Ukraine ceasefire: What do Russia, US, EU want?
Washington and Kyiv are both pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but so far Russia has rejected the proposal. What interests are at play here — for Russia, Ukraine, the
The Caucasus Union held a strategic meeting with Sheikh Abu Alrub Emad, President of the Arab-Ukrainian Center for Dialogue and Communication
A historic meeting was held at the office of the Caucasus Union, attended by the head of the Caucasus Union, Jabrail Mirzoev, and Sheikh Abu Alrub Emad, President of the Arab-Ukrainian Center
Brazilian police probe ‘terror attack’ at Supreme Court
A man killed himself with a bomb outside Brazil’s Supreme Court after trying to enter the building, officials said. Local media said the suspect was from ex-President Bolsonaro’s far-right party. A man
Mass evacuations as Typhoon Usagi hits Philippines
A fifth major storm in the space of the month slammed into the Philippines on Thursday. Over 160 people have already been killed and millions displaced. A sixth storm is expected over
Security in Paris tight for Israel-France football match
Police in Paris have prepared for a “high risk” situation as Israel take on France in a Nations League encounter. The measures come after last weeks violent clashes in Amsterdam. Authorities in France have
Toxic smog engulfs northern India, Pakistan
Pakistan’s Lahore remained the world’s most polluted city, while visibility in parts of northern India fell to zero. Seasonal crop burning, low winds, and dropping temperatures contribute to toxic smog in these
Global diabetes rate has doubled in last 30 years: study
Some 800 million adults worldwide have diabetes, according to a new study. The biggest rises have come in developing countries where access to proper care can be difficult to obtain. The percentage of
IAEA chief says German return to nuclear power is ‘logical’
Rafael Grossi said he was “not surprised” there was renewed debate in Germany about bringing nuclear power stations back online. Germany is the only country to have a complete phase out of
Sri Lanka: Voting begins in snap parliamentary election
With Sri Lanka’s economic recovery hanging in balance, President Dissanayake hopes voters give him a strong mandate for his policies to reduce taxes and boost welfare. Voting began in Sri Lanka’s snap
Explosions heard outside Brazil’s Supreme Court
A man killed himself with a bomb outside Brazil’s Supreme Court after trying to enter the building, officials said. A pair of loud bangs near the court led authorities to evacuate the
Spain evacuates thousands after new flood warning
National weather office AEMET has issued its highest possible alerts the Spanish provinces of Tarragona, Malaga and Valencia. Two weeks ago flash floods in Valencia and other parts of Spain killed more
Middle East updates: Blinken calls for end to Gaza war
Outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said Israel achieved its aims and must now allow Palestinians to return to Gaza. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has launched drone attacks on Tel Aviv. US
The Guardian newspaper quits ‘toxic’ X
UK daily The Guardian says it will stop posting from its “official editorial accounts” on X but users can still “share” articles from the daily newspaper on the social media platform formerly
Germany faces major challenges ahead of snap election
Germany’s next federal election is expected to take place on February 23, 2025. The opposition has accused Chancellor Olaf Scholz of stalling, while others have been arguing that local authorities need time.
Bangladesh: How inclusive is the democratic restart?
