French court to investigate anti-Semitic insults during protest
(Editor’s note: paragraph 2 contains language that readers may find offensive)
U.S. envoy on Syria tells allies troop withdrawal won’t be abrupt
The United States will not make an abrupt and rapid withdrawal of its troops from Syria and will consult closely with its allies on the issue, its special envoy on Syria said on Sunday.
Timeline: The rise and fall of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
Islamic State faces the total defeat of its self-proclaimed caliphate. This timeline chronicles its lightning rise, cruel reign and stubborn fall.
Saudi, French groups sign preliminary deal for naval joint venture
State-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and France’s Naval Group signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday to form a joint venture to produce and develop naval systems.
Irish backstop can’t be changed for Brexit deal: Estonian president
There can be no changes to the Irish “backstop”, an arrangement to avoid a hard border between European Union member Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland after Brexit, Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid told Reuters.
In Iraq visit, U.S. general eyes longer-term Islamic State threat
The general overseeing U.S. forces in the Middle East flew into Iraq on Sunday for talks with U.S. and Iraqi officials expected to focus on ensuring that Islamic State cannot stage a resurgence after U.S. troops withdraw from neighboring Syria.
Iran’s Zarif says risk of war with Israel is great
Iran’s foreign minister accused Israel of looking for war and warned that its behavior and that of the United States was increasing the chances of a clash in the region.
Kashmiri Muslims evicted, threatened after deadly attack on Indian forces
India has warned against rising communal tensions across the country as Kashmiris living outside their state faced property evictions, job suspensions and attacks on social media after a suicide bomber killed 44 policemen in the region.
Iran government faces angry online backlash over activists’ abuse claims
In early January, labor activist Esmail Bakhshi posted a letter on Instagram saying he had been tortured in jail, attracting support from tens of thousands of Iranians online.
Kenya recalls its ambassador to Somalia as territorial row escalates
Kenya has recalled its ambassador to Somalia after the Mogadishu government’s decision to auction oil and gas exploration blocks at the center of a maritime territorial dispute in the Indian Ocean, the foreign ministry said.
