U.S. Military Chief Weighs Frontline Role for U.S. Troops in Iraq -- Bloomberg

President Barack Obama’s top military adviser said more U.S. troops may be needed in Iraq for a “long and difficult” fight against Islamic State, as military planners assess the shortcomings of Iraqi forces.

Army General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told lawmakers today that more complex operations in Iraq, such as efforts to retake Mosul or secure the Syrian border, may require deploying a limited number of additional American military advisers in action with Iraqi soldiers.

“I’m not predicting at this point that I would recommend that those forces in Mosul and along the border would need to be accompanied by U.S. forces, but we’re certainly considering it,” Dempsey said today at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee.

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MIDDLE EAST

US military considers sending combat troops to battle Isis forces in Iraq . Top U.S. General says he’s open to using ground troops to take Mosul .

Islamic State leader urges attacks in Saudi Arabia: speech .

Kurdistan region, Baghdad reach deal on oil exports and payments .

Iraqi PM removes dozens of commanders .

Syria conflict: 'Door closing' on refugees, say NGOs .

Kurds again become focus of Western intervention in Middle East .

Kerry in Amman to discuss Jerusalem unrest . US, Israel, Jordan leaders discuss easing Jerusalem tensions .

Yemen's Houthi group endorse new government: presidential aide .

Turkish nationalist group defiant after attack on US Navy sailors .

Russia says Nov. 24 deadline in doubt in Iran talks .

ASIA

Kim Jong-un accountable for massive human rights atrocities, says UN .

China offers ASEAN friendship, loans as South China Sea tension bubbles .

Pakistani court issues arrest warrants for protest leaders in state TV takeover .

Fukushima £11bn cleanup progresses, but there is no cause for optimism .

China's economy shows more signs of weakness .

Obama: Democratic process in Myanmar 'real,' more to be done .

After U.S.-China climate deal, focus on India to follow suit .

AFRICA

Embassies of Egypt and UAE attacked in Libya .

Nigeria army 'recaptures Mubi from Boko Haram '. Nigerian army, hunters and vigilantes retake towns from Boko Haram.

Servicemen missing after Egyptian navy exchanges fire with unknown gunmen . 5 Egyptian security personnel killed in Sinai gun attacks .

Six injured in bombing raid on South Sudan village.

Burkina factions, army agree on make-up of transitional authority .

Central African Republic rebels block roads in capital .

Delay looms for CAR elections next year .

UN renews resolution to fight piracy off Somalia .

Liberian President ends state of emergency .

Ebola: experimental drug trials to go ahead in west Africa .

G-20 urged to include Africa in development plans.


EUROPE

Azerbaijan and Armenia go toe-to-toe over downed helicopte. . Armenia and Azerbaijan urged to honor truce after helicopter shot down.

Moscow and Kiev trade accusations; U.S. warns Russia against escalation .

Ukraine crisis: Russian 'Cargo 200' crossed border - OSCE .

Obama calls on Russia to respect Ukraine cease-fire .

EU set to leave decisions on tougher Russia sanctions to leaders .

Holland says its jets intercepted Russian transport plane in Baltic airspace Wednesday .

Russian military activity in Europe’s airspace is ‘dangerous,’ Says U.K. .

Spain to vote November 18 on Palestinian state recognition .

La chasse au gros chat: Paris tiger hunt continues .

AMERICAS

Obama 'close to acting alone on immigration' . Obama plans to shield up to 5 million immigrants from deportation: NY Times.

US Congress to vote on Keystone pipeline .

US-Mexico border 'patrolled by drones' .

Mexico facing 'big political crisis' in aftermath of student disappearances, says ambassador to U.S. .

Venezuela's Maduro cuts prices of toys, computers in 'Merry Christmas' plan .

Review faults Secret Service's training, communications.

Baltimore one of ‘most violent cities in the world’, report finds .

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Jihadi jealousy: Al Qaeda frustrated by global popularity of Islamic State .

ISIS announces new currency .

Dead or alive? Conflicting reports over ‘White Widow’ terrorist killing in Ukraine .

Counter-Terrorism: The problem no one wants to talk about .

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Brent crude oil price falls below $80 a barrel .

World economic outlook darkening as 89% in poll see Europe deflation risk.

Microsoft tops Exxon as 2nd biggest company on oil drop .

Andy Warhol's Elvis triptych sells for $81.9m .