Senior members of the interim government in Bangladesh have hinted at barring Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League from politics. But many — including rivals of the former premier — say excluding the party
Elon Musk’s grip on politics stronger than ever
Elon Musk’s support for Donald Trump has been rewarded with a potentially key appointment in the president elect’s team. Analysts warn that using technology to wield power poses a growing threat to
Germany’s VW and Rivian launch joint electric car venture
The German automotive giant said that it was committing to a $5.8 billion investment to boost its transition to electric vehicles in cooperation with US EV-maker Rivian. Embattled German car manufacturer Volkswagen has launched
India: Supreme Court bans ‘bulldozer justice’
India’s Supreme Court has ruled that ‘bulldozer justice’ — instant demolitions mainly targeting Muslims for alleged crimes — is unconstitutional, rebuking authorities close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday
Bali volcanic ash disrupts international flights
An ongoing eruption of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki volcano on the island of Flores has caused dozens of flight cancellations to and from Bali, which is 500 kilometers away. International airlines have had
Ukraine issues nationwide air raid alert as Kyiv attacked
Ukraine’s air force has put the whole country under air raid alert amid Russian missile attacks, including on Kyiv. The US says North Korean forces are involved in combat operations alongside Russian
Middle East: UN aid chief condemns ‘daily cruelty’ in Gaza
The interim head of the UN’s humanitarian agency said Gaza is witnessing “acts reminiscent of the gravest international crimes.” Charities also accused Israel of not allowing enough aid into the territory. A
US bans flights to Haiti after airliner hit by gunfire
The move comes after a Spirit Airlines plane was hit by gunfire and had to reroute to the Dominican Republic. Haiti was cut off from the rest of the world a result
Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira sentenced to 15 years in jail
The leak included documents related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Teixeira pleaded guilty earlier this year to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information. A US federal judge
Iraqis abused at Abu Ghraib get $42 million in damages
Three Iraqi men were awarded $42 million in damages for injuries suffered at the hands of US military contractors in 2003/04. Abuse at Abu Ghraib prison became the symbol of US human
India: Shutdown in Manipur after security forces kill 10
Authorities said 10 “armed militants” were killed after attempting to attack a police post. State ethnic organizations contested the police version saying that those killed were local village volunteers on patrol. Life
Germany: 17-year-old arrested over alleged terror plot
Police have said that the teenager detained in the northern town of Elmshorn was motivated by extreme Islamism. He was reportedly planning a truck attack similar to the 2016 terror attack on
COP29: World leaders meet in Baku, with big names missing
Several influential world leaders won’t be attending an action summit this week at the center of climate talks in Azerbaijan. High on the agenda is a deal to boost climate funding for
China: Dozens dead as car rams crowd in Zhuhai
Police say at least 35 people were killed and dozens more are injured after a vehicle struck pedestrians. The driver has been detained, but the motive for the incident remains unclear. Police
Kyiv says 50,000 Russians fighting in Kursk
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow has had to pull troops from other regions to beat back Ukraine’s offensive. In his daily address to the nation, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy, said that Moscow had
Trump names first political picks with focus on immigration
Donald Trump named loyalists and immigration hardliners as his first picks for his new administration. Among them are his longtime aide Stephen Miller and former acting ICE director Tom Homan. US President-elect Donald
Italy reaches deal with Lufthansa over sale of stake in ITA
Rome and Lufthansa had been locked into over a year of tough negotiations on the price and terms of the deal. ITA emerged from the failed national carrier Alitalia in 2020. Italy has
New Zealand PM apologizes for abuse in state and church care
Nearly a third of people in state and faith-based care in New Zealand suffered abuse over seven decades an Inquiry found. The overwhelming majority of children taken under state care were Maori.
North Korea ratifies defense treaty with Russia
The announcement comes days after Ukraine said its forces clashed with North Korean units in the Russian border region of Kursk. North Korea has ratified a mutual defense treaty with Russia, state media reported
Italy: Police bust crime network forging renowned paintings
Police seized hundreds of millions of euros worth of forged paintings attributed to Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Banksy and others. The suspects allegedly attempted to sell the artworks at auction houses. Police
Spain: PM Sanchez announces €3.76 billion in flood aid
The announced assistance for flood ravaged regions comes amid mounting criticism. Sanchez has compared the move to Spain’s efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday announced an
Japan: PM Ishiba chosen for new term, despite lost majority
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba survived a confidence vote in parliament, even after his LDP lost its majority in a scandal-induced snap election. He therefore has a mandate to set up a new
How a German football club is making refugees feel at home
Hertha Bonn, a football club in western Germany, has started the project “Football Connects” to help refugee children integrate into society. The initiative has drawn praise from Germany’s football association. With just
