Migrant surge ‘normal’, U.S. should not reinforce border: UN official
The caravan of migrants making its way through Mexico is “kind of a normal event” and the United States ought not to reinforce its border against them, a United Nations official said on Friday.
‘Father of Taliban’ Mullah Sami ul-Haq killed in Pakistani city – deputy
Muslim cleric Sami ul-Haq, known as the “Father of the Taliban” for having taught some of the Afghan Islamist movement’s leaders, was found killed on Friday in a Pakistani city, a relative and his deputy said.
U.S. allows eight ‘jurisdictions’ to keep buying Iran oil for now
The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight jurisdictions to keep importing Iranian oil when U.S. sanctions come back into force on Monday, sparing them for now from the threat of U.S. economic penalties.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro threatens to cut diplomatic ties with Cuba
Brazilian far-right president-elect Jair Bolsonaro said there was no point maintaining diplomatic relations with Cuba because it trampled on human rights and there was no business to be done with the communist-run island.
U.S., Turkey lift sanctions in sign of easing tensions
The United States and Turkey on Friday mutually lifted sanctions on top government officials, a sign of a thaw in relations that had been chilled by Ankara’s detention of an American Christian pastor.
Putin praises skills of GRU spy agency accused of UK poison attack
President Vladimir Putin praised the skill and “unique abilities” of Russia’s military spies on Friday in a show of support for an intelligence agency that the West has blamed for a string of brazen attacks.
Iranian oil: 40 years of revolution, war, sanctions and bans
Nearly 40 years after the 1979 Islamic revolution saw the exit of Western oil companies from Iran, the Iranian oil sector faces yet another costly disruption after a series of interruptions from war, sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
Global oil supply in 2019 make it easier to cut Iran oil: U.S. official
The U.S. believes that global oil supplies will exceed demand next year making it easier for countries to cut Iranian oil imports to zero, a senior U.S. official said on Friday as Washington prepares to reimpose sanctions on Iran.
Tanzania opposition leader charged with sedition after statement on clash
A Tanzanian opposition leader was charged on Friday with sedition and inciting hatred days after he said scores died in clashes between officers and herdsmen in his western home district – a statement dismissed by authorities.
Northern Ireland’s DUP leader says hopes UK and EU close to a deal
The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Arlene Foster said she hoped the UK and the EU are close to a Brexit deal that will work for Northern Ireland.
