UK set to formally apply for trans-Pacific trade bloc membership
Britain will next week formally apply to join a trans-Pacific trading bloc of 11 countries, with negotiations set to start later this year, the government has said.
World News
Myanmar Leader Suu Kyi Detained In Coup
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, who became the controversial de facto leader of Myanmar, has been detained under house arrest by the military in an apparent coup, her party confirmed.
Thousands of Russian Protest Despite Mass Detentions
Thousands of people have been detained in unauthorized protests across Russia to demand the release of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, activists said Sunday.
Russia’s Kremlin Critic Navalny Condemns Detention Amid More Protests
Russia’s most prominent opposition leader, who survived poisoning with a nerve agent, has condemned his detention as “blatantly illegal.” Alexei Navalny commented at an appeal hearing via a video ahead of planned protests.
China Is Collecting Americans’ DNA To ‘Control The World’s Biodata’
The Chinese government may be aiming to collect and exploit biometric information from Americans in an effort to “control the world’s biodata.”
The Netherlands In Civil War Mode After Curfew Riots In Christian Fishing Town (Worthy News In-Depth)
The historic Dutch town of Urk is an unlikely place for riots. This picture-perfect place is famous for its churches, and religion has always played a vital part in daily life. But last weekend, frustration boiled over into violence in this God-fearing fishing community.
Poland’s near-total abortion ban takes effect amid nationwide protests
A near-total ban on abortion has taken effect in Poland and triggered a new round of nationwide protests three months after a top court ruled that the abortion of congenitally damaged fetuses is unconstitutional.
Iran Enriched ’17 Kilograms’ Of 20 Percent Enriched Uranium, Exceeding Goals
Iran’s parliament speaker says the country has produced 17 kilograms of 20 percent-enriched uranium within a month, as Iranian officials continue to dismiss international calls for Tehran to return to full compliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Biden temporarily suspends arms sales to UAE, Saudi Arabia
The newly inaugurated Biden administration announced Wednesday it has temporarily suspended arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, DW reports. Noting it is standard practice for a new administration to review arms deals worth billions of dollars, a US State Department official described the suspension as “routine administrative action.”
Holocaust Survivors Receive Coronavirus Vaccines Amid Tensions
Hundreds of Holocaust survivors in Austria and Slovakia have received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine despite concerns about possible side effects and amid mounting antisemitism.
Russian parliament OKs New START nuclear treaty extension
The lower house of Russian parliament on Wednesday quickly approved the extension of the last remaining nuclear arms control pact days before it’s due to expire.
Iran Will Take Steps Next Month to Curb Short-Notice IAEA Inspections: Official
Iran threatened on Tuesday to block short-notice inspections of its nuclear facilities, demanding Washington reverse economic sanctions before it returns to compliance with a nuclear deal that President Joe Biden aims to restore.
US B-52 bomber flies over Gulf again in message to Iran
A US B-52 heavy bomber flew over the Persian Gulf, the US military said on Wednesday, in the sixth such flight since November 2020 — and the third this year.
US exploring new bases in Saudi Arabia amid Iran tensions
The U.S. military is exploring the possibility of using a Red Sea port in Saudi Arabia and an additional two airfields in the kingdom amid heightened tensions with Iran, the military said Tuesday.
US, Russia agree to extend ‘New START’ nuclear arms treaty
The United States and Russia “agreed in principle” to extend the New START arms treaty by five years, the Kremlin reported on its website Tuesday following a phone call between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Declassified U.S. intelligence bolsters Wuhan lab theory in coronavirus outbreak
U.S. intelligence findings recently declassified by the State Department provide fresh evidence for the theory that the COVID-19 pandemic likely began at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, China’s sole high-security laboratory that has links to the country’s military.
China President says US may trigger next Cold War
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Monday that US efforts to isolate China may trigger a “new Cold War,” the Washington Times (WT) reports. President Xi made his remarks during a video speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigns
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigned Tuesday after former PM Matteo Renzi pulled his Italia Viva party out of a deeply divided governing coalition, Sky News reports. Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella has asked Mr. Conte to stay on in a caretaker capacity while he begins consultations with the leaders of the other parties on Wednesday.
More Protests In Russia After Thousands of Arrests
Supporters of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny have called for new protests after thousands were detained in the largest rallies against Russian President Vladimir Putin in years.
Massive Violence Erupts in Netherlands over Curfew
The Netherlands was edging closer to near civil war Monday as police clashed with protestors defying the nation’s first curfew since World War Two.