Man of Yemeni descent rebuked police's alleged delayed response to Hamas engineer Fadi Albatsh's assassination in YouTube video, became first person convicted under Malaysia's new fake news law; offender fined $2,500, but opts to spend 30 days in jail.Reuters 12:29 , 30.04.18
North Korea to align with South's time zone as first practical step toward reconciliation
Rival countries move towards 'national reconciliation and unity' by aligning time zones after leaders meet, agree to end decades-long war and work to denuclearize the Korean peninsula.Reuters, Associated Press 08:11 , 30.04.18
Pompeo calls for international action to punish Iran
During visit to Saudi Arabia, newly appointed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo seeks support for moves against Tehran for its missile programs; 'Iran destabilizes this entire region. It supports proxy militias and terrorist groups,' he tells Saudi foreign minister.Associated Press 14:57 , 29.04.18
S. Korea: North to close nuclear test site in May
Days after historic summit, Seoul's presidential office says N. Korea's leader Kim Jong Un willing to allow journalists, experts to nuclear test site for its shut down; 'Once we start talking, the US will know I am not a person to launch nuclear weapons at South Korea, the Pacific or the US,' Kim quoted as saying.Associated Press 08:34 , 29.04.18
North Korean media hails summit as Trump presses for full denuclearization
Pyongyang media describes 'candid and open-hearted exchange of views' on 'improving the north-south relations, ensuring peace on the Korean Peninsula and the denuclearization of the peninsula' between Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.Reuters 15:18 , 28.04.18
Merkel: Iran deal ‘not sufficient’ to curb nuke program
German chancellor says in meeting with Trump agreement was 'a first step' to slow down Tehran's nuclear program, 'but we also think from a German perspective that this is not sufficient in order to see to it that Iran’s ambitions are curbed and contained.'AFP 10:07 , 28.04.18
Korean leaders aim to 'complete denuclearization' after historic summit
Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in embrace after pledging to work to rid the peninsula of nuclear weapons; committing to work with the US and China to declare official end to 1950s Korean war, warring parties search for 'permanent' and 'solid' peace.Reuters 13:05 , 27.04.18
Poland criticizes US claim that Polish law glorifies Nazism
American congressman Ro Khanna criticizes Holocaust Law, leading a bipartisan effort to force US state Department to apply pressure on Poland and Ukraine to fight against alleged state-sponsored anti-Semitism; Andrzej Pawluszek, an adviser to Polish PM, says Khanna's words are ' irresponsible and shocking.'Associated Press 11:11 , 27.04.18
Senior official: Iran won't accept any amendment to nuclear deal
Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Ayatollah Khamenei declines to accept any changes to Iran deal or reign in regional influence as Macron seeks to convince Trump to stick with improved version of deal; EU, China, Russia seek to preserve deal.Reuters 20:10 , 26.04.18
Report: N. Korea forced to discuss denuclearization for lack of usable nuclear site
Evidence gathered from different sources by two different teams shows North Korea's nuclear site collapsed after last year's big nuclear test, forcing its leader Kim Jong Un to accept talks of denuclearization.Ynet 23:06 , 25.04.18
Witnesses: Russian civilians helping Assad use military base back home
Despite Kremlin's claims it has nothing to do with its citizens fighting in Syria, Reuters journalists saw on three different occasions Russian civilians returning from Damascus heading straight to a military base in Molkino.Reuters 12:31 , 25.04.18
Ukrainian neo-Nazis mark Hitler's birthday with anti-Semitic incidents
Anti-Semitic incidents abound across Eastern European country, with a mass grave defaced, Holocaust monument sprayed with 'Heil Hitler' and posts praising Nazi leader by Lviv school teacher, local lawmaker.Edward Doks, Ukraine 11:52 , 25.04.18
More World News
Malaysian police: Suspects in Hamas engineer's killing still in country
Police release new image of one of the assassins of Fadi Albatsh, a Palestinian engineer from Gaza who studied drones; assassins believed to have entered the country in late January, likely using fake identification.Reuters 08:45 , 25.04.18
Trump: 'Iran will pay if it restarts nuclear program'
French President Macron arrives at White House to persuade President Trump to stay in Iran nuclear deal as US president seriously mulls withdrawal, says nuclear agreement is a 'terrible deal' as well as 'insane' and 'ridiculous'; Russia, China aspire to preserve agreement, hoping to secure international community's cooperation in applying pressure on Trump.Reuters 21:28 , 24.04.18
