Reuters: Scant hope of Syria peace breakthrough as Russia pounds rebels
Major powers meeting in Germany on Thursday aim to revive Syria peace efforts, but with Russia backing a government push for a military victory, opposition delegates and Western officials see little hope of a diplomatic breakthrough.
United Nations Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura halted the first attempt to negotiate an end to Syria's war in two years after an unprecedented offensive by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against Western-backed rebels supported by Russian air strikes.
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MIDDLE EAST
Fighting kills at least 500 in Aleppo province since Syrian army offensive began - monitor.
Syrian rebels demand U.S. action ahead of peace talks. Syrian opposition says Russian strikes must end for peace talks.
Madaya again facing starvation as report warns of extent of sieges.
Syria invasion plan? Turkey will defend its ‘Aleppo brothers,’ says PM Davutoglu.
Turkey's Erdogan denounces US support for Syrian Kurds. Turkey's Erdogan chastises U.S. over support for Syrian Kurds.
Turkey detains 34 people with explosives, suicide vests at Syrian border: media.
Iraq army enters last ISIL stronghold in Ramadi.
Israeli troops kill stone-throwing Palestinian youth in West Bank.
Israel court extends ex-PM Ehud Olmert's jail term by a month.
ASIA
North Korea satellite in stable orbit but not seen transmitting: U.S. sources.
South Korea to suspend joint-run Kaesong industrial complex. South Korea halts joint venture after North's tests.
US responses to NKorea nuke, missile tests will upset China.
US intel: China to keep building on artificial islands.
Exclusive: U.S. & India consider joint patrols in South China Sea - U.S. official.
Afghan police officer killed after firing on coalition troops.
Afghanistan's Abdullah Abdullah optimistic about the peace process.
AFRICA
RAF flying Libyan missions in preparation for helping unity government.
Libya must lead anti-Islamic State effort: Egypt's foreign minister.
UN begs for cash as thousands starve in war-torn South Sudan.
Somali militants planning attacks disguised as peacekeepers: AU force.
Mali: landmine 'kills 3 soldiers' in central Mopti.
At least six killed at Cameroon funeral by two suicide attackers.
New questions for African force in Somalia.
EUROPE
NATO to agree new Russian deterrent but avoid Cold War footing.
Russian Foreign Ministry to study query on annulling 1921 treaty of friendship with Turkey.
Russia to present revised claim of Arctic territory to the United Nations.
Kremlin critic Mikhail Kasyanov says life threatened in Moscow incident.
IMF warns Ukraine it will halt $40bn bailout unless corruption stops.
French MPs to vote on controversial changes to constitution.
EU warns Italy unready for new migrant wave.
AMERICAS
Trump and his rivals head to South Carolina. After New Hampshire loss, Hillary Clinton says she'll fight for every vote in every state.
US Budget breakdown: What the White House wants to spend money on.
Colombia, U.S. continue war on drugs amid shifting battlefield.
Venezuela cannot deal with onslaught of Zika because medicine shortages.
UN: Number of Haitians needing food aid spikes amid drought.
Mexico students: Report disputes official version of events.
In Central America, gangs an obstacle in battle against Zika.
Hawaii's Big Island declares emergency over dengue fever infections.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Islamic State is the 'preeminent global threat,' U.S. intelligence director says.
Senior Taliban leader dies of cancer.
Poll: Terrorism fading as most important issue for US voters.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Fed's Yellen cites global risks but says U.S. should motor through.
Legal breakthrough for Google's self-driving car.
Iran set to negotiate on oil market with Saudi Arabia.
OPEC overproduction ‘politically motivated’ – Iran’s Oil Minister.