Yahoo! News: World News

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• Obama defends Iran payment, says was not 'some nefarious deal'
• U.S., South Korea, Japan officials: North Korea missile launches 'provocative acts'
• U.S. says evaluating new Turkish documents on alleged coup leader
• U.S. woman killed in London knife attack, no evidence of terrorism link
• Obama touts progress against Islamic State
• Syrian group demands exchange for bodies of Russian air crew
• Thunder, Westbrook agree on 3-year deal
• Brazil held to 0-0 draw by South Africa in men's soccer
• The Latest: Yulia Efimova's status still uncertain for Rio
• Wanna know Djokovic vs. del Potro result? Check ITF website
• South Africa's ruling ANC faces rejection from urbanites angry over poor services
• Seong, Carta advance in US Women's Amateur at Rolling Green
• Saudi coalition, Huthis violate rights in Yemen: UN report
• Blow to Britain's sex abuse inquiry as chair quits
• Delta Air Lines investigates Muslim couple's profiling claim
• Turkey issues warrant for preacher Gulen over coup
• Assailants strike Kosovo's Parliament with explosive
• A battered Trump is tested on multiple fronts
• Hartford favorite Jerry Kelly shares Travelers lead
• San Francisco Chinatown gang leader gets life in prison
• Amazon dam opposed by tribes fails to get environmental license
• Obama says $400 mn for Iran was not hostage ransom
• Mothers of Plaza de Mayo head ordered arrested in Argentina
• South Africa's ANC loses in Zuma's scandal-tinged hometown
• Explosive device thrown at Kosovo parliament building, no casualties
• Rio mugger dies in fight with Russia vice consul: police
• Muhammad Ali (not that one) set for Rio boxing action
• World Bank approves new safeguards criticized by some NGOs
• BP Whiting refinery reduces wastewater discharge into Lake Michigan
• Colombia may vote on peace before final accord signed: president
• 'Don't poke my eye out': Murray needs flag practice in Rio
• Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka reaches Atlanta quarterfinals
• UK Labour leader clashes with rival in leadership debate
• Euro 2016 violence to influence Qatar World Cup alcohol plan
• Obama says US does not pay ransom, defends payment to Iran
• Earl downgraded to tropical storm after drenching Belize
• U.S. charges nearly 50 suspected mobsters in multistate sweep
• West Ham begins Olympic era with Europa League win

Obama defends Iran payment, says was not 'some nefarious deal' Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:37 PM PDT President Barack Obama on Thursday strongly pushed back against criticism that the administration's payment of $400 million in cash to Iran amounted to ransom in exchange for the release of American prisoners. Iran released the five detainees on Jan. 16 after the United States had agreed to grant clemency to seven Iranians held mostly for sanctions violations and drop charges against 14 Iranians overseas. The payment, which the administration announced the following day, coincided with the lifting of international sanctions against Tehran as part of a historic nuclear deal reached last year.

U.S., South Korea, Japan officials: North Korea missile launches 'provocative acts' Posted: 04 Aug 2016 05:19 PM PDT U.S., South Korean and Japanese defense officials on Thursday condemned North Korea's recent missile launches as "provocative acts" that posed "a serious threat to peace and stability." The statement was issued by the Pentagon after a videoconference meeting of the defense officials from the three countries. On Wednesday, North Korea launched a ballistic missile that landed in or near Japanese-controlled waters for the first time, the latest in a series of launches by the isolated country.

U.S. says evaluating new Turkish documents on alleged coup leader Posted: 04 Aug 2016 05:16 PM PDT The United States is evaluating new documents sent by Turkey to push for the extradition of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, the alleged mastermind of the country's recent failed coup, a State Department spokesman said on Thursday. "The Turkish authorities (made) several deliveries of documents to us and we're in the process of going through those documents," spokesman Mark Toner told a daily news briefing. Toner said the first batch "did not, we believe, constitute a formal extradition request." He added: "We subsequently received more documents.

U.S. woman killed in London knife attack, no evidence of terrorism link Posted: 04 Aug 2016 01:14 PM PDT By Costas Pitas and Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) - A U.S. woman was killed and five other people injured by a man with suspected mental health issues who went on a rampage with a knife in central London. Armed police were called late on Wednesday evening after a 19-year-old Norwegian man of Somali origin began attacking people in London's Russell Square, a park near the site of a 2005 suicide bombing. The victim was identified as Darlene Horton, a woman in her 60s who was the wife of a U.S. psychology professor.