Police: 10 dead, 16 hurt by van plowing over Toronto sidewalk
Eyewitness describes how driver deliberately target victims on his roughly mile-long rampage that left at least 10 dead and 16 injured; cops investigate cause or motive of incident, but witness sure ‘This person was intentionally doing this, he was killing everybody.’Reuters 23:08 , 23.04.18
European leaders to urge Trump not to quit Iran deal
Germany's foreign minister says Chancellor Merkel and France's Macron will try once again to dissuade the US president from withdrawing from the nuclear deal on May 12, warning that such a move could lead to a significant deterioration.Reuters 17:52 , 23.04.18
Russia, China to obstruct US attempt to sabotage Iran nuclear deal
Following talks with China's top diplomat in Beijing, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov quoted as saying, 'We consider it very counterproductive to try to reduce to zero years of international work carried out via talks between the six major powers and Iran'; US non-proliferation envoy says Iran presents a very real long-term challenge to the non-proliferation regimeReuters 12:53 , 23.04.18
Holocaust survivor warns Polish leaders over Nazi groups
Magdalena Wyszynska, 96, who survived the Lvov ghetto, tells crowd at a counter-rally in a Polish city where far-right groups marched a week earlier that lack of reaction by Poland's right-wing government could suggests its leaders are 'more concerned for the widening of their electorate than for our security.'Associated Press 09:26 , 23.04.18
California man charged with hate crimes against Jews
26-year-old Californian arrested, charged with anti-Semitic crimes after local police found a kill list with the headline 'Killing my first Jew'; target list included largest Orthodox synagogue in Western US, 2 churches targeted for their 'sympathy' towards Jews.Ynet 17:08 , 22.04.18
Malaysia asks public for help in probe into Hamas engineer's death
In press conference, Malaysia national police chief says investigation still underway to determine motive for killing of Palestinian electrical engineer Fadi Albatsh, vows to 'do our best to improve the level of security, especially in Kuala Lumpur.'Associated Press, Ynetnews 13:53 , 22.04.18
Zarif: Iran to resume nuclear activity 'at much greater speed' if US nixes deal
Iranian foreign minister tells reporters Washington's efforts to try to change the nuclear deal signed with Tehran sends a 'very dangerous message' that 'you should never come to an agreement with the US'; accuses US of 'exercising disrespect' for Iran.Reuters 10:38 , 22.04.18
Far-right German festival countered by pro-peace rallies
Hundreds of neo-Nazis gather in Ostriz—located near Polish border—on Hitler's birthday to celebrate the event, post signs cheering 'Aryan brotherhood,' protesting against migrants flowing to Europe since 2015; Ostriz's residents reply with their own festival promoting peace and equality.Reuters 19:37 , 21.04.18
Austrian doctor Asperger 'actively cooperated' with Nazis, study says
Medical historian Herwig Czech says Asperger didn't join Nazi party, but joined affiliated groups and 'publicly legitimized race hygiene policies'; he also referred severely disabled children to clinic where almost 800 children were 'euthanized' under the Nazi program.Reuters 14:36 , 21.04.18
Iran vows 'expected and unexpected' moves if US exits deal
President Rouhani says Iran's Atomic Energy Organization is 'fully prepared' for American withdrawal from the nuclear deal, adds his government intends to prevent instability in the foreign exchange market as result of such move.Reuters 12:39 , 21.04.18
North Korea says will stop nuclear tests, scrap test site
North says completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons and will now 'concentrate all efforts on building a powerful socialist economy and markedly improving standard of living'; experts say announcing concessions now, rather than during summit meetings with US and South, shows Kim is serious about denuclearization talks.Reuters 08:41 , 21.04.18
German town braces for neo-Nazi concert on Hitler’s birthday
Small German town girds for arrival of hundreds of neo-Nazis arrival set to come for special music festival commemorating Adolf Hitler's birthday; efforts to outlaw event failed; up to a thousand far-right extremists from the entire region stand to attend.Associated Press 22:02 , 20.04.18
Russia says Trump invited Putin to US during phone call
