The American pullback from parts of northeastern Syria could help breathe new life into the Islamic State group if fighting erupts between the Kurds and Turkey. Syrian Kurdish authorities are already struggling to guard IS fighters captured during the long U.S.-backed campaign against the militants and to keep a lid on IS supporters and family members thronging displacement camps. Their hold will suffer even more if they are fighting Turkey. Source Japan Times
Cities, towns and villages across France were practically empty on Saturday as residents stayed home and businesses shut to observe a nationwide curfew intended to help stem the spread of coronavirus, especially a more infectious variant. Source France24
U.S. officials who have engaged in “nasty behaviour” over Chinese-claimed Taiwan will face sanctions, China’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday, after Washington lifted curbs on exchanges between U.S. and Taiwanese officials. Source Reuters
Unrest was recorded in the night between Sunday and Monday as young demonstrators clashed with police in several areas of Tunisia. Clashes were recorded for the third consecutive night in Cité Ettadhamen, Mnihla and al Intilaka, low-income districts of the capital, as well as Sbeitla, Nabeul, Beja, Kasserine, Jelma, Menzel Bouzalfa, Sousse, Gafsa, Bizerte, Sidi Bouzid, Korba, Tebourba. Violence, looting and attacks against police forces were reported. At least 600 people were arrested. Source Ansa Med
