World News Briefs -- February 28, 2017 (Evening Edition)



ABC News: Donald Trump set to make his 'biggest speech yet' in joint address to Congress

President Donald Trump is set to make what his team is billing as "his biggest speech yet" when he gives a joint address to Congress on Tuesday night.

Few details about the speech have been released. Trump is set to deliver it from the House chamber at 9 p.m. Eastern time.

A list of talking points about the speech was provided to ABC News by someone who received it from the White House, giving some insight into the topics he may touch on tonight.

Tax and regulatory reform, improvements to the workplace for working parents, "the disaster of Obamacare," education access, "a great rebuilding of the American military" and commitments to veterans are listed as topics that Trump is expected to discuss, noting that they are areas where the president wants to work with Congress.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russia, China block U.N. sanctions on Syria over gas attacks. Russia, China veto UN resolution on Syria sanctions.

Activists: Syrian pro-government forces near IS-held Palmyra.

Putin says Russia will not support sanctions against Syrian leadership.

Mosul caught in 'strange and terrifying' battle as Islamic State foreign soldiers fight to the end.

Iraq erecting floating bridge to connect east, west Mosul.

Largest post-coup trial opens in Turkey.

UN documents nearly 1,500 child soldiers in Yemen.

Yemen conflict: Red Cross appeals for access to key port.

One dead as clashes rock Palestinian camp in Lebanon.

Israel unprepared for tunnel threat in 2014 Gaza war: report. Watchdog: Tunnels caught Israel off-guard in 2014 Gaza war.

ASIA

U.N. says Thailand leaves legal loophole for torture, disappearances.

U.S., China discuss 'mutually beneficial' economic relationship.

North Korean diplomats in Malaysia to get Kim's brother's body. Kim Jong-nam: North Korean team seeks body as women face charges. Malaysia to charge women with airport murder of North Korean. Kim Jong Nam killing suspects to be charged with murder, minister says.

South Korea suggests North's suspension from UN over airport killing.

Afghan Taliban kill 11 police officers in Helmand province attack. 'Taliban infiltrator' aids police killing in Helmand province.

China reacts with anger, threats after South Korean missile defense decision.

China says hopes U.S. defense spending benefits global stability.

Washington, Tokyo, Seoul explore ways to restrict Pyongyang's weapons funding.

Thai army, rebel negotiators agree 'safety zone' for unrest-hit south.

Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong to be indicted on bribery charges.

AFRICA

Tunisia says six guards charged in 2015 hotel attack probe.

Sisi defends anti-IS fight after Copts flee Sinai.

Somali president declares 'national disaster' over drought.

Libya exposed as an epicentre for migrant child abuse. Refugee women and children 'beaten, raped and starved in Libyan hellholes'.

Guinea president sacks ministers following deadly protests.

Durban's Commonwealth Games in doubt, S.Africa admits.

Zimbabwe armyworm wreaks havoc.

Families of Tunisia beach attack victims to sue travel company.

No Ibrahim Prize awarded for African leadership.

EUROPE

Scottish leader says Britain's hard Brexit stance raises chance of new independence vote.

EU should pay more to return African migrants home from Libya, Malta says.

Ukraine blockade tensions rise in rebel-held east.

OSCE monitors warn risk is high for new Donbass flare-up.

Russia looks for positive signals in Trump's speech to Congress.

Putin says sure will be able to solve disputes with Belarus.

Berlin truck attack: Police raid properties linked to mosque.

Poland's top politician builds momentum against Tusk in EU.

Austria prepares tougher measures against rejected asylum seekers.

AMERICAS

Trump seeks reboot in first address to Congress. Trump to call for action on health care, maybe immigration.

Donald Trump set to make his 'biggest speech yet' in joint address to Congress.

Trump looks to refocus his presidency in address to Congress.

Colombia's FARC rebels to begin surrendering weapons.

Colombia government slams ELN rebels as they admit to Bogota bull ring bombing.

Mexico warns it will end NAFTA talks if U.S. proposes tariffs. Mexico will only stay in NAFTA if it suits it: minister.

Door knocks in the dark: The Canadian town on front line of Trump migrant crackdown.

Vancouver up in arms as Trump family launches high-rise tower.

Carnival kicks off in Brazil despite recession, security woes.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US probing whether Al-Qaeda number two killed in Syria.

Official: Yemen raid yields data on al-Qaida explosives.

Australia arrests suspect for advising 'Islamic State' on missile design. Man arrested at Young, NSW for allegedly researching missiles for Islamic State.

Islamic State claims failed suicide attack in Algeria.

IS militants in north Sinai showing their strength.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

YouTube challenges cable TV with streaming service.

Exclusive: Saudi Arabia wants oil prices to rise to around $60 in 2017 - sources.

SpaceX to fly two tourists around Moon in 2018.

Dow Jones stock index hits best winning streak in 30 years.

US not rich enough to give away money for free - Bill Gates.

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