Thursday, 10 November 2016
Iraqi forces make further advances into Mosul
Iraqi troops have advanced on Mosul and regrouped to clear neighbourhoods and houses occupied by Islamic State.
Special forces control the Zahra neighbourhood of the city and have taken at least half of the Aden area after establishing a foothold in a small slice of territory in the east of Mosul.
Iraqi troops are converging on several fronts in the country's largest city and the last major IS holdout in Iraq, while Peshmerga forces are holding a line outside the city in the north.
The Iraqi army and militarised police units have approached from the south and government-sanctioned Shia militias are guarding the western approaches.
Video: Iraqi police and local youths enjoy the muddy water of a springThe offensive has slowed down in recent days as the forces push into densely populated areas and cannot rely on airstrikes and shelling because of the risk to civilians.
But rights groups have accused Iraqi government forces of killing and torturing civilians south of the city - the first reports of alleged abuse in the campaign to retake Mosul.
Amnesty International said "up to six" people were found dead last month in the Shura and Qayyara districts who security forces believes had ties to IS.
Lynn Maalouf, deputy director for research at Amnesty's Beirut office, said: "Men in federal police uniform have carried out multiple unlawful killings, apprehending and then deliberately killing in cold blood residents in villages south of Mosul."
Image Caption: Priests at the Mart Shoomy Church in Bahzani survey the destruction carried out by ISHuman Rights Watch (HRW) said at least 37 men suspected of being affiliated to IS had been detained by Iraqi and Kurdish forces from checkpoints, villages, screening centres and camps for displaced people around Mosul and Hawija.
A spokesman for Iraq's Interior Ministry denied there had been any violations.
About eight miles from the city Peshmerga forces have continued to take territory in the town of Bashiq, which is believed to still contain dozens of IS fighters.
At an area church in territory recently freed from the militants' grip, priests rang bells for the first time in two years as the Peshmerga worked to secure the area.
Priest Elkhoury Alfaran Elkhoury, at the Mart Shoomy Church in Bahzani, a village near Bashiqa, said that IS had done a lot of damage to the church while they occupied the area.
He said: "They want to give a message to the world and that message is destruction, their message is death."
Video: Thousands of civilians flee MosulOn the banks of the Tigris River, men sat and watched, smiling with relief as Iraqi policemen, soldiers and local youths bathed in muddy spring water in a town that was recaptured from IS State just a few days ago.
Hammam al Alil was seized from the jihadists by Iraqi Federal Police units last week.
Residents said they were unable to reap the benefits of the springs for more than two years under the rule of IS.
One resident, Taha Daoud, said: "People used to come to these springs from all around the world, from the Gulf, Europe, Asia, they would all come here.
"This area was open to the world, everyone was happy, people would stay here for three or four days.
"That was until the enemy of humanity came to us, the indescribable enemy that has no values or morals, the enemy, Daesh who came to us from the land of ignorance.
"They prohibited all men from undressing and swimming in the spring."
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West Wing writer pens angry anti-Trump letter
Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin has written a letter to his young daughter, urging her to "fight the Trumpsters".
The critically acclaimed writer of the presidency drama The West Wing tells his 15-year old daughter Roxy and his wife Julia to "get out of bed" and "f****** fight" after Wednesday's results.
"The world changed late last night in a way I couldn't protect us from. That's a terrible feeling for a father," Sorkin writes in a letter published on Vanity Fair.
"I won't sugarcoat it - this is truly horrible."
Image Caption: Sorkin and his 15-year old daughter RoxyThe writer then calls the newly elected President a "thoroughly incompetent pig with dangerous ideas", and warns of the dangers of his "White nationalists, sexists, racists and buffoon" supporters.
"Hate was given hope," he writes.
The screenwriter tells the "Sorkin girls" that "the world took no time to react", and that "economists are predicting a deep and prolonged recession".
He speaks of "fear" and says he would trade "this small fraction of a man for Richard Nixon".
