CNN: Putin files re-election bid as Kremlin critic calls for protests
Russian President Vladimir Putin officially launched his bid for a fourth term as Russia's president on Wednesday, as his main opponent called for a day of protests against the elections.
Putin, who has served as either Prime Minister or President of Russia since 1999, filed papers that pave the way for him to rule until 2024.
The former KGB leader, who has dominated Russian politics for two decades, is likely to score a comfortable win -- his only serious opponent, Alexey Navalny, was barred from standing against him due to a fraud conviction.
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MIDDLE EAST
Coalition has no plans to target Islamic State in Syrian government-controlled areas.
IS moves with 'impunity' in Syria regime-held areas: coalition.
Syrian rebels say discussing evacuation from territory near Israel.
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
Vietnam jails 15 for foiled airport 'terror' attack. Vietnam jails 15 for plot to blow up airport: media.
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
Libya needs a week to repair blown-up oil pipeline: NOC.
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
Blast rips through supermarket in Russia's St Petersburg, 10 hurt.
Russia's Putin registers re-election bid.
Putin critic Navalny calls election boycott rallies.
Kremlin 'concerned' that US may expand sanctions on Russia. Kremlin says Western sanctions behind move to scrap penalties for bringing funds home.
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
Peru's culture minister resigns after Fujimori pardoned.
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
Less than 1,000 IS fighters remain in Iraq and Syria, coalition says.
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
Wall Street edges up as tech snaps skid.
Apple faces lawsuits after saying it slows down aging iPhones.
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.
