Reuters: Russia keeps bombing despite Syria truce; Assad vows to fight on
Major powers agreed on Friday to a pause in combat in Syria, but Russia pressed on with bombing in support of its ally President Bashar al-Assad, who vowed to fight until he regained full control of the country.
Although billed as a potential breakthrough, the "cessation of hostilities" agreement does not take effect for a week, at a time when Assad's government is poised to win its biggest victory of the war with the backing of Russian air power.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria conflict: Bashar Assad vows to retake whole country. Syrian president Bashar al-Assad vows to retake whole country.
Assad 'deluded' if he thinks there is a military solution in Syria: U.S..
Syria rebels say get more missiles from Assad's enemies.
Syria rebels mull joining jihadis amid Russia-backed regime gains.
Russian, U.S. military leaders in Twitter spat over Aleppo claim.
ISIS relying on child soldiers, drugged fighters as grip on Mosul slips.
Iraq says moving troops, preparing offensive to retake Mosul.
Iraqi PM says has won back half of ISIS-held territories.
U.S. sees Saudi Arabia and UAE sending commandos to Syria.
Turkey tries father, smugglers over Syrian toddler's death.
Iran says ready to put rivalries aside with Saudi Arabia.
Scanning borders, Israel surveys new reality of tunnels and terror.
Saudi warns U.N., aid workers to leave areas near rebel bases in Yemen.
ASIA
US urges China-Taiwan talks amid uncertainty after election.
North Korea says South's pulling out of industrial zone 'declaration of war'.
North Korea seizes joint industrial complex with South. N. Korea orders military takeover of complex.
South Korea, U.S. to discuss missile defense; South cuts power to Kaesong park.
US-South Korea missile defence system 'threatens China'.
Pakistan foils plot to free Daniel Pearl's killer.
China rules out joining anti-terrorism coalitions, says helping Iraq
China's young reporters give up on journalism: 'You can't write what you want'.
Former Pakistan military leader Musharraf hospitalised with chest pain.
AFRICA
UN repatriates three Burundi officers from C. Africa over abuse claims.
Five U.N. peackeepers killed by truck bomb, mortar fire in Mali. Five UN peacekeepers among 8 troops killed in Mali attacks.
EU throws attacks-hit Tunisia 500 mn euro lifeline.
France consulting on new UN resolution on Burundi violence.
Rwanda seeks to expel Burundian refugees.
South Sudan rebel leader wants soldiers out in further hurdle to peace deal.
Thousands of Egyptian doctors protest over alleged police brutality.
People of Central African Republic pray election will bring peace at last.
Nigeria to probe generals over arms fraud.
South Africa’s Zuma faces gravest challenge yet. Zuma's state address: South Africa's president has lost his swagger.
EUROPE
After short, tense meeting, Spain's Socialist head rejects backing Rajoy.
Thousands of Iraqi refugees leave Finland voluntarily.
Russian PM warns US, Saudis against starting ‘permanent war’ with ground intervention in Syria.
EU better respect Russia's interests or do business elsewhere - Medvedev.
Medvedev lambasts 'stupid' Merkel migrant policy.
Counter-terrorism operation underway in Russia’s Dagestan.
Interpol refuses Russian request for Khodorkovsky search notice: TASS.
Turkey threatens to open the gates and send refugees to Europe.
Schengen zone: EU gives Greece deadline on borders.
EU finance ministers call for restrictions on €500 note over crime fears.
Eurozone economy grows 1.5% in 2015.
AMERICAS
U.S. northeast prepares for most severe cold snap of year.
Venezuela leader gets emergency powers, rivals vow ouster.
U.S. and Cuba to sign aviation pact on Feb. 16.
In fight over ISIS strategy, Clinton and Sanders debate last Iraq war.
House backs tighter North Korea sanctions, sends bill to Obama.
Bolivia's Morales loses ground ahead of Feb. 21 referendum: poll.
Ahead of Pope's visit, Mexico gang violence targets priests.
Millennium after split, pope and Russian church to meet in Cuba. Pope, Russian Orthodox chief say Christians being 'exterminated'.
Colombia's ELN rebels declare 72-hour lockdown.
Mexico prison riot leaves 49 dead near Monterrey.
Health minister urges Brazilians to join Zika battle.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Al Qaeda seizes more territory in southern Yemen.
Pakistan says no "organised presence" of Islamic State, despite intelligence chief's warning.
Islamic State fighters head south in Libya, threatening Sahel.
U.S. issues sanctions against three ISIS leaders.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street rallies; S&P 500 snaps five-day losing streak.
Investors have lost $1.78 trillion so far this year.
What's behind the global stock market selloff?.
Morgan Stanley to pay $3.2bn for misleading investors.
Nude painting furore: court rules Facebook can be sued in France.