Reuters: Trump says he doesn't want to abandon Riyadh in crisis over journalist
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he does not want to walk away from Saudi Arabia despite concerns about a missing Saudi journalist, as pressure mounted on the kingdom to answer Turkish allegations he was killed in Istanbul.
“I do not want to do that,” Trump said in an interview on Fox Business Network when asked if the United States would walk away from its Gulf ally, reiterating his hopes that Saudi leaders were not involved in the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump’s top diplomat Mike Pompeo meanwhile said Riyadh should be given a few more days to complete a probe into the disappearance of the veteran journalist, a prominent critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
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MIDDLE EAST
Turkish investigators enter Saudi consul's Istanbul residence.
US denies giving Saudis 'benefit of doubt' over Jamal Khashoggi case. Trump denies covering for Saudis, says truth out in days.
Iran stays quiet on Khashoggi case.
U.S. reliance on sanctions 'out of control': Iran foreign minister.
US envoy says Idlib deal 'freezes' Syria conflict.
UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura to step down from post.
Iranian security staff unconscious when kidnapped to Pakistan: Guards chief.
Palestinian rocket attack on Israeli city draws Gaza air strikes. Israel answers rocket fire with airstrikes on Gaza Strip.
ASIA
Foreign soldiers wounded, civilians killed in suicide attack in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan: Taliban kills 'renowned communist' days before elections.
Taliban attacks threaten Afghan parliamentary elections.
Fresh clashes in Kashmir after four killed in gunfight.
Tensions high in Kerala as Hindu temple opens gates to women.
Report: Kim Jong Un asked Pompeo to lift sanctions on North Korea.
South Korea rejects Yemeni asylum-seekers.
Taiwan to hold mass independence rally in challenge to Beijing.
Maldives leader accepts defeat despite court challenge.
Dissident Vietnamese blogger 'Mother Mushroom' released.
AFRICA
Cameroon conflict: Hundreds killed in recent violence.
AU calls for peace talks in Comoros.
Violence, militias and corruption: Surviving in Libya's war.
Congo accuses Angola of violent expulsions, Luanda denies.
Nigeria midwife murders: Brutal IS tactics rekindle new fears.
I. Coast ruling coalition on top in local polls: election body.
Nigerian politician Ibori loses appeal against UK graft conviction.
S.African court finds white farmers guilty of murdering black teen.
EUROPE
Crimea suicide attack kills multiple people: reports. Teenager kills 19 in Crimea college shooting: Russian officials.
Theresa May: Brexit deal possible with intensive work.
Germany preparing for no deal on Brexit, says Merkel.
Suspect package sparks brief security alert near UK parliament.
Greek PM vows to 'safeguard' deal with Macedonia amid government turmoil.
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias resigns over Macedonia.
Exclusive: Russian high tech project flounders after U.S. sanctions.
AMERICAS
Trump threatens to end aid to 3 countries if citizens enter US illegally.
U.S. official charged with leaking in connection with Russia probe.
Hurricane Michael: Death toll continues to rise amid searches.
Brazil police ask state prosecutor to charge President Temer.
In Colombia, a new generation of drug traffickers means more farmers are growing coca.
Canada becomes 2nd nation to legalize recreational marijuana.
Venezuela crisis hits food markets and a morgue.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
DoD knows future terror groups will seek to copy ISIS, turn social media into a weapon.
Germany probes Islamist motive in Cologne attack.
ISIS fighting to the death in Syria, frustrating US-backed final offensive.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
US 'world's most competitive economy' according to World Economic Forum report.
Chinese search firm Baidu joins global AI ethics body.
US moves to negotiate trade deals with Japan, UK, EU.