Image Caption: The cast and crew of The West Wing at the 2000 Primetime Emmy Awards"So what do we do?," he asks.
Sorkin then encourages his daughter and wife to "f****** fight".
"We're not powerless and we're not voiceless. We don't have majorities in the House or Senate but we do have representatives there. It's also good to remember that most members of Trump's own party feel exactly the same way about him that we do," he adds.
Sorkin concludes the letter with a message of dissidence, saying "the battle isn't over, it's just begun".
"Your tears last night woke me up, and I'll never go to sleep on you again."
:: Watch every twist and turn of the US election fallout live on Sky News.
Read more:
:: Trump supporters dare celebrities to pack their bags
:: Donald Trump wins: US election results in full
:: Nasty campaign to give way to civilised handover
:: Brand Trump: Conflict of interest for tycoon
:: Sky Views: Trump a threat to global free trade
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Manhunt after two police shot in Pennsylvania
People have been told to stay inside their homes in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania after two police officers were shot.
It happened at about 4am local time, WPXI.com said, after the officers had attended a domestic incident on Woodcrest Road.
A neighbour said they had heard two gunshots.
Police are still searching for the attacker.
One of the injured officers was apparently taken to Canonsburg General Hospital, while the other was flown to a hospital in the Pittsburgh area, about 20 miles away.
Their names have not been made public.
The mayor of Canonsburg, Dave Rhome, confirmed to radio station WJPA that two officers had been shot, but was unable to give an update on their conditions.
More follows...
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'Still here?' Celebrities mocked for not leaving US
Celebrities have defended themselves after being mocked on social media for threatening to leave the US in the event of a Trump victory.
Comedian Amy Schumer and Lena Dunham were two of Hillary Clinton's supporters who promised to move to Canada if Mr Trump became president of the United States.
Since results came out Wednesday morning, Trump supporters have been sending celebrities online messages, mocking their plans to leave the country.
One Twitter user wrote to singer Miley Cyrus and Girls creator Dunham asking "How's Canada?", while another quipped that "the real loser is Canada, as it seems they are getting Lena Dunham after this".
Comedian Ricky Gervais also posted a tweet mocking the announcements, saying "the only funny thing about today is all those celebrities having to move to Canada or look like liars".
The only funny thing about today is all those celebrities having to move to Canada or look like liars.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) November 9, 2016
In April, Dunham said: "I know a lot of people have been threatening to do this, but I really will.
"I know a lovely place in Vancouver, and I can get my work done from there."
Singer Cher, another vocal Clinton supporter, threatened to "pack her bags for Jupiter" in the event of a Trump presidency.
Image Caption: Twitter users made a photo montage with real estate ads about moving to JupiterOne Twitter user wrote "petition circling on Jupiter to keep Cher away", while others posted pictures of real estate adverts for the planet with the singer's face on them.
While most celebrities have kept away from social media since the results, singer Miley Cyrus posted a video of herself crying, saying she accepts President Trump.
"I accept you," she said, "I even accept you as the president of the United States."
Schumer posted a long message to her critics on her Instagram page, explaining how her threat to leave the US "was said in jest", and shouldn't "count as official news".
"Anyone saying pack your bags is just as disgusting as anyone who voted for this racist homophobic openly disrespectful woman abuser," she wrote.
Video: Sobbing Cyrus says she 'accepts Trump' as PresidentShe also called Trump supporters "weak" and "misinformed".
"People who voted for him you are weak. You are not just misinformed. You didn't even attempt information," Schumer said.
She also posted a fake Donald Trump quote, in which he claims if he were ever to run for Presidency, he would run as a Republican because "they're the dumbest group of voters in the country".
She added: "Yes this quote is fake but it doesn't matter."
Celebrities who threatened to leave the country include Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston, Barbra Streisand, Samuel L Jackson, comedian Chelsea Handler, talk show host Jon Stewart and singer Amber Rose.
from
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MPs propose urgent steps to restore Russia-US relations after Trump elected
A member of the State Duma Foreign Relations Committee has a proposal to launch a special group for restoring normal relations between Russia and the US, while other MPs seek to launch a week of Russian-US friendship to mend broken ties.
