October 2017
Spanish Central Government Takes Control of Catalonia
The Spanish government has taken control of Catalonia following a controversial independence referendum deemed illegal by courts. Ousted Catalan leaders, including Carles Puigdemont, have fled…
Barzani Criticizes Lack of International Support for Kurdistan Independence Referendum
Masoud Barzani criticized the lack of international support, particularly from the U.S., for the Kurdistan independence referendum. He highlighted the betrayal by rival Kurdish groups…
Hundreds of Thousands Demonstrate in Barcelona in Support of Spain's Unity
Hundreds of thousands demonstrated in Barcelona in support of Spain's unity, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Spanish government and Catalonia's separatist movement. The Spanish…
Barzani Confirms His Resignation from Power
Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has confirmed his resignation effective November 1, prompting discussions in the Kurdistan Parliament about filling the…
Barzani Steps Down from Presidency of Iraqi Kurdistan; Power Sharing to be Discussed in Parliament
Masoud Barzani is stepping down from the presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq after November 1, following pressure from the central government and internal…
At least 23 killed in twin car bombings in Mogadishu
A series of car bombings in Mogadishu resulted in at least 23 deaths, primarily among police forces, with the militant group al-Shabaab claiming responsibility. The…
James Mattis: The Threat of North Korean Nuclear Missile Attack is Increasing
U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis warned that the threat of a North Korean nuclear missile attack is increasing and that the U.S. will never…
Spanish Prime Minister Dissolves Catalonia Government; Elections to be Held in December
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dissolved the Catalonia government and called for new elections following a controversial independence referendum. This move is part of a…
Kurdistan Region: Agreement Between Iraqi Forces and Peshmerga for Ceasefire
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq announced a ceasefire agreement between Iraqi forces and Kurdish Peshmerga to halt fighting in northern Iraq, although details remain unclear.…
Spanish Senate Meeting to Approve Direct Rule over Catalonia
The Spanish Senate is set to decide on November 5 whether to revoke Catalonia's autonomy after local leader Carles Puigdemont refused to hold new elections.…
Iraq Rejects Proposal to Suspend Results of Kurdish Independence Referendum
Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi rejected the Kurdish proposal to suspend the independence referendum and called for its complete annulment. This rejection comes amid ongoing…
German Foreign Minister Welcomes Release of Citizen from Turkish Prison
The German Foreign Minister welcomed the release of a German citizen from a Turkish prison, viewing it as a positive step towards improving relations between…
Implementation of Stricter Security Laws for Flights to the U.S.
Starting Thursday, airlines must enforce new U.S. security regulations for flights to the country, including stricter passenger screening and a ban on laptops in the…
The Kurdistan Regional Government Suspends Independence Referendum Results
The Kurdistan Regional Government has suspended the results of its independence referendum to ease tensions with the Iraqi central government, proposing a ceasefire and dialogue.…
Tillerson: Space for Moderate Taliban Elements in Afghan Government is Available
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stated that moderate Taliban elements can join the Afghan government if they renounce violence and commit to peace. He…
Philippines Announces End to Siege of Marawi City by ISIS Allies
The Philippines has declared the end of the siege of Marawi City by ISIS-aligned militants after five months of military operations. Defense Minister Delfin Lorenzana…
Catalonia's Parliament President Calls Spanish Government's Actions a 'Coup'
Catalonia's leaders reject the Spanish government's plan to dissolve their local government and impose direct rule, labeling it a coup. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy insists…
Trump: The Liberation of Raqqa is a Significant Advancement in the Global Campaign Against ISIS
Donald Trump announced the liberation of Raqqa from ISIS as a significant step in the global fight against the group. The Syrian Democratic Forces, supported…
