World News Briefs -- September 8, 2016

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks to the media during a news conference at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York, Dec. 18, 2015.

VOA: Kerry: Iran Nuclear Deal Nears; N. Korea Not ‘Unattended’

STATE DEPARTMENT — Secretary of State John Kerry says implementation of the Iran nuclear deal could be just “days away,” if “all goes well.”

He commented in a Thursday briefing in which he highlighted U.S. foreign policy progress over the past year and urged U.S. lawmakers to confirm key diplomatic nominations that have languished in the Senate.

Kerry said he spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who assured him that Iran intended to complete its obligations “as rapidly as possible.”

MIDDLE EAST

All-out war with Iran won't happen – Saudi Defense Minister. Saudi prince: War with Iran not going to happen.

Syria rebels warns U.N. 'pressure' will prolong war.

Syrians say world has forgotten them as winter sets in.

Turkish troops in Iraq repel IS attack. Erdogan says attempted Islamic State attack vindicates Iraq deployment.

Yemen war intensifies amid Saudi-Iran diplomatic standoff.

Rouhani races to implement nuclear deal with eye on Iran elections bounce.

Gunman in Tel Aviv shooting spree killed by Israeli police. Israeli police kill Arab citizen wanted over Tel Aviv shootings: source.

ASIA

Kerry blames China for 'failed' soft approach to N. Korea .

China, in rebuke, suggests U.S. worsened ties with North Korea.

Pressure grows on China to rein in North Korea; South launches propaganda barrage.

South Korea resumes anti-North broadcasts.

Russian diplomat says North Korea blast occurred 650 meters from previous nuclear test.

Pentagon 'concerned' after China lands 3 planes on disputed island.

Pakistan pledges to cooperate with Indian attack investigation.

Afghan peace talks aimed at bringing Taliban to negotiating table.

Gloom hangs over China’s economy amid market turmoil.

Giant Mao statue 'removed' from Henan village.

AFRICA

Ethiopian forces 'kill 140 Oromo protesters'.

Villagers charge Nigerian soldiers shot and killed a detained teacher and 2 middle-aged men.

Islamic State says Cairo attack was response to leader's call to target Jews. ISIL claims Cairo attack on Israeli tourists.

Central Africans urged to vote in presidential run-off. Former PMs to face off in C.A.R. runoff election.

Veteran jihadist seeks return of sharia law in north Mali: video.

South Sudan government and rebels reach agreement on transitional government. South Sudan rebels hail new power sharing deal.

Swiss missionary kidnapped a second time in Mali's Timbuktu.

EUROPE

Cologne attacks: 18 asylum seekers among 31 suspects.

Germany weighs deportations after sexual assaults.

Paris attacks suspect's 'hideout found' in Brussels. Fingerprint of Paris attacks fugitive and traces of explosives found in Brussels flat.

Turkish fighter jets violate Greek airspace over Aegean Sea… again.

Hungary PM flags veto of any EU sanctions against Poland.

Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate Christmas.

European markets steady after Chinese shares gain.

'Mein Kampf' hits German bookshelves after 70 years.

AMERICAS

Obama defends gun control push at town hall, blames NRA for rising gun sales.

US economy adds 292,000 jobs in December.

Venezuela government steps up fight with opposition-led congress.

Venezuela's economic crisis worsens as oil prices fall.

Paraguay police raid Conmebol HQ near Asuncion.

Cuban dissidents leaving country amid shift in US policy.

Two Mideast refugees arrested on terror charges appearing in US courts. Two Middle East refugees arrested in U.S. on terrorism charges.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantánamo inmates down to 104 after Kuwaiti's release – with more to come.

US recruits tech leaders to help disrupt Islamic State group.

White House to talk terrorism with Apple, Facebook.

Islamic State member executes his mother in Syria - monitor.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil price and global stock markets recover as China boosts yuan.

Rare dime sells for $2M at Florida auction.

Saudi Arabia considers IPO for national oil group, Aramco.

World News Briefs -- January 7, 2016 (Evening Edition)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry votes at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York, December 18, 2015. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

Reuters: End 'business as usual' with North Korea, U.S. tells China

The United States called on China on Thursday to end "business as usual" with its ally North Korea after Pyongyang defied world powers by announcing it had tested a hydrogen bomb.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he made clear in a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that China's approach to North Korea has not succeeded.

"China had a particular approach that it wanted to make, that we agreed and respected to give them space to implement that," Kerry told reporters. "Today in my conversation with the Chinese I made it very clear that has not worked and we cannot continue business as usual."

MIDDLE EAST

Kerry says implementation of Iran nuclear deal 'days away'. Implementation of Iran nuclear deal 'days away': Kerry.

Syria conflict: 'Dire situation' in besieged villages.

