Civil unrest fueled by anger against perceived corruption and misrule by Iraq’s political elite intensified across the south of the country on Friday, as protesters stormed the Iranian consulate in Basra while others briefly took workers hostage at a nearby oilfield. Source Reuters
President Macron promised French households a €6 billion tax cut as he launched plans designed to reinvigorate his flagging presidency. The tax cut, earmarked for next year, would be paid for in part by cutting more than 4,000 public-sector jobs as well as reducing pensions and benefits. Mr Macron said that it would help to usher France towards a new era of prosperity and shore up his credibility within the European Union. Source The Time
China has reacted with anger to the news that the United States is ready to approve a $330 million arms sale to neigboring Taiwan. Source: CNBC
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against delivering an advanced air-defense system to Syria, saying it will further destabilize the war-torn region. Source: Radio Free Europe
