US News
- The IRS attempted to hide emails that showed it did not build on a system to make it easier for Americans to file taxes because it had made agreements with companies like TurboTax to provide some free services. The emails show the IRS did not make any effort to negotiate with the companies or require changes after the companies reduced the number of people who were able to file taxes for free. [Link]
- The UN nuclear watchdog group, the IAEA, has selected Rafael Grossi from Argentina as its new head. Grossi was backed by the US. [Link]
Ukraine
- Ukraine says it has begun withdrawing some troops in the eastern region of the country. Russia reports that rebel forces in eastern Ukraine have begun withdrawing from the frontlines. Ukraine is in talks with Russia, France, and Germany to resolve the Ukrainian Civil War. [Link]
North Korea
- North Korea says there is a limited about of time to improve the status of denuclearization talks with the US. [Link]
- North Korea rejects South Korean offers to hold talks over a resort where South Koreans stayed when they visited North Korea. Kim announced that North Korea would change the resort because it was a reflection of South Korea. [Link]
Kashmir
- Militants killed five workers in Kashmir. A delegation of EU lawmakers arrived in Kashmir. [Link]
Middle East
- In response to protests in Lebanon, Prime Minister Hariri will resign. The leader of Lebanon’s Parliament, Hezbollah head Nasrallah, told Hariri not to resign. Reports say Shia associated with Amal and Hezbollah attacked protests camps in Lebanon. [Link]
- The Lebanese government shutdown banks at least through Wednesday because of the ongoing unrest. [Link]
- Russia says all Kurdish armed forces have been removed from the safe zone in northeastern Syria. [Link]
- Germany charges two men associated with the Assad government with crimes against humanity. [Link]