Vitaly Milonov wrote that the principles of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence are the basis of global security, and that relations between the Russian Federation and the United States are especially important in maintaining the balance.
“Our nations are the largest economic and cultural centers of our planet. Our nations possess developed economies, powerful military forces, the largest trade ties all over the world and this allows them to influence global political agenda. Unfortunately, due to myopic policies of the US administration and its push towards global hegemony, the relations between our countries have deteriorated to record lows,” Milonov wrote.
“In the current situation it might be reasonable to set up a working group of Russian and US lawmakers who would concentrate on normalization of relations between our countries… This group could start developing a roadmap for the process as well as work on particular contradictions between our states that have accumulated over recent years,” he added.
Milonov also stated that US President-Elect Donald Trump has previously made positive statements about Russia and expressed a readiness for a genuine restart of relations.
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In a separate move, State Duma MP Vladimir Sysoyev (Liberal-Democratic Party) and a member of Russia’s Public Chamber, Sultan Khamzayev, asked the Culture Ministry to consider introducing a week of Russian-American friendship to promote mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Deputy Culture Minister Vladimir Aristarkhov told RT that the ministry would support the initiative, adding that he personally was also in favor of such soft power projects.
On Wednesday, senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, welcomed Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections and expressed hope that the subsequent changes in the US foreign policy would help to restore bilateral relations.
“We heard [Trump's] campaign rhetoric while still a candidate for the US presidency, which was focused on restoring the relations between Russia and the United States,” Putin said at a presentation ceremony of foreign ambassadors' letters of credentials in Moscow.
“We understand and are aware that it will be a difficult path in the light of the degradation in which, unfortunately, the relationship between Russia and the US are at the moment,” he added.
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Python owner not guilty over boys' deaths
A Canadian man whose python escaped from his pet shop and killed two young boys has been cleared of criminal negligence causing death.
Noah Barthe, four, and his six-year-old brother Connor were at a sleepover at Jean-Claude Savoie's flat above the shop, called Reptile Ocean, in August 2013.
The African rock python got out through a ventilation duct in Campbellton, New Brunswick, and dropped into the living room where the two boys were sleeping.
A pathologist who carried out post-mortem examinations said both boys had died of asphyxiation.
Image Caption: The python escaped the shop through a ventilation ductThey were also covered in puncture wounds from snake bites.
Mr Savoie's three-year-old son, who had been sleeping in another room, was unharmed.
Leslie Matchim, Mr Savoie's lawyer, said he had thought the snake was too big to get into the duct, and so did not think it needed securing.
Mr Matchim said: "There is no need to install a barrier if you've come to that conclusion in your mind.
"Accidents happen, but not everyone who causes an accident is guilty of criminal negligence causing death."
Image Caption: The boys were killed by an African rock python. Pic: FileThe pet shop owner - who was a close friend of the brothers' family - wept in court as the jury in Campbellton delivered its verdict.
Noah and Connor had apparently stayed over regularly.
The boys' mother, Mandy Trecartin, reportedly showed little emotion as she left court and did not speak to reporters.
Crown prosecutor Pierre Roussel said it was too soon to think about whether to appeal, but said the family found the verdict disappointing.
Mr Matchim said Mr Savoie had looked after the snake for 11 years after being asked to take it by the Canadian Wildlife Service.
African rock pythons are typically between three and three-and-a-half metres long, and weigh between 44 and 55 kilogrammes (100lbs - 120lbs).
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Brad Pitt cleared over abusive behaviour claims
An investigation into whether Brad Pitt was abusive to his 15-year-old son Maddox on the family's private jet has been closed by child investigative services.
The Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services had been investigating mid-September's alleged incident since the Hollywood actor's wife Angelina Jolie Pitt filed for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences", according to reports.
The actress and UN Special Envoy decided to separate "for the health of the family", and is seeking full custody of their six children.
