World News Briefs -- July 11, 2018 (Evening Edition)



Reuters: Trump calls Germany 'captive' of Russia; demands higher defense spending

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump accused Germany on Wednesday of being a “captive” of Russia due to its energy reliance, before a NATO summit where he pressed allies to more than double defense spending.

Having lambasted NATO members for failing to reach a target of spending 2 percent of national income on defense, Trump told fellow leaders in Brussels he would prefer a goal of 4 percent, similar to U.S. levels, officials said.

That would represent a massive upheaval of budgetary priorities in Europe where Germany and many others have pledged only to reach 2 percent by 2024 or later, and it was not clear what allies would spend the money on.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iran Supreme Leader's aide hails 'strategic' ties with Russia before Putin talks.

Israel to Russia: Assad's safe from us, but Iran must quit Syria.

Syria war: Government attacks IS enclave in south-west.

Rebels in besieged Deraa set to hold talks with Russian army.

Fears for many as most of Deraa under regime control.

US has no clear strategy for Syria — Russian defense minister.

Israel Patriot missile intercepts drone from Syria: army. Israeli military fires Patriot missile at unidentified drone from Syria - IDF.

Saudi Arabia to offset loss of Iranian oil, U.S. says.

China pledges US$23 billion in loans and aid to Arab states as it boosts ties in Middle East.

ASIA

NATO leaders urge continuation of 'decisive pressure' on North Korea.

Gunmen storm Afghan education department. Afghanistan: Gunmen attack Jalalabad education building.

Myanmar opens peace conference with ethnic rebels.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un heads back to China border on economy-first mission.

North Korea's Ri Su Yong visits Moscow.

Japan seeks tougher North Korea nuclear inspections.

Japan's PM Abe visits flood-hit areas as death toll hits 176.

Typhoon Maria wreaks havoc along China's east coast.

Thai cave rescue: Video shows Wild Boars players chatting, making victory signs.

Thai Navy SEALs barely escaped after pump failure in cave rescue.

AFRICA

Congo accuses Uganda of killing 12 fishermen in border dispute.

South Sudan atrocities may constitute war crimes, UN says. U.N.: South Sudan government forces committing war crimes.

UN to take up S.Sudan arms embargo.

Libya lifts force majeure on oil export terminals. Libya's NOC to resume oil exports from eastern terminals.

Suspected cattle thieves 'kill 26' in NW Nigeria.

U.N. hails renewed ties between Eritrea and Ethiopia, no word on sanctions.

Uganda to 'review' social media tax after outcry:PM.

Zimbabwe opposition takes to streets in vote-rigging warning.

EUROPE

England 1-2 Croatia: Three Lions are out of the World Cup in heartbreaking semi-final after Kieran Trippier's fifth minute goal had millions daring to dream, only to have hopes dashed in extra time.

U.S. warns of sanctions risk for firms invested in Russian pipeline.

Trump asks NATO nations to DOUBLE their defense spending to 4 percent after lambasting them for failing to live up to a 2024 goal of 2 percent GDP.

Trump and Merkel clash at fraught NATO summit.

Europeans brace for worst from Trump at stormy Nato summit

Donald Trump says he expects to find UK in 'turmoil' during visit.

American elites inflaming tensions between Moscow, Washington, says Russian defense chief.

Russian poison victim no longer critical, speaking with police.

Greece to expel two Russian diplomats, ban two others - newspaper. Greece 'orders expulsion of two Russian diplomats'.

Russia to take tit-for-tat measures in response to expulsion of diplomats from Greece.

France’s Macron will meet Putin at time of World Cup final - French official.

UK plans maximum fine for Facebook over data breach.

AMERICAS

'What good is NATO?' tweets a furious Trump, as he resumes attack on Russia-Germany pipeline and demands nations meet burden-sharing commitment 'immediately'.

Schumer 'afraid' of what Trump will agree to in Putin meeting.

Trudeau and Trump set for face-to-face rematch following G7 clash.

US cannot reunite dozens of child migrants with their parents.

California stands to suffer if US-China trade war worsens.

Haiti protesters call for President Moise to step down.

US Embassy in Haiti requests more Marines, security personnel amid violence.

Mexico: 40% of country is paralyzed by violence, says new chief of staff.

Mexico's incoming president to meet with Trump son-in-law.

U.N. chief concerned about intensifying violence in Nicaragua.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Air strikes, clashes hit IS pocket in south Syria: monitor.

Spy chiefs from Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan hold high-level meeting on how to fight against ISIS in Afghanistan.

US to cut military aid for Africa’s fight against terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street snaps four-day rally; latest trade threat weighs.

OPEC warns of trade war 'risks' for oil market.

US fires next shot in China trade war.

China says it will hit back at US for ‘completely unacceptable’ tariffs.

21st Century Fox bid for broadcaster Sky surpasses $32B.

Subscribe to receive free email updates: