1. Syrian Rebels See Flaws in US - Russian Truce Plan
The United States and Russia have announced plans for a “cessation of hostilities” in Syria that will take effect on Saturday but exclude groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda’s Nusra Front, a loophole Syrian rebels immediately highlighted as a problem.
2. Rubio Gets Boost From Republican Endorsements, Cruz Missteps
Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio has received a boost in his drive to become the viable Republican alternative to New York billionaire Donald Trump, with a string of high-profile endorsements and missteps by rival Ted Cruz’s campaign.
3. China Signals No South China Sea Backdown as Foreign Minister Goes to US
China’s South China Sea military deployments are no different from US deployments on Hawaii, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, striking a combative tone ahead of a visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the United States this week.
4. NATO Wants Afghan Forces to Do Less Defending, More Attacking
NATO advisers want Afghan soldiers to spend less time manning checkpoints and more taking the fight to Taliban militants, a key tactical shift the coalition hopes will enable local forces to quell a rising insurgency.
5. Remote Fijian Areas Still Cut-Off Days After Super Cyclone
Fijian authorities are still trying to reach remote areas of the country’s archipelago to assess the damage, after a powerful cyclone tears through the Pacific island nation, killing at least 29 people.
6. Michigan Uber Driver Admits to Deadly Shooting Spree
A man who worked as an Uber driver has admitted to the fatal shootings of six people in Kalamazoo, Michigan, media reports say as police search for a motive in a case raising questions about how the car service vets its drivers.
7. Spanish Political Parties Step up Talks in Race to Form Government
Spain’s left-wing political parties intensified negotiations to end weeks of wrangling after an inconclusive election, though leaders have yet to make any breakthrough on forming a coalition to avoid another ballot.
8. Slovak Leader Says EU Agreement May Not Stem Migrant Flow From Turkey
It is likely that the numbers of migrants coming to Greece from Turkey will not drop in coming weeks despite a European Union agreement, and the EU should take steps to prepare new options, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said.
9. Cosby’s Wife to Face Questioning in Suit by Alleged Victims
Bill Cosby’s wife of half a century is set to face questioning by lawyers for seven women, who accused the comedian of sex assault and sued him for defamation after a federal judge rejected her bid to avoid deposition.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)