Image Caption: Divorce papers filed by Angelina Jolie following the plane incident"Angelina said from the beginning that she felt she had to take action for the health of the family and is relieved that after their eight-week involvement, the DCFS is now satisfied the safeguards are put in place that will allow the children to heal," a representative for the actress told TMZ when the investigation started.
Sources close to the family have said Wednesday's decision by the Los Angeles DCFS not to charge the actor will not change Jolie Pitt's decision to bring the matter of custody to court.
The 52-year old actor is under a monitored visitation status, but is seeking joint physical and legal custody of the children.
Image Caption: The couple at the world premiere of Maleficent in May, 2014, in HollywoodJolie Pitt's representatives said Monday that an informal agreement on custody had been reached, although the agreement can only be finalised in the couple's divorce judgement.
California law usually favours joint custody, benefiting the Troy actor's appeal.
A representative for Jolie Pitt said the actress is "relieved that the inquiry is over and that the custody arrangements in place will allow the children to heal".
A representative for Pitt declined comment.
The Hollywood stars were together for 12 years after developing a relationship while filming Mr & Mrs Smith in 2005.
Image Caption: Jolie and Pitt looking at pictures of victims of violence during the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London in 2014They quickly became one of Hollywood's elite power couples and adopted children from Cambodia, Vietnam and Ethiopia.
In 2006, they formed the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, funding it with millions of dollars made by selling personal pictures to celebrity magazines.
The pair recently sold a home they bought in New Orleans' French Quarter for $4.9m (£4m).
Image Caption: Pitt made his first public appearance with co-star Cotillard on the LA premiere of AlliedPitt made his first public appearance since the alleged jet plane incident on Wednesday, hitting the red carpet on the LA premiere of his new film Allied.
He was joined by his co-star French actress Marion Cotillard.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have six children together - adopted Maddox, Zahara and Pax and biological children Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne.
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Markets extend rally following Trump shock
Markets have headed higher again as investors brushed aside their initial shock at Donald Trump's unexpected US election victory.
London's FTSE 100 Index climbed 0.8% in early trading, following a rally in Asian stocks overnight as they recouped steep losses seen in the previous session. European markets saw similar upturns.
Japan's Nikkei, which had fallen 5% the day before, climbed nearly 7%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng added 2%.
A turbulent start to the session on Wednesday had seen European markets briefly follow Asian shares into the red, with the FTSE 100 seeing a 2% fall during the first few moments of trading.
But London's leading share index quickly bounced back and ended the day 1% higher.
On Wall Street, the S&P 500 was also up 1% on Wednesday.
Image Caption: Traders on the floor of the New York stock exchange after Donald Trump's US election victoryThe US dollar has rebounded too, helped by expectations that the US Federal Reserve was still likely to raise interest rates after all.
That possibility had looked sharply reduced in the immediate aftermath of Mr Trump's victory.
Markets had been nervous about the prospect of a Trump presidency up-ending the global political order and tearing up long-standing trade arrangements.
Video: Markets rally but Mexico's peso is batteredBut sentiment calmed after his acceptance speech which eschewed some of the more confrontational rhetoric deployed during the campaign.
Instead he put the emphasis on reuniting a divided America, putting millions into work through large-scale infrastructure projects and dealing fairly with other countries.
Video: Markets look for 'glass half full'Jasper Lawler, market analyst at CMC Markets, said: "In just a matter of hours, markets have switched from the election victory as a glass half empty to a glass half full.
"The perceived negatives of a Trump victory of protectionist trade policy and his anti-Federal Reserve rants have been put aside in hopes he will run a pro-business administration supported by tax cuts and fiscal spending."
:: Watch every twist and turn of the US election fallout live on Sky News.
Read more:
:: Donald Trump wins: US election results in full
:: Nasty campaign to give way to civilised handover
:: Brand Trump: Conflict of interest for tycoon
:: President Trump: What could possibly go wrong?
:: Sky Views: Trump a threat to global free trade
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