Iran and Saudi Arabia pursue cautious rapprochement
After decades of rivalry, Iran and Saudi Arabia have understood that it is in their mutual interest to normalize their relations. However, a few sticking points remain. Iran and Saudi Arabia are
Exploding pagers in Lebanon not made in Taiwan — prosecutors
A Taiwan probe found that domestic firms did not make the pagers that exploded in Lebanon in September, killing dozens. The blasts dealt a severe blow to the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia amid
Germany: Paper questions punctuate election date debate
As lawmakers jostle over the timing of a vote of confidence after Germany’s coalition collapse, preparations are already being made for a snap election. Officials have warned of logistical issues with ballot
Amsterdam police break up banned pro-Palestinian rally
Riot police in Amsterdam broke up a pro-Palestinian protest on Dam Square, enforcing a ban on such rallies that participants had chosen to defy. This follows earlier clashes between Israeli fans and
Russian strikes kill 5 in southern regions
Officials said a further 18 people, including five children, were injured in the Russian air strikes in the Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia regions. Meanwhile, Putin and US President-elect Trump reportedly spoke about the
Mattel apologizes for porn website link on Wicked toy boxes
Toy manufacturer Mattel said it “deeply regrets” a misprint on the packaging of dolls tied to the movie Wicked, which redirected people to a pornographic website of the same name. Toy manufacturing
Trump talks Ukraine in separate calls with Putin, Scholz
US president-elect Trump has held several phone calls with leaders in Europe as questions persist over Washington’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense under the new presidential administration. US President-elect Donald Trump has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about
Chadian soldiers killed in clash with Boko Haram
Boko Haram launched an insurgency in Nigeria in 2009, leaving more than 40,000 people dead and displacing millions. It has since spread to neighboring countries including Chad. At least 15 Chadian soldiers were killed
Haiti’s transitional council to oust interim PM Conille
The move is the latest blow to political stability in the country already plagued by escalating violence. Interim Prime Minister Garry Conille has asked the governing council to reconsider. Haiti’s transitional council, established
Germany’s Scholz ready to hold confidence vote this year
After the collapse of Germany’s governing coalition, the chancellor had said a vote of confidence was planned for January. However, pressure is building for an earlier vote, which could lead to snap
Europe increases defense spending but lacks troops: study
A lack of personnel is undermining efforts to bolster European security, according to a study by a UK-based think tank. Europe’s security is under added scrutiny in the wake of Donald Trump’s
Rights critics condemn Azerbaijan’s COP29 host role
Much is at stake at the UN climate conference in Bakum yet Azerbaijan’s ruler is pushing ahead with investments in oil and gas. Critics often end up in prison or exile. In
Mozambique opposition: Government ‘must restore the truth’
Mozambique has witnessed protests and violence since Daniel Chapo was controversially declared president in a recent election. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane says the government must restore the “electoral truth.” Since Mozambique’s presidential
With Trump election win, China braces for higher US tensions
China’s already tense rivalry with the US is expected to intensify with Donald Trump returning to the White House, experts say. Will Xi Jinping see this heightened tension only as a threat
Death threats sent to Bollywood stars Salman, Shah Rukh
Actor Salman Khan has received another death threat, allegedly by a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Indian media reported. Another actor Shah Rukh Khan also received a threat earlier this week.
Israel sends ‘rescue planes’ to Amsterdam after clashes
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered two planes sent to the Netherlands after riots targeted Israeli fans at a soccer match. The Dutch Prime Minister denounced the attacks that led to 62 arrests.
Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump both ready to talk
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on winning the US election. The Kremlin chief said Trump’s past remarks about Ukraine and restoring relations with Russia warranted attention. Russian President Vladimir
Argentina charges 3 over death of One Direction’s Liam Payne
Argentinian prosecutors said they arrested a suspected drug dealer, a hotel staff member and someone close to the singer. Liam Payne died after falling off a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires last
German opposition wants confidence vote now
Opposition parties have made calls for an immediate vote of confidence after Chancellor Scholz sacked Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Losing the vote would pave the way for snap elections. A co-leader of
Pakistan: 4 troops killed in clash with militants, army says
The exchange of fire occurred in the tribal region of South Waziristan, which is situated near Afghanistan. The region has long been a safe haven for militants who are active on both
US Federal Reserve cuts key interest rates by quarter-point
The move comes after Donald Trump’s election win and the ensuing global uncertainty. The Fed said that the job market has “generally eased,” with inflation nearing the 2% target. The US Federal
Trump comeback overshadows gathering of European leaders
European heads of government acknowledged that ties with the US are too important to put in jeopardy. However, they also pushed for more independence from Washington. European leaders were meeting in Hungary
What’s behind Serbia’s rearmament?
