Reuters: Russian truce plan fails to halt bombing of Syria's Ghouta
BEIRUT/GENEVA (Reuters) - A Russian call for a five-hour truce on Tuesday failed to halt one of the most devastating campaigns of the Syrian war, where residents said government warplanes resumed striking the eastern Ghouta region after a brief lull.
Diplomatic sources meanwhile said the chemical weapons watchdog, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, opened an investigation into attacks in eastern Ghouta to determine whether banned munitions were used.
Political leaders in France, the United States and Britain said this month they would back targeted military action against Damascus if there were proof chemical weapons had been used by forces under President Bashar al-Assad, Russia’s ally.
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MIDDLE EAST
US general: Russia is both ‘arsonist and fireman’ in Syria.
Fighting resumes in eastern Ghouta despite 'humanitarian pause'. Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.
White House: Trump already put Assad 'on notice'.
Iraq seeks to lure investors to boost oil, gas output.
PLO: 3000 policemen dispatch to take control of Gaza.
Yemen's cholera epidemic likely to intensify: WHO.
Saudi king reshuffles military leaders, appoints female deputy minister.
Lebanon's Saad Hariri accepts invitation to visit Saudi Arabia.
Israel suspends plan to tax Jerusalem church properties. Church of the Holy Sepulchre to reopen after tax spat.
ASIA
Maldives urged to free detainees held in state of emergency.
US cuts aid to Cambodia, citing ‘anti-democratic’ actions.
Kim Jong Un, late father Kim Jong Il used fake Brazilian passports to apply for visas, report says.
Trump: Russia helps North Korea evade sanctions.
Trump sees talks with North Korea only under 'right conditions'.
White House: US-South Korean relations 'as strong as ever'.
North Korean officials return home after agreeing to continue improving ties with South Korea.
Kim Jong Un's murdered half-brother was scared for his life for months before being assassinated.
South Korean prosecutors demand 30 years in prison for Park Geun-hye.
Taiwanese military veterans protest pension cuts.
Pakistan turns to Russia in managing relations with the U.S..
Philippines pesos to US dollar exchange at 11-year lows.
Papua New Guinea earthquake: At least 14 killed amid landslides.
AFRICA
Sudan releases dozens arrested over bread protests.
Somalia sees enemy al-Shabab weaken under U.S. military pressure.
Nigeria: 1,130 hostages freed from Boko Haram.
Two Nigerian soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack.
South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa purges Jacob Zuma allies in sweeping Cabinet reshuffle.
Trial suspended for masterminds of Burkina Faso coup attempt.
Ghana's UN peacekeepers recalled in South Sudan over sex claims.
Egyptian president sidelines opponents, fuels election boycott despite expected cakewalk.
Khalifa Haftar, the general who wants to rule Libya.
Amid South Sudan's war, a Miss World pageant carries on.
EUROPE
Siberian snap claims lives in Europe, but also brings beauty.
Macedonia mulls four name changes to resolve dispute with Greece. Protesters in Macedonia decry proposed name compromise.
Czech court releases Syrian Kurdish leader wanted on Turkish warrant.
Turkey condemns Czech release of Syrian Kurd leader.
Ukraine police say they've rearrested cybercrime ringleader.
Greek ministerial couple step down after housing subsidy scandal.
President Igor Dodon: Moldova needs a 'patriot' like Putin.
Chancellor Merkel enters 'Germans only' food bank furore.
Diesel ban approved for German cities to cut pollution.
Macron's state visit to US set for April 23-25.
AMERICAS
Trump close adviser Kushner loses access to coveted intelligence briefing: sources.
NSA chief: Trump 'has not ordered disruption of Russia election meddling'.
Russian Embassy in DC now located on Nemtsov Plaza.
Anti-Semitic incidents surge in US: report.
U.S. top court to mull rules on what voters can wear to polls.
Hope Hicks declines to answer some questions in Russia probe.
Hearing canceled for accused Florida school shooter: attorney.
Colombian rebels attack army caravan, killing 5.
'Migrate or die': Venezuelans are flooding into Colombia — despite a crackdown by the government and backlash from the public.
Brazil military's growing role in crime crackdown fuels fears among poor.
El Salvador's military refuses to open archives for missing kids.
Mexico police officers sought over three missing Italians.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US says 2 extremists killed in latest Somalia airstrike.
Afghan Taliban calls for direct talks with the US.
Tuareg militias battle Islamic State-loyal militants in northern Mali.
Now that the Islamic State has fallen in Iraq and Syria, where are all its fighters going?
Spike in African terrorism highlights the importance of Jihadist innovation.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street sinks as Powell's comments fuel rate worries.
OPEC chief expects 2018 oil market balance.
Fed Chair: US outlook strong, gradual rate hikes expected.
Rupert Murdoch's Sky bid challenged by Comcast.