Dispute over Turkish troops throws future of Mosul into question.

Heaviest air strikes yet strike Yemeni capital Sanaa - residents.

Iran accuses Saudi Arabia of Yemen embassy air strike. Saudi coalition denies air strike on Iran's Yemen embassy.

Saudi Arabia says it shot down missile fired from Yemen.

Saudi-Iran row: Qatar joins action against Tehran.

Saudi will collapse if keeps its 'sectarian' policies: Iran Guards.

Bahrain says catches Iran-linked cell plotting attacks.

Hezbollah responds to Israeli assassination of commander.

4 Palestinians shot dead attempting to stab Israeli soldiers.

ASIA

US and Asia allies vow steep price for N. Korea nuclear test.

North Korea's nuclear test triggers warning from South Korea.

South Korea to restart propaganda loudspeakers on North's border.

Obama, Abe agree to coordinate response to North Korea nuclear test.

Border quiet as China weighs N. Korea nuke test response.

China lands more civilian planes on Fiery Cross reef.

Tamils 'still tortured' in Sri Lanka, say rights groups.

Chinese share trading halt sends cold ripples across Asian markets. China suspends circuit breaker.

Talks uncertain as India says Pakistan must first hunt militants.

AFRICA

Truck bomb kills 65 at Libyan police training centre; explosion rocks Derna. Dozens killed in attack on Libyan police school. At least 65 killed in bomb attack on Libya police training center.

Dologuele and Touadera to contest CAR run-off.

Gunmen fire at Israeli tourists in Cairo, no casualties: security sources.

Hutu militia kill 14 from rival ethnic group in east Congo: army.

US gives vehicles to Nigeria army; Insurgents attack village.

Somalia severs ties with Iran, stands by Saudi Arabia amid regional tensions.

Burkina Faso's president names economist as prime minister.

Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Christians flock to churches to attend Masses on Christmas Eve.

EUROPE

Tensions rise in Germany over handling of mass sexual assaults in Cologne. Cologne police 'struggled to gain control during mass sexual assaults'. Sex assaults in Germany could result in deportations. Tensions rise in Cologne over police handling of sex attacks.

Putin greets Orthodox believers on Christmas Day. In pictures: Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas.

Merkel wants authorities to get to bottom of Cologne attacks.

Huge influx of migrant men will lead to more sex attacks like those in Cologne, says analyst, as it's revealed Austrian police have ALSO covered up identical gang assaults.

Germany to send 550 more troops to Mali, Iraq missions.

Polish president signs controversial media bill into law.

Coca-Cola Crimea map move sparks Ukraine boycott calls.

Knife-wielding man shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ shot dead trying to enter Paris police station. Man wearing fake suicide belt shot dead as he runs towards Paris police station shouting 'Allahu Akbar' on anniversary of Charlie Hebdo shootings.

Parliament to debate banning Donald Trump from UK. Donald Trump says he’ll pull Scotland investment if Britain bars him.

AMERICAS

Young socialist hardliner will lead Venezuela's economy.

Brazil government underestimated crisis: Rousseff.

US Senators eye sanctions after North Korea's claimed nuclear test.

North Korea bomb claim a new challenge for Clinton campaign.

Mexican drug lord 'Barbie' pleads guilty in US court.

Guatemala arrests 14 retired military officers for civil war atrocities.

Canadian PM: We won't bomb ISIS even if attacked.

Biden regrets not running for president 'every day'.

Powerball climbs to $675 million after no winners in draw.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Iraqi military says ISIS spokesman Adnani wounded: state TV.

Two Guantanamo detainees transferred to Ghana.

IS expands car bomb attacks from Iraqi desert.

Islamic State militants target Saudi Arabia.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

World Could face months of Chinese market aftershocks.

Wall Street sharply down on China woes.

China trading halt sparks 3% fall for Europe shares.

China's 29 minutes of chaos: Stunned brokers and a race to sell.

George Soros sees crisis in global markets that echoes 2008.

Oil price tumbles to below $33.

Saudi Arabia considers IPO for national oil group, Aramco.

World News Briefs -- January 7, 2016

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, January 6, 2016. REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID

Reuters: Wall Street shaken by China turmoil, oil slide

Wall Street was set to open sharply lower for a second straight day on Thursday after China allowed the yuan to fall further and oil prices slid to near 12-year lows, raising concerns over the state of the global economy.

China allowed the biggest fall in the yuan in five months, and Shanghai stocks were halted for the second time this week after another brutal selloff.

With Beijing accelerating the yuan's depreciation to make its exports more competitive, investors fear China's economy is even weaker than had been imagined.

Adding to the gloom, oil slid below $33 a barrel to near 12-year lows due to worries over weaker demand from China and an over-supplied market.

