Iraqi army drives Islamic State from Christian region near Mosul
Iraqi army troops on Saturday stormed into a Christian region that has been under Islamic State control since 2014 as part of U.S.-backed operations to clear the entrances to Mosul, the militants' last major city stronghold in Iraq.
Canada says up to EU to save free trade deal
Canada said on Saturday it was up to the European Union to save a free trade deal that could boost both economies but that cannot be signed as planned next week due to opposition from Belgium's French-speaking region.
U.S. hopeful it can win Russia's agreement on Antarctic Ocean deal
After repeated failed attempts to establish an Antarctic Ocean sanctuary, the United States is hopeful it can sway Russia to agree to a plan that would protect a vast swath of what marine scientists call the most pristine body of water left on Earth.
EU condemns Russia role in Syria, mulls more sanctions
European Union leaders at a summit in Brussels were considering a draft text on Thursday that would condemn attacks by the Syrian and Russian military on Aleppo and threaten further sanctions on individuals and entities if they continue.
Rosneft deal to buy India's Essar Oil does not violate sanctions: U.S.
A deal by a state-owned Russian oil company Rosneft and others to buy India's Essar Oil for $12.9 billion does not run afoul of U.S. sanctions on Russia, the State Department said.
Syria says east Aleppo ceasefire has begun, promises 'safe exit'
The Syrian military said on Thursday a unilateral ceasefire backed by Russia had come into force to allow people to leave besieged eastern Aleppo, a move rejected by rebels who say they are preparing a counter-offensive to break the blockade.
Germany, Russia skeptical of breakthrough at four-way Ukraine talks
Germany and Russia played down prospects of four-way talks on Wednesday achieving a breakthrough in the stalled Ukraine peace process at the first such meeting in just over a year.
Finland sees propaganda attack from former master Russia
Finland is becoming increasingly worried about what it sees as Russian propaganda against it, including Russian questioning about the legality of its 1917 independence.
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