World News Briefs -- February 10, 2017 (Evening Edition)

New York Times: In Welcoming Shinzo Abe, Trump Affirms U.S. Commitment to Defending Japan

WASHINGTON — President Trump pledged close security and economic cooperation with Japan on Friday, opening an elaborate multiday work-and-play visit with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that is intended to showcase a warm rapport with a central player in Asia.

Hoping to put behind any friction remaining from his sometimes provocative statements during last year’s presidential campaign, Mr. Trump hugged Mr. Abe as he arrived at the White House, lavished praise on him and his nation, and offered strong reassurances about America’s commitment to Japan’s defense.

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MIDDLE EAST

Suicide bombings kill 10, wound 33 in Mosul, Baghdad.

Syria army reaches edge of IS-held town: monitor.

Kremlin: Turkey gave target for mistaken Syria strike.

Russia halted Syrian army, rebel clash in northern Syria: sources.

Displaced Syrians stuck in limbo at Idlib's Taiba camp.

Assad says US troops welcome in Syria to fight 'terrorism'.

Turkey's Erdogan approves referendum on increasing powers to presidency. Turkey's Erdoğan paves way for April vote on consolidation of power.

CIA chief's Ankara visit sparks hope of reset in bilateral relations.

Rouhani warns Iran will not be bullied as thousands march in Tehran. Hundreds of thousands rally in Iran against Trump, chant 'Death to America': TV.

Palestinians ask Israeli court to reject land grab law.

Yemen loyalists retake historic Red Sea coastal town.

Saudi-led coalition strikes Yemeni port, civilians at risk.

ASIA

US, Japan say defense pact covers disputed Senkaku islands.

Japanese PM looks to win Trump's trust in White House talks.

Trump to honor 'One China' policy.

Afghan Defense Ministry backs calls to bring in more foreign troops.

U.S., China military planes come inadvertently close over South China Sea.

Taiwan says it aims to keep strong ties with U.S., China.

Indonesia urges 'significant steps' on Rohingya Muslims issue.

China January exports rise 7.9%, beating forecasts.

Farewell Spit: More than 400 whales stranded on New Zealand beach, majority reported dead.

AFRICA

Key parts of Mali peace deal to roll out this month.

Army helicopter downed in fighting near Libyan oil field.

DR Congo war crimes trial resumes for ex-warlord Katanga.

Islamic State shifts to Libya's desert valleys after Sirte defeat.

Boko Haram ambush 'kills eight soldiers' in NE Nigeria. Boko Haram kills 7 new Army recruits, abducts female soldier.

South African opposition seeks court order to bar military from parliament. Brawls break out in South African parliament after denunciation of Zuma.

West African force in Gambia to be reduced to 500 soldiers from 7,000.

UN says South Sudan national dialogue could be undermined by violence.

War criminal Charles Taylor 'phones allies from Durham prison'.

Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta declares drought a national disaster.

EUROPE

Italy to speed up migrant asylum decisions, deportations.

UK drops hundreds of misconduct claims over Iraq, Afghan wars.

Beata Szydlo: Polish PM hurt in second convoy crash in months.

Putin says he’s ready to meet Trump in Slovenian capital.

NATO offers unanimous support for Ukraine amid renewed violence.

Merkel to meet US Vice President Pence at 'critical' Munich Security Conference.

Hungary to detain refugees in container camps on border.

Greece hopeful of imminent EU debt deal despite German warning.

Russia suspected over hacking attack on Italian foreign ministry.

Paris to construct $22M permanent barrier around Eiffel Tower.

French police arrest teen girl, 3 others in suspected terror plot.

AMERICAS

Trump hugs ally Japan after easing US-China tensions.

Trump border 'wall' to cost $21.6 billion, take 3.5 years to build: internal report.

Mexico preparing for uptick in deportations.

Brazil threatens striking police with prosecution as death toll tops 120.

Arrest warrant for Peru ex-president Toledo over bribery claims. Court orders arrest of ex-president Alejandro Toledo.

Panama's President Varela accused of accepting Odebrecht donations.

For Farc rebels, peace deal brings baby boom after 52 years of pregnancy ban.

Investigators probing plane that got too close to Air Force One, sources say.

Canada town feels burden of refugees crossing US border.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Denmark files terrorism charge against 16-year-old girl.

Foiled France terror plot appears ISIS-inspired, source says.

Assad says 'terrorists' hiding among Syrian refugees.

Al-Qaeda in Yemen seen stronger than ever as war wears on.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street hits records again, boosted by Trump economy hopes.

Exclusive: OPEC figures show over 90 pct compliance with supply cut - sources.

UAW says it will greet Tesla workers with 'open arms'.

Universal Music in private Prince songs deal.