As the battle to force Islamic State (ISIS) out of Iraq’s second city, Mosul, gears up analysts predict “it’s going to get messy,” pointing out potential coordination problems between the diverse forces arrayed against the militants. Source Rudaw
Protests are continuing tonight in Barcelona against the ongoing trial of a dozen Catalan separatist leaders in Madrid. They are in the dock over a 2017 referendum and subsequent declaration of independence deemed illegal by the Spanish government. If found guilty, the group could each face up to 25 years in jail. Source Euronews
In an interview with CNN, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said that the country must be prepared for China’s growing military threat, but the rest of the world should take notice because it is a sign of more to come from the communist regime if other nations sit idly by. Source: Taiwannews
The EU has announced an additional €30 million in humanitarian assistance. Another €20 million in development funding will contribute to the reconstruction of the country’s cultural heritage. Source: European Commission