ISIS Claims Responsibility for Suicide Attack on Shia Mosque in Kabul
ISIS has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a Shia mosque in Kabul, resulting in at least 39 deaths and many injuries. The Afghan…
Two Suicide Bombings in Afghanistan Leave Dozens Dead
Two suicide bombings targeting Shia mosques in Afghanistan resulted in at least 72 deaths, highlighting ongoing violence against religious minorities. The Islamic State has been…
Representative of Ayatollah Sistani Calls on Iraqi Government to Protect Kurdish People
Ayatollah Sistani's representative called on the Iraqi government to protect the Kurdish people amid advancing central government forces in Kirkuk, leading to mass Kurdish displacement.…
Kurdistan Region Officials: 100,000 People Have Fled Kirkuk
Following the central government's takeover of Kirkuk, nearly 100,000 Kurds have fled the city, which has been a point of contention between the Kurdistan Region…
Barzani: Individual and Unilateral Decisions Were the Cause of the Kirkuk Events
Masoud Barzani criticized unilateral decisions by Kurdish political leaders that led to the retreat of Peshmerga forces from Kirkuk, which was swiftly captured by Iraqi…
Death of Senior Taliban Members Continues Amid Drone Strikes on Pakistan-Afghanistan Border
Recent U.S. drone strikes have killed several senior Taliban commanders, including members of the Haqqani Network, on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This escalation in violence comes…
Issuance of Arrest Warrant for Two Catalan Independence Leaders by Spanish Court
A Spanish court has issued arrest warrants for two Catalan independence leaders, Jordi Sánchez and Jordi Cuixart, accusing them of organizing the independence referendum and…
Iraqi Forces Take Control of Kirkuk
Iraqi government forces have taken control of Kirkuk in response to a Kurdish independence referendum, altering the regional power dynamics. The operation has led to…
Somalia Bombing Death Toll Exceeds 300
The death toll from two bombings in Mogadishu, Somalia, has surpassed 300, marking the deadliest attack by Al-Shabaab in over a decade. Many victims remain…
Iraqi Forces Capture Airbase and Industrial Areas from Kurdish Control near Kirkuk
Iraqi forces have captured key positions from Kurdish Peshmerga in southern Kirkuk, including an airbase and industrial areas. This escalation follows a referendum for Kurdish…
Iraqi Forces Begin Operations to Control Kirkuk Oil Fields
Iraqi forces have initiated operations to seize control of oil fields and an airbase in Kirkuk, currently held by Kurdish Peshmerga forces, amid rising tensions…
The 'Final' Battle of US-Supported Forces to Retake Raqqa is Underway
US-backed Syrian Kurdish forces are engaged in the final battle to reclaim Raqqa from ISIS, which has lost significant territory over the past year. The…
Concerns of Iraqi Kurds Over Baghdad's 'Military Movements'; Abadi: We Will Not Attack
Tensions are rising between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the central government in Baghdad due to military movements and preparations for potential conflict. Kurdish…
Trump Denies Report on Request to Increase U.S. Nuclear Arsenal
Donald Trump denied a report by NBC News claiming he requested an increase in the U.S. nuclear arsenal, calling it fake news. This denial comes…
Spanish Prime Minister Threatens Possible Revocation of Catalonia's Autonomy Again
The Spanish Prime Minister has threatened to revoke Catalonia's autonomy if its leaders declare independence. This follows ongoing tensions between the Catalan government and Madrid,…
Wildfire in California Leaves at Least 10 Dead
A wildfire in California has resulted in at least 10 fatalities and forced around 20,000 people to evacuate. Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state…
Nobel Prize in Economics Awarded to American Researcher Richard Thaler
Richard Thaler, a behavioral economist, was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on nudging people towards making better economic decisions. His…
Russian Officials Announce Release of All Detainees from Saturday's Protests
Russian officials announced the release of all detainees from protests against President Putin, which coincided with his birthday. Thousands protested across multiple cities, with reports…
Trump Delays Transfer of US Embassy to Jerusalem for the Second Time
Donald Trump has delayed the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem for the second time, stating he wants to give the peace process a…
Trump: Only One Thing Will Work Regarding North Korea
