Trump says Taliban must curb violence for meaningful Afghanistan talks
U.S. President Donald Trump told Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani that there cannot be meaningful negotiations until the Taliban significantly reduces its violence, the White House said in a statement on Wednesday.
Iraq happy with U.S. troops, Trump says at talks over mission’s future
Iraq likes what U.S. troops are doing there, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday at talks with the Iraqi president about the future of the mission, which has been in doubt since a U.S. drone strike killed an Iranian commander in Baghdad.
Macron berates Israeli security men in tussle at Jerusalem church
“Go outside,” French President Emmanuel Macron demanded in English in a melee with Israeli security men on Wednesday, demanding they leave a Jerusalem basilica that he visited before a Holocaust memorial conference.
Bolsonaro’s popularity jumps as Brazil economy improves, crime drops
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s approval rating has surged, thanks to an improving economy and his government’s efforts to fight corruption and make Brazil’s cities safer, according to a poll released on Wednesday.
Soleimani killing adds dangerous new dimension to Iraq unrest
Iranian-backed Shi’ite factions have exhorted Iraqis to turn out for a “million-strong” march on Friday aimed at whipping up anti-American sentiment as the United States’ struggle with Iran plays out on the streets of Baghdad.
U.N. experts demand probe into alleged Saudi hack of Amazon boss Bezos
U.N. experts have demanded an immediate investigation by U.S. and other authorities into allegations that Saudi Arabia’s crown prince was involved in a plot to hack the phone of Amazon boss and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos.
China virus deaths hit 17, heightening global alarm
Deaths from China’s new virus rose to 17 on Wednesday with more than 540 cases confirmed, increasing fears of contagion from an infection suspected to originate from illegally-traded wildlife.
Putin hoping to secure economic legacy with reshuffle: sources
A Russian government reshuffle that brought in a new first deputy prime minister and a new economy minister is an attempt by President Vladimir Putin to secure his economic legacy, say two sources close to the government, but it also carries risks.
Trump has parting words for the star of Davos, Greta Thunberg
Just before he departed the slopes of Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump had some final words for Greta Thunberg, saying he would have loved to have seen her speak at the World Economic Forum.
UK House of Commons rejects changes to Brexit legislation
The lower house of Britain’s parliament on Wednesday overturned changes made by the upper house to the legislation needed to ratify the country’s divorce agreement with the European Union.
