In brief: Syria expels two U.N. staffers

UNITED NATIONS – The Syrian government has expelled two key United Nations humanitarian staffers because of their contact with armed opposition groups while trying to arrange aid deliveries.

The U.N. humanitarian chief said the decision could harm a new effort to secure a six-week truce in the country’s largest city.

A message from Valerie Amos, seen late Thursday by the Associated Press, said the expulsions this month “set a worrying precedent for all humanitarian staff in Syria.”

Explosions in Nigeria kill 34

JOS, Nigeria – Explosions in Nigeria’s north central city of Jos and the northeastern town of Biu over the past two days have killed at least 34 people, witnesses said Thursday.

Residents say at least 15 people were killed in two bomb explosions at a bus station and motor park in the city of Jos. Iliyasu Aliyu, a resident there, told the Associated Press he heard a “loud sound” after finishing evening prayer and heard another blast moments later. He said he counted at least 15 bodies.

On Wednesday, a suicide bombing in the northeast Nigerian town of Biu killed about 19 people and injured 17. A security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the press, confirmed the bombing.

U.S. continues pro-Israel lobby

WASHINGTON – In a move that may ease – or exacerbate – spiraling tensions with Israel over a potential Iran nuclear deal, the White House has decided against snubbing America’s leading pro-Israel lobby and will send President Barack Obama’s national security adviser Susan Rice and U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power to address its annual policy conference.

In their as-yet unscheduled appearances at the AIPAC conference that runs from Sunday to Tuesday, Rice and Power will stress the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship and the administration’s commitment to Israel’s security, according to American officials.

But, they will also make the administration’s case for the ongoing negotiations with Iran.