US president reportedly made the invite during a phone call with his Russian counterpart as relations between the two countries grow increasingly frosty, telling him he would be happy to see him at the White House; Trump reportedly said he would also be happy to visit Moscow.Reuters 10:11 , 20.04.18
Trump leaves open possibility of bailing on meeting with Kim
US President Trump says CIA Director Pompeo and North Korean leader Kim 'got along really well' in secret meeting, but if his own meeting with Kim is not fruitful, 'I will respectfully leave'; US-led campaign of 'maximum pressure' on Pyongyang to continue.Associated Press 11:58 , 19.04.18
Hungary says EU's 'irresponsible' migrant policy poses threat to Jews
Nationalist PM Viktor Orban says irresponsible open-door EU immigration policies responsible for intolerance, anti-Semitism in Europe, threat to 'Judaeo-Christian traditions'; Campaign vilified George Soros for 'trying to turn Hungary into an immigrant country.'Reuters 23:53 , 16.04.18
US suggests Russia, Syria may tamper with Douma evidence, Moscow denies
Russia, Syria may have tempered with evidence from Douma chemical attack, US says, after independent investigators were prevented by Syrian and Russian authorities from reaching the scene of the incident.Reuters 20:54 , 16.04.18
WH disputes French assertion for US to remain in Syria
While French President Macron claimed he convinced President Trump to stay in Syria before strike on chemical weapons facilities, WH spokeswoman says US mission unchanged, forces to come home 'as quickly as possible'; 'Crushing IS still a priority,' she adds, but regional allies need to take larger role.News agencies 09:16 , 16.04.18
Poland cancels ceremony honoring alleged anti-Semite
Polish author Ewa Kurek, who previously said Jews had fun in World War II ghettos, was to be honored by Polish Consulate in New York; event canceled after intervention from Warsaw, following public outcry; authorities stopped event that would have been 'divisive,' Polish official said.Associated Press 09:43 , 15.04.18
Russia: West's Syria strike 'hooliganism', US: 'Locked and loaded'
Russia, Western countries clash during emergency UN Security Council for session to condemn early morning strike on Syria following Assad regime's alleged chemical weapons use; Russian ambassador: strike 'diplomatic hooliganism'; British ambassador: 'Refuse to be chastised by Russia'; US ambassador: US 'locked and loaded if Syria foolish enough to test our will'; draft resolution voted down.News agencies 21:56 , 14.04.18
Germany closing in on deal to buy Israeli-made drone
Central European giant to buy its first weapons-capable drone, Israeli designed, in a deal worth 900 million euros; opposition lawmakers fear having combat drones might make Germany more likely to participate in offensive military action abroad.Associated Press 19:12 , 14.04.18
Chemical warfare watchdog says Douma mission to proceed as planned
Fact-finding mission by Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to proceed with planned inspection of Douma, site of alleged chemical weapons attack by Syrian President Assad's regime; 'No doubt' about Assad's complicity with attack, France says, while British PM May vows retaliatory strike not about 'civil war, regime change' but deterring further use of chemical weapons.Reuters 18:59 , 14.04.18
Trump declares 'Mission Accomplished' in Syria
Pentagon says airstrikes 'successfully hit every target,' rejecting claims Syrian air defenses intercepted most missiles; strikes launched to 'cripple Syria's ability to use chemical weapons in the future,' says Pentagon spokeswoman.AP, Reuters 17:42 , 14.04.18
Russia calls for UN meeting on Syria, mulls supplies of S-300 systems
Russian President Putin says strike on Syria launched by the US, Britain and France is 'destructive influence on the entire system of international relations,' adding it makes humanitarian catastrophe worse and causes pain for civilians.AP, Reuters 14:08 , 14.04.18
UN chief warns Mideast 'chaos' threatens global peace
UN chief Guterres says Middle East proxy wars between several national armies, notably 'recent confrontations between Iran and Israel in Syria,' are threatening to lead the entire world into 'full-blown military escalation,' reiterates his call for 'independent and transparent' investigation into recent Gaza border deaths.Associated Press 23:07 , 13.04.18
US reportedly considering 8 potential targets in Syria
President Trump, Defense Secretary Mattis mull possible retaliatory strike in Syria in response to alleged use of chemical weapons; CNBC reports 8 potential targets considered, including chemical weapons facility, research institute and 2 airfields.Ynet 21:44 , 12.04.18
Trump: Syria attack 'very soon or not so soon at all!'
