Kremlin says exit deal for Aleppo rebels still on agenda
MOSCOW (Reuters) – The Kremlin said on Wednesday that a potential U.S.-Russia deal to allow Syrian rebels to safely leave Aleppo was still on the agenda, but that no talks were planned between the two countries for now.
Monitor says Syrian army seizes Aleppo Old City from rebels
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A war monitor said on Wednesday the Syrian army had seized control of all parts of the Old City of Aleppo which had been held by rebels, part of an advance which has seen insurgents lose around two thirds of their main urban strongho…
Philippines’ Duterte takes aim at Macau casino boss
MANILA/HONG KONG (Reuters) – Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the arrest of Jack Lam, one of Asia’s top casino kingpins, on charges of economic sabotage and bribery, according to the country’s police chief.
Uncertainty over U.S. position delays action on Ukraine peace deal: Germany
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Uncertainty in Moscow and Kiev about what policies U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will adopt means there is little prospect of making much progress in implementing the Minsk ceasefire accord on Ukraine, Germany’s foreign ministe…
Turkish air strikes kill 23 Islamic State militants in Syria’s al-Bab region- army
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkish warplanes pounded 12 Islamic State targets in the al-Bab region of northern Syria on Wednesday, killing 23 militants, the military said.
British PM May unveils steps to deepen defense cooperation with Gulf
LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday she would deepen defense cooperation with Gulf countries and work with them to push back “against Iran’s aggressive regional actions”.
Bangladesh upholds death sentences over 2004 attack on British envoy
DHAKA (Reuters) – Bangladesh’s Supreme Court upheld death sentences on Wednesday for three members of an outlawed Islamist militant group in connection with a grenade attack on the British ambassador in 2004.
Ukraine feels let down by EU with visa deal elusive
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukraine feels let down by the European Union for not keeping to a promise to give its citizens visa-free travel in the bloc, senior Ukrainian officials said.
Thailand to investigate BBC over profile of new king: minister
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s defense minister said on Wednesday authorities will investigate the BBC on suspicion of insulting the monarchy in connection with a Thai-language profile of the new king that has stirred social media anger.
Family of Malaysia’s Jho Low moves to protect assets in 1MDB probe
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Relatives of Malaysian businessman Low Taek Jho plan to take fresh court action in a bid to prevent the U.S. government from seizing assets as part of an investigation into the scandal-tainted 1MDB fund, according to a U.S. court f…
