Reuters: Iraq threatens to resume military operations against Kurds
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi forces threatened on Wednesday to resume operations to capture northern Kurdish-held territory after accusing authorities there of delaying handing over control of Iraq’s borders with Turkey, Iran and Syria.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Friday declared a pause in an offensive that began on Oct. 16 to take over areas claimed both by his government and the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Abadi ordered economic and military retaliation against the KRG after Iraqi Kurds voted for independence in September in a referendum that Baghdad declared illegal.
He said the truce was meant to allow Iraqi troops to deploy without hindrance in the disputed areas and at the international borders.
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MIDDLE EAST
Baghdad accuses Kurds of reneging on pullback deal.
Iraqi army takes control of Turkey border from Kurds: Turkish PM.
Syrian opposition rejects Russia-sponsored peace initiative.
Russian bombers hit militant targets in Syria's Deir al-Zor: agencies.
Khamenei says Iran, Russia should cooperate to isolate U.S., foster Middle East stability.
Russia's Vladimir Putin heads to Iran to talk Syria, US 'sanctions pressure'.
Yemen war: Saudi-led air strike 'kills 26 at Saada market'. Saudi-led strike kills 29 at Yemen market: rebel health office.
Yemen army reports gains on Sana’a front.
Bahrain accuses opposition leaders of spying for Qatar.
New Turkish party could cost Erdogan support, dislodge main opposition: poll.
US approves $1 bln Qatar arms deal despite Gulf crisis.
Israel marks 1995 assassination of Rabin.
ASIA
North Korean defector pushes diplomatic solution in U.S. Congress.
Tokyo beefs up security ahead of Trump’s visit.
US quietly pursuing negotiations with North Korea: report.
China, South Korea presidents to meet as missile shield row eases.
South Korean firms breath sigh of relief amid thaw in China ties.
Japan parliament re-elects Shinzo Abe as prime minister.
Australia to ban climbing on Uluru from 2019.
Olympic flame lands in South Korea for 2018 Winter Games.
AFRICA
'G5' anti-jihadist force begins operations in Sahel.
Niger defense minister asks U.S. to deploy armed drones against militants.
At least 12 killed in east Libya air strike: medical source.
Gunfire as rare protests hit streets of Eritrea's capital. Rare protests reported in Eritrea with 28 deaths.
'Islamist extremist' stabs two Tunisian policemen outside parliament.
Kenya's deputy leader takes hard line over disputed election win .
S.Sudan's Kiir in Sudan to ease 'tense' relations.
Liberia presidential vote halted by country's Supreme Court.
Mugabe calls for return of death penalty.
Russia to build nuclear power plants in Nigeria.
EUROPE
London to set Northern Ireland budget as direct rule looms.
UK Defense Secretary Michael Fallon resigns amid Westminster ‘sex pest’ scandal.
Ousted Catalan government members to appear in Madrid court.
Catalonia: Puigdemont 'will not return' to Spain for questioning.
EU silence over Catalan leader's call for action speaks volumes.
NATO chief calls on UN to uphold North Korea sanctions.
Macron anti-terror law replaces French state of emergency.
New Brexit referendum would be 'divisive and hate-filled' warns Hague.
Dollar should not dominate the world – Russian PM Medvedev.
Angela Merkel clings to top spot in Forbes 100 most powerful women list.
AMERICAS
Trump labels US justice system 'laughing stock'.
Trump calls for ending visa program after N.Y. attack, blasts Democrats.
US once again opposes UN condemnation of embargo on Cuba.
Eight people killed in New York 'act of terror' after truck drives on to bike path. New York City: 8 dead and 11 seriously injured after pickup truck plows into bicyclists. New York truck attack: Five Argentine friends killed.
Manhattan terror attack: Donald Trump blames Democrats, pushes 'merit based' immigration.
US Senator Grassley introduces bill to toughen foreign lobbying oversight after Manafort indictment.
California wildfire insurance claims top $3.3 billion.
Pablo Escobar's widow and son in Argentina money laundering probe.
Miss Peru Pageant turns into gender violence protest.
Panic hits Hollywood and media elite: Which harasser will be outed next?
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Truck attack suspect is charged with terrorism offenses.
US files terrorism charges against NYC attacker, seeks 2nd Uzbek man.
Using vehicles as weapons of terror in Europe and America.
Kurdish crisis imperils US anti-terror fight in Syria.
Pentagon’s war crimes prosecutor begins a media blackout at Guantánamo.
US effort to find those behind the Benghazi attack nets a second suspect.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
S&P 500 inches closer to record as global stocks rise.
TPP talks without U.S. near final stretch ahead of APEC.
Facebook, Twitter and Google Reps grilled by Senate about Russian propaganda.
Bitcoin blasts to new all-time high of $6,450.
