VOA: At Least 16 Killed in Twin Suicide Blasts in Lebanese Capital
Lebanese officials say at least 16 people were killed in twin suicide blasts in a predominantly Shi'ite suburb in Lebanon's capital, Beirut.
Authorities say the explosions occurred minutes apart late Thursday in Burj al-Barajneh, a busy commercial and residential area in southern Beirut. At least 40 people were wounded.
The area is a stronghold of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
MIDDLE EAST
Iraqi Kurds launch offensive to retake Sinjar from ISIL. Kurds launch offensive in Iraq, Turks consider ground operation in Syria.
Help wanted: Iraqi Yazidis turn to Russia as West fails to stop Islamic State killings.
At least 100 fighters killed in Syria during storming of besieged airbase: monitor.
Russian proposal on Syria fails to gain traction.
At least four killed in southern Beirut suburb explosions. Deadly Beirut blasts hit Hezbollah stronghold.
War batters cradle of Yemen's Arab Spring uprising.
Israeli army unit storms hospital and kills Palestinian.
Israeli executives warn of industrial crisis.
ASIA
Pro-IS rally at Afghan University stirs concern.
US troops didn't have eyes on Afghan hospital before attack.
ICC cites evidence international forces abusing Afghanistan detainees.
Confusion over reports dissident Taliban commander killed.
Pakistan Army Chief: Finish the job against the Taliban.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticorruption campaign has hit Beijing — and he's not backing down.
UK: Modi arrives for business deals - and protests. Trade deals, protests mark UK visit by India's Modi.
Obama calls Myanmar president, endorses election as Suu Kyi eyes majority.
AFRICA
Egyptian President makes first visit to Sharm El Sheikh since Russian crash.
EU launches $2 billion emergency fund for Africa to combat migration. Europe fund to tackle African migration 'not enough'.
UN to vote on Burundi as violence escalates.
U.N., AU, EU raise alarm on Burundi crisis spreading.
Kenyan forces accused of smuggling racket in Somalia, army denies.
Three decades in, Sinai's peacekeepers are under pressure.
Serious El Niño impact predicted for East and southern Africa
EUROPE
Poroshenko says situation in eastern Ukraine worsening.
Europe in 'race against time' to save open borders: EU's Tusk.
Sweden imposes new refugee border controls.
Greek police tear gas anti-austerity protesters. Greece mayhem: Fierce street clashes, Molotov cocktails, rioting amid strike in Athens.
Hollande demands Germany probe BND spying on French FM Fabius.
Norway: Russians using ‘sex and vodka’ to blackmail politicians.
Putin won't attend APEC summit in Philippines — Kremlin.
FSB says Ex-Interior Ministry employee convicted as U.S. spy.
Russian sports minister: Russia won't boycott 2016 Olympics if athletics team is banned.
AMERICAS
Students across U.S. to march over debt, free public college. Protests over racial issues spread to more US campuses.
Pressure mounts on Venezuela to allow election observers.
U.S. arrests two Venezuelans who say they’re related to President Maduro. Venezuela leader condemns 'imperialist' attacks after drug arrests. Venezuelan first lady's nephews indicted in U.S. on drug case.
Brazil president surveys dam disaster site; government vows probe, audit of other dams.
Brazil vows to make BHP, Vale pay for deadly mine disaster.
Laser strikes on aircraft in the U.S. at record pace with another flurry overnight.
New York bans daily fantasy sports betting.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Coordinated European raids target ring supporting terrorist groups. 16 ISIS-linked suspects held in Europe-wide sweep: Italy officials.
House chairman: Russian plane is 'whole new chapter in terrorism'.
Islamic State video threatens attacks in Russia 'very soon': site monitoring group.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Negative interest rates the new normal next time economies slump.
US Justice Department could give firms a pass on foreign bribery if they confess.
Apple apologises after allegations of racism by Australia schoolboys.