MIDDLE EAST

Syria conflict: 'Dire situation' in besieged villages.

Dispute over Turkish troops throws future of Mosul into question.

Heaviest air strikes yet strike Yemeni capital Sanaa - residents.

Iran accuses Saudi Arabia of Yemen embassy air strike.

Saudi Arabia says it shot down missile fired from Yemen.

Saudi-Iran row: Qatar joins action against Tehran.

Saudi will collapse if keeps its 'sectarian' policies: Iran Guards.

Bahrain says catches Iran-linked cell plotting attacks.

Hezbollah responds to Israeli assassination of commander.

ASIA

North Korea's nuclear test triggers warning from South Korea.

South Korea to restart propaganda loudspeakers on North's border.

Obama, Abe agree to coordinate response to North Korea nuclear test.

Border quiet as China weighs N. Korea nuke test response.

China lands more civilian planes on Fiery Cross reef.

Tamils 'still tortured' in Sri Lanka, say rights groups.

Chinese share trading halt sends cold ripples across Asian markets.

Talks uncertain as India says Pakistan must first hunt militants.

AFRICA

Truck bomb kills 65 at Libyan police training centre; explosion rocks Derna. Dozens killed in attack on Libyan police school. At least 65 killed in bomb attack on Libya police training center.

Gunmen fire at Israeli tourists in Cairo, no casualties: security sources.

Hutu militia kill 14 from rival ethnic group in east Congo: army.

US gives vehicles to Nigeria army; Insurgents attack village.

Somalia severs ties with Iran, stands by Saudi Arabia amid regional tensions.

Burkina Faso's president names economist as prime minister.

Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Christians flock to churches to attend Masses on Christmas Eve.

EUROPE

Putin greets Orthodox believers on Christmas Day. In pictures: Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas.

Sex assaults in Germany could result in deportations. Tensions rise in Cologne over police handling of sex attacks.

Merkel wants authorities to get to bottom of Cologne attacks.

Huge influx of migrant men will lead to more sex attacks like those in Cologne, says analyst, as it's revealed Austrian police have ALSO covered up identical gang assaults.

Germany to send 550 more troops to Mali, Iraq missions.

Polish president signs controversial media bill into law.

Coca-Cola Crimea map move sparks Ukraine boycott calls.

Knife-wielding man shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ shot dead trying to enter Paris police station. Man wearing fake suicide belt shot dead as he runs towards Paris police station shouting 'Allahu Akbar' on anniversary of Charlie Hebdo shootings.

Parliament to debate banning Donald Trump from UK. Donald Trump says he’ll pull Scotland investment if Britain bars him.

AMERICAS

US Senators eye sanctions after North Korea's claimed nuclear test.

North Korea bomb claim a new challenge for Clinton campaign.

Mexican drug lord 'Barbie' pleads guilty in US court.

Guatemala arrests 14 retired military officers for civil war atrocities.

Canadian PM: We won't bomb ISIS even if attacked.

Biden regrets not running for president 'every day'.

Powerball climbs to $675 million after no winners in draw.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Two Guantanamo detainees transferred to Ghana.

IS expands car bomb attacks from Iraqi desert.

Islamic State militants target Saudi Arabia.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

China trading halt sparks 3% fall for Europe shares.

China's 29 minutes of chaos: Stunned brokers and a race to sell.

George Soros sees crisis in global markets that echoes 2008.

Oil price tumbles to below $33.

World News Briefs -- January 6, 2016

Daily Mail: It's NOT an H bomb: White House says evidence disproves Kim's claim to ultimate weapon

* The 'initial analysis is not consistent with the North Korean claims of a successful hydrogen bomb test,' press secretary Josh Earnest said
* Earnest said the US came to that conclusion based on seismic data, as well as information obtained by its allies in the region
* White House 'not prepared to list' potential retributive actions but asserted that the U.S. will 'consider a wide range of options'
* Republicans are turning the news into a new assault on President Barack Obama's foreign policies

The White House said this afternoon that it has seen no evidence to support North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's claims that his country has developed a hydrogen bomb.

The 'initial analysis is not consistent with the North Korean claims of a successful hydrogen bomb test,' President Barack Obama's spokesman said today.

'I cant give you a detailed assessment at this point,' White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said, 'This is after all an event that just occurred 18 hours ago or so.'

MIDDLE EAST

U.S., allies stage 19 strikes in Iraq against Islamic State: statement.

ISIL launches major assault on Iraq's Haditha. IS steps up assault on western Iraqi town after losses.

YPG claims to have killed nearly 6,000 enemy fighters in 2015.

Islamic State threatens to destroy Saudi prisons after executions.

US timeline sees Assad as Syria leader until at least March 2017.

Saudi-Iran row: Kerry calls leaders to urge calm.

