Reuters: U.S. says it has proof Syria government was behind gas attack
WASHINGTON/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States on Friday blamed the Syrian government for a deadly chemical weapons attack this month and slammed Russia for failing to stop its ally, President Bashar al-Assad, as Western allies considered military strikes on Syria.
While the prospect of U.S.-led military action that could lead to confrontation with Russia hung over the Middle East, the White House accused Syria of carrying out a toxic gas assault on April 7 that killed dozens of people in Douma, near Damascus.
“We have a very high confidence that Syria was responsible and, once again, Russia’s failure to stop them and their continued (lack of action) on this front has been part of the problem,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.
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MIDDLE EAST
Western powers at UN make case for military action against Syria.
Threat of U.S.-Russia clash hangs over Syria.
Syria chemical attack 'staged' with help of foreign secret service: Russia. Russia says Syrian 'chemical attack' was staged.
Assad government forces 'take entire' Eastern Ghouta.
Thousands leave Syria's Douma as evacuations wrapping up.
In Damascus, war-weary Syrians unfazed by threat of U.S. military strike.
Assad ally Hezbollah does not see 'total war' over Syria.
Turkey's Erdogan says discussed steps for peace in Syria with Putin, Trump.
Iraqi politicians start election campaigns in earnest.
25 dead in attack at Iraq funeral of anti-IS fighters.
Israel in 'direct combat' with Iran after Syria raid: Hezbollah.
Israeli forces wound 30 more Palestinians in Gaza-Israel border protests.
ASIA
US adds India to currency watch list with China.
Taiwan president joins naval drill a day after huge China exercise.
China and India border tensions flare up again ahead of Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit.
Pakistan bars ex-premier Nawaz Sharif from politics for life.
Rodrigo Duterte says he will arrest ICC lawyer if she investigates him.
Anger in India over two rapes puts government in bind.
Thirty-two U.S. embassy workers in Cambodia fired over alleged sharing of pornography.
Myanmar says 'seriously concerned' over war crimes prosecutor move on Rohingya jurisdiction.
AFRICA
Clashes as Swaziland marks 50 years of independence.
Gunmen kill 26 in attacks on herding villages in Nigeria.
DR Congo boycotts its own aid conference.
Thousands of DR Congo refugees escaping violence to Uganda.
Blast at Somalia stadium kills five football fans.
Gambia ruling party wins local elections.
Uganda ‘considering’ Israel’s request to take 500 migrants.
Battle to save Africa’s elephants is gaining some ground.
Soweto pays final respects to Winnie Mandela.
EUROPE
Cyprus leaders hope for resumption of peace talks at dinner.
Russia lawmakers draft list of U.S. imports that could be banned.
Germany calls for pressure on Russia over its support for Syria.
Russia spied on Skripal and daughter for at least 5 years: UK.
Russia on Skripal: no confirmation of poison origin in new report.
Russia lawmakers draft list of U.S. imports that could be banned.
Moscow court bans Telegram messaging app.
Italy's president needs more time to resolve political stalemate.
Police blame ultra-leftists for violent standoff in western France.
AMERICAS
Summit of the Americas begins amid regional tumult.
With Russia on his mind, Trump looks for tougher approach on Syria: sources.
US Republicans will back US President Donald Trump's strike on Syria.
Trump lawyer under investigation for 'personal business dealings': DOJ.
Trump pardons ex-Cheney aide convicted of lying over CIA name leak.
Trump demands prosecution of ex-FBI chief Comey.
James Comey's FBI memoir: Six claims about Trump.
Trump attacks 'slimeball' Comey after new book likens president to mafia boss.
Trump lawyer tries to prevent use of materials found in FBI raid.
Ecuador gives Colombian insurgents 12 hours to prove captives alive.
Cuba’s ‘lost generation’ prepares to take power next week.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
1,000 bodies of militant fighters buried in Mosul mass grave.
Taliban, Haqqani network enjoy safe havens in Pakistan: Pentagon.
Taliban overruns Afghan district, kills governor.
5 years later, Boston Marathon survivors, responders move on.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street falls as bank stocks, Syria conflict weigh.
Leaked Apple memo: 12 employees were arrested last year for leaking secrets.
Russia to stop exporting titanium to Boeing in counter-sanctions against US – draft law.
China and US in backstage talks to avoid trade war, says OECD boss.
Syria fears, OPEC compliance propping up oil price: IEA.
Oil markets tense on military escalation in Syria.
Google loses landmark 'right to be forgotten' case.