President's tweet comes day after he warned Russia to 'get ready' for a missile attack on its Syrian ally in response to chemical weapons attack; adding further uncertainty over strike, Trump says he 'Never said when an attack on Syria would take place.'Reuters 14:24 , 12.04.18
Security Council deadlocks again on Syria chemical attacks
Russia vetoes US draft resolution condemning suspected Douma attack and establishing new independent, impartial investigation; two Russia draft resolutions, on a new accountability body and the OPCW fact-finding mission, failed to pass.Associated Press 08:47 , 11.04.18
US wants UN vote on Syria gas attack inquiry
Proposal for new inquiry into chemical weapons use in Douma expected to be vetoed by Russia; UN expert says this is 'a diplomatic set-up,' for Washington to justify military strikes in Syria; 'The world must see justice done,' US ambassador Haley says at Security Council meeting, while Russia claims attack 'staged.'Reuters 08:38 , 10.04.18
Trump promises decision 'very quickly' on Syria response
US President condemns 'heinous attack' on Saturday in Douma, saying 'nothing is off the table' with regards to American response; 'If it's Russia, if it's Syria, if it's Iran, if it's all of them together—we'll figure it out. Everybody's going to pay a price,' he says.Reuters, AP 19:37 , 09.04.18
Trump threatens to retaliate on Syria for chemical attack
US President Trump says Syrian President 'animal Assad' will have a 'big price to pay' for launching a deadly chemical weapons attack on civilians, and blames Iran and Russian President Vladimir Putin for backing him.Associated Press 17:34 , 08.04.18
Van ploughs into crowd in Germany, at least 2 dead
Some 20 injured after car hits group of people sitting outside a popular restaurant in Muenster; driver among dead after taking his own life; German security official said there is no indication of an Islamic extremist motive, but officials are investigating all possibilities.Reuters, AP 22:09 , 07.04.18
US imposes new sanctions on Russia, also targets Putin's son-in-law
President Trump's administration announces major new sanctions on Russia, most stringent since advent of 2014's Crimean conflict; targeted are Russian oligarchs, including President Putin's son-in-law, and arms company with ties to Syria; Russia promises to provide more governmental support to companies harmed by sanctions.Reuters 11:44 , 07.04.18
Brazil's Lula defies prison order, creating standoff
Brazil's first working class president convicted of bribery, sentenced to 12 years in prison, but has holed himself up in Sao Paolo steelworkers union HQ refusing to turn himself in; talks between his attorneys and federal police on terms of his surrender ongoing, and said to end Saturday, but Lula's standoff—along with his hundreds of supporters—continues.Reuters 10:45 , 07.04.18
Trump agrees to keep US troops in Syria a 'little longer,' but wants out
With allies anxious about a hasty US withdrawal, the Trump administration said it would stay in war-torn Syria to finish off the job of defeating the Islamic State group and was committed to eliminating the militants' 'small' presence that 'our forces have not already eradicated.'Reuters 20:05 , 04.04.18
Putin, Rouhani meet Erdoğan for summit on Syria
Leaders of Russia, Iran and Turkey discuss resolution to Syrian civil war, call to maintain its territorial integrity, eject all terror groups; Iranian President Rouhani says IS serving American interests, while Turkish President Erdoğan says goals of radical Islamist group aligned with those of Kurdish rebels.News agencies 18:19 , 04.04.18
Far-right views going mainstream in much of Central Europe
From Poland's revisionism on the Holocaust, to Hungarian PM Viktor Orban's ostensibly anti-semitic rhetoric about George Soros, minorities in Central Europe have much to fear as expert warns of the dangers of right-wing populism.Associated Press 09:52 , 04.04.18
Woman wounds 3 at YouTube offices, then kills herself
Nasim Aghdam, a blogger of Iranian descent, opens fire at the online video giant's California headquarters, calling out 'Come at me' after making past complaints about the website, saying 'There is no equal growth opportunity on YouTube.'Reuters, AP 08:55 , 04.04.18
Trump freezes funds for Syria; signals exit
US President Trump freezes more than $200 million in funds for war efforts in Syria, a move that seems to be in line with his desire for an early military exit from the war-torn country; Trump's stance puts him at odds with top US officials, who fear an early exit could facilitate Iran's entrenchment there.Reuters 20:39 , 31.03.18
