Syrian Democratic Forces and U.S. troops are seen during a patrol near Turkish border in Hasakah, Syria Nov. 4, 2018. REUTERS/Rodi Said/File Photo
Reuters: U.S. anti-Islamic State meeting turns to damage control after Syria decision
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A routine U.S.-hosted conference of nations fighting the Islamic State militant group has become a damage control effort following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from Syria, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday.
The previously scheduled conference, tentatively set for Feb. 7 in Washington, aims to gather ministers from many of the 79 nations in the Global Coalition To Defeat Islamic State and galvanize their fight against the militant group.
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MIDDLE EAST
US intensifies bombing in Syria after Trump announced withdrawal.
Syria: U.S.-led coalition airstrike killed 11 civilians.
Jihadists advance against rebels in northern Syria: monitor.
Netanyahu, Putin in first Syria call since US pullout announced.
Pompeo heading to Middle East to shore up US alliances.
Fragmentation helps Netanyahu re-election hopes.
Palestine TV offices in Gaza ransacked, equipment destroyed.
ASIA
Rakhine Buddhist rebels kill 13 in Independence Day attack on Myanmar police posts.
Missing North Korea ambassador seeking U.S. asylum, report says.
US scouting sites for 2nd Trump-Kim summit.
Taiwan building ties with India to shake off dependence on China.
Japan protests Chinese survey ship operating near Okinotorishima atoll, a small but vital piece in Tokyo’s maritime territory claims.
China ‘will protect the rights’ of Canadians held since arrest of Huawei CFO, justice official says.
China says US travel advisory 'cannot stand up to scrutiny'.
Pakistan secures further US$2b in funding from China to ‘avoid economic crisis’.
Australia heat wave bakes southeast with temps near 110 degrees.
AFRICA
Libyan authorities seeking 37 suspects over attacks on oil, military facilities.
'Tense period': Pressure mounts as DR Congo awaits vote results.
Protesters call on Sudan's President Bashir to step down.
Sudan unrest: Omar al-Bashir refuses to step down.
Tanzanian president urges ministers to 'take advantage' of refugee crises.
Rwanda's President Kagame stokes tension with neighbors.
Egypt demanding CBS not air interview with country's president.
Zimbabwe white farmers: $9bn compensation falls short.
EUROPE
Angela Merkel and hundreds of German politicians hacked.
May and Juncker speak as she struggles to break Brexit impasse.
France's Macron tells May Brexit deal is best possible: Elysee official.
British Royal Navy deployed to prevent migrant crossings in the English Channel.
Illegal migration into EU hits 5-year low: Frontex.
American held for spying is also British, Irish, Canadian.
Man admitted to Swedish hospital with Ebola-like symptoms.
AMERICAS
Trump threatens to extend partial government shutdown for years. Trump confirms he said government shutdown could last months or years.
US Senate poised to rebut Trump on Syria.
DHS requesting more troops at border: report.
US jobs growth jumps in December.
Pentagon asked for more help on the US-Mexico border: official.
Latin American ministers weigh future relationship with Venezuela.
Venezuela: Lima Group refuse to recognize Maduro mandate. Lima Group won't recognise new Maduro government in Venezuela.
Elite forces dispatched in northeast Brazil after more violence.
Mexican president Amlo reveals $23,000 in savings – and no credit card.
Canada charity used donations to fund Israeli army projects: CBC.
Canada says China has detained 13 of its citizens since Sabrina Meng Wanzhou arrest.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US official: Airstrike kills terrorist behind USS Cole bombing.
US airstrike kills 10 al-Shabab extremists in Somalia, military says.
Taliban blames US, Afghan forces for most civilian casualties in 2018.
US Syria pointman to also serve as anti-IS envoy.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall St. rebounds on robust jobs report, dovish Powell remarks.
American officials due in Beijing for talks on trade battle.
US Fed chief Powell says he won't resign if Trump asks.
Ex-Credit Suisse bankers arrested over '$2bn fraud scheme'.
