Iraqi forces shore up new gains in Ramadi
Iraqi forces on Wednesday consolidated newly gained positions in Ramadi, after achieving a breakthrough in their fight against the Islamic State group by retaking a large part of the city.
Backed by sustained air strikes from the US-led coalition, elite troops recaptured the southwestern neighbourhood of Al-Tameem the day before.
US House tightens controls on visa-free travel
AP, Washington
Driven by the Paris terror attacks, the House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to tighten controls on travel to the U.S. and require visas for anyone who’s been in Iraq or Syria in the previous five years.
The legislation takes aim at the “visa waiver” program that allows citizens of 38 countries to travel to the U.S. for stays of 90 days and less without first obtaining a visa from an embassy or consulate.
Pope kicks off special Jubilee year of mercy
AFP, Vatican City
Uttering a centuries-old command, Pope Francis on Tuesday opened a “Holy Door” of St Peter’s basilica to kick off an extraordinary Jubilee year, while urging his Church to reach out to the modern world.
“This is the door of the Lord. Open to me the gates of justice,” the Argentinian pontiff said before being helped up three marble steps to push the giant bronze doors open.
Brazil’s SC suspends Rousseff impeachment
AFP, Brasília
Brazil’s beleaguered President Dilma Rousseff won a respite in her battle to avoid impeachment when the Supreme Court ordered the commission considering her case suspended for a week.
At the end of a day of political drama and chaos on Tuesday, the court in Brasilia suspended the special commission that had just been formed to recommend to Congress whether Rousseff should be removed from office.
11 migrants drown off Greek Island
AFP, Athens
At least 11 migrants, including five children, drowned and about 10 were missing after their boat sank overnight off the Greek island of Farmakonisi, Greek maritime police said today.
