Brexit: European Parliament overwhelmingly approves UK divorce deal
The first chapter of the Brexit saga was formally cleared for completion on Wednesday, when the European Parliament endorsed the latest Brexit deal following an emotional debate.
World News
Trump Signs New US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, Largest Trade Deal in American History
President Trump signed a new trade deal with Mexico and Canada on Wednesday. The new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaces the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
US-Russia Troop Confrontations Reported in Syria
U.S. troops reportedly blocked a Russian military convoy from reaching strategic oil fields in northeastern Syria on Sunday – the fourth confrontation between the two sides in Syria in less than two weeks.
British scientists accidentally discover cancer breakthrough
British scientists say they have accidentally discovered a new type of immune cell which may help in developing a therapy to treat all cancers.
‘Direct Hit’ Reported as Rockets Target US Embassy in Baghdad
Several rockets targeted the U.S. Embassy in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Sunday evening, with some reportedly hitting the building itself for the first time in several years.
20,000 US Troops Have Surged Into Mideast Since Last Spring To ‘Counter Iran’
The top U.S. commander who oversees missions in the Middle East said that newly deployed troops might remain in the region for ‘quite a while.’
Britain’s Brexit bill becomes law
Britain’s long-delayed and contentious Brexit bill, with royal assent from Queen Elizabeth II, became law Thursday after more than three and a half years of bitter dispute.
Trump to sign U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal Wednesday
President Donald Trump will hold a signing ceremony for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement on Wednesday, according to the White House.
Iran threatens Europe with ‘consequences’ after move to hold country accountable for violating nuclear deal
Iran is asking European countries to stay in the 2015 nuclear deal despite already violating the agreement.
Last decade was the most expensive for natural disasters, over $1 trillion increase, report says
Severe weather such as devastating flooding and powerful hurricanes contributed to why the last decade was the worst on record for economic losses due to natural disasters around the globe, according to a report released Wednesday.
Erdogan extends his reach into Libya, some think to restore Ottoman Empire
In what many observers see as an effort to exert substantial control over the Mediterranean in view of restoring the former glory of the Ottoman Caliphate, Turkey has begun sending Syrian mercenaries to Libya to bolster the UN-backed government there against General Khalifa Haftar and his rebels.
Canada to approve new NAFTA free trade deal next week
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday Canada will move next week to formally approve the new North American trade agreement.
Angered by EU Approach to Nuclear Deal, Iran Threatens to Withdraw From NPT
Iran warned Monday it will withdraw from the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if Germany, France, and Britain refer their dispute over the Iran nuclear deal to the U.N. Security Council.
Critics see Putin’s constitutional changes as an attempt to extend his rule
Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a draft bill for sweeping constitutional changes Monday, in what some see as an effort by the leader to extend his two-decades-long rule after leaving office in 2024.
Russia Supports Iran Joining Moscow-Beijing Security Bloc
Just days after the Iranian regime fired missiles at military bases in Iraq and accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, Russia’s foreign minister has reiterated that Moscow supports full membership for Tehran in a Eurasian security bloc sometimes viewed as an aspiring counterweight to NATO and the West.
Putin fast-tracks effort to extend his rule in Russia
President Vladimir Putin on Thursday fast-tracked work on constitutional changes that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024 while lawmakers quickly sealed his choice for new prime minister.
Iran’s Rouhani says ‘no limit’ to uranium enrichment, producing more than before Obama-era deal
A defiant Iranian President Hassan Rouhani boasted Thursday that there is ‘no limit’ to his country’s level of uranium enrichment — just days after European powers raised concerns about the Islamic Republic backing away from a 2015 nuclear deal.
Doubts linger after U.S. and China sign initial trade deal
China will boost spending on U.S. products in exchange for the rolling back of some tariffs under an initial trade deal signed by the world’s two largest economies on Wednesday, defusing an 18-month row but leaving numerous thorny issues unresolved.
‘A Bloodless Revolution.’ Putin’s Plan to Rewrite Russia’s Constitution Could Allow Him to Lead for Years to Come
In his annual state of the nation address in Moscow, Putin announced his wish to reform the Russian constitution. ‘I truly believe that it is time to introduce certain changes to our country’s main law,’ Putin said. Shortly afterward the government resigned en masse, not in protest but seemingly to pave the way for these reforms.
U.S., China set to sign massive purchases deal, easing trade war
The U.S.-China trade war is set to enter a new, quieter phase on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He sign an initial trade deal that aims to vastly increase Chinese purchases of U.S. manufactured products, agricultural goods, energy, and services.