U.S., Russian Diplomats To Hold Arms Control Talks Next Week
U.S. and Russian diplomats will hold the first round of nuclear arms control talks of the Biden administration next week in Geneva, Switzerland, the two countries announced on July 23.
EU
Belarus Detains Christian Missionary Amid Crackdown
Belarus has detained a Christian missionary as part of a massive crackdown on those deemed dangerous to the government, Christians told Worthy News.
About 100 CIA officers, family members afflicted by ‘Havana Syndrome’
About 100 CIA officers and family members are among some 200 U.S. officials and kin sickened by “Havana syndrome,” CIA Director William Burns said on Thursday, referring to the mysterious set of ailments that include migraines and dizziness.
Iran Water Shortage Protests Result in 3rd Death, Extend Into 7th Day; Internet Disrupted
Water shortage protests in drought-plagued southwestern Iran appear to have spread to more cities and resulted in what authorities say is a third fatality as the unrest extended into a seventh day.
US, Germany reach a deal on its controversial pipeline to Russia
The Biden administration announced an agreement with Germany on Wednesday that would allow the completion of the controversial Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
Flood-battered Germany approves major relief package
Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet approved a huge emergency aid package Wednesday for flood-stricken regions of Germany and said billions would be needed to rebuild homes, businesses and vital infrastructure.
China: Two dams collapse under flooding
Highlighting the dangers of old infrastructure during summer flood season, two dams in northwest China collapsed following torrential rains on Sunday, Reuters reports. Local residents were evacuated and there were no casualties, China’s Ministry of Water Resources said.
US conducts first airstrike in Somalia under Biden
The Pentagon announced Tuesday that the United States launched its first airstrike in Somalia under President Joe Biden.
China unveils ‘fastest ground vehicle in the world’ capable of traveling over 370 mph
As travel innovation speeds ahead, so does a new train in China capable of traveling over 370 mph.
Hungary, Other Nations, Spying On Journalists and Activists
Hungary’s government has denied wrongdoing after a worldwide investigation showed authorities infected cellphones to spy on critical journalists, politicians, and business figures.
Rescue Crews Rush To Save Lives As Europe’s Flooding Kills 150
Rescue crews were racing to find survivors of floods that devastated parts of western Europe, killing more than 150 people and leaving at least hundreds of people still missing. In the Netherlands, a low-lying seafaring nation, authorities declared an emergency in the south.
China military and navy conduct landing exercises near Taiwan in apparent warning to US and Taiwan
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Navy held joint amphibious landing exercises near Taiwan on Friday, in what should be considered as warnings and a deterrent to the US and to “Taiwan secessionists,” China’s Communist Party-backed Global Times said on Sunday. The exercises were conducted a day after a military plane landed in Taiwan for the second time this year.
England lifts COVID-19 restrictions as cases rise again
England celebrated the end of many grueling months of COVID-19 restrictions as of midnight Monday, but the lifting of all restrictions came amid a surge in infections and warnings about supermarket shortages, Ynet News reports. Following an intense nationwide inoculation drive, 87% of the UK population has now received at least one dose of the vaccine; 68% of the population is fully vaccinated.
Europe Floods Kill 130, Over 1,000 Missing
At least 130 people were confirmed dead, and as many as 1,300 people remained missing as devastating floods hit Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Lebanon In Turmoil As Premier Steps Down
Violence erupted as Lebanon plunged into political and economic turmoil Friday following the sudden resignation of the prime minister-designate.
‘Islamic State’ poses growing threat across Africa
Last week, Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum said his country needed technological assistance from its European partners to fight jihadis. He complained of swaths of territory in Mali and Niger being taken over by the so-called “Islamic State” (IS) — known also as ISIS — and its affiliates.
Dozens Die As Flooding Hits Germany, Netherlands, Belgium
Dozens of people were dead Thursday as the worst flooding in years struck parts of the low-lying seafaring Netherlands as well as nearby Germany and Belgium.
Dutch Investigative Journalist Peter R. de Vries Dies Of Shooting Wounds
Dutch investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries, whose relentless coverage of the Dutch underworld made him friends and foes, has died from injuries sustained in a shooting in Amsterdam, several sources confirm. He was 64.
Uzbekistan’s New Religion Law Adds Pressure on Christians
Christian rights activists say Uzbekistan’s new Religion Law maintains restrictions despite state media claims that it extend freedoms.
Iranian commander said to encourage escalation against US forces in Iraq
Visiting Baghdad last week, a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander urged Iraqi Shi’ite militias to increase their attacks on United States targets, Reuters reported Tuesday, quoting multiple Iraqi sources.