WASHINGTON — President Trump put the “special relationship” with the United Kingdom on full display Friday, hosting Prime Minister Theresa May for cordial meetings at the White House while highlighting a partnership built from their converging political fortunes.
May’s visit began something of a foreign policy weekend for Trump, as he pivots from issues of trade and immigration in North America to similar issues in Europe and the Middle East. Trump is lining up Saturday phone calls with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The arrival of the British prime minister as the first foreign leader to visit the new president was a clear signal of the pre-eminence of the alliance.
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MIDDLE EAST
Turkey’s Syria offensive stalls at flashpoint town.
Trump planning stronger US effort against Islamic State.
Trump poised to seek new military options for defeating Islamic State group.
Trump renews consideration of military ‘safe zones’ in Syria.
Russia urges caution on U.S. plan for safe zones in Syria.
Russia’s Lavrov says talks on Syria in Geneva postponed.
Iraqi troops push into IS-held villages north of Mosul.
Trump will keep vow on Jerusalem embassy move, Giuliani says.
Netanyahu interviewed by anti-corruption police for third time.
Turkey threatens to cancel Greece migration deal in soldiers’ extradition row. Turkey threatens to cancel Greece migration deal in soldiers’ extradition row.
ASIA
North Korea appears to have restarted plutonium reactor: think tank.
Afghanistan seeks more women to join its army.
Japan’s Shinzo Abe to meet with Trump for trade summit. Trump to seek quick progress with Japan’s Abe on replacement trade deal.
Japan PM says it’s not so easy to change Trump’s mind on TPP.
Duterte pleads with Philippine rebels to rebuff Islamic State advances.
North Korea coins new slogan to ‘overwork the people,’ report says.
Challenging the U.S., Moscow pushes into Afghanistan.
Chinese Lunar New Year feast begins with drums and dumplings.
Beijing city officials told no Lunar New Year fireworks to crack down on smog.
AFRICA
West African nations to scale back military in The Gambia.
Al-Shabab claims to have killed dozens of Kenyan troops. Somalia’s al Shabaab says kills dozens of Kenyan troops in raid on base.
Gambians celebrate new president’s arrival after veteran ruler flees.
Libya calls for west to invest in oil industry to help ‘unify’ the country.
Ivory Coast ex-rebel commanders promoted after mutiny deal.
New report exposes massive corruption in South Sudan’s Army.
EU prolongs sanctions against 48 Tunisians, inc. ex-leader.
Black South Africans still earn far less than whites: survey.
EUROPE
Merkel: Security will be key issue in Germany’s 2017 election campaign.
Italy and Spain to seek ‘a key role’ in revitalizing Europe.
Trump and May reaffirm commitment to NATO in White House visit.
Donald Trump phone call with Vladimir Putin could set scene for US-Russia relations.
Trump hopes to get along with Russia, ‘knock the hell out of ISIS together’.
German Foreign Minister Steinmeier ‘appalled’ by 2016 US election.
Hollande: Trump administration a ‘challenge’ for Europe.
French presidential hopeful François Fillon denies claims about wife. Francois Fillon: I will drop out of France president race if investigated.
France’s neighbors sound alarm over election ‘catastrophe’ risk.
France warns ‘window is closing’ on Greece’s bailout deal.
Free soda: France bans unlimited sugary drink refills.
Population in Germany hits all-time high.
AMERICAS
GOP lawmakers voice concerns over ObamaCare repeal: report.
Trump pledges ‘lasting support’ to US relations with Britain.
Trump plays down talk of lifting Russia sanctions. President Trump could lift Russian sanctions quickly.
Trump, Mexican leader speak to mend rift over wall. Trump has ‘friendly’ call with Mexican leader but demands change.
Tycoon Slim says united Mexico ready for Trump talks.
Trump voters thrilled with promised action on border wall.
Mexico wall: Trump condemned over imports tax proposal.
Mexicans launch boycotts of U.S. companies in fury at Donald Trump.
REPORTS: Trump to speak to Merkel about Russia on same day he talks to Putin for the first time.
Miami-Dade Mayor orders jails to comply with federal immigration plan.
Anti-abortion marchers to celebrate a new era under Trump.
Chile’s worst wildfire destroys town as help arrives.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Thousands of terrorists, foreign fighters tried to enter America, new data shows.
Gitmo numbers likely to rise under Trump.
Trump signals changes to U.S. interrogation, detention policy.
FBI has more than 1,000 ongoing anti-terrorism investigations.
Trump administration debates designating Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist group.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
DIHK reports China overtaking US to become Germany’s top trading partner.
Surge in media mergers is expected under Trump’s pro-business agenda.
US GDP misses forecast with final quarter rise of 1.9%.
EU slaps China, Taiwan with steel anti-dumping duties.
Microsoft’s market value tops $500 billion again after 17 years.