Iraq joins US, Russia in effort to lower Iran-Saudi tensions. Iraq offers to mediate between Saudis and Iran, worried over fall-out.

Saudi backs Syria peace talks despite tensions with Iran.

Saudi currency takes nosedive amid Iran row.

Anger grows in Saudi Arabia's Shi'ite areas after executions.

Rouhani shows determination to end embassy attacks in Iran.

Yemen troops seize northwestern port from Huthi rebels.

ASIA

U.S., experts cast doubt on North Korea's H-bomb claim.

North Korea 'hydrogen' bomb test prompts global outrage.

Gunfire celebration in Kabul after dramatic Afghanistan win.

China escalates emergency stock market intervention.

U.S. conducts air strikes as fighting rages in Afghan province.

2 wounded US soldiers evacuated from Afghan battlefield.

Afghan forces claim advances in Taliban-held district.

US launches airstrikes in Afghanistan after deadly firefight, evacuations.

China again lands planes on disputed island in South China Sea: Xinhua. China lands two more planes in disputed South China Sea: state media.

China to allow mainlanders to make transit stops in Taiwan.

Philippine 'comfort women' fear China sea dispute blocks justice from Japan.

Bangladesh court upholds death sentence for Nizami.

AFRICA

Central African Republic candidates now mostly support vote count: U.N..

Tunisian PM reshuffles cabinet amid security, economic challenges.

Fires rage at Libyan oil ports after Islamic State attacks. Islamic State ‘province’ releases photos from raids on Libyan oil facilities.

Egypt backs Saudi Arabia in spat with Iran.

Ivory Coast's president seeks 'more efficient' government.

UN probes alleged CAR child abuse by peacekeepers.

Nigeria court in Kano sentences cleric to death for blasphemy.

Turkey set to build a military training center in Somalia.

DR Congo registers 7,000 refugees arriving from South Sudan.

Over 160 killed in Madagascar cattle theft clashes: army.

EUROPE

Drop in migrants caused by weather, not Turkey's crackdown, Germany says.

North Korea’s nuclear tests affect Russian national security, says senior MP.

Germany receives over 1.1 million refugees in 2015 - Interior Ministry. No drop in asylum seekers reaching Germany, Berlin says.

German police face criticism amid outrage over New Year's sex assaults.

All-clear given to Merkel building after suspicious letters checked.

Survey shows Ukrainians' life ratings sank to new lows in 2015.

Danes unmoved by border checks as refugees caught in the middle.

Trump Organization says proposed UK ban over Muslim remarks 'a dangerous precedent'.

Britain's 'shoddy' security under fire after militant slips away to Islamic State.

Charlie Hebdo magazine commemorates terror attack anniversary.

French far-right leader Le Pen questioned in fraud probe.

AMERICAS

Obama eyes 6 military bases to house surge of illegal immigrants.

Obama takes gun violence case to Americans in impassioned address.

Haiti elections officials pick Jan. 24 for presidential runoff.

Opposition ends decades of socialist rule in Venezuela. Defiant Venezuela opposition claims congress supermajority.

Venezuela: Opposition wants 'change within six months'.

Ripe for radicalization: US Federal prisons 'breeding ground' for terrorists, say experts.

Most Americans are one paycheck away from the street.

El Nino storms slam drought-parched California.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Two Guantanamo detainees transferred to Ghana: Pentagon.

Daesh reportedly learns to shoot down passenger jets.

Poles fear jihad through the backdoor.

ISIS executes first female journalist in Syria.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

TransCanada launches legal action over Keystone XL rejection.

Netflix goes live in 130 new countries; shares advance.

Stocks, oil bashed by China worries, North Korea nuclear test.

Oil slides to new 11-year low as Saudi-Iran row cuts chance of output curbs.

Twitter considers raising character limit to 10,000.

Apple extends losses; briefly falls below $100 in premarket.

Massive blue star sapphire worth over $100M mined in Sri Lanka.

World News Briefs -- January 6, 2016

Reuters: North Korea says successfully conducts first H-bomb test

North Korea said it successfully tested a miniaturized hydrogen nuclear bomb on Wednesday, claiming a significant advance in its strike capability and setting off alarm bells in Japan and South Korea.

The test, the fourth time the isolated state has exploded a nuclear device, was ordered by young leader Kim Jong Un and successfully conducted at 10:00 a.m. local time (0130 GMT), North Korea's official KCNA news agency said.

"Let the world look up to the strong, self-reliant nuclear-armed state," Kim wrote in what North Korean state TV displayed as a handwritten note.

MIDDLE EAST

U.S., allies stage 19 strikes in Iraq against Islamic State: statement.

ISIL launches major assault on Iraq's Haditha. IS steps up assault on western Iraqi town after losses.

