1. Syrian Opposition Supports Idea of Two-Week Ceasefire
Syria’s opposition indicated it is ready for a two-week truce in Syria, saying it is a chance to test the seriousness of the other side’s commitment to a US-Russian plan for a cessation of hostilities.
2. US to Boost Freedom of Navigation Moves in South China Sea
The United States, which is worried by China’s military buildup to assert dominance in the South China Sea, will increase freedom-of-navigation operations there, a senior Pentagon official said.
3. Apple CEO: Unlocking San Bernardino iPhone Would Be ‘Bad for America’
Apple chief Tim Cook says complying with a court order to help the FBI break into the iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino, Calif., shooters would be “bad for America,” and set a legal precedent that would offend many Americans.
4. US, China Agree Draft N Korea Sanctions Resolution at UN
The United States and China have agreed on a draft resolution that would expand UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea over its latest nuclear test and hope to put it to a vote in the coming days, council diplomats say.
5. Amid Transition, Myanmar’s Senior General Emerges From the Shadows
Like many of his generation, the head of Myanmar’s powerful military is a recent but enthusiastic convert to Facebook. On his profile background picture, the commander-in-chief gave a “thumbs up” from the cockpit of an airplane. Posts show him celebrating new year in a traditional boar tusk headdress and visiting wounded soldiers.
6. Backlash After UK Justice Minister Says EU Deal Reversible
Britain’s deal on new terms for its membership in the European Union could be undone by the European Court of Justice despite support from all member states, according to Justice Secretary Michael Gove, a senior figure among those who want Britain to leave the bloc.
7. Ahead of Election, Iran’s Leader Warns of Western ‘Plot’
Iran’s top leader warned voters that the West is plotting to influence elections pitting centrists close to President Hassan Rouhani against conservative hard-liners in a contest that could the shape of the Islamic Republic for years to come.
8. Advertisers Cannot Use New Facebook ‘Reactions’ to Target Viewers
Facebook advertisers love the idea of using the social network’s new anger, humor and other emoticon buttons to better target audiences, but they are :( that the company is not letting them do so right away.
9. FIFA Election to Go Ahead but Blatter Told to Stay Away
World soccer’s governing body FIFA will proceed with an election to pick a new president to replace the disgraced Sepp Blatter and vote on a set of reforms aimed at restoring its credibility after the worst graft scandal in its history.
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