Reuters: Defying warnings of new conflict, Trump to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital
WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM (Reuters) - President Donald Trump will announce on Wednesday that the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and will move its embassy there, breaking with longtime U.S. policy and potentially threatening regional stability.
Despite warnings from Western and Arab allies, Trump in a 1 p.m. (1800 GMT) White House speech will direct the State Department to begin looking for a site for an embassy in Jerusalem as part of what is expected to be a years-long process of relocating diplomatic operations from Tel Aviv.
“I think it’s long overdue. Many presidents have said they want to do something and they didn’t do it,” Trump said at a cabinet meeting ahead of his planned announcement.
Jerusalem’s status has been a stumbling block in decades of on-off Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria fully liberated from terrorists — Russia's top brass.
U.S. disputes Putin's claim that Syrian war is winding down.
Pentagon: About 2,000 US troops in Syria.
UNHCR: Widespread rape of Syrian boys and men.
Saudi air strikes on Yemen intensify, residents in capital stay indoors.
UN 'deeply concerned' about Yemen's political, humanitarian crisis.
'GULFing buddies': UAE announces new alliance with Saudi Arabia.
ASIA
Report: 49 countries have been busting sanctions on North Korea.
China calls for US restraint in Korean military drills after B-1B flyover.
How to survive nuclear strike: Chinese media advises locals on N. Korea border.
North Korean 'ghost ships' reveal desperation for food and funds.
Duterte labels Communists as terrorists, heightening tension.
6 killed in North Waziristan blast targeting army recruits.
Afghan refugees forced to take a freezing journey back from Iran.
Dozens of Japanese lawmakers visit war-linked Yasukuni Shrine.
China blasts Australia over Turnbull Government's foreign interference laws.
AFRICA
Thousands flee villages in English-speaking parts of Cameroon.
DR Congo displacement crisis 'worse than Middle East'.
Uganda begins Somalia troop withdrawal.
Nigerian migrants return from Libya with tales of horror.
Libya: Misrata marks one year since ISIL's defeat in Sirte.
After six years in jail, Gaddafi's son Saif plots return to Libya's turbulent politics.
South Africa's ANC wants to avoid split after vote: senior official.
EUROPE
Doubts grow over UK government’s preparation for Brexit.
NATO foreign ministers meet amid strained alliance ties.
Tillerson takes tough line on Russia, open to peacekeepers.
Hungary's European Parliament member Bela Kovacs charged with spying for Russia.
Czech billionaire Andrej Babis named new prime minister.
Russia Olympics ban: Kremlin 'will not bar athletes' from competing. Russian athletes free to join 2018 Olympics under neutral status — Putin. Winter Olympics doping ban met with righteous anger in Russia.
New EU-Mexico trade deal edges closer.
AMERICAS
Russia probe cost $7 million over 5 months, DOJ says.
House investigators to question Donald Trump Jr. on Russian contacts.
Another woman says Franken tried to forcibly kiss her in 2006: report. 'Enough is enough': Democratic women in Senate call on Al Franken to quit.
Honduras opposition demands full vote recount.
Brain abnormalities found in victims of US embassy attack in Cuba.
Rio de Janeiro drug lord detained in military operation.
US homeless people numbers rise for first time in seven years.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Islamist suicide plot to assassinate Prime Minister Theresa May foiled. Police arrest two men 'planning to blow up Downing Street gates and kill Theresa May'.
ISIS are planning 'spectacular attacks' from the desert despite no longer being a serious war-fighting force says senior US colonel.
Pentagon confirms deaths of top al Qaeda, Taliban leaders.
Pretrial hearing at Guantanamo focuses on tying 5 men to 9/11 attacks.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Google Amazon row leads to restricted YouTube access.
Traders on a $1 billion cryptocurrency exchange say they can't withdraw money and are left in the dark about why.
Bitcoin exchange rate soars 10.5%, breaching $13,000 mark.
Walmart plans corporate name change next year.
