Reuters: Trump praises U.S. military sales to Saudi as he welcomes crown prince
U.S. President Donald Trump gave a warm welcome to Saudi Arabia’s powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday and credited U.S. defense sales to the Saudis with boosting American jobs, even as Riyadh’s involvement in Yemen’s civil war faced criticism.
In the Oval Office, Trump and the crown prince praised the strength of U.S.-Saudi ties, which had grown strained under the Obama administration in part over differing views toward Riyadh’s regional rival, Iran.
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MIDDLE EAST
Senate rejects bid to end U.S. support for Saudi campaign in Yemen.
Rocket attack on Syrian capital kills 35 people.
Turkey detains more than 100 suspected PKK members ahead of Newroz spring festival.
Erdogan vows to extend Turkey's operation to Syria's northeast. Turkey threatens to attack Syrian town held by US troops.
Erdogan tells US to end 'deception' on Syria.
Syrian government demands Turkish troops leave Afrin.
Eastern Ghouta: Despite bomb hail, Tariq resists evacuation. Syria's war: 16 children killed in strike on Ghouta school.
Syria forces battle to secure Damascus.
Mahmoud Abbas blames Hamas for Gaza attack on PM's convoy.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince arrives in Washington on official visit.
Iranian leader says Tehran has defused regional threats.
ASIA
Islamabad still mulling Kabul’s offer of talks, overtures.
China’s Xi strikes nationalistic tone, vows to protect ‘every inch’ of China. Xi Jinping lays out vision for China in nationalistic speech to parliament. Xi Jinping warns he is ready to 'fight bloody battles' against China's enemies.
Xi gives stark Taiwan warning in hands-off message to Trump.
Kim Jong Un keeps out of public eye following summit announcements.
Finnish FM: Koreas, US talks won't include denuclearization.
K-pop stars to perform in North Korea for first time since 2005.
Maldives to lift state of emergency, charge ex-president, chief justice with bribery.
Japan prepares to execute up to 13 members of Aum Shinrikyo cult.
Chinese authorities use facial recognition, public shaming to crack down on jaywalking, criminals.
AFRICA
Mali PM to visit restive north for first time since 2014.
South Sudan wants UN peacekeepers out.
Chad public sector back to work after seven-week strike.
Canada to send helicopters to U.N. Mali mission, allies relieved.
Nigerian army failed to act on warnings before schoolgirls abducted, Amnesty says.
Ethiopia's ruling party to choose new leader.
'I'm no puppet': The only candidate running against Sisi in Egypt's election.
On temporary islands in C.Africa, hundreds flee militia torture.
New S.African president suspends tax chief.
Northern white rhino: Last male Sudan dies in Kenya.
EUROPE
Germany reassures Ireland over Brexit border impasse.
No new Russia sanctions seen at EU summit: official.
Slovakia crisis grows as president nixes proposed new gov’t.
French Police question Sarkozy over alleged Libyan campaign financing. French ex-president Sarkozy in custody over campaign funding.
Norway justice minister quits to avert government collapse.
Spy poisoning: Russian diplomats prepare to leave UK.
Boris Johnson: Russia's position in Skripal case is 'increasingly bizarre'.
Putin tells West he has no 'plans to accelerate an arms race'.
Russia will target European elections in 2019, former NATO boss says.
Mosque in Germany attacked with Molotov bombs.
Italy detains Spanish ship after picking up 218 migrants.
Macron unveils plan to boost French, 'language of liberty'.
AMERICAS
Cambridge Analytica CEO claims influence on U.S. election, Facebook questioned.
Northern Brazil overwhelmed by desperate, hungry Venezuelans.
Another shutdown looms as US Congress haggles over spending. US Congress closes in on massive spending bill.
Texas explosions: FBI investigating new blast at FedEx plant. Fifth package bomb strikes Texas, at FedEx facility near San Antonio.
Trump congratulates Putin, gets backtalk from Republicans.
White House: No plan to congratulate Vladimir Putin on his election victory. Kremlin says Trump's failure to congratulate Putin not 'unfriendly act'.
US Senators to force vote to redefine U.S. role in Yemen.
President Trump bans deals in Venezuela's crypto-currency.
Tuberculosis batters a Venezuela in crisis.
Cuba opens wholesale market to sell basic staples.
Californians fed up with housing costs and taxes are fleeing state in big numbers.
Crime spike prompts Canada to unveil tougher gun control steps.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Exclusive: U.S. advancing toward first Guantanamo repatriation under Trump.
Saudi crown prince: 'Iran is harbouring al-Qaeda' leaders.
Islamic State takes Damascus area after rebels pull out: monitor.
Iraq: India confirms killing of 39 workers abducted by IS.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Stock indexes end mostly higher, but Facebook sinks again.
Zuckerberg asked to testify; data firm’s CEO suspended.
US unafraid of trade war after G20 meet.
China urges US to not act 'emotionally' on trade. China's premier hopes trade war can be averted, pledges more open economy.
Facebook loses $40bn in share value over user data scandal.
Weinstein Company files for bankruptcy.
