May 16, 2019 - Daily News Brief by TRT World

May 16, 2019 - Daily News Brief by TRT World

TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Wednesday, May 15:

*)US, Iran say not seeking war as tensions spike

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said his country is not seeking war with Iran, despite a Pentagon dispatch of bombers to the region.

Pompeo made his comments at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Sochi.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, meanwhile, insisted the showdown between Tehran and Washington is only a test of resolve.

*)Sudanese agree to three year transition period

Sudan’s military rulers and protest leaders agreed on a three-year transition period for transferring power to a full civilian administration.

The two sides agreed to establish a joint transitional council, cabinet and parliament.

Negotiations will continue on the exact composition of the council.

*)DHKP-C suspects arrested for attempt to target Turkish parliament

Turkish police arrested a man and woman who attempted to enter parliament and take a staff member hostage.

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said the two DHKP-C members “targeted the Turkish people's will” and “will pay the price”.

Turkey, the US and the EU have designated the far-left DHKP-C as a terror group.

*)Venezuela's court opens cases against opposition lawmakers

Venezuela's top court opened a criminal investigation against seven opposition lawmakers following a failed attempt to spark a military uprising against President Maduro.

The lawmakers are suspected of "betraying the homeland" and "instigating an insurrection," the pro-government Supreme Court said.

The action comes a week after opposition leader Juan Guaido urged soldiers to oust Maduro.

And finally,

*)Facebook restricts Live feature after New Zealand shooting

Facebook is tightening live streaming rules ahead of a meeting of world leaders on curbing online violence after the Christchurch massacre.

The company is introducing a "one-strike" policy for Facebook Live.

The policy will temporarily restrict access for people who faced disciplinary action for breaking Facebook's most serious rules anywhere on its site.

TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Wednesday, May 15:

*)US, Iran say not seeking war as tensions spike

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said his country is not seeking war with Iran, despite a Pentagon dispatch of bombers to the region.

Pompeo made his comments at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Sochi.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, meanwhile, insisted the showdown between Tehran and Washington is only a test of resolve.

*)Sudanese agree to three year transition period

Sudan’s military rulers and protest leaders agreed on a three-year transition period for transferring power to a full civilian administration.

The two sides agreed to establish a joint transitional council, cabinet and parliament.

Negotiations will continue on the exact composition of the council.

*)DHKP-C suspects arrested for attempt to target Turkish parliament

Turkish police arrested a man and woman who attempted to enter parliament and take a staff member hostage.

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said the two DHKP-C members “targeted the Turkish people's will” and “will pay the price”.

Turkey, the US and the EU have designated the far-left DHKP-C as a terror group.

*)Venezuela's court opens cases against opposition lawmakers

Venezuela's top court opened a criminal investigation against seven opposition lawmakers following a failed attempt to spark a military uprising against President Maduro.

The lawmakers are suspected of "betraying the homeland" and "instigating an insurrection," the pro-government Supreme Court said.

The action comes a week after opposition leader Juan Guaido urged soldiers to oust Maduro.

And finally,

*)Facebook restricts Live feature after New Zealand shooting

Facebook is tightening live streaming rules ahead of a meeting of world leaders on curbing online violence after the Christchurch massacre.

The company is introducing a "one-strike" policy for Facebook Live.

The policy will temporarily restrict access for people who faced disciplinary action for breaking Facebook's most serious rules anywhere on its site.

TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Wednesday, May 15:

*)US, Iran say not seeking war as tensions spike

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said his country is not seeking war with Iran, despite a Pentagon dispatch of bombers to the region.

Pompeo made his comments at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Sochi.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, meanwhile, insisted the showdown between Tehran and Washington is only a test of resolve.

*)Sudanese agree to three year transition period

Sudan’s military rulers and protest leaders agreed on a three-year transition period for transferring power to a full civilian administration.

The two sides agreed to establish a joint transitional council, cabinet and parliament.

Negotiations will continue on the exact composition of the council.

*)DHKP-C suspects arrested for attempt to target Turkish parliament

Turkish police arrested a man and woman who attempted to enter parliament and take a staff member hostage.

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said the two DHKP-C members “targeted the Turkish people's will” and “will pay the price”.

Turkey, the US and the EU have designated the far-left DHKP-C as a terror group.

*)Venezuela's court opens cases against opposition lawmakers

Venezuela's top court opened a criminal investigation against seven opposition lawmakers following a failed attempt to spark a military uprising against President Maduro.

The lawmakers are suspected of "betraying the homeland" and "instigating an insurrection," the pro-government Supreme Court said.

The action comes a week after opposition leader Juan Guaido urged soldiers to oust Maduro.

And finally,

*)Facebook restricts Live feature after New Zealand shooting

Facebook is tightening live streaming rules ahead of a meeting of world leaders on curbing online violence after the Christchurch massacre.

