World
Anti-govt protests gain momentum in Lebanon, enter 4th day
Beirut, Oct 20 (AP/UNB) — Tens of thousands of Lebanese protesters of all ages gathered Sunday in major cities and towns nationwide demanding an end to corruption and the rule of the country's political elite. Each hour brought hundreds more people to the streets for the largest anti-government protests yet in four days of demonstrations.
US defense chief in Afghanistan for firsthand look at war
Kabul, Oct 20 (AP/UNB) — Mark Esper sought a firsthand assessment Sunday of the U.S. military's future role in America's longest war as he made his initial visit to Afghanistan as Pentagon chief. Stalled peace talks with the Taliban and unrelenting attacks by the insurgent group and Islamic State militants have complicated the Trump administration's pledge to withdraw more than 5,000 American troops.
Kurds evacuate Syrian town in 1st pullout of cease-fire
Akcakale, Oct 20 (AP/UNB) — Dozens of vehicles rolled out of a besieged Syrian border town, evacuating Kurdish fighters and civilians and opening the way for Turkish-backed forces to take over in the first pullback under a three-day-old U.S.-brokered cease-fire.
Bolivians pick between Evo Morales and change in tight vote
La Paz, Oct 20 (AP/UNB) — South America's longest-serving leader was seeking an unprecedented fourth term in Bolivian elections on Sunday, but polls suggested Evo Morales is in the tightest race of his career.
Pelosi in Jordan for 'vital discussions' amid Syria crisis
Amman, Oct 20 (AP/UNB) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi led a group of American lawmakers on a surprise visit to Jordan to discuss "the deepening crisis" in Syria amid a shaky U.S.-brokered cease-fire.
Sri Lanka presidential hopeful vows probe into Easter blasts
Colombo, Oct 20 (AP/UNB) — A former Sri Lankan defense chief who is a front-runner in next month's presidential election said he'll order a fresh probe into the Easter Sunday blasts that killed 263 people by appointing a presidential commission if he wins.
Pentagon chief says US troops leaving Syria for western Iraq
Kabul, Oct 20 (AP/UNB) — U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper says that under current plans all U.S. troops leaving Syria will go to western Iraq and the American military will continue to conduct operations against the Islamic State group to prevent its resurgence.
Impact of trade frictions raises concerns for global health
Las Vegas, Oct. 20 (Xinhua/UNB) -- As over 17,000 attendees gathered here on Friday at an annual global exhibition on health ingredients, they were faced with the burning question of how the U.S.-initiated trade frictions with China is affecting their business.
Egypt hosts meeting of Libyan lawmakers to unite settlement efforts
Cairo, Oct. 20 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Egypt hosted on Saturday a meeting of members of the Libyan parliament to unite their visions and efforts for the settlement of war-torn Libya's crisis, official MENA news agency reported.
Massive protests continue across Lebanon for major changes
Beirut, Oct. 20 (Xinhua/UNB) -- Nationwide demonstrations continued in Lebanon for the third consecutive day calling for major changes in the country's political system, Al Jadeed local TV channel reported.