Leader says Greece near deal on bailout
ATHENS, Greece – Greece’s prime minister said Wednesday that his country is close to reaching a deal with bailout creditors, prompting European stock markets to jump on hopes of a breakthrough in the slow-moving, often acrimonious talks.
Alexis Tsipras spoke shortly before Greek negotiators were due to meet in Brussels with representatives of the bailout creditors – whose cash has kept Greece from bankruptcy for the past five years.
Islamic State attacks massed Iraqi troops
BAGHDAD – Islamic State extremists unleashed a wave of suicide attacks targeting the Iraqi army in western Anbar province, killing at least 17 troops in a major blow to government efforts to dislodge the militants from the Sunni heartland, an Iraqi military spokesman said Wednesday.
The attacks came just hours after the Iraqi government Tuesday announced the start of a wide-scale operation to recapture areas under the control of the IS.
Associated Press