YPG claims to have killed nearly 6,000 enemy fighters in 2015.

Islamic State threatens to destroy Saudi prisons after executions.

US timeline sees Assad as Syria leader until at least March 2017.

Saudi-Iran row: Kerry calls leaders to urge calm.

Iraq joins US, Russia in effort to lower Iran-Saudi tensions. Iraq offers to mediate between Saudis and Iran, worried over fall-out.

Saudi backs Syria peace talks despite tensions with Iran.

Saudi currency takes nosedive amid Iran row.

ASIA

North Korea 'hydrogen' bomb test prompts global outrage.

2 wounded US soldiers evacuated from Afghan battlefield.

Afghan forces claim advances in Taliban-held district.

US launches airstrikes in Afghanistan after deadly firefight, evacuations.

China again lands planes on disputed island in South China Sea: Xinhua. China lands two more planes in disputed South China Sea: state media.

China to allow mainlanders to make transit stops in Taiwan.

Philippine 'comfort women' fear China sea dispute blocks justice from Japan.

Bangladesh court upholds death sentence for Nizami.

AFRICA

Islamic State ‘province’ releases photos from raids on Libyan oil facilities.

Egypt backs Saudi Arabia in spat with Iran.

Ivory Coast's president seeks 'more efficient' government.

UN probes alleged CAR child abuse by peacekeepers.

Nigeria court in Kano sentences cleric to death for blasphemy.

Turkey set to build a military training center in Somalia.

DR Congo registers 7,000 refugees arriving from South Sudan.

EUROPE

North Korea’s nuclear tests affect Russian national security, says senior MP.

Germany receives over 1.1 million refugees in 2015 - Interior Ministry. No drop in asylum seekers reaching Germany, Berlin says.

German police face criticism amid outrage over New Year's sex assaults.

All-clear given to Merkel building after suspicious letters checked.

Survey shows Ukrainians' life ratings sank to new lows in 2015.

Danes unmoved by border checks as refugees caught in the middle.

Trump Organization says proposed UK ban over Muslim remarks 'a dangerous precedent'.

Britain's 'shoddy' security under fire after militant slips away to Islamic State.

Charlie Hebdo magazine commemorates terror attack anniversary.

French far-right leader Le Pen questioned in fraud probe.

AMERICAS

Obama takes gun violence case to Americans in impassioned address.

Haiti elections officials pick Jan. 24 for presidential runoff.

Opposition ends decades of socialist rule in Venezuela.

Venezuela: Opposition wants 'change within six months'.

Ripe for radicalization: US Federal prisons 'breeding ground' for terrorists, say experts.

Most Americans are one paycheck away from the street.

El Nino storms slam drought-parched California.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Daesh reportedly learns to shoot down passenger jets.

Poles fear jihad through the backdoor.

ISIS executes first female journalist in Syria.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Stocks, oil bashed by China worries, North Korea nuclear test.

Oil slides to new 11-year low as Saudi-Iran row cuts chance of output curbs.

Twitter considers raising character limit to 10,000.

Apple extends losses; briefly falls below $100 in premarket.

Massive blue star sapphire worth over $100M mined in Sri Lanka.

World News Briefs -- January 5, 2016 (Evening Edition)

Spiegel Online: New Year's Eve Attacks: Dozens of Women Sexually Assaulted in Cologne

Dozens of women celebrating New Year's Eve in Cologne have said they were the victims of sexual assault. With a group of men with North African and Middle Eastern appearances under suspicion, the incident threatens to augment growing concern over Germany's refugee policies.

German politicians and officials are voicing concern on Tuesday over reports that dozens of women were harassed and groped in the heart of Cologne on New Year's Eve by a large group of men on the crowded square in front of the city's main train station. According to police, many also had personal items stolen and fireworks were also fired into the crowd of revelers. According to police, some 90 complaints had been filed by Tuesday morning, with witnesses saying that the perpetrators were young men between 15 and 35 years old and appeared to have migrant backgrounds.

MIDDLE EAST

Iran unveils second underground missile, likely to irk U.S.. Iran airs footage of new missile in underground bunker.

Kerry encourages dialogue between Saudis, Iran amid Syria concerns.

Kuwait recalls ambassador to Iran as row escalates.

Iran's Rouhani: Saudi Arabia can't 'cover its crime by severing political relations'.

Turkish PM urges diplomacy, offers help in Saudi-Iran crisis.

Russia ready to invite Saudi, Iranian top diplomats to Moscow for talks - source.

Iraq Sunni mosques attacked in possible retaliation to Saudi execution.

Mass grave found in Ramadi, Iraq, after ISIS driven from city.

UN watchdog finds traces of Syria sarin gas exposure.

Yemen war intensifies amid mounting regional tension.