Obama touts progress against Islamic State Posted: 04 Aug 2016 02:40 PM PDT President Barack Obama on Thursday touted progress the United States and its allies have made in the military campaign against Islamic State, though he said the militant group still has the ability to direct and inspire attacks. While the U.S.-led air and ground campaign against the group's strongholds in Iraq and Syria have cost it territory, IS is adapting by reverting to high-profile attacks and by using the internet to recruit members, train them and encourage "lone wolf" attacks. Islamic State also maintains control of major cities, including Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria.

Syrian group demands exchange for bodies of Russian air crew Posted: 04 Aug 2016 12:51 PM PDT The Russian military helicopter was downed in Syria's rebel-held Idlib province on Monday, killing all five people on board in the biggest officially acknowledged loss of life for Russian forces since they started operations in Syria. It wanted the release of prisoners held in Syrian government jails and by Damascus's Lebanese Shi'ite ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. It also demanded an end to the siege of areas blockaded by the Syrian army and its allies, and for the delivery of significant amounts of humanitarian aid to people living in besieged areas.

Thunder, Westbrook agree on 3-year deal Posted: 04 Aug 2016 05:29 PM PDT OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A month after Kevin Durant bolted for Golden State, star guard Russell Westbrook signed a contract extension to stay in Oklahoma City.

Brazil held to 0-0 draw by South Africa in men's soccer Posted: 04 Aug 2016 05:25 PM PDT BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — Brazil started its quest for an Olympic gold medal in men's soccer with a disappointing 0-0 draw against South Africa, a result that prompted loud jeers by some of the home fans.

The Latest: Yulia Efimova's status still uncertain for Rio Posted: 04 Aug 2016 05:23 PM PDT RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The Latest on the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro (all times local):

Wanna know Djokovic vs. del Potro result? Check ITF website Posted: 04 Aug 2016 05:21 PM PDT RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Pssssst. Wanna know who's going to win that big first-round matchup between No. 1 Novak Djokovic and 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics?

South Africa's ruling ANC faces rejection from urbanites angry over poor services Posted: 04 Aug 2016 05:05 PM PDT By TJ Strydom PRETORIA (Reuters) - South Africa's ruling party was on track for its worst electoral performance since coming to power two decades ago, poised to lose control of a key metropolitan area in a reflection of rising anger over a stubbornly high jobless rate and a lack of basic services. Support for the African National Congress (ANC) has waned particularly among urban residents whose lives have not improved much since it toppled oppressive white rule in 1994 and who accuse President Jacob Zuma of mismanaging the economy. On Friday the ruling party was on the brink of losing control of Nelson Mandela Bay, named after the late anti-apartheid icon, to the Democratic Alliance (DA), which held 46.65 percent of the vote compared with the ANC's 40.99 percent, with 98 percent of ballots counted.

Seong, Carta advance in US Women's Amateur at Rolling Green Posted: 04 Aug 2016 05:02 PM PDT SPRINGFIELD, Pa. (AP) — South Korea's Eun Jeong Seong and Italy's Virginia Elena Carta each won two matches Thursday in the U.S. Women's Amateur to keep alive their bids for rare season sweeps.

Saudi coalition, Huthis violate rights in Yemen: UN report Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:52 PM PDT A confidential UN report has concluded that the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen deliberately bombed a house, killing four children, and that Huthi rebels used civilians as shields to avoid attacks. "The panel has documented violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed by the Huthi-Saleh forces, the Saudi Arabia-led coalition and forces affiliated to the legitimate government of Yemen," said the report presented to the Security Council. The panel concluded that the coalition failed to take precautions and "thus violated IHL," international humanitarian law.

Blow to Britain's sex abuse inquiry as chair quits Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:46 PM PDT Britain's child sex abuse inquiry suffered a set back on Thursday with the resignation of its chair Lowell Goddard, who said its "legacy of failure" had weighed upon her role. Goddard became the third chair to quit since the inquiry was set up in 2014 to examine accusations of historic institutional paedophilia. "While it has been a struggle in many respects, I am confident there have been achievements and some very real gains for victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse in getting their voices heard," she added.

Delta Air Lines investigates Muslim couple's profiling claim Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:43 PM PDT CINCINNATI (AP) — Delta Air Lines says it's investigating an Ohio Muslim couple's claim that they were removed from a return flight from Europe after an airline employee singled them out because of their appearance.

Turkey issues warrant for preacher Gulen over coup Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:36 PM PDT Turkey issued an arrest warrant on Thursday for US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, accusing him of ordering the coup attempt aimed at ousting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In the warrant, Gulen stands accused of "ordering the July 15 coup", the Anadolu news agency reported. Gulen strongly denies any involvement and the movement he leads insists it is a charitable network promoting tolerant Islam.