Serbia has invested hugely in rearmament in recent years, making it the biggest military force in the Western Balkans. Neighboring countries are alarmed. Is Serbia planning to destabilize neighbors Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina or even to launch a military
Germany arrests US citizen on suspicion of spying for China
Federal prosecutors say the US citizen is suspected of offering Chinese intelligence access to information he acquired when working for the US military. His residence was also being searched. Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s
Mozambique: Police use tear gas on protesters in Maputo
Security forces have been patrolling the capital, Maputo, ahead of a planned protest over election results, according to reports. Post-electoral violence has killed at least 18 people, according to Human Rights Watch.
‘The nightmare’: Germany’s media react to Trump’s victory
In a country where Donald Trump is deeply unpopular, German media were busy explaining how and why the billionaire won the US election. One newspaper ran an opinion piece headlined with the
Germany’s governing coalition collapses
German Chancellor Scholz says a vote of confidence is planned for January, possibly paving the way for snap elections. The move comes as Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner amid divisions over
Far-right AfD moves to expel ‘Saxonian Separatist’ militants
The far-right Alternative for Germany says it is expelling three party members over links to the “Saxonian Separatists.” The group follows Nazi ideology and seeks to use social collapse to seize parts
Nigeria: President Tinubu announces death of army chief
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja had not been seen in public in nearly two months. He is known for leading the Nigerian troops through a critical period in the fight against Islamist
Germany wants to know who is willing to fight
Germany has been struggling to fill the army’s ranks since abolishing compulsory military service. Under a new draft law, young men would be obligated to declare their interest in serving in the
World leaders congratulate Donald Trump amid global crises
Leaders from around the world have offered their congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump following his election win. But their messages did not always strike a similar tone. World leaders congratulated Donald Trump on
Germany, France vow close cooperation after US election
German Chancellor Scholz and French President Macron held a conference to discuss what a second Trump term could look like for Europe. Both countries’ defense ministers are also set to hold talks.
Mozambique: Government faced with fresh protests
Protests by opposition groups against the ruling party FRELIMO’s victory in the presidential elections could escalate. Mozambique’s repressive regime continues to quell demonstrations with violence. Mozambique might be facing an escalation of
What a Donald Trump victory means for the global economy
With Donald Trump likely to return to the White House, his economic ideas could soon become reality. Expect “America First,” tax cuts, tariffs, trade wars and a cryptocurrency boom. As the world
Germany, France vow close cooperation as Trump nears victory
German Chancellor Scholz and French President Macron held a conference to discuss what a second Trump term could look like for Europe. Both countries’ defense ministers are also set to hold talks.
Opium production in Afghanistan rose despite ban: UN report
The Taliban banned the cultivation of narcotics in 2022, causing a drop in opium production last year. However, this year it rose by 19%, according to a report by the UNODC. A UN
US presidency: Why so long from election to inauguration?
The period between the US election and the winner’s official inauguration lasts 11 weeks. Why so long? What is the government doing between November 5 and January 20? The 2024 US presidential election took
Ukraine reports first clash with North Korean troops
Ukrainian troops have had their first skirmish with North Korean troops, Kyiv says. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the development “opens a new page” in global instability. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Tuesday
Netflix offices raided in French and Dutch tax probe
Police and fraud experts raided Netflix’s offices in Paris and Amsterdam as part of an investigation into possible fraud. Dutch authorities said they were acting at the behest of the French authorities.
Israel: PM Netanyahu dismisses Defense Minister Gallant
The Israeli prime minister said that trust in Gallant has “eroded” during the past year of war. Gallant has been replaced by Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who in turn will be replaced
Sweden jails activist who burned Quran for inciting hatred
Far-right activist Rasmus Paludan caused outrage when he burned a copy of the Quran in 2022. A judge said his actions went beyond reasonable criticism of Islam and were intended to defame
Germans are happier than they were last year — study
People in Germany reported they were happier in 2024 than they were in previous years. In five states, life satisfaction reached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Germans are significantly happier than they were
Tehran says German-Iranian died before execution
An Iranian statement contradicts an earlier confirmation from the regime that Jamshid Sharmahd had been put to death. The software developer’s family had demanded further details and the return of his remains.
