News In Brief

Senate rebukes Trump over Syria, Afghanistan pullouts
AFP, Washington
The US Senate approved by a large majority Monday an amendment critical of President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw troops from Syria and Afghanistan, in a sign of the deep discontent caused by the policies within his own Republican ranks.
The resolution was sponsored by the Republican leader of the Senate Mitch McConnell, who said last week the measure “would acknowledge the plain fact that Al-Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates in Syria and Afghanistan continue to pose a serious threat to our nation.”

Taliban kill 11 policemen, 10 others
AP, Kabul
The Taliban killed at least 21 people in their latest attacks in Afghanistan, including 11 policemen who were slain when the insurgents stormed a checkpoint in northern Baghlan province, provincial officials said Tuesday.
The attacks were reported as representatives of the Taliban were to hold meetings in Moscow with prominent Afghan figures, including former President Hamid Karzai, opposition leaders and tribal elders – but not Kabul government officials.

Two dead in Australia floods as fresh
warning issued
AFP, Townsville
Two bodies were discovered in Australia’s flood-ravaged northeast on Tuesday as continuing heavy rain prompted authorities to warn of further flash flooding in the hours ahead.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison toured the region where “once-in-a-century” floods have inundated thousands of homes and closed airports and schools, leaving cars and houses submerged. As stormwaters receded in some areas, he warned of a difficult recovery ahead.

Belgian minister denounces protest marches as plot
AP, Brussels
A Belgian environment minister has been forced to climb down over accusations that the massive climate demonstrations in Belgium over the past weeks were a plot and that she had state security confirmation.
Though regional environment minister Joke Schauvliege said Tuesday she had no such information from state security services, she said she would not step down over her remarks.

Yemen’s warring
parties discuss stalled prisoner exchange
AP, Amman
Yemen’s government and the Houthi rebels are meeting in Jordan for talks on implementing a stalled prisoner exchange agreed upon in December.
The U.N. envoy Martin Griffiths says Tuesday the three-day meeting aims to “finalize the list of prisoners and detainees to be released and exchanged.” A Red Cross official said Monday that the deal has been stalled because each side is demanding the release of more prisoners than the other claims to be holding.