BBC: Syria conflict: Trump slows down troop withdrawal
US President Donald Trump has now said the abrupt withdrawal of US troops from Syria he announced earlier this month will be carried out "slowly".
"We're slowly sending our troops back home to be with their families, while at the same time fighting Isis [Islamic State] remnants," he tweeted on Monday.
His clarification confirmed remarks by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.
When Mr Trump first announced the move, he had said: "They're all coming back and they're coming back now."
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MIDDLE EAST
2018 death toll Syria war's lowest at under 20,000: monitor.
With U.S. departure, Syria's Manbij braces for upheaval.
Iraqi warplanes strike Islamic State leaders in Syria - military.
Iraq hints at bigger role in Syria after U.S. withdrawal.
Houthi shelling in Hodeidah reported after handover accord.
Corruption robs Yemenis of food as country nears famine.
Mass grave discovered in Iraq's northern Kirkuk province.
Saddam Hussein's daughter publishes last message before his death.
Palestinian superbug epidemic could spread, say doctors.
ASIA
Taliban holds talks in Tehran on ending Afghan war.
Kim Jong-un writes to S.Korean and U.S. leaders.
S. Korean presidential top secretary refutes civilian surveillance claim.
Hasina wins Bangladesh elections as opposition rejects polls.
China's President Xi Jinping pledges to continue reforms and open markets in 2019 New Year speech.
China says it is 'ready to work with US'.
Vietnam seeks to curb Beijing's South China Sea actions: report.
AFRICA
Burkina Faso: Islamist attacks prompt state of emergency. Burkina Faso declares emergency in violence-hit provinces.
Sudan riot police stop march on presidential palace.
10 troops killed in Niger border clash with 'bandits'.
DRC vote: Opposition says ruling party win would be 'provocation'.
DR Congo election: Internet shut down after presidential vote.
Zambia's president fires army chiefs.
Alleged CAR militia leader Ngaissona to be transferred to ICC.
Fears of Zimbabwe health crisis as row over doctors' pay continues.
EUROPE
Vladimir Putin sends Donald Trump New Year 'greeting message', says Kremlin is 'open to dialogue'.
Russia detains US citizen suspected of spying.
Four dead and 40 missing after Russian tower block collapse.
Brexit: US ambassador to UK Johnson warns on trade deal. US Ambassador: Major trade deal with UK may not be possible.
In France, protests planned amid New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Angela Merkel: Germany to take on greater global responsibility.
UK and France to step up patrols as boat with 12 Iranians lands in Kent.
AMERICAS
House Democrats ready bills to reopen government with $1.3 billion for border.
Trump insists an ‘all concrete Wall’ was never abandoned.
Poll: 8-in-10 call illegal immigration a ‘problem,’ 58% say ‘serious’.
Trump's approval holding steady in poll, despite shutdown drama.
Warren announces White House bid, getting early jump on 2020 race.
Populist leaders to attend Jair Bolsonaro's inauguration in Brazil.
Colombia probes alleged plot to assassinate President Iván Duque.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US acknowledges additional civilian deaths in fight against ISIS.
Iraq sentenced 616 foreigners for IS links in 2018.
Egypt police 'kill 40 militants' in raids after tourist bus blast.
Russia brings back children of IS fighters from Iraq.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Global markets in worst year since 2008.
Canada, Japan, Mexico, others ratify successor to failed TPP.
Revised U.S.-S. Korea free trade deal takes effect.
Cyber-attack disrupts distribution of multiple US newspapers.