Obama Promises Support for Iraqis, Maliki Agrees to Step Aside
The Iraqi state television network Iraqiya reported late on Thursday that Nouri al-Maliki has relinquished the post of prime minister.
Mr. Maliki said he would support the nomination of Haider al-Abidi to be the next prime minister. The news came shortly after Mr. Obama urged Iraqis to come together in support of Mr. Abadis effort to form a government.
Mr. Obama also said the refugee situation on Mount Sinjar had greatly improved. Thousands of Yazidi refugees had fled to that area to attacks by members of the Islamic State militant group.U.S. military and civilian advisers visited northern Iraq Wednesday. They informed the president that most Yazidi refugees had already left the mountain. And those who chose to stay were in good condition.
But, the president said, the situation remains dire in other parts of Iraq. He said the U.S. would continue to work with its international partners to support Iraqis in the fight against the Islamic State militants.
Obama Asks Justice Department to Investigate Shooting in Missouri
Mr. Obama has directed the Justice Department to investigate the shooting of Michael Brown, a black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri.
The shooting resulted in a fourth straight night of protest. The protest turned violent Wednesday night when police fired rubber bullets, tear gas and smoke bombs at the crowd.
Top U.S. Military General Visits Vietnam
The United States top military officer, Martin Dempsey, is in Vietnam for talks with officials there about expanding defense ties. The increased cooperation comes as Vietnam is involved in a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.
Trade between the U.S. and Vietnam started in 1995. However, the U.S. has continued with a 1975 ban on sales of weapons to Vietnam.
Pope Francis Visits South Korea
Pope Francis said talk, not shows of force, will help bring peace to the North and South Korea. He spoke at the start of a five-day visit to South Korea.
Earlier Thursday, North Korea fired five missiles into the sea.
词汇讲解：
1. prime adj.最好的; 首要的; 最初的
例句：Canadas Prime Minister is the counterpart of the U.S. President.
加拿大总理相当于美国总统。
2. refugee n.避难者，难民
例句：The most visible refugee camps have been emptied.
最显眼的难民营也已被清除。
3. inform vt.通知; 使活跃
例句：He lets me inform as fast as possible him.
他要我尽快通知他。
4. investigate vt.调查; 审查
例句：The detective was sent to investigate the crime.
那位侦探被派去调查该罪行。
5. defense n.国防部，防卫
例句：The defense was overwhelmed by superior numbers.
防守被优势的兵力摧垮了。
6. dispute vt. 辩论，争论
例句：The dispute raises an intriguing question.
争议引发了令人好奇的疑问。
短语讲解：
1. The news came shortly after Mr. Obama urged Iraqis to come together in support of Mr. Abadis effort to form a government.
in support of 支持; 证明正确
例句：The retort raised a cheer in support of the speaker.
发言人这一反驳博得了一片支持的欢呼声.
2. And those who chose to stay were in good condition.
in good condition 情况良好; 完好; 完好无缺
例句：I promise to return your bicycle in good condition.
我答应一定完好无损地还你的自行车。
3. He said the U.S. would continue to work with its international partners to support Iraqis in the fight against the Islamic State militants.
work with 与在一起干; 从事工作
例句：His secretaries work with system.
他的几位秘书工作有条不紊。
4. The increased cooperation comes as Vietnam is involved in a territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.
involve in 使参与[陷入，牵扯到]
例句：They expostulate with him about the risk involve in his plan. 他们指出他的计划有风险，劝他放弃。