CNN: Obama administration prepares sanctions, retaliation for Russian election meddling
(CNN)The Obama administration is preparing to announce, as soon as Thursday, a series of retaliation measures against Russia for meddling in the US election, according to American officials briefed on the plans.
The actions are expected to include expanded sanctions and diplomatic measures, the officials said, in what the administration deems a proportional response to a Russian operation that went beyond cyber hacking activities common among nations.
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MIDDLE EAST
In parting shot, Kerry tears into Israel over settlements. Kerry warns Israel settlements threaten democracy.
Netanyahu slams Kerry speech as biased against Israel.
Kremlin says cannot confirm reported Russo-Turkish Syria ceasefire proposal.
Turkey and Russia 'agree terms of Syria ceasefire'. Turkey and Russia 'agree' on nationwide Syria ceasefire. Turkey, Russia reach agreement on Syria ceasefire proposal.
Russia, Turkey: US supporting Syria 'terrorist' groups.
Russia, Turkey, Iran eye dicing Syria into zones of influence.
Syrian Kurds, allies set to approve new government blueprint.
US denies Erdogan accusations of 'supporting IS'.
Oman joins Saudi-led Islamic alliance: Gulf sources.
Lebanese parliament approves unity government.
Jerusalem postpones settlement building permit vote.
Dem lawmaker: Israel's accusations start of 'war on the American government'.
Palestinians can talk peace if settlements halt: Abbas.
ASIA
China police kill four over Xinjiang attack: state media.
Japan PM Shinzo Abe offers Pearl Harbor condolences. Japanese relieved Abe offers no Pearl Harbor apology.
Taiwan warns of growing threats from China.
Quoting Mao, China says Taiwan, HK independence supporters will fail 'like flies'.
Afghan lawmaker injured in Kabul bomb attack.
North Korea 'racing ahead' on nuclear plan, defector says.
Netanyahu 'told New Zealand backing UN vote would be declaration of war'.
Manila residents speak out about Duterte's war on drugs.
Japan hit by magnitude-5.9 earthquake, no tsunami warning: USGS.
AFRICA
Congo opposition leader sentenced to five years in prison.
Sudan lawmakers vote to bring back PM post.
Fleeing war, South Sudanese create booming camps in Uganda.
Egypt supports sovereignty of Libya, unity of its territories: Al-Sisi.
Violence in Democratic Republic of Congo leaves dozens dead.
Dozens of Boko Haram fighters surrender in southern Niger.
Lack of equipment means some Dutch soldiers can’t patrol in Mali.
New Somali parliament takes office amid high hopes, charges of graft.
Nigeria's Sultan of Sokoto rejects gender equality bill.
EUROPE
Islamic State supporters call for more holiday attacks in Europe.
Alleged accomplice to suspected Christmas market attack arrested in Berlin. Prosecutors: A 40-year-old Tunisian man detained in connection with Berlin truck attack.
Report: Berlin attack suspect better connected to extremists than thought.
Russia recovers second black box from Black Sea plane crash. 2nd black box from crashed Tu-154 recovered from seabed – Russian MoD. Russia plane crash: Flight recorder 'reveals faulty wing flaps to blame'.
Clash over new cabinet sends Romania spiraling into crisis.
Czech Republic to fight 'fake news' with specialist unit.
Russia anti-doping chief admits to systematic doping of athletes.
Greece vows to improve conditions in overcrowded migrant camps.
AMERICAS
U.S. set to announce response to Russian election hacking: sources.
Trump accuses Obama of 'inflammatory' roadblocks.
Obama administration is close to announcing measures to punish Russia for election interference.
Argentina ex-leader Cristina Fernandez charged in corruption case.
Venezuela to cut daily crude output by 95,000 barrels in OPEC accord.
Venezuela military trafficking food as country goes hungry.
Colombia kidnappings down 92% since 2000, police say.
Mexico eyes border, migration as leverage in talks with Trump.
Cuban parliament passes law to prevent Fidel Castro 'personality cult'.
Canadians ice skate on the streets as 'freezing rain' turns roads into rinks.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US official says top Islamic State commander killed in Syria.
Russia, Pakistan, China warn of increased Islamic State threat in Afghanistan.
Bangladesh arrests five suspected Islamists 'plotting New Year attack'.
Looking ahead to the war against ISIS in 2017.
Islamic State: Bedouins risking their lives fighting militants for little reward.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Largest drop in two months as Wall St. rally loses steam. US stocks retreat, banks fall in sleepy holiday trading.
Wall Street opens higher, Dow pushes for 20,000.
As populists won 2016 ballots, world’s richest made $237 billion.
FTSE 100 hits new high after Christmas break.
