World News Briefs -- November 1, 2019

Demonstrators stand on a bridge decorated with a national flag during an anti-government protest along a highway in Jal el-Dib, Lebanon, October 21, 2019. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo

Reuters: As protests rock Baghdad and Beirut, Iran digs in

As governments in Iraq and Lebanon stagger and stumble under huge waves of popular protest, powerful factions loyal to Iran are pushing to quash political upheaval which challenges Tehran’s entrenched influence in both countries.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri has resigned and the government of Iraq’s Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has been pushed to the brink of collapse.

Both governments have enjoyed backing from the West. But they have also relied on the support of political parties affiliated with powerful Iran-backed Shi’ite armed groups, keeping allies of Tehran in key posts.

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MIDDLE EAST

Turkey, Russia start joint patrols in northern Syria.

U.S. troops, armored vehicles move into eastern Syria to protect oil fields.

Iraq president says PM willing to quit, vows poll after new law.

Iraq protests enter second month, defying pledges of reform.

Yemeni rebels claim they have shot down a US-made drone.

Trump imposes sanctions on Iran while renewing waivers.

Nasrallah: New government must restore trust with Lebanese people.

Lebanese President Aoun calls for 'non-sectarian' system.

Lebanon’s banks reopen after two-week closure amid protests.

ASIA

Civilian casualties in Afghanistan spiked from July to September, report finds.

Pakistan opposition protesters pressure PM Imran Khan to resign.

'Satisfaction': N Korea confirms tested multiple rocket launcher.

Tokyo: North Korea missile capabilities are making advances.

China to 'perfect' Hong Kong leader appointment system amid ongoing pro-democracy protests.

Hong Kong protests: China's leaders send message to protesters.

Delhi declares health emergency over air pollution.

AFRICA

Clashes reported in Libya as sides reject diplomacy.

Deadly unrest in Ethiopia hampers PM's political reform attempts.

Botswana president sworn in promising to fight graft.

Algerians protest election plan, mark independence war.

Nigeria's new media code sparks worries over freedom of expression.

Zimbabwe government workers to strike over low pay.

Fears of more heavy rain in flood-hit East Africa.

EUROPE

Spain to host COP25 climate summit in December.

NATO chief in Ukraine says Russia must withdraw troops.

Farage to Johnson: join forces or Brexit party will contest every seat.

Greece: Migrant camps 'on edge of catastrophe', EU watchdog says.

Human rights community decries new Greek asylum law.

Russia's internet law a 'new level' of censorship: RSF.

Essex truck deaths: Second man charged with multiple counts of manslaughter, two arrested in Vietnam.

Spain: Court acquits men of gang-raping unconscious teen.

AMERICAS

Trump says he wants to read Ukraine call transcript in TV 'fireside chat'.

White House 'prepared' for Trump to be impeached.

Biden support slips in Iowa as Buttigieg surges: poll.

'Enormous progress' on China trade deal: White House.

Trump, lifelong New Yorker, declares himself a resident of Florida.

Chile unrest: Gov't says cost of damages 'surpasses $1bn'.

Massive wildfires hit southern Brazil's Pantanal wetlands.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Pentagon: Islamic State will survive leader’s death.

ISIL confirms death of leader al-Baghdadi, names new chief.

'We know exactly who he is!' Trump claims to know identity of new ISIS leader despite terror experts remaining stumped.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Saudi prince seen formally launching Aramco IPO on Sunday: source.

Fitbit snapped up by Google in $2.1bn deal.

China launches world's largest 5G mobile network.

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