Russia takes advantage in Syria
Russia’s president Vladimir Putin has invited Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit him in the next few days, Reuters reports. The invitation followed a phone call with the Turkish president about the situation in Syria. Russia’s special envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentyev, has said that any clashes between Turkish and Syrian military forces “would simply be unacceptable”, according to the BBC. CNN says Russia’s influence is likely to grow after the US withdrawal and already Russian forces are patrolling along the “line of contact” between the two sides. CNN claims the military operation by Turkey in Syria is a “a rare moment of unification” for the country. But The Guardian’s view is that what it calls the “calamitous blunder” of crossing into Syria has left Erdoğan vulnerable at home. Meanwhile, The New York Times reckons it will require a much broader attack on Turkey’s economy than the tariffs announced by president Trump on Monday to restrain Erdoğan’s military ambition in the region. But US military aircraft made a “show of force” in the to warn off Turkish-backed fighters in close proximity to US forces in north-east of Syria, CNBC reports.
Is AOC Sanders’ surprise guest?
The fourth televised debate between candidates seeking the Democrat nomination for the 2020 US presidential election saw some unity but also sharp clashes, Reuters reports. Joint front-runner Elizabeth Warren was targeted by rivals over her Medicare for all plans, says CNBC. But the biggest news to emerge from the debate in Westerville, Ohio, was that the darling of the progressive wing of the party, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, may publicly endorse Bernie Sanders, according to CBS. The veteran senator hinted a “special guest” would appear alongside him at a rally on Saturday. The Washington Post says the move would be a “political coup for Sanders”, who has flagged in recent polls.
Trump will win easy if economy holds
Meanwhile, CNBC reports on election modelling by Moody’s Analytics that indicates Donald Trump will win between 289 and 351 electoral votes in November 2020, “if voters were to vote primarily on the basis of their pocketbooks” and the economy, stock markets and unemployment continue current trends. The modelling has been highly accurate since the 1980 election, with its only misfire coming when it predicted a win for Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Pound falls as Brexit optimism fades
Sterling took a tumble in early trading on Wednesday as investors seemed to urge caution on optimism earlier in the week on a Brexit breakthrough, Reuters reports. The pound had been at 5-month highs against both the dollar and euro.
Barcelona protests continue
Tuesday saw more protests in support of jailed separatist leaders in the Catalonian capital. Some demonstrators starting fires and attempting to storm government offices, the BBC reports. Travellers were stranded at El Prat airport after 45 flights were cancelled on Tuesday, Euronews says.
Hong Kong turns on LeBron
Protestors in Hong Kong seemed to reserve much of their ire for LA Lakers basketball superstar LeBron James on Tuesday, according to CNBC. The Mail reports that James jerseys were trampled on and even set on fire after he called Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey “misinformed” over his controversial tweet about the Hong Kong situation.
Bulgarian football chief resigns over racism
Bulgarian Football Union president Borislav Mihailov has resigned after coming under pressure from prime minister Boiko Borissov over racist chanting by fans during Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier against England, the Sofia Globe reports. The BBC has background on racism in Bulgarian football.
Dutch family found living in cellar
A 58-year-old Dutch man and his children aged between 16 and 25 were found to have spent several years living in the cellar of their farmhouse “waiting for the end of time”, The Guardian reports. The case came to light after one of the children, a 25-year old man, made his way to a local bar.
Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Duncan Roberts