Reuters: Venezuela's Maduro starts new term as U.S. decries him as 'usurper'
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro started a second term on Thursday, defying critics in the United States and Latin America who called him an illegitimate usurper of a nation where economic chaos has wrought a humanitarian crisis.
The country’s pro-government Supreme Court, which has largely supplanted the opposition-run Congress, swore him in following a welcome with a symphony orchestra and cheering supporters waving miniature yellow, blue and red Venezuelan flags.
The ceremony contrasted with the harsh realities that face the former bus driver turned socialist leader, including hyperinflation, severe food and medicine shortages and an exodus of millions of citizens.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Turkey says it will launch Syria offensive if US delays pullout. Turkey says will launch Syria offensive if US delays pullout.
US to expel every last Iranian boot from Syria - Pompeo.
US to pull forces from Syria, continue fight against ISIL: Pompeo.
Trump is willing to take military action in Syria again if needed — Pompeo.
Turkey adamant on tough stance on Syrian Kurdish fighters as Russia begins joint patrols near Manbij.
Iraq deploys special forces in Kirkuk amid Kurdish flag dispute.
Yemen soldiers killed in Houthi drone attack on base.
Iran's Zarif on Pompeo: U.S. brings chaos where it interferes.
Hamas leader's Jan. 15 trip to Moscow canceled.
ASIA
Taliban kills dozens of Afghan forces as peace efforts continue. Taliban kill more than 30 members of Afghan security forces and militias.
China backs second Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un summit. In talks with Kim, China's Xi backs second North Korea-US summit.
Aid groups hopeful US will ease N.Korea restrictions.
Moon expects concrete outcome at North Korea-US summit.
South Korea's Moon says Trump-Kim summit will take place soon.
Anger at arrests in Malaysia for alleged royal insults.
Japan's Abe to meet UK PM May as Brexit crunch approaches.
Philippine president renews attack on Catholic church.
AFRICA
Libya's militias should not run prisons: UN chief.
Nigeria's Buhari says confident of re-election victory.
US wants 'clarification' on DR Congo vote results, urges calm.
Opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi wins DR Congo presidency, says commission.
DR Congo presidential election: Church questions results.
Deadly militia attacks in C.Africa ahead of president's visit.
Pompeo travels to Egypt to talk future of Syria, Iran aggression and IS.
Three killed during rival rallies in Sudan. Sudan unrest: Protesters killed in Omdurman amid rival rallies.
550 million barrels of oil discovered off Ghana coast.
Mauritania President Ould Abdel Aziz marches to fight hate speech.
Outrage over apparent 'segregation' in South Africa school.
EUROPE
Brexit sparks showdown between UK Parliament and government.
Macedonian PM struggles to secure majority for name change.
UK government accepts plan-B demand if May's deal is rejected.
Norway's Defence Minister warns war in Europe 'no longer unthinkable'.
Viktor Orbán calls for anti-migration politicians to take over EU.
Russia shifts $100bn of its reserves into yuan, yen & euro in a great dollar dump.
German airport strike grounds jets.
Yellow vests knock out 60% of all speed cameras in France.
Four men go on trial for giant gold coin heist from Berlin museum.
AMERICAS
The 'doomsday' scenario: Here's what happens if the U.S. government shutdown drags on.
Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen to testify before Congress in February. Trump's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen will testify publicly to House Oversight Committee before entering prison.
Trump eyes emergency powers to pay for border wall, end shutdown.
FBI says operations threatened by US govt shutdown.
Venezuela President Maduro sworn in for second term. Venezuela: Maduro begins second term amid increasing isolation.
Paraguay cuts diplomatic ties with Venezuela after Maduro sworn in.
Mexico: 21 bodies found: 21 bodies found in apparent clash between drug gangs.
Widespread flooding as storm hits northern Argentina.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Syrian Kurds say American teen among 8 captured foreign ISIS fighters.
Syria war: On the frontline with US troops fighting IS.
Ceasefire deal sees jihadists take over Syria's Idlib.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Stocks rise for fifth straight day as the Fed supports.
Trade war: China says US talks 'laid ground' to resolve dispute. Trump says U.S. is having tremendous success with China on trade.
Ford to cut thousands of jobs in turnaround plan.
Airbus loses to Boeing in annual jet order race.