Pentagon chief says U.S. forces enter, leave Iraq with government permission: Iraqi PM
U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper told Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Wednesday the United States respects Iraq’s sovereignty and that U.S. forces enter and leave Iraq with Baghdad’s permission, Abdul Mahdi’s office said.
Facing protests, Lebanese leaders mull reshuffle: sources
Lebanese leaders are discussing a possible government reshuffle, sources said on Wednesday, to defuse unprecedented protests against the political elite that have paralyzed the country for a week.
London’s Lebanese sympathize with protests, struggle to send money
In common with millions of other Lebanese living abroad, London restaurateur Moufid Shamms is unable to send cash back to support his family – in his case daughters studying at school.
Thirty-nine bodies found in truck near London, driver arrested
British police found the bodies of 39 people inside a truck at an industrial estate near London on Wednesday and said they had arrested the driver on suspicion of murder.
Azeri leader dismisses head of administration in deepening shake-up
Azerbaijan’s president dismissed the influential head of his presidential administration on Wednesday, part of a reshuffle since he criticized the pace of economic reforms in the oil- and gas- producing country.
Brazil’s president sees Mercosur bloc at risk if opposition wins in Argentina
A possible victory of opposition candidate Alberto Fernández in Argentina’s presidential election on Sunday could put the Mercosur trade bloc at risk, Brazil’s right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro, said on Wednesday.
Iraq rejects long-term presence of U.S. troops withdrawing from Syria
Iraq on Wednesday rejected any long-term presence of U.S. forces that have crossed its border during a retreat from northern Syria, after visiting Defense Secretary Mark Esper initially indicated the troops would remain.
Kurdish commander says Trump promised to maintain long term support: tweet
U.S. President Donald Trump promised to maintain long-term support for Kurdish-led forces who control large swathes of northeastern Syria, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Kobani said on Wednesday.
Bolivia’s Morales calls on military to unite amid turmoil over disputed election
Bolivian President Evo Morales sought to shore up support with the country’s military on Wednesday as he faces allegations by the opposition of vote-rigging, calling on them to unite in the face of groups of people whom he said were fomenting hatred.
Trump says Turkey’s ceasefire in northern Syria now permanent, sanctions lifted
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday a ceasefire in northern Syria is now permanent and lifted sanctions on Turkey as a result, rejecting criticism of his decision to pull out U.S. troops that allowed Kurdish allies to come under attack.
