Australia | PM talks down prospect of US-led army in Syria

Australia’s prime minister says there is no support among world leaders for the prospect of a U.S.-led army in Iraq and Syria to take back ground from Islamic State militants. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said yesterday in a speech to Parliament on national security that his government did not intend to change Australia’s military commitment to Iraq and Syria in response to the Paris terrorist attacks as well as recent attacks in Africa and Lebanon. Australia contributes fighter jets in Syria and Iraq and military trainers in Iraq. Turnbull says his recent discussions with world leaders at the G-20, APEC and East Asia Summit forums found “there is no support currently for a large, U.S.-led Western army to attempt to conquer and hold ISIL-controlled areas.”

Philippines | Marcos jewelry being appraised ahead of possible auction

The Philippine government is appraising millions of dollars’ worth of jewelry seized three decades ago from Imelda Marcos, the former first lady known mainly for her massive stash of shoes, as it decides what to do with the dazzling collection. The jewelry collection, which includes a diamond worth at least USD5 million, was seized when Marcos’ family fled to Hawaii in 1986 following a popular revolt that ended her husband’s two decades in power. Late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ family allegedly amassed billions of dollars’ worth of ill-gotten wealth. His widow, now 86 and a member of Congress, became known for excesses, symbolized by her huge shoe collection and staggering jewelry. The jewelry collection, comprising three sets seized in various locations, was valued at $5-7 million when it was last appraised in 1988 and 1991. The collection, however, is likely to have significantly risen in value.