The company is introducing a "one-strike" policy for Facebook Live.

The policy will temporarily restrict access for people who faced disciplinary action for breaking Facebook's most serious rules anywhere on its site.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

China strikes back at the US with tariffs, and WhatsApp finds spyware.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Tuesday, May 14th.

*) Stock markets slide as China retaliates on tariffs

Global stocks fell as Trump's war on Chinese trade gave investors the jitters.

China announced it will impose higher tariffs on US goods, ignoring President Trump's threat against Chinese retaliation.

China’s extra tariffs on US products worth about $60 billion will take effect on June 1.

*) Curfew partially lifted in Sri Lanka

A nationwide night curfew has been relaxed in Sri Lanka, except in the North Western Province where violence has flared against Muslims.

Authorities imposed the curfew after the worst outbreak of communal violence since the Easter bombings.

Authorities say social media posts incited the latest flare up, with at least one Muslim man dead and dozens of shops and mosques damaged.

*) Violence flares in Sudan after transition agreement

At least six people, including an army major, were shot dead in overnight clashes in Sudan.

The violence followed negotiations between the military council and the opposition on a new power structure following the coup that ousted President Omar al Bashir.

Hours earlier, prosecutors charged Bashir with involvement in killing and incitement to kill protesters during the uprising.

US-Iran ties escalate over sanctions, tanker attacks

Ties between the US and Iran continue to deteriorate over sanctions and Trump's shredding of the nuclear pact.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told EU and NATO officials of what the White House is calling "escalating" threats from Iran.

President Trump said, quote, "It’s going to be a bad problem for Iran if something happens," end quote, after oil tankers were allegedly attacked off the coast of the UAE.

*) WhatsApp finds spyware infecting with a call alone

And finally,

Spyware crafted by a sophisticated group of hackers took advantage of a flaw in WhatsApp to remotely hijack dozens of phones.

The malware was able to penetrate phones through missed calls via the app's voice calling function without any user intervention.

The Financial Times pointed the finger at Israel's NSO Group.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World ... For more, head to TRTWorld.com.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

China strikes back at the US with tariffs, and WhatsApp finds spyware.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Tuesday, May 14th.

*) Stock markets slide as China retaliates on tariffs

Global stocks fell as Trump's war on Chinese trade gave investors the jitters.

China announced it will impose higher tariffs on US goods, ignoring President Trump's threat against Chinese retaliation.

China’s extra tariffs on US products worth about $60 billion will take effect on June 1.

*) Curfew partially lifted in Sri Lanka

A nationwide night curfew has been relaxed in Sri Lanka, except in the North Western Province where violence has flared against Muslims.

Authorities imposed the curfew after the worst outbreak of communal violence since the Easter bombings.

Authorities say social media posts incited the latest flare up, with at least one Muslim man dead and dozens of shops and mosques damaged.

*) Violence flares in Sudan after transition agreement

At least six people, including an army major, were shot dead in overnight clashes in Sudan.

The violence followed negotiations between the military council and the opposition on a new power structure following the coup that ousted President Omar al Bashir.

Hours earlier, prosecutors charged Bashir with involvement in killing and incitement to kill protesters during the uprising.

US-Iran ties escalate over sanctions, tanker attacks

Ties between the US and Iran continue to deteriorate over sanctions and Trump's shredding of the nuclear pact.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told EU and NATO officials of what the White House is calling "escalating" threats from Iran.

President Trump said, quote, "It’s going to be a bad problem for Iran if something happens," end quote, after oil tankers were allegedly attacked off the coast of the UAE.

*) WhatsApp finds spyware infecting with a call alone

And finally,

Spyware crafted by a sophisticated group of hackers took advantage of a flaw in WhatsApp to remotely hijack dozens of phones.

The malware was able to penetrate phones through missed calls via the app's voice calling function without any user intervention.

The Financial Times pointed the finger at Israel's NSO Group.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World ... For more, head to TRTWorld.com.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

China strikes back at the US with tariffs, and WhatsApp finds spyware.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Tuesday, May 14th.

*) Stock markets slide as China retaliates on tariffs

Global stocks fell as Trump's war on Chinese trade gave investors the jitters.

China announced it will impose higher tariffs on US goods, ignoring President Trump's threat against Chinese retaliation.

China’s extra tariffs on US products worth about $60 billion will take effect on June 1.

*) Curfew partially lifted in Sri Lanka

A nationwide night curfew has been relaxed in Sri Lanka, except in the North Western Province where violence has flared against Muslims.

Authorities imposed the curfew after the worst outbreak of communal violence since the Easter bombings.

Authorities say social media posts incited the latest flare up, with at least one Muslim man dead and dozens of shops and mosques damaged.

