The Washington Post “Political chaos in Washington is a return on investment for Moscow” Russia’s “active measures” campaign ended with the election last year. But Comey’s firing on Tuesday triggered a new wave of ¬Russia-related turbulence. His removal was perceived as a blow to the independence of the bureau’s ongoing investigation of possible collusion between....
CNN “The Pope and President: Unpredictable pair finally meet” After meeting with Muslim leaders in Saudi Arabia and visiting sacred sites in Jerusalem, President Donald Trump’s tour of world religions concluded Wednesday at the Vatican, the Catholic Church’s holy headquarters. There, at the Apostolic Palace, Trump met with Pope Francis — finally. It’s a meeting....
CNN “UK responds to Merkel: ‘We will be a strong partner to Europe’” Britain reacted Monday to Angela Merkel’s assertion that Germany could no longer «completely depend» on its traditional allies by saying it would continue to seek a «deep and special partnership» with Germany and the rest of Europe after Brexit. Speaking less than....
The Guardian “Kabul: at least 80 killed by massive car bomb in diplomatic quarter” Scores of civilians have been killed after a massive explosion in a highly secure diplomatic area of Kabul left at least 80 people dead and wounded more than 360, the Afghan public health ministry has said. The attack is the deadliest....
BBC “Qatar rift: Saudi, UAE, Bahrain, Egypt cut diplomatic ties” A number of Arab countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt have cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of destabilising the region. They say Qatar backs militant groups including so-called Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda, which Qatar denies. The Saudi state news agency SPA said....
CNN “Theresa May condemns ‘sickening’ attack on Finsbury Park Muslims” A man died and 10 people were injured after a van was rammed into a crowd of worshippers near a mosque in north London, in the latest terror attack to hit the UK this year. Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as the incident unfolded just after....
BBC “Al-Qaeda frees hostage Johan Gustafsson after six years” Hostage Johan Gustafsson, held by al-Qaeda in Mali since 2011, has been freed, the Swedish government says. Mr. Gustafsson, 42, is being flown back to Sweden from Africa, Sweden’s Foreign Minister Margot Wallström said in a statement on Monday. He was seized by al-Qaeda in the....
The Guardian “Venezuela: police helicopter attacks supreme court with grenades” A police helicopter launched grenades at Venezuela’s supreme court building on Tuesday evening following months of protests against the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro. Maduro said “terrorists” had lobbed two grenades that failed to detonate. Some reports put the number of grenades higher. Local media suggested....
CNN “Germany: 18 killed in Bavaria bus crash” Eighteen people are feared dead following a bus crash in Germany on Monday, police have confirmed. German Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt told reporters that emergency services had recovered 11 bodies so far from the crash in Bavaria and the search was underway for seven other people. After....
BBC “Jordan soldier who killed US trainers jailed for life” A Jordanian soldier has been sentenced to life in prison with hard labor for killing three US military trainers last year. Marik al-Tuwayha, who pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder, attacked the men as their vehicles approached al-Jafr airbase in November. One was killed at....
CNN “Kushner confirms Russia meetings, says ‘I did not collude’” Jared Kushner, the President’s son-in-law and senior adviser, said in a statement Monday to the Senate and House intelligence committees that he had no additional contacts with individuals who were or may have been Russian government representatives, beyond those that have already been publicly disclosed.....
BBC “Russia sanctions: EU vows to retaliate over US measures” The European Union has expressed concern about US plans to impose fresh sanctions on Russia, amid concern they could hurt energy companies. The EU Commission sounded the alarm after the US House of Representatives voted in favor of the measures, despite opposition from Donald Trump.....
The Guardian “Venezuela poll: EU condemns violence as turnout figure disputed” Venezuelan electoral authorities and opponents of Nicolás Maduro’s ruling socialists have clashed over turnout figures in Sunday’s vote for an assembly to write a new constitution and give the party greater powers. The national electoral council said more than 8 million people had voted....
Bloomberg “U.S. Stocks Drift Higher, Energy Weighs on Indexes: Markets Wrap” U.S. stocks were slightly higher Monday, continuing their record run, despite a decline in energy stocks. Crude dropped as major oil producers gathered to discuss participation in output cuts. The dollar continued to climb, while the euro also rose. The greenback initially struggled to....