Author: Frank Deux

The interim government in Damascus will attend an annual aid pledging conference for Syria on Monday, amid a deep humanitarian crisis and uncertain transition post-Assad. Hosted by the EU in Brussels since 2017, the event previously excluded Assad’s government over its role in Syria’s civil war. Syria's new rulers join EU donor conference amid political uncertainty

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, announced attacks on an American aircraft carrier group twice within 24 hours on Monday, describing it as retaliation for lethal US strikes that killed at least 53. There was no immediate comment from the United States. Houthi rebels claim two attacks on US carrier group in retaliation for deadly strikes

The Trump administration initiated mass layoffs at Voice of America and other US-funded media on Sunday, signaling a drive to dismantle outlets crucial for US influence. Following a mass furlough, contractual staff received termination notices effective by March’s end. Trump begins major layoffs at Voice of America, targets US-funded media

Hamas has accused Israel of a ‘blatant violation’ of a fragile Gaza ceasefire in the Palestinian territory after around nine people were killed, including journalists, in Israeli strikes on Saturday, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency.  Israel accused of 'violation' of Gaza truce by Hamas after deadly air strikes

At least 17 people were killed and scores of homes destroyed as wild winds whipped up a giant storm across parts of the US that intensified as it moved into the Mississippi Valley and Deep South on Saturday and triggered the threat of violent tornadoes in its wake. Several killed as wild storm rips through US triggering risk of tornadoes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday said an alliance of global leaders would exert “maximum pressure on Russia” to sign up to a ceasefire in its war against Ukraine. The warning came as summit leaders meeting virtually on Saturday shifted planning for a peacekeeping force into an “operational phase.” Military chiefs to plan for ‘operational phase’ of Ukraine peace deal

The French women’s cricket team came last at a tournament in the overseas territory of New Caledonia on Friday, but officials are optimistic for the future. The brand-new squad completely replaced the women’s team whose members called for a probe last year into allegations that France Cricket was faking “ghost” matches to receive funding slated for women’s cricket. A defeat for the remade women's national team in New Caledonia

This week, our set of experts gathered around Gavin Lee to take a look at the latest in Ukraine-Russia ceasefire proposal, clashes and mass killings in Syria and Donald Trump’s tariff war against EU and its neighbouring countries.  “Yes, but…” Truce seeking in Ukraine, Mark Carney's elbows

In tonight’s edition, Sudan retaliates after Nairobi hosted paramilitary RSF last month: all imports from Kenya have now been banned.  Also, more than 30 000 tons of Russian fuel donated to the Central African Republic remain stuck in Cameroon. And big African football stars playing in major leagues are now choosing to join their home country’s national team.  Sudan bans all imports from Kenya after it hosted the RSF

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced on Thursday that the country’s third national election in the last three years had been set for May 18 following Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s scandal-laden resignation, with the Socialist party leading in opinion polls. Portugal sets snap legislative election after prime minister's resignation

A new report by the United Nation’s Human Rights Commission found that Israel’s “systematic destruction of sexual and reproductive healthcare,” including its targeting of fertility clinics, in Gaza amounts to “genocidal acts”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted the report, which also cites the Israeli military’s pervasive use of sexual violence against Palestinian women, men, girls, and boys, as “anti-Semitic” and “absurd”. UN report denounces Israel's 'genocidal' targeting of reproductive facilities in Gaza

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators Jewish Voices for Peace took over US President Donald Trump’s hotel in New York on Thursday in protest of activist Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest, leading to 98 arrests. Khalil, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, was detained by ICE officers on Saturday without a warrant, sparking large-scale student protests. Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy New York Trump Tower New York

Foreign ministers from the G7 countries and the EU convene in La Malbaie, Quebec, amid escalating tensions with US President Donald Trump over his contentious foreign policies, including his stance on Ukraine and tariff impositions. The two-day meeting follows seven weeks of strained relations among allies. G7 foreign ministers meet in Canada amid rising tensions with Trump

Pope Francis marks 12 years as head of the Catholic Church on Thursday after recovering from a serious case of pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital where he was admitted on February 14.. His extended hospital stay has sparked concerns about his ability to lead the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Pope Francis marks 12 years in papacy from hospital amid uncertain future

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree on Wednesday to form the country’s national security council, according to a statement from the Syrian president’s office. The council will take decisions related to the country’s national security and challenges facing the state. Syria's interim president announces formation of national security council

Peace talks between Russia and the US on the war in Ukraine could be held in the “next few days,” Russia’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday. A meeting between US and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia the same day led to Ukraine accepting a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire which the US said it would bring to Russia. Follow our liveblog for the latest developments. Live: Russia says it could hold talks with US over Ukraine in 'next few days'

The US government on Tuesday indicated it would fight efforts to release Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested without a charge or warrant by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on Saturday, leading to a series of New York protests spearheaded by students of Khalil’s alma mater Columbia University. US rejects bid to release Mahmoud Khalil as protests break out in New York

Ukraine backed a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire on Tuesday after nine hour-long talks between the two countries in Saudi Arabia, prompting the US to end its pause on aid and opening the door to immediate negotiations with Russia. Ukraine accepts US ceasefire proposal, backs immediate negotiations with Russia

Greenland votes Tuesday in pivotal elections that may set a path to independence, supported by most residents. President Trump’s persistent bid to acquire the Arctic island has met mixed reactions among its 57,000 inhabitants, ranging from astonishment and rejection to mild enthusiasm. Greenland to hold legislative elections, eyes independence amid US interest

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila’s airport on ICC orders, the government confirmed. Duterte, returning from Hong Kong, faces crimes against humanity charges linked to his anti-drug campaign’s alleged mass killings, according to President Ferdinand Marcos’ office. Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte arrested on ICC warrant

Military and NATO leaders from 30 countries are convening in Paris on Tuesday to discuss security assurances for Ukraine post-truce. The meeting aligns with efforts to enhance Europe’s defenses and reduce reliance on the US, amid shifting alliances under President Trump’s administration. European and NATO countries convene in Paris for Ukraine security talks

Argentina declared three days of national mourning following flash floods that claimed 16 lives in Bahia Blanca, where a year’s rain fell within hours, inundating neighborhoods. Two young girls, aged one and five, were tragically swept away in the disaster. Argentina declares three-day mourning as flood death toll rises to 16

Mark Carney, former central banker and born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, will serve as Canada’s next prime minister following a decisive victory in the Liberal Party leadership vote. Carney, 59, was raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Who is Mark Carney, the next prime minister of Canada?

European NATO countries have more than doubled their arms imports over five years, with 60 percent sourced from the US, a leading conflict think tank reported Monday. Ukraine emerged as the world’s top arms importer, while the US solidified its lead as the principal weapons exporter, accounting for 43 percent of global exports. European arms imports surge, US expands lead as top global weapons exporter

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of France on Saturday to mark International Women’s Day. While Femen activists in Paris marched with the US or Russian flag painted across their naked chests along with a swastika, the Eiffel Tower was lit up with a message of solidarity for Afghan women living under the oppressive Taliban regime.    Thousands of French take to streets to mark International Women’s Day