World News Briefs -- March 18, 2020

SCMP: Coronavirus: global recession in 2020 now seen as guaranteed as outbreak ravages Europe, US

* Hope for rapid global economic recovery has faded, with some analysts predicting the downturn may last until next year
* Escalation of containment measures in Europe and the US, along with weak Chinese economic data, are seen as tipping points in the outlook for the economy

A global economic recession is now all but guaranteed in 2020, with analysts worldwide continuing to slash their already grim forecasts as the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic outside China results in unprecedented containment measures and a rising number of businesses in danger of bankruptcy.

The moves by central banks around the world to cut their interest rates to record lows and by governments to pump huge amounts of money into their economies – including the new proposal in the United States to spend around US$1 trillion to bail out troubled businesses and provide a cash handout to every American – have come too late, according to analysts.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria opposition blocks Turkey-Russia patrols on M4 highway.

Pompeo says Russia responsible for Turkish soldiers' deaths.

US hands over base to Iraqi forces in area known to be a hotbed for Iran-backed militia. US deployment in Iraq: Troops to leave smaller bases after attack.

US slaps new sanctions on Iran amid renewed rocket attacks in Iraq.

Iran president says Iran responded, will respond to assassination of Soleimani. Rouhani vows Iran will take further action to avenge US assassination of Soleimani.

Adnan al-Zurfi named new prime minister of Iraq.

Ehud Olmert tells FRANCE 24: 'Benjamin Netanyahu has to go home'.

All sides to blame for at least 120 attacks on Yemen hospitals, report says.

ASIA

Intense cross border fire underway between troops of India and Pakistan.

Taliban promises safe passage for coronavirus health workers.

US calls Afghan prisoner swap 'urgent' amid coronavirus.

Deputy head of Japan's Olympic Committee tests positive for COVID-19, Abe insists games will go ahead.

Dissent grows as IOC battles to keep Tokyo Olympics on track. Athletes accuse Olympic organisers of 'putting us in danger' by not cancelling Tokyo 2020 and forcing them to 'risk our health' by training during coronavirus outbreak.

As China-US relations continue to sour, Beijing says expulsion of American reporters may just be the start.

North Korean leader calls upgrading public health sector a 'crucial task'.

China expels US journalists in escalating media freedom row.

AFRICA

Ebola-hit West African nations on alert amid coronavirus pandemic.

UN urges Libyans to halt fighting, instead battle coronavirus.

Nigeria bans entry for travelers from 13 countries as it announces five new cases of coronavirus.

Anti-government protests thwarted as Algeria bans street marches over coronavirus.

Troops in Mali 'failed to prevent massacre'.

Malawi leader sacks country's military chief.

Militia 'sect' wreaks havoc in remote DR Congo region.

Egypt targets Guardian, NYT journalists over coronavirus reports.

EUROPE

EU closes external borders to slow spread of coronavirus.

'We underestimated coronavirus,' EU admits: Ursula von der Leyen says 'measures that seemed drastic two weeks ago need to be taken now' as the bloc shuts its borders.

Europe struggles with 'socio-economic tsunami' caused by coronavirus. Fearing coronavirus recession, France announces €45 billion in business aid.

Russia has deployed 'significant coronavirus disinformation campaign' against the West to sow panic, the EU says.

Coronavirus: UK chancellor unveils £350bn lifeline for economy.

Coronavirus: Pound plunges to its lowest level in over 30 years.

Greece curbs refugee movement in camps over coronavirus fears.

Spanish PM addresses near-empty parliament.

Pope Francis stresses 'mercy' in 2nd web-streamed general audience.

AMERICAS

Trump says he will invoke wartime act to fight 'enemy' coronavirus.

Most Americans say Trump hasn't taken virus seriously: poll.

Trump says US, Canada to close border to 'non-essential traffic' amid coronavirus.

Defying Beijing, Donald Trump doubles down on use of ‘Chinese virus’ label for Covid-19.

Fears of US unemployment spike as government prepares rescue.

Coronavirus travel chaos as Latin America barricades itself.

US election 2020: Sanders 'assessing' campaign after Biden rout.

Brazil charges 6 ex-military dictatorship agents in journalist's murder.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

State Department blacklists new IS leader.

Exclusive: Legendary special operations aviator reveals bin Laden mission details for the first time.

Former chief of Defence 'shocked' at video of Australian SAS soldier killing unarmed Afghan man.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street extends recent selloff, puts Dow on course to erase 'Trump-bump'.

Oil’s 24% plunge in a day signals no end in sight for meltdown.

Amazon faces new role in virus crisis: lifeline.

Facebook says spam filter mayhem not related to coronavirus.

Virus could shake up world's most expensive cities.

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