Top south Yemen officials survive bombing: security sources.

At least 81 civilians killed in Yemen in December despite ceasefire: UN.

Turkish authorities find bodies of 27 migrants, search for survivors. 21 migrants killed in 2 boat disasters off Turkey.

Jordan confirms 12,000 Syrian refugees amassed at border.

ASIA

US institute: NKorea develops sub missile despite setback.

US Special Ops soldier killed in Afghanistan firefight. Afghanistan conflict: US casualties on special forces mission.

Afghan casualties surged in 2015 because of increased Taliban attacks.

Residents worried as Taliban claims latest Kabul attack.

Siege near India's Afghan consulate ends after 25 hours.

Six militants who attacked Indian air base now dead: minister.

Pakistan urged to target militants in wake of Indian air-base attack.

S.China Sea tensions surge as China lands plane on artificial island.

Philippines joins Vietnam in opposing China’s island runway test.

McCain blasts Obama administration for lack of action in South China Sea.

China to build 40 nuclear power plants over the next five years.

China decries 'groundless accusations' over missing HK booksellers.

AFRICA

Niger 'winning the war' against Boko Haram: army chief.

UN eyes further troop cut to DRCongo mission.

Islamic State militants target Libya's Es Sider oil port for second day. Libya issues `cry for help' as Islamic State attacks oil tanks.

Egypt army kills over 50 militants from Daesh Sinai province faction.

Burundi government says it will not join peace talks.

Burundi civil war fears as president accused of campaign of murder.

Central African Republic ex-Premier leads Presidential vote.

Niger voter register fit for election if changes made - report.

South Sudan: 'Unprecedented' malaria outbreak in South Sudan.

EUROPE

Cologne sex attacks: Merkel disgust at New Year gang assaults. Germans shaken by New Year attacks on women in Cologne.

German city holds crisis meeting after New Year sex assaults. Cologne 'can't become a lawless zone' says mayor.

'Significant progress' in Cyprus reunification talks: mediator.

NATO 'categorically' denies it threatens Russia.

Eastern Ukrainian villages change hands despite truce.

Spanish PM sees no alternative to new elections in Catalonia.

German minister urges Riyadh, Tehran to focus on opposing ISIS.

Eurozone inflation stays at 0.2% in December.

Year after attack, France's Jews learn to live under armed guard. France begins commemorations of Charlie Hebdo attack.

Spain cocaine seizure: Eleven held in Galicia.

UK parliament to debate whether to ban Trump.

AMERICAS

Obama, wiping tears, makes new push to tighten gun rules. Gun sales rise in US as Obama unveils control plans.

White House outlines gun control moves. Obama executive action on guns to require background checks for more sales.

Venezuela opposition controls congress after 17 years. Venezuela opposition takes control of Congress in rowdy session. Venezuela leader limits Congress's power over Central Bank.

El Salvador is the bloodiest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

Mexico mayor shooting: Morelos governor takes over local police.

The threat of political violence awaiting Colombia’s newly elected politicians.

Brazil's Lula summoned to testify in bribery case.

Rancher family reports to prison, does not endorse Oregon siege.

Dominican troops reinforce border as migrants try to return.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State territory shrinks in Iraq and Syria: U.S.-led coalition.

Islamic State video suspect thought to be Briton Siddhartha Dhar. Militant in Islamic State video believed to be British bouncy castle salesman.

Source: 'Al Qaeda followers' among 17 being transferred from Gitmo.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street stabilizes after selloff.

OECD aid hits record high in 2014 but poorest countries get less.

Yahoo shuts down video streaming site.

Chinese shares extend losses in volatile trading session.

Global stocks slide as China fails to quell stormy start to year.

Overfishing fears cast aside as sushi boss pays $118,000 for single bluefin tuna.

The world's five richest people lost $8.7 billion in Monday's selloff.

World News Briefs -- January 5, 2016

Washington Post: Kuwait becomes latest Saudi ally to downgrade ties with Iran

BEIRUT — Kuwait became the latest in a growing list of Saudi Arabian allies to cut or downgrade ties with Iran, saying Tuesday that it had recalled its ambassador to Tehran in solidarity with the kingdom.

The widening rift between Western-backed Saudi Arabia and its Sunni allies with the Shiite government in Tehran has pushed the region dangerously closer to conflict, prompting alarmed appeals for restraint from powers across the globe.

Bahrain and Sudan joined Saudi Arabia in severing diplomatic relations with Iran on Monday, and the United Arab Emirates, a key Iranian trading partner, recalled its ambassador, as the fallout from the execution of a prominent Shiite cleric in Saudi Arabia on Saturday sharpened sectarian tensions across the Middle East.

MIDDLE EAST

Kuwait recalls ambassador to Iran as row escalates.

