Former Afghanistan commander warns of plans to cut troops

Former Afghanistan commander warns of plans to cut troops



The former top U.S. commander in Afghanistan says that withdrawing up to half the 14,000 American troops serving there reduces the incentive for the Taliban to negotiate a peace deal after more than 17 years of war.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2EWOYHY

American Is Arrested in Moscow on Spying Charges

By NEIL MacFARQUHAR from NYT World https://nyti.ms/2CIEbzD

Your Monday Briefing

By CHRIS STANFORD from NYT Briefing https://nyti.ms/2BQthGn

London police arrest 39 for attempted murder after stabbing

London police arrest 39 for attempted murder after stabbing



British police said 39 people were arrested Monday on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing in west London.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2VmOr8a

2 dead, nearly 30 wounded in bomb blast at Philippine mall

2 dead, nearly 30 wounded in bomb blast at Philippine mall



Suspected Muslim militants remotely detonated a bomb near the entrance of a mall in the southern Philippines on Monday as people did last-minute shopping ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations, killing at least two and wounding nearly 30, officials said.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2QeNqv1

Congo counts votes in presidential election, after delays

Congo counts votes in presidential election, after delays



Congo's election officials are counting votes Monday in a presidential election that the opposition and observers say has had numerous irregularities.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2EXjUb0

Rights group urges Sudan to halt use of lethal force

Rights group urges Sudan to halt use of lethal force



Human Rights Watch urged Sudan's government on Monday to instruct security forces not to use lethal force against protesters, citing independent groups as saying that 40 people have been killed since protests demanding President Omar al-Bashir's ouster erupted nearly two weeks ago.

via FOX NEWS https://fxn.ws/2SsLd0V