Death toll from Iranian protests surpasses 2,000, activists say

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Activists say the death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has surpassed 2,000 people. This level of violence around protests hasn’t been seen in Iran in decades. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which has been accurate in previous unrest in recent years, gave the latest toll. It says most of the dead over more than two weeks of protests were protesters and 135 were government-affiliated. With the internet down in Iran, gauging the demonstrations from abroad is difficult. The agency warns that the death toll will rise: “We’re horrified but we still think the number is conservative.”

Greenland official calls it ‘unfathomable’ that the US is considering taking over the island

NUUK, Greenland (AP) — A senior Greenland government official says it’s “unfathomable” that the United States is discussing taking over a NATO ally, and urged the Trump administration to listen to voices from the Arctic island nation. Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland’s minister for business and mineral resources, said people in Greenland are “very, very worried” over the administration’s desire for control of Greenland. She spoke a day before a key meeting in Washington between foreign ministers of the semi-autonomous Danish territory and Denmark and top U.S. officials, at a time of increased tensions between the allies over the stepped-up U.S. rhetoric.

Israel’s recognition of breakaway Somaliland brings uproar and threats to a volatile region

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has thrust the breakaway territory into the international spotlight. That has caused an uproar in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East and added a new factor to regional power struggles. For Israel the decision raises questions about a proposal for Somaliland to take in Palestinians displaced from Gaza. Israel could also use Somaliland as a base to respond to attacks from Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Somaliland’s foreign minister says Israel’s recognition brings more legitimacy and investment. But it also could make Somaliland a target. And already the al-Qaida affiliate in Somalia is making threats.

Trump set to lead largest-ever US delegation to World Economic Forum in Davos

GENEVA (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump is set to return to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week. Organizers say Trump will lead a record-large U.S. delegation, including five Cabinet secretaries and top officials. The event runs from Monday through January 23. The forum expects 3,000 participants, including 850 CEOs and chairs from 130 countries. Forum President Borge Brende says six of the Group of Seven leaders will attend, along with 64 heads of state or government. Critics call the forum a venue for elites, but it aims to improve the state of the world.