Assailants strike Kosovo's Parliament with explosive Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:33 PM PDT PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Assailants struck Kosovo's Parliament with an explosive device late on Thursday causing damage to the building but no injuries, the police said in a statement. The force said the device that hit the building was fired from a distance.

A battered Trump is tested on multiple fronts Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:33 PM PDT Donald Trump grappled Thursday with fallout from multiple recent missteps, amid a new round of unfavorable polls and as House Speaker Paul Ryan reiterates that his support for the Republican presidential nominee is not guaranteed. The brash billionaire's ability to stay on message during an intensifying general election campaign has been called into question by members of his own party, with Ryan delivering a pointed critique of Trump's performance 96 days before Americans choose between Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. The Republican flagbearer steered his campaign into the rough in recent days by provoking a clash with the family of a Muslim American soldier killed in action, and then declining to endorse Ryan and Senator John McCain, the party's 2008 nominee, in their congressional re-election campaigns.

Hartford favorite Jerry Kelly shares Travelers lead Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:28 PM PDT CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — Jerry Kelly played off the emotion of what he considers a home crowd Thursday in the Travelers Championship, shooting a 6-under 64 for a share of the first-round lead with Vaughn Taylor and Andrew Loupe.

San Francisco Chinatown gang leader gets life in prison Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:19 PM PDT SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A dapper San Francisco Chinatown gangster known as "Shrimp Boy" whose conviction on murder and racketeering charges was part of a major federal organized crime investigation that also brought down a state senator was sentenced Thursday to two life terms — one for killing a rival.

Amazon dam opposed by tribes fails to get environmental license Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:12 PM PDT Brazil's environmental regulator Ibama decided on Thursday to shelve the environmental license request for a hydroelectric dam on the Tapajos River in the Amazon, a project that had been opposed by indigenous tribes and conservation groups. Ibama's licensing office ruled the dam's backers had not presented information in time to show its social and environmental viability. In April, Ibama had suspended the licensing process that began in 2009 after criticism by Brazil's indigenous affairs department, Funai.

Obama says $400 mn for Iran was not hostage ransom Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:11 PM PDT US President Barack Obama reiterated Thursday that $400 million that the United States helped airlift to Iran earlier this year was not a ransom for the release of American prisoners. In January, five American prisoners were released as Washington granted clemency to seven Iranians and withdrew arrest warrants for 14 others. Soon thereafter, the United States helped airlift $400 million worth of Swiss francs and euros to Iran.

Mothers of Plaza de Mayo head ordered arrested in Argentina Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:08 PM PDT BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Hundreds of supporters prevented Argentine police on Thursday from executing an arrest warrant against the 87-year-old president of the human rights groups Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo in a highly politicized corruption case.

South Africa's ANC loses in Zuma's scandal-tinged hometown Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:05 PM PDT South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) failed to take control of President Jacob Zuma's hometown of Nkandla, local election results showed on Thursday, a symbolic blow to the scandal-tinged Zuma. Zuma survived an impeachment vote in April after the Constitutional Court said he breached the law by ignoring an order to repay some of the $16 million in state funds spent on renovating his private home in Nkandla, located in a poverty-stricken rural area of Kwa-Zulu Natal province.

Explosive device thrown at Kosovo parliament building, no casualties Posted: 04 Aug 2016 04:02 PM PDT An explosive device was thrown at Kosovo's parliament building on Thursday evening, a policeman on the scene said, adding that there were no casualties. Kosovo media reported that two motorcyclists fired a rocket propelled grenade as they drove near the parliament building. Opposition MPs released tear gas inside the parliament several times in a protest over an EU-brokered accord with Serbia giving more autonomy to Serb dominated municipalities.

Rio mugger dies in fight with Russia vice consul: police Posted: 04 Aug 2016 03:58 PM PDT A would-be mugger in Rio de Janeiro died Thursday when Russia's vice consul fought back during the attempted robbery and the assailant was killed by his own weapon, police said. The fight, which took place in the same western zone of Rio where the Olympic Park and the Athletes' Village are located, was the latest high profile crime in the city where 85,000 police and soldiers have been deployed to keep the peace during the Games. The vice consul, who was not identified by police, "reacted to an attempted assault," a statement from the homicide department said.

Muhammad Ali (not that one) set for Rio boxing action Posted: 04 Aug 2016 03:40 PM PDT Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Rio Olympic spectators might be forgiven for thinking they are hearing things when the boxer Muhammad Ali steps in to the ring.

