US plans rescue mission for Yazidis
Following four nights of humanitarian relief airdrops, the Obama administration plans to review options for a full-scale mission to evacuate members of the minority Yazidi sect who find themselves trapped by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria militants on Mount Sinjar in Northern Iraq. Around 20,000 Yazidis have escaped from the mountaintop, aided by Kurdish forces. The United Nations mission in Iraq has also said it is preparing a humanitarian corridor to rescue the Yazidis.
Israel, Hamas agree to new 72-hour ceasefire
A second ceasefire came into effect Monday between Israel and Hamas after peace efforts by Egypt. Israel has agreed to dispatch a delegation to Cairo if the truce holds. The three-day truce could clear way for talks on a comprehensive deal for the region.
Erdogan wins Turkey presidential elections
Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan won the country’s first direct presidential election on Sunday. The elections saw a voter turnout of 73%, with Erdogen securing about 52% of the vote. The presidency, which has hitherto been largely ceremonial, is expected to exercise more powers under him.
South Korea pledges aid to the North
South Korea said on Monday it would provide $13.3 million in funding for United Nations humanitarian projects in North Korea, the latest effort to improve relations on the peninsula. The decision comes a month after the country approved $2.9 million in financial support for Seoul civic groups providing assistance to North Korea.
Pakistani cleric to join opposition demonstration
Cleric-turned-politician Tahir ul-Qadri who aims to overthrow Pakistan's government announced on Sunday that his followers would join a demonstration in Islamabad on Thursday called by Imran Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf. Qadri says he hopes to topple the government, headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, by the end of the month. Meanwhile, a murder case was registered against Qadri on Sunday after three policemen were killed in clashes with his supporters.
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Following four nights of humanitarian relief airdrops, the Obama administration plans to review options for a full-scale mission to evacuate members of the minority Yazidi sect who find themselves trapped by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria militants on Mount Sinjar in Northern Iraq. Around 20,000 Yazidis have escaped from the mountaintop, aided by Kurdish forces. The United Nations mission in Iraq has also said it is preparing a humanitarian corridor to rescue the Yazidis.
Israel, Hamas agree to new 72-hour ceasefire
A second ceasefire came into effect Monday between Israel and Hamas after peace efforts by Egypt. Israel has agreed to dispatch a delegation to Cairo if the truce holds. The three-day truce could clear way for talks on a comprehensive deal for the region.
Erdogan wins Turkey presidential elections
Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan won the country’s first direct presidential election on Sunday. The elections saw a voter turnout of 73%, with Erdogen securing about 52% of the vote. The presidency, which has hitherto been largely ceremonial, is expected to exercise more powers under him.
South Korea pledges aid to the North
South Korea said on Monday it would provide $13.3 million in funding for United Nations humanitarian projects in North Korea, the latest effort to improve relations on the peninsula. The decision comes a month after the country approved $2.9 million in financial support for Seoul civic groups providing assistance to North Korea.
Pakistani cleric to join opposition demonstration
Cleric-turned-politician Tahir ul-Qadri who aims to overthrow Pakistan's government announced on Sunday that his followers would join a demonstration in Islamabad on Thursday called by Imran Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf. Qadri says he hopes to topple the government, headed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, by the end of the month. Meanwhile, a murder case was registered against Qadri on Sunday after three policemen were killed in clashes with his supporters.
