Reuters: Iraq deploys U.S.-trained troops to Ramadi fight for first time
Iraq has for the first time deployed soldiers trained by the U.S.-led coalition in their campaign to retake the city of Ramadi from Islamic State militants, the U.S. military said on Thursday.
The disclosure came during an unannounced visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter to Baghdad, where he met Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and underscored the need for capable Iraqi ground forces to battle back Islamic State.
"We’re making some progress. We need to make more," Carter told U.S. troops gathered at Baghdad airport.
MIDDLE EAST
Turkey to let U.S. strike Islamic State from Incirlik air base - WSJ.
Turkish army clashes with IS after soldier killed.
U.S.-trained Iraqi forces deploy near Ramadi.
Iraq launches offensive to retake Anbar from ISIL.
UN envoy voices deep concern over Syria barrel bombing.
Turkey unveils plan to build concrete wall with spy ZEPPELINS, watch towers and moats along its 560-mile border with Syria after deadly ISIS bombing in Suruc.
Yemen's Houthis 'pushed from last Aden stronghold'.
Saudi arms shipment arrives in Yemen's Aden airport: official.
Saudi king warns US of concern over Iran nuclear deal.
Iran eyes $185 billion oil and gas projects after sanctions.
Iran preparing to enter WTO, set up preferential trade with EU.
Iran executions see 'unprecedented spike' - Amnesty.
Hamas visit religious, not political - Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia says relations with Hamas have not changed after meeting.
ASIA
Afghan civilians killed in alleged cross-border Pakistani fire.
Japan finds China's expansion in East China Sea 'extremely regrettable'.
China just gave Japan an ominous warning.
China may bring in 'two-child policy' to tackle demographic timebomb.
Thai PM says Vietnam a friend, not competitor.
North Koreans ordered to start work at 5am during heatwave.
Myanmar jails 153 Chinese illegal loggers for life. Myanmar illegal logging sentencing strains relations with China.
AFRICA
Obama set to arrive in Kenya.
Roadside bomb kills 4 soldiers, injures 3 in North Sinai: Egyptian Army.
More than 50 dead in suspected Boko Haram attacks in Cameroon and Nigeria.
Death toll rises to 37 after blasts in Nigerian city of Gombe.
Nigeria's Muhammadu Buhari: US 'aiding' Boko Haram with arms ban. Nigeria president says US 'aiding and abetting' Boko Haram.
Security services just found another terrorist base in Mali.
Report: Burundi protest crackdowns too harsh.
Death toll in Nile boat collision rises to 21.
EUROPE
Berlusconi says Vladimir Putin wants him to become Russia's economy minister.
The troika returns to Athens as cowed Tsipras submits to demands.
Greece crisis: MPs pass crucial bailout reforms. Greece facing recession as bailout talks set to begin, think tank says.
Greek store closures spike as recession, austerity return.
Ukraine, rebels urged to sign deal extending arms withdrawa.
Ukraine separatists protest against OSCE mission in east.
Ukraine conflict causes spike in domestic violence.
Vladimir Putin's approval rating at record levels.
East-West divide still exists in Germany.
Protests show migrant crisis has reached Italian doorsteps.
AMERICAS
Trump threatens independent run, on sidelines of border visit.
Iran nuclear deal: Kerry to face tough questions in Senate. Republicans to Kerry: You were 'fleeced' and 'bamboozled' by Iran. Kerry: critics of Iran deal spinning 'fantasy,' urges approval.
McConnell, Boehner want Obama to hand over Iran 'side' deals. McConnell: Kerry 'fully aware' that he had to submit Iran side deals. Obama aides deny GOP accusations of secret U.N. side deals with Iran.
Iran nuclear talks: Thousands protest against lifting sanctions in Times Square.
Ashton Carter: Obama failed to anticipate Iran’s role in Yemeni rebellion.
Gun-toting citizens are stepping in to protect military recruiting locations around the country.
Dozens arrested as Bolivia miners clash with police.
Argentine Presidential candidate vows transparency on inflation data.
Study: Dramatic drop in immigration from Mexico to US.
Cuban dissidents feel sidelined as US focuses on state ties.
Former Chilean military officers charged in 1973 killing of singer Victor Jara.
Jobless claims in U.S. fall to lowest level in four decades.
Poll: Pope Francis' approval rating drops in U.S..
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Islamic State threatens to cover Paris with corpses.
Italy: Base used by U.S. military eyed for Islamic State-inspired terror attack; two arrested.
Army Chief: ISIS' rise could have been prevented in Iraq.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Japan's Nikkei to buy Financial Times for £844m.
European business reps congregate on Iran business forum.
EU opens anti-trust case against Sky and US film studios.
China no longer global growth locomotive.