Iran's Rouhani: Saudi Arabia can't 'cover its crime by severing political relations'.

Turkish PM urges diplomacy, offers help in Saudi-Iran crisis.

Russia ready to invite Saudi, Iranian top diplomats to Moscow for talks - source.

Iraq Sunni mosques attacked in possible retaliation to Saudi execution.

Mass grave found in Ramadi, Iraq, after ISIS driven from city.

UN watchdog finds traces of Syria sarin gas exposure.

Yemen war intensifies amid mounting regional tension.

Turkish authorities find bodies of 27 migrants, search for survivors. 21 migrants killed in 2 boat disasters off Turkey.

ASIA

Afghan casualties surged in 2015 because of increased Taliban attacks.

Residents worried as Taliban claims latest Kabul attack.

Siege near India's Afghan consulate ends after 25 hours.

Six militants who attacked Indian air base now dead: minister.

Pakistan urged to target militants in wake of Indian air-base attack.

S.China Sea tensions surge as China lands plane on artificial island.

Philippines joins Vietnam in opposing China’s island runway test.

McCain blasts Obama administration for lack of action in South China Sea.

China to build 40 nuclear power plants over the next five years.

China decries 'groundless accusations' over missing HK booksellers.

AFRICA

Islamic State militants target Libya's Es Sider oil port for second day. Libya issues `cry for help' as Islamic State attacks oil tanks.

Egypt army kills over 50 militants from Daesh Sinai province faction.

Burundi government says it will not join peace talks.

Burundi civil war fears as president accused of campaign of murder.

Central African Republic ex-Premier leads Presidential vote.

Niger voter register fit for election if changes made - report.

South Sudan: 'Unprecedented' malaria outbreak in South Sudan.

EUROPE

NATO 'categorically' denies it threatens Russia.

Eastern Ukrainian villages change hands despite truce.

German city holds crisis meeting after New Year sex assaults. Cologne 'can't become a lawless zone' says mayor.

Spanish PM sees no alternative to new elections in Catalonia.

German minister urges Riyadh, Tehran to focus on opposing ISIS.

Eurozone inflation stays at 0.2% in December.

Year after attack, France's Jews learn to live under armed guard. France begins commemorations of Charlie Hebdo attack.

AMERICAS

White House outlines gun control moves. Obama executive action on guns to require background checks for more sales.

Showdown brews as Venezuela opposition takes over congress. Venezuela leader limits Congress's power over Central Bank.

El Salvador is the bloodiest nation in the Western Hemisphere.

Mexico mayor shooting: Morelos governor takes over local police.

The threat of political violence awaiting Colombia’s newly elected politicians.

Brazil's Lula summoned to testify in bribery case.

Rancher family reports to prison, does not endorse Oregon siege.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State territory shrinks in Iraq and Syria: U.S.-led coalition.

Islamic State video suspect thought to be Briton Siddhartha Dhar. Militant in Islamic State video believed to be British bouncy castle salesman.

Source: 'Al Qaeda followers' among 17 being transferred from Gitmo.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Chinese shares extend losses in volatile trading session.

Global stocks slide as China fails to quell stormy start to year.

Overfishing fears cast aside as sushi boss pays $118,000 for single bluefin tuna.

The world's five richest people lost $8.7 billion in Monday's selloff.

World News Briefs -- January 4, 2015 (Evening Edition)

CNN: Saudi Arabia-Iran row spreads to other nations

(CNN)The fallout of Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shiite cleric is spreading beyond a spat between the Saudis and Iranians, as other Middle East nations choose sides and world powers Russia and China weigh in.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran -- two Middle Eastern powerhouses -- have deteriorated following Riyadh's execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr Saturday.

Hours after the death sentence was carried out, protesters in Shiite-majority Iran attacked the Saudi Embassy in Tehran. The Saudis cut diplomatic relations with Iran over the attack on its embassy.

On Monday, Bahrain also announced it is severing diplomatic ties with Iran, citing Tehran's "blatant and dangerous interference" in Bahrain and other Arab countries.

MIDDLE EAST

Exclusive: Saudi Arabia to halt flights, trade with Iran. Saudi cuts all air links with Iran: aviation authority.

Ex-CIA official: Iran "acted responsibly" on Saudi Embassy arson.

Saudi Arabia recruits Sunni allies in row with Iran.

Syrian rebel group backs Saudi move to cut ties with Iran.

Thousands protest against Saudi Arabia in Baghdad.

Middle East tensions boil as Saudi Arabia cuts ties with Iran.

Bahrain cuts diplomatic ties with Iran. Bahrain cuts ties with Tehran as crisis widens in Saudi-Iran split.

U.S. leads 25 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq: statement.

French military says airstrikes destroy IS missile factory.

