Reuters: Exclusive: Lebanon believes Saudi holds Hariri, demands his return
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon believes Saad al-Hariri is being held in Saudi Arabia, from where he resigned as Lebanese prime minister, two top government officials in Beirut said, amid a deepening crisis pushing Lebanon onto the frontlines of a power struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
A third source, a senior politician close to Saudi-allied Hariri, said Saudi Arabia had ordered him to resign and put him under house arrest. A fourth source familiar with the situation said Saudi Arabia was controlling and limiting his movement.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Hezbollah calls on Saudi Arabia to cease interfering in Lebanon: statement.
Syria's Eastern Ghouta faces 'complete catastrophe': U.N..
Syria war: Army retakes last IS urban stronghold.
Iraq Kurdistan secession bid takes a toll on economy.
Saudi anti-corruption probe finds '$100bn was embezzled'. Saudi Arabia: 201 people held in $100bn corruption inquiry.
Saudi Arabia orders citizens to leave Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister calls for sanctions on Iran for its 'support of terrorism’.
Iran's president says Saudi Arabia behind 'hostility' in region.
Macron unexpectedly heads to Riyadh to discuss crises with Crown Prince.
Yemen facing 'largest famine in decades' if blockade isn't lifted, UN aid chief says. Yemen conflict: UN official warns of world's biggest famine.
Police question Netanyahu for fifth time in corruption case.
Pence voices U.S. concern to Turkish prime minister about arrests.
ASIA
Trump's stop in Vietnam a poignant one for U.S. veterans.
Trump, Xi present united front despite differences. In Beijing, Trump presses China on North Korea and trade.
NATO looks for Afghans to take offensive in 2018: US general.
Despite NATO pledge to increase Afghan support, troop shortfall remains: U.S..
North Korean diplomat in Pakistan suspected of bootlegging booze.
UNICEF centres are havens for Rohingya child refugees.
Schools close as smog chokes India’s ‘gas chamber’ capital.
More than 90 killed in Vietnam's deadliest typhoon in years.
AFRICA
East Libyan forces make new push to end Islamist resistance in Benghazi.
East Congo militiamen go on trial for raping children.
Libyan rivals split over army leadership - Tripoli parliament head.
Cameroon issues arrest warrants for separatist leaders.
ICC war crimes judges approve Burundi investigation.
UN releases Central African Republic war crimes suspects.
Uncertainty as DRC sets election date to replace Kabila.
Mugabe faces 'unprecedented' political threat as sacked deputy gathers support.
Zimbabwe renames airport after Robert Mugabe. Zimbabwe re-names Harare Airport after Mugabe.
EUROPE
Putin says doping allegations against Russia meant to stir discontent.
Germany's far-right AfD calls for repatriation of Syrian refugees.
Britain given three weeks to decide EU divorce bill.
Spanish court orders release on bail for Catalan parliament speaker: court source.
Catalonia general strike: Protesters disrupt roads, trains.
Spain: Catalan ex-speaker, lawmakers testify before Supreme Court.
NATO to beef up in face of 'assertive' Russia.
Eurozone growth at fastest pace in 10 years.
Breed like rabbits and reverse population decline, Poles urged.
German court hands suspended sentence to Swiss spy for snooping on tax officials.
AMERICAS
US congress seeks to impose sanctions on Shiite militias in Iraq.
Trump optimistic on trade, North Korea after China talks.
US 'loses 60% of career ambassadors' since January.
New U.S. government rules restrict travel and trade with Cuba.
U.S. blacklists 10 Venezuelans for corruption, undermining state vote.
EU to impose arms embargo on Venezuela as crisis deepens.
Texas execution of Ruben Cardenas Ramirez sparks row with Mexico.
Biden: 'I regret that I am not president' but 'it was the right decision' for family.
Mexico says there's 'life after NAFTA' if pact fails.
Colombia seizes largest stash of cocaine ever.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Thousands of children referred to UK's counter-terrorism scheme, figures show.
Egypt fears influx of militants after Islamic State defeat.
IS militants evacuate last stronghold in Syria to government.
ISIS group issues threat before Paris attack anniversary, vows to kill kids.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Tech stocks tug Wall Street lower; investors fret about U.S. tax cut delays.
U.S. worried AT&T buying Time Warner would hike costs for media rivals: source.
Global growth buoys earnings as third quarter fuels Europe, U.S. equity boom.
Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett are wealthier than poorest half of US.
