U.S. forces to remain in Syria despite warnings from Turkey

SYRIA: The United States has no plans to withdraw troops stationed near Manbij despite warnings from Turkey, which has staged a cross-border offensive into nearby Ain Dara in northern Syria. Indiscriminate shelling by Turkish air forces destroyed the Ain Dara archaeological site dating to 1300 B.C., including a Hittite temple.

AFGHANISTAN: When will it end? Gunmen attacked a military academy outside Kabul on Monday, killing 11 soldiers who represent the country’s official attempt to secure its future. On Saturday the Taliban drove an ambulance packed with explosives into a crowded street in Kabul, killing at least 103 people and injuring 235 more.

GLOBAL: Every major economy in the world is now expanding, with the United States—the world’s largest economy—in its ninth year of growth and buoyed further by recent tax cuts.

PHILIPPINES: This photo is real, and the eruption of Mount Mayon has forced the evacuation of nearly 100,000 residents.

PAKISTAN: A Polish climbing team made a daring overnight ascent to rescue Elizabeth Revol, a well-known French mountain climber who became imperiled on Nanga Parbat, or “Killer Mountain.” But the team had to make a tragic decision as bad weather closed in, leaving partner Tomasz “Tomek” Mackiewicz, who was stranded higher up the 26,660-foot peak. Authorities declared Mackiewicz deceased.

BOLIVIA: President Evo Morales announced his government would repeal a new law that seemed set to make evangelism a crime. Morales’ bid to repeal term limits to continue his own regime is still sparking protests.

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