Russia lands forces at former U.S. air base in northern Syria
Russia landed attack helicopters and troops at a sprawling air base in northern Syria vacated by U.S. forces, the Russian Defence Ministry’s Zvezda TV channel said on Friday.
Khamenei: Iran not calling for elimination of Jews, wants non-sectarian Israel
Iran is not calling for the elimination of the Jewish people, but believes people of all religions should decide Israel’s future, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Friday.
Former deputy head of China’s drug regulator sentenced to 16 years in prison
Wu Zhen, a former deputy head of China’s food and drug regulator, was sentenced to 16 years in prison by a Chinese court, state television reported on Friday.
Sri Lanka presidential race tightens as minorities seek to stop Rajapaksa
Sri Lankans elect a new president on Saturday in a “finely balanced” race between the early favorite, former defense chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and government minister Sajith Premadasa, who has gained momentum in recent weeks.
Explainer: Sri Lanka’s presidential election, by numbers and issues
Sri Lanka will pick a new president in a vote on Saturday that comes months after Easter Sunday attacks by Islamic State that raised fears over the safety of the tiny island, undermined investor confidence and choked its economy.
UK police investigating alleged assault on Hong Kong justice secretary in London
British police said they are investigating the alleged assault on the Hong Kong justice secretary in London, but so far there have been not been any arrests.
Hong Kong confirms economy fell into recession amid protests, trade war
Hong Kong sank into recession for the first time in a decade in the third quarter, government data confirmed on Friday, weighed down by increasingly violent anti-government protests and the escalating U.S.-China trade war.
UK PM Johnson says Brexit transition period will not be extended
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain he will “absolutely guarantee” that his government will not extend the Brexit transition period before the end of year.
Lithuania pardons Russians spies, may pave way for swap with Russia and Norway
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Friday pardoned two Russian citizens sentenced for spying in a move that could pave the way for a three-way spy swap between Russia, Norway and Lithuania.
Japanese academic released after detention by China
A Japanese academic detained in Beijing since September has been released and returned to the country on Friday, in a move expected to help pave the way for a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping next year, government officials said.
