Serbia Struggles With Coronavirus Uprising Against Autocratic President
Serbia was facing broader civil unrest Wednesday as security forces struggled to contain angry crowds demanding the resignation of autocratic President Aleksandar Vucic.
World News
US notifies UN of withdrawal from World Health Organization
The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, although the pullout won’t take effect until next year, meaning it could be rescinded under a new administration or if circumstances change.
Another explosion in Iran
The latest in a series of unexplained blasts at sensitive sites in Iran, a further explosion reportedly killed two people and injured three at a factory in Tehran early Tuesday morning, the Times of Israel (ToI) reports. A local governor stated the blast was caused by human error but some have suggested it may be part of sustained sabotage campaign.
North Korea Rejects Meeting US Amid Nuclear Standoff
North Korea has warned Washington that it has “no intention” of meeting with the United States to discuss issues such as stalled nuclear diplomacy.
Arrested Under New Law, Hong Kong Protesters Get Swabbed for DNA
As Hong Kong sees life change rapidly under a new security law, protesters have quickly learned that actions that weren’t worthy of police attention a little more than a week ago could now warrant an arrest, DNA sample, and search of their home — in addition to the possibility of jail time.
Iran Says Fire At Natanz Nuclear Facility Caused Significant Damage
A fire last week at the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran caused significant damage, an Iranian nuclear official said on July 5 in a new assessment of the incident, adding that it could slow down the development and production of advanced centrifuges in the medium term.
North Korea army reportedly rotting from inside
A growing number of defectors from North Korea’s army are telling of conditions of extreme deprivation suffered by those enlisted, the Wall Street Journal reports. One defector called Mr. Roh told the WSJ: “It was lawless there, if you had money, you could basically get away with anything.”
EU’s Executive Regrets Its President’s Support For Croatian Ruling Party
The European Union’s executive has apologized after its leader threw her support behind the victorious ruling conservative party in Croatia’s parliamentary elections. Ursula von der Leyen, the German president of the European Commission, appeared with other center-right politicians in a promotional video clip posted by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party.
Iran under pressure after fourth mysterious explosion
Iran is under intense pressure after four serious explosions that appear to have damaged key infrastructure linked to its missile and nuclear program, as well as other facilities.
China’s Campaign to Systematically Reduce Minorities
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been conducting a large scale campaign to reduce the Muslim population of the Uighurs and other ethnic minorities in the far western region of Xinjiang, even though the CCP encourages some of the country’s Han majority to have more children. Individual women have warned the world about forced birth control, yet the practice is far more widespread and systematic than previously realized. This information is based on government statistics, state documents, and interviews with various sources such as ex-detainees, family members, and a former detention camp instructor. Some experts are calling this “demographic genocide” and have denounced the campaign over the past four years.
France and Other Governments Pressured over Coronavirus Response
A French court has launched an inquiry into the alleged mishandling by the outgoing French government of the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement comes while elsewhere in Europe, and the former Soviet Union, tensions also rise over the way leaders deal with the crisis.
US Embassy says Afghan leaders are close to talks with Taliban on ending war
The US Embassy in Pakistan announced Thursday that Afghanistan’s political leaders are close to starting negotiations with the Taliban about the future of the country, the Military Times reports. The development follows a peace agreement signed between the US and the Taliban in February this year. As part of the deal, US Peace Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is in the region to help facilitate intra-Afghan negotiations.
The Swastika – A Symbol of anti-Semitism or Nobility?
To most of the world, the swastika is a diabolical symbol for sure – one that conjures images of Adolph Hitler, Nazism, and anti-Semitism. But what is a swastika? And what is the significance? The word swastika comes from the Sanskrit for well-being or luck. It has been used for thousands of years in Indian cultures and worldwide, and became a fashionable motif in the West in the early 20th Century.
France Governments Resigns Over Coronavirus Economic Concerns
France was to name a new prime minister later Friday after Edouard Philippe and his cabinet resigned amid mounting concerns about the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation.
Iran Warns Israel After Nuclear Facility Blast And Fire
Iran has warned Israel and other “foes” against “hostile actions” after an explosion and fire damaged the Natanz nuclear complex.
Former Assemblies of God leader becomes President of Malawi
The former head of the Assemblies of God denomination in Malawi has now been elected president of the country. Lazarus Chakwera was sworn in Sunday, having won 58% of the vote to beat incumbent Peter Mutharika, Evangelical Focus reported.
Iran may be developing missiles that can reach Europe
According to analysis by the Breaking Defense digital magazine, Iran may be developing a type of missile that can reach targets in the middle of Europe, Israel Hayom reported Tuesday. Breaking Defense believes the Iranians may be disguising a missile program as the space launch vehicle development.
Russia’s Putin Can Rule Till 2036, Voters Say
Russia’s long-ruling President Vladimir Putin could remain in power until 2036 after voters backed controversial changes to the constitution, official results showed Wednesday.
Russia votes to define marriage in constitution as between man and woman
Russians voted in favor of a referendum on Wednesday for a series of constitutional amendments, one of which would define marriage as between a man and a woman.
Mexico celebrates start of new trade accord with US, Canada
Mexico celebrated the implementation of a new free trade agreement with Canada and the United States that it hopes will lead to more investment in its struggling economy.