The Guardian: Race to evacuate sick from besieged eastern Ghouta region of Syria
Almost 30 critical cases, including children with cancer, approved for help in area near Damascus where 400,000 people remain trapped
Medical evacuations have begun from the Syrian rebel-held enclave of eastern Ghouta to Damascus, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Syria said on Wednesday.
Almost 400,000 people in eastern Ghouta are besieged by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, and the United Nations has pleaded for his government to allow evacuation of about 500 patients, including children with cancer.
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MIDDLE EAST
Syria allows some patients to leave besieged area. Syria: Evacuation of critically ill from Eastern Ghouta.
Erdogan says 'terrorist' Assad cannot be part of Syria solution.
HRW accuses Yazidi fighters in Iraq of executing civilians.
Saudi-led strikes on Yemen market kills 14 civilians.
Iran police taking softer line on Islamic codes: chief.
Turkey sends more troops to Qatar.
Tax-free no more: Saudi Arabia, UAE to roll out VAT in 2018.
ASIA
Taliban car bomb targets Afghan army base, wounding 15.
Russian Foreign Minister says US sabre-rattling ratcheting up tension with North Korea.
China defends sanctions work after report of NK oil transfer.
Rare photo suggests Kim Jong-un's sister at heart of political inner circle.
Death toll in Thailand's southern conflict hits record low.
China to discuss first revisions to constitution since 2004.
Pakistan, India spar over 'spy' Kulbhushan Jadhav.
S. Korea says deal over 'comfort women' faulty. Japan says ties at risk if South Korea messes with 2015 'comfort women' deal.
AFRICA
New US airstrike in Somalia kills 13 al-Shabab members.
South Sudan fighting leaves at least 20 dead after cease-fire.
DRC steps up arrests of S.Sudan refugees to weed out rebels.
DRC opposition plans court challenge to electoral reforms.
Liberia waiting to hear 1st results of runoff election.
Zimbabwe’s new leader appoints ex-military commander as VP.
Egypt wants outside experts to help settle Nile dispute.
EUROPE
Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels begin landmark prisoner swap. Ukraine crisis: Biggest prisoner swap in conflict takes place.
Russian opposition leader Navalny calls for election boycott rally.
Russia warns US against 'meddling' in presidential election.
Russia has more proposals to encourage business to repatriate capital: Putin.
Spanish government begins withdrawal of thousands of police from Catalonia.
Romanian ruling lawmakers propose looser anti-graft rules.
Germany seizes record-breaking amounts of cocaine in 2017.
AMERICAS
Colombian paramilitary chief deported from US to face charges.
Argentina prosecutor Alberto Nisman was killed, judge rules.
Guatemala FM defends Israel embassy move, says no reversal.
Twenty-eight arrests after Venezuela looting, violence.
Brazil orders Venezuela's top diplomat to leave country.
Haiti's ex-prime minister banned from travel amid corruption probe.
Mexico presidential hopeful hemmed in by ruling party legacy.
Obama to Prince Harry: Leaders must use care on social media.
Bitter cold expected until New Year in US Midwest, Northeast.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
At least 300 British ISIS fighters are hiding in Turkey as security sources warn there is a risk they could try and slip home to carry out attacks.
Russia's Lavrov: main part of battle with Islamic State in Syria is over - RIA.
Guantanamo inmates’ art displayed in New York.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Amazon is planning a push into digital advertising in 2018, challenging Google and Facebook.
U.S. department store stocks jump on holiday spending record.
Prosecutors demand 12-year prison term for Samsung heir Lee.