Trump tells advisers he wants US out of Syria
US president says that based on allied victories against ISIS, US 'will be coming out of Syria, like, very soon'; in internal deliberations he made clear he wants other regional countries to play bigger role so US could leave, but national security aides urge leaving small number of US forces for a few years to ensure Iran doesn't establish military presence in Syria.Reuters 20:44 , 30.03.18
Russia ramps up diplomatic clash, expels more UK diplomats
After announcing Thursday it would expel over 150 foreign diplomats in retaliation for US, EU nations and NATO members expeling its own diplomats, Moscow on Friday orders Britain to reduce number of diplomats further; UK: 'regrettable' move.Associated Press 17:05 , 30.03.18
Russia responds quid pro quo to diplomats’ expulsions
Moscow says will order more than 150 diplomats from two dozen countries, including the US, many EU nations and NATO, to leave country a retaliatory move after they expelled a similar number of Russian diplomats over the poisoning of a Russian spy in England.Associated Press 21:57 , 29.03.18
European powers face resistance to Iran sanctions to save nuclear deal
Italy, Spain and Austria express doubts to France, UK and Germany that suggested sanctions on Iran designed to salvage nuclear deal will placate Trump, who has issued a 'last chance' to fix its 'terrible flaws.'Reuters 15:26 , 29.03.18
French far-right insists on joining tribute to slain Jewish woman
Despite Jewish group's objection, Marine Le Pen's National Front party calls on members to attend silent marches around the country Wednesday to honor 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Mireille Knoll, who was stabbed to death in her Paris apartment in an anti-Semitic attack.News agencies 13:53 , 28.03.18
China says North Korea pledged denuclearization during friendly visit
After two days of speculation, both countries confirm Kim Jong Un visited Beijing and met President Xi Jinping; Kim's first known trip outside North Korea as leader believed by analysts to serve as preparation for upcoming summits with South Korea and United States.Reuters 08:23 , 28.03.18
UN: War crimes evidence in Syria 'overwhelming', not all can be pursued
In its first report, quasi-prosecutorial body says investigators and activists have amassed an 'unprecedented volume' of testimony, images and videos documenting atrocities committed by all sides during Syria’s war.Reuters 15:52 , 27.03.18
British Jews protest against Labour's Corbyn over anti-Semitism
About 2,000 demonstrate outside parliament, accusing Labour leader of failing to tackle anti-Semitism in party ranks because of a far-left world view hostile to Jews; 'While Jeremy is not himself anti-Semitic, he has allowed himself to become the poster boy of anti-Semites everywhere,' says veteran Labour MP who joined protest; Corbyn issues apology in open letter, vows 'zero tolerance' to anti-Semitism.Reuters 23:28 , 26.03.18
Report: N.Korea leader Kim Jong Un visits China
According to Bloomberg, Kim Jong Un has left North Korea for the first time since taking power in 2011, with purpose and itinerary of visit yet unknown; Japanese media reports that a high-ranking Pyongyang official appeared to have arrived by train in Beijing, suspected to be Kim himself.Reuters 20:54 , 26.03.18
US, Canada, EU expel Russian diplomats in coordinated move
18 nations, both in North America and in Europe expel Russia diplomats to punish Moscow for its alleged role in poisoning an ex-spy and his daughter in Britain; 'The United States and our allies and partners make clear to Russia that its actions have consequences,' says White House spokeswoman.Associated Press 17:15 , 26.03.18
UK Labor leader Corbyn apologizes for anti-Semitism in his party
After 2012 Facebook comment by left-wing leader is revealed in which he expressed bewilderment at anti-Semitic mural being removed, Corbyn apologizes, says he wished he had looked at content more closely; statement followed by another apology, saying, 'We recognize that anti-Semitism has occurred in pockets within Labor Party, causing pain and hurt to our Jewish community in the Labor Party, rest of country. I am sincerely sorry for the pain caused.'Reuters 08:44 , 26.03.18
French hero officer who swapped himself for hostage dies
Col. Arnaud Beltrame, one of the first officers to respond to the attack on the supermarket in the south of France, succumbs to his injuries; he volunteered to take place of female hostage and left on his cellphone so police could hear what was happening inside the store.Associated Press 09:39 , 24.03.18
