Reuters: Trump pushes border wall fight ahead of State of the Union speech
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Tuesday was set to deliver a State of the Union speech challenging Democrats to approve funding for his long-sought border wall but stopping short of declaring a national emergency over it, at least for now.
At 9 p.m. EST (0200 GMT Wednesday) before a joint session of Congress, Trump likely will stir contention with remarks on immigration policy, after his demand for $5.7 billion in wall funds triggered a historic 35-day partial government shutdown that more than half of Americans blamed him for, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling.
Millions of Americans were expected to watch the address on television, giving Trump his biggest opportunity to date to explain why he believes a barrier is needed on the U.S. southern border with Mexico. The speech was delayed for a week because of the shutdown, which ended on Jan. 25.
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MIDDLE EAST
As U.S. withdraws, top general warns on Islamic State threat in Syria.
In east Syria, civilians escape IS but not death.
Erdogan: 'No satisfactory plan' with US on Syria safe zone.
Iran dismisses EU's criticism calling it "non constructive". Iran rejects EU trade, anti-money laundering link.
Iran warns Israel of 'firm' response to air strikes in Syria.
Netanyahu to meet Putin this month for Iran-Syria talks.
New head of UN observer mission lands in Yemen.
UN talks bring Yemen's warring sides closer to pullback of forces.
West Bank settlers report surge in population growth.
Pope caps visit to Arabian Peninsula with historic Mass.
ASIA
Asia welcomes Year of the Pig with banquets, temple visits.
From coup-maker to candidate? Thai junta chief mulls election run.
Kabul must be involved in peace talks: US general.
Taliban launch deadly attacks as they attend Afghan peace talks.
Taliban hold rare talks with Afghan politicians in Moscow.
Taliban demand new constitution for Afghanistan at rare talks.
North Korea objects to Japan's entry to U.N. Security Council.
Trump sees 'good chance' of North Korea deal in second Kim summit.
US envoy, Seoul presidential official talk Trump-Kim summit.
U.S. envoy to hold talks in North Korea on Wednesday.
Japan's deputy PM blames women for nation's falling population.
AFRICA
Burkina Faso forces kill 146 jihadists after village attack.
South Sudan rebel leader plans return in May: UN envoy.
Sahel leaders meet against backdrop of new violence.
Central African Republic initials peace deal with armed groups.
US embassy in Nairobi warns citizens of possible attack in Kenya.
S Sudan military court tries army general for treason.
Egyptian parliament approves proposal to extend presidential term.
Egyptian court sentences 8 to death in plot to kill President Sisi.
Malawi ex-president Joyce Banda enters election race.
EUROPE
Turkey, Greece stress need for dialogue.
EU to Iran: Stop missile tests, assassination attempts on European soil.
INF nuclear treaty: Russia plans new missile systems after pullout.
'Still time' for Brexit solution, says Merkel.
Lawyers of Catalan separatists accuse police of 'humiliation'.
French parliament to vote on controversial 'anti-riot' bill.
Russia: Fake bomb threats prompt mass evacuations in Moscow.
State of emergency declared in Bosnia after heavy flooding.
Huge fire in upscale Paris apartment building kills 10.
Pope Francis admits for first time that priests and bishops sexually abused nuns and claims he is committed to do more to fight the problem.
AMERICAS
After 2 years of rancor, Trump to call for unity in address.
Maduro issues threat to jail Venezuela’s opposition leader.
Canada, Latin American leaders work on Venezuela aid. Venezuela crisis: Juan Guaidó backed by Lima Group.
Trump pushes border wall fight ahead of State of the Union speech.
U.S. says foreign meddling didn't affect 2018 election systems.
New York prosecutors subpoena Trump inauguration committee: report.
Central American caravans advance amid shifting border policies.
Hawaii may increase legal smoking age to 100.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Sahel leaders seek UN help against jihadist attacks.
U.S. Embassy in Kenya: Terrorists may target Westerners.
US asks Europe, others, to repatriate ISIL fighters held in Syria.
John Cantlie: British IS hostage 'believed to be still alive'.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Earnings send Wall St higher as investors eye State of the Union speech.
Emerging economies catching up in smartphone adoption: survey.
US-China trade war: UN warns of 'massive' impact of tariff hike.
Apple to pay 10 years of back taxes to France.
Millions in cryptocurrencies frozen after Quadriga founder dies without giving anyone his password.
