World News Briefs -- March 2, 2020

Reuters: World 'in uncharted territory' as coronavirus spreads: WHO

SEOUL/BEIJING (Reuters) - Coronavirus is now spreading much more rapidly outside China than within the country, leading the world into uncharted territory, but the outbreak can still be contained, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

Almost nine times as many cases had been reported in the past 24 hours beyond China than inside, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, adding that the risk of coronavirus spreading was now very high at a “global level”.

He said outbreaks in South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan were the greatest concern, but that there was evidence surveillance methods were working in South Korea, the worst affected country outside China, and the epidemic could be contained there.

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MIDDLE EAST

Turkey downs Syrian planes in Idlib as refugees flood Turkey's European borders.

Syria's White Helmets urge no-fly zone to end civilian exodus.

Turkey says millions of migrants may head to EU.

Iraq's Allawi withdraws his candidacy for prime minister as vacuum looms. Iraq power vacuum as political crisis hits PM post.

Coronavirus: Iran council member close to supreme leader Khamenei dies of Covid-19.

Israel bombs vehicle in Syrian Golan after cross-border sniper attempt.

Netanyahu faces Gantz again as Israelis head to polls for the third time in a year.

Israeli election: Turnout high despite fears of coronavirus, voter fatigue.

ASIA

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rejects prisoner release following US-Taliban deal.

Taliban reject talks until 5,000 prisoners released in accordance with US deal.

Afghan conflict: Taliban to resume attacking local forces after deal with US.

Afghanistan: Explosion kills 3 at football match, as truce falters.

Indonesia confirms first COVID-19 cases; clusters skyrocket in South Korea, Italy.

Coronavirus: Xi Jinping focuses on long-term battle as more countries report cases.

Philippines V-Mall siege ends as ex-security guard surrenders, releases hostages.

AFRICA

Five soldiers killed in checkpoint attack in central Mali.

At least 50 killed in northern Nigeria 'bandit' attacks.

With only three official cases, Africa's low coronavirus rate puzzles health experts. Africa readies for new virus as cases confirmed on continent.

Tunisia and Senegal confirm coronavirus cases.

Libya peace efforts thrown further into chaos as UN envoy quits.

Interim Gineau-Bissau president resigns, citing death threats.

Guinea-Bissau army urged to stay neutral in power struggle.

Egypt sentences 37 to death including former Army officer.

EUROPE

EU raises risk level of coronavirus infection as global deaths pass 3,000.

FIERCE clashes, tear gas at border as Greece vows to ‘turn back’ flow of migrants from Turkey (VIDEOS).

Erdogan’s use of refugees to pressure EU is ‘unacceptable’ – Merkel.

Angela Merkel says racist attacks in Germany of 'deepest concern'.

Britain, EU begin post-Brexit trade talks in Belgium.

EU warns UK to tone down political rhetoric as trade talks start.

Slovakia opposition party wins parliamentary election.

AMERICAS

Coronavirus may have spread undetected for weeks in U.S..

FEMA preparing for possible coronavirus emergency declaration.

Democratic candidates gear up for a dramatic Super Tuesday.

Klobuchar to drop out of 2020 campaign, endorse Biden.

Buttigieg dropping out of presidential race.

Uruguay ushers in first conservative government in 15 years.

Guyana votes amid high hopes over oil discoveries.

Venezuela arrests officials for giving US oil data.

Canada: Wet’suwet’en and ministers agree tentative deal in land dispute.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Battle for the Sahel: the new frontline in the war on terror.

The missing ISIS victims and the families they left behind.

Why a U.S.-Taliban peace deal could strengthen ISIS in Afghanistan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Coronavirus: Global growth ‘could halve’ if outbreak intensifies. Grim economic forecasts as coronavirus spreads.

Coronavirus: BA and Ryanair cancel flights as bookings drop.

Coronavirus causes mass cancellations of business, cultural and sports events.

Apple, Nike and other major companies implicated in Muslim forced labour in China.

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