1. Pentagon: US Sailors Made ‘Navigational Error’ Into Iranian Waters
Flaring tempers and sharp elbows may turn the debate of seven Republican presidential candidates into a seven-car pileup with tensions between Donald Trump and rival Ted Cruz leading the way.
2. Liberia Declared Ebola-Free, Signalling End to West African Epidemic
Liberia has been declared free of the Ebola virus by global health experts, a milestone that signalled an end to an epidemic in West Africa that has killed more than 11,300 people.
3. It’s All About China for Taiwan’s Likely New Leader, and History’s Against Her
Bespectacled and gently spoken, more don than politician, Tsai Ing-wen is almost certain to be voted Taiwan’s first woman president on Saturday and, with China pointing hundreds of missiles at the island, she will be thrust into one of Asia’s toughest and most dangerous jobs.
4. Nine Bodies Washed up on Turkish Coast as Migrants Keep Crossing
The bodies of nine people, some of whom may have drowned up to 10 days earlier, were found on Turkey’s western coast this week as the flow of Europe-bound migrants persisted despite rough winter weather and the efforts of the Turkish government.
5. Polish Media Controls an Attack on Independence
The new Polish government’s decision to take control of public radio and television is a worrying attack on media independence, the head of the European Broadcasting Union said on Thursday, joining a chorus of condemnation of the move.
6. EU Parliament Delays Vote on New Car Pollution Limits
The European Parliament postponed a vote on new car pollution limits that could have killed a compromise agreed upon by EU members, as politicians argue over whether to seek tougher limits despite the delays that would entail.
7. Nigeria Launches New Investigation of 2014 Kidnap of Chibok Girls
Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a new investigation into the kidnapping of 219 schoolgirls by Islamist group Boko Haram in April 2014 from the town of Chibok, the presidency said.
8. Netanyahu Says Israel and EU Need to Reset Ties
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the European Union on Thursday of holding his country to a double standard, and reserved special criticism for Sweden, saying its call to investigate Israel was outrageous, immoral and stupid.
9. Turkey Attacks Islamic State Targets in Syria, Iraq in Response to Istanbul Bombing
Turkish tanks and artillery bombard Islamic State positions in Syria and Iraq, killing almost 200 of its fighters in retaliation for suicide bombing in Istanbul, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.
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