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Sudan Forces Disperse Anti-Coup Protesters, Arrest Dozens

Sudan's security forces have dispersed demonstrators and rounded up more than 100 people in the capital of Khartoum, in the latest crackdown on pro-democracy protesters after last month's military coup.

The Sudanese military seized power Oct. 25, dissolving the transitional government and arresting dozens of officials and politicians. The coup has drawn international criticism and massive protests in the streets of Khartoum and elsewhere in the country.

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Libya Govt. Rejects Suspension of FM Weeks before Election

Libya's government has rejected a decision by the country's presidential council to suspend the foreign minister over allegations of monopolizing foreign policy.

The standoff between the two bodies is likely to increase political tensions in the North African county less than seven weeks before planned elections. It also comes a few days ahead of an international conference in Paris to push for holding the vote as scheduled Dec. 24.

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Palestinians, Israel Spar over U.S. Mission in Jerusalem

The Palestinians have slammed Israel for rejecting the promised reopening of the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem, a move that would restore Washington's main diplomatic mission for the Palestinians in the contested city.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said there was no room in Jerusalem for another American mission.

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Tension Rises in Iraq after Failed Bid to Assassinate PM

The failed assassination attempt against Iraq's prime minister at his residence on Sunday has ratcheted up tensions following last month's parliamentary elections, in which the Iran-backed militias were the biggest losers.

Helicopters circled in the Baghdad skies throughout the day, while troops and patrols deployed around Baghdad and near the capital's fortified Green Zone, where the overnight attack occurred.

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Iraqi PM Survives Assassination Bid with Drones

Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt with armed drones that targeted his residence early Sunday and officials said he was unharmed. The attack was a major escalation amid tensions sparked by the refusal of Iran-backed militias to accept last month's parliamentary election results.

Two Iraqi officials told The Associated Press that seven of al-Kadhimi's security guards were injured in the attack with two armed drones which occurred in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone area. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to give official statements.

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Iran Begins Annual War Games ahead of Nuke Talks with West

Iran's military began its annual war games in a coastal area of the Gulf of Oman, state TV reported Sunday, less than a month before upcoming nuclear talks with the West.

The report said navy and air force units as well as ground forces were participating in a more than 1 million square-kilometer area east of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

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Lebanon among Sponsors of U.N. Draft Condemning Attacks on Journalists

A proposed U.N. resolution would "unequivocally" condemn all attacks, reprisals and violence against journalists and media workers and urge governments to take action to end the prevailing impunity and punish these crimes.

The draft General Assembly resolution circulated Friday also urges "the immediate and unconditional release of journalists and media workers who have been arbitrarily arrested, arbitrarily detained or taken hostage or who have become victims of enforced disappearances."

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Vatican Confirms Papal Trip to Greece, Cyprus in December

Pope Francis will travel to Greece and the eastern Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus on a five-day trip next month, the Vatican confirmed Friday.

The pope will visit Larnaca, Cyprus, from Dec. 2-4, before traveling to Greece, with stops in Athens and on the island of Lesbos, from Dec. 4-6. The Vatican released no further details of the trip.

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Diana Ross Gives Us a Dose of Hope on 'Thank You'

"Thank You," by Diana Ross (Decca Records/Universal Music Group)

Diana Ross' first album in 15 years cuts through our present cynicism and slices past the despair. "Thank You" is a warm hug of music, less a tightly constructed pop vehicle, than a mood.

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Japan Game Maker Nintendo Sees No Quick Fix for Chips Crunch

The shortage in computer chips needed to make the Nintendo Switch machine is a serious problem unlikely to be resolved soon, the president of the Japanese video-game maker said Friday.

"The extremely tight situation remains, and the future is uncertain," Shuntaro Furukawa told reporters.

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