Indonesia: Rescuers comb debris after deadly eruption
Aid workers on the island of Flores were still searching for survivors a day after a series of volcanic activity killed at least nine people. This is the second time Mount Lewotobi
France: TikTok taken to court over content policing
A lawsuit against TikTok in France comes after two 15-year-olds took their own lives after being exposed to content on the platform. Social media companies have long faced criticism due to the
Germany: Eight suspected right-wing militants arrested
The group called themselves the “Saxon Separatists” and sought the collapse of civilization in order to bring about an extreme-right government and society. Germany’s Federal Public Prosecutor announced on Tuesday that eight
Pakistan: Two Chinese nationals shot in Karachi
Two Chinese nationals were shot at a factory in the Pakistani commercial hub of Karachi. They are being treated at a local hospital and one of them is in critical condition. A
Canada: Three charged over violence at Hindu temple
Canadian police said three people have been arrested after fights broke out outside a Hindu temple in a Toronto suburb. Indian Prime Minister Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau condemned the incident.
The Caucasus Union unites liberation movements for the independence of the region
The Caucasus Union, which unites the liberation movements of the peoples of the Caucasus, has already held three international congresses since its foundation in 2022. The first congress was held in October
Boeing factory workers end 7-week strike
Boeing employees accepted the company’s offer for a 38% pay rise. The company is still planning to move forward with major job cuts. The US aircraft giant can now restart production and
North Korea launches wave of missiles on eve of US election
The flurry of launches comes days after North Korea tested a new ICBM designed to reach the US mainland. Japan’s Defense Ministry said that there were no immediate reports of damage. North
Serbia: Minister to resign over train station roof collapse
Government minister Goran Vesic said he would tender his resignation, after 14 people died on Friday at the Novi Sad train station. This follows major protests calling for the government to take
Ukraine updates: Germany’s Baerbock pledges more aid in Kyiv
Germany’s foreign minister is in Ukraine ahead of the winter as allies grow concerned by the presence of North Korean troops in the region. She pledged additional assistance for the coming winter.
Spain floods: Barcelona on high alert amid Valencia searches
Red alerts have been issued for the cities of Barcelona and Tarragona, with local transport suspended in many areas. In Valencia, thousands of troops were deployed following deadly flash floods last week.
Germany, Ukraine congratulate Moldovan President Maia Sandu
German and Ukrainian leaders welcomed the reelection of pro-EU Moldovan President Maia Sandu in a tense weekend runoff amid reports of Russian meddling. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday congratulated Moldova’s pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu
Middle East: Israel officially cuts ties with UNWRA
The country officially told the UN it is cutting ties with Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, resulting in international criticism. Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched more rockets at Israel. Israel has officially informed the UN
Quincy Jones: ‘Thriller’ producer dies at 91
The music titan produced Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album and worked with Frank Sinatra. His family said he died in his home in Los Angeles. Legendary US music producer Quincy Jones passed away Sunday night
India: Deadly bus crash in Uttarakhand state
At least 23 people have been killed, according to local officials. An investigation has been launched into the disaster, which happened in the mountainous Almora municipality in northern India. 19 were injured after
Germany’s Scholz to meet NATO chief Rutte in Berlin
It is Mark Rutte’s first official visit to Germany since becoming the head of the trans-Atlantic defense alliance. The main topic of discussion will likely be North Korean soldiers supporting the Russian
Visit of the Chairman of the Freedom Committee of Ingushetia to the office of the Caucasian Union
Today the office of the “Caucasian Union” was visited by the Chairman of the Freedom Committee of Ingushetia, Mr. Ansar Garkho. The visit took place in an atmosphere of open and constructive
Bolivia: Evo Morales accuses government of refusing talks
Former Bolivian President Evo Morales said he is on a hunger strike until the government holds talks with him. His supporters have taken to the streets, blocking roads in the mountainous country.
Indonesia: Volcano eruption kills several
A volcano erupted several times overnight on the eastern Indonesian island of Flores. Officials said that rescue teams were still searching for victims under the rubble of collapsed homes. At least six
Moldova: Pro-EU Sandu wins presidential runoff
With nearly 99% of the votes counted, President Maia Sandu had 54.7% of the vote, according to Moldova’s electoral authority. Former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo had attracted 45.3% of the vote in
Middle East: Gaza polio vaccinations resume amid strikes
Israel denied responsibility for a reported strike on a Gaza clinic where children were being vaccinated for polio. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Lebanon border. Gaza’s polio vaccination campaign continued on