World Bank approves new safeguards criticized by some NGOs Posted: 04 Aug 2016 03:33 PM PDT By David Lawder WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The World Bank approved new rules on Thursday that aim to expand protections for people and the environment in projects financed by the bank while making it easier for borrowers to comply with its standards. "The bank has effectively dismantled thirty years of environmental and social protections for the world's most impoverished and vulnerable peoples," said Stephanie Fried, executive director of the Ulu Foundation, a non-profit group focused on forest preservation. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim defended the changes as a compromise that strengthens many protections while eliminating "onerous" requirements in countries whose environmental, labor and human rights standards match those of the World Bank.

BP Whiting refinery reduces wastewater discharge into Lake Michigan Posted: 04 Aug 2016 03:32 PM PDT BP Plc said the wastewater sediment discharge from its Whiting, Indiana refinery returned to permitted levels on Thursday, after several days of exceeding allowed amounts due an upset at a wastewater treatment plant. "The refinery's total suspended solids (TSS) returned to permitted levels on Aug. 4," BP spokesman Michael Abendhoff said in an emailed statement. "BP is working to safely return the refinery to normal operations as soon as possible and continues to monitor the situation closely." BP reported the increased discharges beginning on July 29 to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Colombia may vote on peace before final accord signed: president Posted: 04 Aug 2016 03:25 PM PDT Colombia could hold a public vote to approve a peace accord with Marxist FARC rebels and end more than five decades of war before the deal is formally signed, President Juan Manuel Santos said on Thursday. It had been widely expected the plebiscite would take place after the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) had officially signed an accord at the close of negotiations in Cuba. "When we finish the agenda points, that is to say, when everything is agreed, that is when we will send the texts to Congress and convene the plebiscite," Santos said during an event in the Pacific port city of Buenaventura.

'Don't poke my eye out': Murray needs flag practice in Rio Posted: 04 Aug 2016 03:17 PM PDT RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Andy Murray is quite adept at wielding a tennis racket. Holding a giant flag? He needs some work in that area.

Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka reaches Atlanta quarterfinals Posted: 04 Aug 2016 03:17 PM PDT ATLANTA (AP) — Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka beat fourth-seeded Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 on Thursday to advance to the BB&T Atlanta Open quarterfinals.

UK Labour leader clashes with rival in leadership debate Posted: 04 Aug 2016 02:59 PM PDT Britain's embattled Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was accused Thursday of failing to provide a credible opposition to the government as he clashed with the man hoping to unseat him in the first debate of a bitter contest. Owen Smith, a former member of Corbyn's top team, accused the veteran socialist of "sloganising" rather than holding the Conservatives to account, and of failing to campaign hard enough to prevent a vote to leave the European Union. Labour has been plunged into disarray since the Brexit vote on June 23, when lawmakers dissatisfied at Corbyn's leadership seized upon the turmoil that followed to demand that he step down.

Euro 2016 violence to influence Qatar World Cup alcohol plan Posted: 04 Aug 2016 02:56 PM PDT RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The hooliganism at the European Championship in France could affect the availability of alcohol at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Obama says US does not pay ransom, defends payment to Iran Posted: 04 Aug 2016 02:53 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama expressed surprise Thursday at criticism of his administration's $400 million cash payment to Iran to settle a longstanding legal claim, adamantly rejecting claims that it was a ransom paid for the release of four Americans held in Iran.

Earl downgraded to tropical storm after drenching Belize Posted: 04 Aug 2016 02:43 PM PDT BELMOPAN, Belize (AP) — Hurricane Earl deteriorated into a weak tropical storm Thursday as it passed over northern Guatemala en route to southern Mexico.

U.S. charges nearly 50 suspected mobsters in multistate sweep Posted: 04 Aug 2016 02:42 PM PDT By Joseph Ax NEW YORK (Reuters) - "Tony the Cripple, "Muscles" and "Mustache Pat" were among dozens of suspected Mafia members arrested on Thursday in a massive multi-state bust. U.S. authorities charged 46 people, ranging in age from 24 to 80, with extortion, loan sharking, smuggling, arson, gun trafficking and other crimes in a federal indictment unsealed in New York. "Today's charges against 46 men, including powerful leaders, members and associates of five different La Cosa Nostra families, demonstrate that the mob remains a scourge on this city and around the country," Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said.

West Ham begins Olympic era with Europa League win Posted: 04 Aug 2016 02:41 PM PDT LONDON (AP) — West Ham kicked off a new era with a comfortable 3-0 win over Slovenia's NK Domzale in its first match at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday, securing a place in the Europa League playoffs.

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