Friday, April 21, 2017

World News Briefs -- April 21, 2017 (Evening Edition)



ABC News: Paris attack puts security at the top of the agenda two days before French election

Thursday’s shooting on the Champs-Elysees boulevard in Paris has pushed security to the top of the political agenda and added more unpredictability to a close presidential race two days before French voters head to the polls.

The attack, which killed one police officer, could influence voters who will cast their ballots Sunday, analysts say.

“It seems inevitable that this attack will have some impact on Sunday’s vote,” Jim Shields, professor of French politics at Aston University in Birmingham, England, told ABC News. “We have had terrorist attacks during other election campaigns but never this close to polling day.”

Four candidates lead the race, which is still too tight to call – so even a small effect on the first round of voting Sunday could make a big difference, he said.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Israel targets Syria positions after Golan mortar fire.

Syria evacuees on move again after 48-hour delay. Evacuations from besieged Syrian towns end after two-day halt.

'Assad blames ex Al-Qaeda affiliate for bombing evacuees'.

Assad still possesses chemical weapons: James Mattis. Mattis: 'No doubt' Syrian regime has chemical weapons.

Trump raps Iran as violating 'spirit' of nuclear deal.

Iran FM mocks US claims it is violating nuclear deal.

Ahmadinejad barred from re-running for Iran presidency. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad 'disqualified' from Iran elections. Iran bars Ahmadinejad from re-running for president.

Qatari hunters kidnapped in Iraq freed after 16 months.

Kuwaiti opposition leader freed from prison.

Turkish opposition appeals referendum on Erdogan powers.

ASIA

Pence in Australia to make Trump phone blow-up 'ancient history'.

Vietnam punishes officials over Formosa incident.

Taliban kill 'more than 50' Afghan troops in army base attack. Taliban kill dozens at army HQ in northern Afghanistan.

Hundreds of Baloch rebels surrender to Pakistan govt.

Nervous about China, Southeast Asia gets Trump's attention with Pence in Indonesia.

Russian navy visits Philippines as Duterte tightens ties with US foes.

Philippine fishermen accuse China of firing on vessel.

Pakistan court extends PM Nawaz Sharif corruption probe.

Indonesia military threatens news site after coup story.

MH370: New analysis reiterates plane's likely location.

China launches its first unmanned cargo spacecraft.

AFRICA

Tunisia beach massacre case set for April 28: court.

Kenyan forces say 52 al Shabaab fighters killed in Somalia.

Boko Haram kills eight Nigerian soldiers, loots army base.

Egyptian Army accused of extrajudicial killings in leaked video. Egyptian soldiers accused of killing unarmed Sinai men in leaked video.

South Sudan fighting forces 100,000 to flee, says U.N.

US rejects Italy's request to help stabilize Libya. Donald Trump remarks raise fears of US disengagement in Libya.

Fewer migrants are crossing Niger for Libya: IOM.

Twenty killed in school minibus crash in South Africa.

EUROPE

Ukraine makes two high-profile detentions in corruption case.

Police seek possible accomplices of Paris gunman.

Prosecutors open terror investigation into Paris attack.

Paris shooting: France enlists elite soldiers to guard election booths in wake of fatal attack on police. French police tighten election security after Paris shooting.

French candidates halt campaigns; Le Pen calls for border controls.

EU has no 'Plan B' if French voters deliver upset.

British PM May says June election result 'not certain'.

Gunman attacks regional Russian security service office, kills two: FSB.

Trump, Italy's Gentiloni talk trade, security matters.

German soccer bomb suspect wanted to profit on stocks: prosecutor.

AMERICAS

Trump says he plans tax reform announcement on Wednesday.

U.N. chief, Trump meet at White House amid U.S. funding cut threat.

Exclusive: U.S. offers to fund Mexico heroin fight as 2016 output jumps - U.S. official.

Trump says media won't give him credit for his accomplishments.

Reports: US preparing charges against Assange, WikiLeaks. Arresting Julian Assange is a priority, says US attorney general Jeff Sessions.

Death toll in Venezuelan protests reaches nine.

Venezuela opposition plans silent procession, road sit-ins.

Venezuela's Maduro blames mobile firm over protests.

Retired military leaders urge Trump to engage with Cuba.

Toronto to impose 15% tax on foreign home buyers to regulate housing costs.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. forces kill Islamic State militant linked to Turkey nightclub attack.

Over 30,000 militants from 100 countries join ISIS, Al Qaeda.

Trump administration may change rules that allow terror victims to immigrate to U.S..

Orphaned baby of Islamic State's caliphate trapped in prison.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street dips before French election, but up for week.

US judge orders VW to pay $2.8 bln criminal penalty.

Trump launches investigation into steel dumping.

Global finance leaders find a more temperate Trump in Washington.

As Mideast looks past oil, spotlight shines on entrepreneurs.

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