*) Violence flares in Sudan after transition agreement

At least six people, including an army major, were shot dead in overnight clashes in Sudan.

The violence followed negotiations between the military council and the opposition on a new power structure following the coup that ousted President Omar al Bashir.

Hours earlier, prosecutors charged Bashir with involvement in killing and incitement to kill protesters during the uprising.

US-Iran ties escalate over sanctions, tanker attacks

Ties between the US and Iran continue to deteriorate over sanctions and Trump's shredding of the nuclear pact.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told EU and NATO officials of what the White House is calling "escalating" threats from Iran.

President Trump said, quote, "It’s going to be a bad problem for Iran if something happens," end quote, after oil tankers were allegedly attacked off the coast of the UAE.

*) WhatsApp finds spyware infecting with a call alone

And finally,

Spyware crafted by a sophisticated group of hackers took advantage of a flaw in WhatsApp to remotely hijack dozens of phones.

The malware was able to penetrate phones through missed calls via the app's voice calling function without any user intervention.

The Financial Times pointed the finger at Israel's NSO Group.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World ... For more, head to TRTWorld.com.

The Assad regime and Russia continue assault on Syria’s northwest, and Manchester City keep Premier League title.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Monday, May 13th.

Regime forces make advances in northwest Syria

Syrian regime forces advance forward into parts of Idlib and Hama, the last areas controlled by the opposition and rebels.

As Bashar al Assad’s forces push forward on the ground, ally Russia has been pounded the region with over 200 air strikes.

The demilitarised zone has been rocked by violence since April 30, with dozens dead and 150,000 displaced.

Social media sites blocked in Sri Lanka after fresh violence

Sri Lanka has imposed a temporary and partial ban on social media, including Facebook and WhatsApp.

The platforms were suspended after rioters attacked Muslim homes and shops following a dispute which started on Facebook.

The country is still dealing with the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings which killed more than 250 people.

Attackers kill 6 people at Catholic church in Burkina Faso

Gunmen killed six people – a priest and five worshippers – in a Catholic church in Burkina Faso.

According to the mayor of Dablo, nearly 20 to 30 attackers then set fire to the church, several shops and looted a health centre.

This is the second attack on a church in two weeks.

Pompeo to discuss Iran in Brussels

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss Iran with European officials in Brussels.

The talks follow Iranian President Rouhani’s decision to partially stop complying with the 2015 nuclear accord.

Pompeo will meet Russia’s President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov in Sochi as planned but has cancelled the Moscow leg of his Russia trip.

Manchester City wins Premier League title

And finally,

Manchester City retained the Premier League trophy after beating Brighton 4-1 on the final day of the season.

The Guardiola team reached the title one point above Liverpool after an intense race as the top two finished with a record 195 points combined.

"Liverpool was exceptional. I don’t mean to rub it in, it is what it is. They didn’t deserve to lose," City captain Vincent Kompany said.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World ... For more, head to TRTWorld.com.

The Assad regime and Russia continue assault on Syria’s northwest, and Manchester City keep Premier League title.

This is TRT World’s Daily News Brief for Monday, May 13th.

Regime forces make advances in northwest Syria

Syrian regime forces advance forward into parts of Idlib and Hama, the last areas controlled by the opposition and rebels.

As Bashar al Assad’s forces push forward on the ground, ally Russia has been pounded the region with over 200 air strikes.

The demilitarised zone has been rocked by violence since April 30, with dozens dead and 150,000 displaced.

Social media sites blocked in Sri Lanka after fresh violence

Sri Lanka has imposed a temporary and partial ban on social media, including Facebook and WhatsApp.

The platforms were suspended after rioters attacked Muslim homes and shops following a dispute which started on Facebook.

The country is still dealing with the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings which killed more than 250 people.

Attackers kill 6 people at Catholic church in Burkina Faso

Gunmen killed six people – a priest and five worshippers – in a Catholic church in Burkina Faso.

According to the mayor of Dablo, nearly 20 to 30 attackers then set fire to the church, several shops and looted a health centre.

This is the second attack on a church in two weeks.

Pompeo to discuss Iran in Brussels

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will discuss Iran with European officials in Brussels.

The talks follow Iranian President Rouhani’s decision to partially stop complying with the 2015 nuclear accord.

Pompeo will meet Russia’s President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov in Sochi as planned but has cancelled the Moscow leg of his Russia trip.

Manchester City wins Premier League title

And finally,

Manchester City retained the Premier League trophy after beating Brighton 4-1 on the final day of the season.

The Guardiola team reached the title one point above Liverpool after an intense race as the top two finished with a record 195 points combined.

"Liverpool was exceptional. I don’t mean to rub it in, it is what it is. They didn’t deserve to lose," City captain Vincent Kompany said.

And that’s your daily news brief from TRT World ... For more, head to TRTWorld.com.