Syria chemical arms probe found signs of sarin gas exposure: U.N..

Sunni mosques bombed in town south of Baghdad. Iraqi Sunni mosques attacked in apparent retaliation for Saudi execution.

Many dead in anti-PKK Turkish military operation in southeast.

Yemen imposes curfew in Aden following deadly battle.

Israeli military says homes of 2 Palestinian attackers are demolished, sealed off.

Hezbollah targets Israeli forces with bomb, Israel shells south Lebanon.

U.N. pushes Syria, Yemen peace amid 'worrying' Saudi break with Iran.

ASIA

South China Sea tensions surge as China lands plane on artificial island.

China lands test Flight in disputed island chain.

Philippines says it opposes Chinese flight test in newly built island in South China Sea. Philippines follows Vietnam in opposing China's runway test.

China defends test flight in South China Sea after Vietnam objects.

Attack near Kabul airport targets U.S. convoy.

India air base attack threatens Pakistan talks, fifth gunman killed.

India's Afghan consulate sees fighters repelled as air base attack continues near India-Pakistan border. Gunfight continues near India consulate in Afghanistan. Afghan forces besiege insurgents near Indian consulate in Mazar.

Heavy gunfire as Indian airbase siege enters third day. Pathankot: Indian troops search airbase for militants.

Abe says summit with Putin needed to resolve territorial row. Japan PM Shinzo Abe urges talks for Russia peace treaty.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi says peace process will be government's priority.

Sri Lanka president pledges land for 100,000 war victims.

Hong Kong angry at China over bookseller’s disappearance.

Earthquake hits India’s northeast, leaves 10 dead.

AFRICA

Candidates call for halt in Central African Republic vote count.

Ex-Bozize PM takes early lead in C.Africa presidential race. Central African Republic ex-PM Touadera leads vote count.

Islamic State’s Libyan ‘province’ launches new offensive. Islamic State fighters target Libyan oil port of Sidra. Islamic State clashes with guards near Libya's Es Sider oil port.

10 Egyptian soldiers killed and wounded by Daesh in Sinai. 26 killed, 5 arrested in a North Sinai raid: Armed Forces.

Burundi police patrol center of capital after series of blasts.

Sudan opposition leader accepts talks with government.

Kenya's Garissa university reopens after deadly al-Shabab attack.

Zambia sets presidential election to August 2016.

US condemns Rwanda’s Kagame third term bid.

EUROPE

Germany will re-examine arms exports to Saudi Arabia after weekend executions.

Britain denounces Islamic State video showing 'spies' shot.

Sweden, Denmark introduce border checks to stem migrant flow. Migrant crisis: Sweden border checks come into force.

Merkel's Bavarian allies reignite refugee row with call for cap.

Ukraine 'confident' of success in Russian debt lawsuit.

Minsk offers help to resolve Russia-Turkey crisis.

Catalonia plunged into uncertainty as leftwing CUP rejects Mas. Catalonia faces new election as leftist CUP rejects Mas.

EU ready to fight Polish media law amid row over values.

Charlie Hebdo condemns 'fanatics' in attack anniversary issue. France prepares tribute to Charlie Hebdo, Jewish shop victims.

AMERICAS

U.S. says Venezuelan government interfering in new National Assembly.

Puerto Rico Governor says preparing for legal action from creditors: CNBC.

Protesters occupy Oregon wildlife refuge as dispute over Western range flares.

Obama begins gun violence effort that could define his last year.

Hillary Clinton warns that Republicans would 'turn back the clock' on progress.

Donald Trump: Hillary Clinton has 'caused tremendous death'.

3 people held after a Mexican mayor was killed a day after taking office.

Venezuela opposition names Henry Ramos Allup assembly head.

Brazil heads for worst recession since 1901, economists forecast.

Argentina urges UK to return to negotiating table over Falkland Islands.

Panama canal expansion to be complete 'around May': president.

Haiti vote was marred by fraud: probe. Haiti first round vote 'stained by irregularities'.

US Lawmakers notch win in fight for global cyber laws.

US survey: Nearly half of Americans are angrier at current events.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda using Trump, Clinton, Obama, and Kerry to recruit new militants.

New 'Jihadi John'? British-sounding militant features in new ISIS video.

Isis signals business as usual, with menacing new 'frontman'.

Several Gitmo detainees set for transfer next week: reports.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil down; China, Wall Street tumble erase early rally on Middle East.

Wall Street begins year sharply lower after China selloff.

VW sued by U.S. in diesel emissions scandal. US sues VW for at least $20 bn over emissions cheating.

Chinese markets suspended as shares plunge. China sell-off leads to a poor start for world stocks in 2016.

Financial markets hit by global unease.

Mark Zuckerberg to build AI to help at home and work.