Donald Trump stated that negotiations with North Korea have been ineffective for 25 years and emphasized that only one thing will yield results. He criticized…
Anti-Kremlin Protests Held in Several Russian Cities
On Vladimir Putin's birthday, anti-Kremlin protests erupted across Russia, led by opposition figure Alexei Navalny, resulting in over 139 arrests. The protests reflect growing discontent…
Arrest of One Person Following Vehicle Collision with Pedestrians in London
A vehicle collided with pedestrians in London, injuring 11 people, and one person has been arrested. The police are treating the incident as a traffic…
Turkey Announces Start of 'Serious Operation' in Idlib, Syria
Turkey has launched a significant military operation in Idlib, Syria, aimed at supporting rebel groups against the Assad regime, with backing expected from Russia. This…
Hawaii's Second Chance to Challenge Trump's Immigration Order
Hawaii has been granted another chance to challenge Trump's new immigration order, which is set to take effect on October 18 and includes travel bans…
Spain's Constitutional Court Suspends Upcoming Catalonia Parliament Session
Spain's Constitutional Court has suspended a crucial session of the Catalonia Parliament where independence was expected to be declared. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has warned…
Turkey, Iran, and Iraq Decide on Closing Oil Flow from Northern Iraq
Turkey, Iran, and Iraq are collaborating to potentially close oil exports from northern Iraq to Kurdistan in response to a recent independence referendum. This decision…
Iraqi Army Recaptures Hawija from ISIS
The Iraqi army has recaptured the city of Hawija from ISIS after 13 days of fighting, marking a significant loss for the group in Iraq.…
U.S. Secretary of State: I Have Never Considered Resigning
Rex Tillerson, U.S. Secretary of State, affirmed his loyalty to President Trump's policies and denied any thoughts of resignation amidst rising tensions and speculation about…
The U.S. Expels 15 Cuban Diplomats
The U.S. has expelled 15 Cuban diplomats in response to health issues affecting American diplomats in Cuba, citing Havana's failure to ensure their safety. This…
Putin's Call for 'Beneficial' Relations Between Russia and the U.S.
Vladimir Putin has called for improved bilateral relations with the U.S. during the credential presentation of new ambassador Jon Huntsman, amidst deteriorating ties due to…
Arrest of Over 250 Employees in Turkey on Charges of Connection to Gulen
Turkey continues to arrest individuals linked to the failed coup of July 2016, with 254 more employees targeted this week. The arrests are part of…
The U.S. Seeks to Reduce Cuban Embassy Staff in Washington by 60%
The U.S. plans to reduce Cuban embassy staff in Washington by 60% following health concerns affecting American diplomats in Havana. This decision has led to…
Dozens of Weapons Found in the Home and Shooting Site of Las Vegas Shooter
Stephen Paddock, the shooter in the Las Vegas massacre, was found to have over 40 firearms and explosives in his home and hotel room, resulting…
White House: Now is not the time to negotiate with North Korea
The White House has ruled out negotiations with North Korea regarding its nuclear program, stating that discussions may only occur about American prisoners. This stance…
ISIS Claims Responsibility for Las Vegas Attack Without Providing Evidence
ISIS claimed responsibility for the Las Vegas shooting that resulted in 58 deaths and over 500 injuries, but U.S. officials found no evidence linking the…
Madrid Threatens to Suspend Catalonia's Regional Government Activities
Spain's central government threatens to suspend Catalonia's autonomy if it declares independence following a controversial referendum. Catalonia claims that 90% of voters supported independence despite…
Catalonia Takes Police Response to Protesters to International Courts
The Catalonia local government announced plans to take Spain to international courts over police violence against protesters during an independence referendum, which resulted in hundreds…
ISIS Claims Responsibility for 'Terrorist Attack' in Marseille, France
ISIS has claimed responsibility for a stabbing attack in Marseille that resulted in the deaths of two women. The assailant was killed by soldiers, and…
Catalonia Officials Report Dozens of Injuries Following Sunday Clashes
Catalonia officials reported over 90 injuries following clashes between police and pro-independence protesters during a referendum attempt. The Spanish government has declared the referendum illegal…