Tag: Politics

World News

US seizes second Venezuelan government plane in the Dominican Republic

The Trump administration seized a second plane belonging to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government, currently in the Dominican Republic. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio witnessed officials affixing the seizure warrant to the plane during his visit to Santo Domingo. Rubio approved a waiver on frozen foreign aid to cover over $230,000 in storage and maintenance fees. The U.S. Justice Department said the plane was … Continue reading US seizes second Venezuelan government plane in the Dominican Republic

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Politics

Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

Brussels had high hopes for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset but has since lowered expectations. Six months of red lines and rejections have dimmed hopes that he will undo the extreme elements of the Tory Brexit deal. Officials and diplomats still see room for better relations, but no major breakthroughs. Early optimism faded after London dismissed proposals on visas for young people and student exchanges. Frustration … Continue reading Brussels lowers its expectations for Keir Starmer’s Brexit reset

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Politics

Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

More than seven months after the June 2024 elections, a coalition government has been formed, led by nationalist Bart De Wever. De Wever has been sworn in as Belgium’s new prime minister after prolonged negotiations, shifting the government further to the right. He is the first nationalist from Dutch-speaking Flanders to lead the country. His five-party coalition includes the Flemish nationalist N-VA, centrist Christian Democrats, … Continue reading Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgian prime minister

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Politics

EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

European leaders met Monday to discuss defense against Russia, but the focus shifted to the U.S. Donald Trump is dominating headlines with trade wars and threats, including against China, Mexico, Canada, and the EU. Trump has also refused to rule out military action to seize Greenland, part of Denmark. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the EU would respond firmly if Trump … Continue reading EU leaders deflect Trump on Greenland and on tariffs

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U.S. News

Names of FBI agents who investigated Capitol riots to be handed over to Trump DOJ officials

FBI executives considered resisting a Justice Department order to release the names of agents involved in Capitol riot cases but ultimately complied. The FBI’s legal team determined that the Trump administration’s demand was lawful and that refusal was not an option. The FBI Agents Association and former FBI Director William Webster condemned the removal of eight senior officials, warning it endangered investigations and national security. … Continue reading Names of FBI agents who investigated Capitol riots to be handed over to Trump DOJ officials

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Politics

Biden pardons Fauci, Milley, Cheney, Jan. 6 lawmakers

In his final hours in office, President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons to Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Milley, and members of the Jan. 6 committee, citing the need to protect them from potential “revenge” by the incoming Trump administration. Biden’s decision follows Trump’s threats of retaliation against those who held him accountable for the 2021 Capitol attack and his election loss. Biden emphasized … Continue reading Biden pardons Fauci, Milley, Cheney, Jan. 6 lawmakers

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World News

2 Americans arrested in Venezuela on eve of Maduro inauguration over ‘terrorism’ claims

Two U.S. citizens were arrested in Venezuela on unclear charges, with President Nicolas Maduro alleging they were “mercenaries” involved in terrorism, though no evidence was provided. Maduro claimed they were part of a group of seven arrested, including Colombians and Ukrainians, and said Venezuela has detained 125 alleged foreign mercenaries recently. The U.S. State Department denied any involvement in a plot against Maduro and criticized … Continue reading 2 Americans arrested in Venezuela on eve of Maduro inauguration over ‘terrorism’ claims

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World News

NATO secretary general warns world must prepare for war

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance must adopt a “wartime mindset” and significantly boost defense spending to counter growing threats from Russia and China. In his first Brussels speech as NATO chief, Rutte emphasized that the current 2% GDP defense spending target is insufficient, urging members to invest “considerably more” to prepare for long-term confrontation. He criticized decades of defense cuts post-Cold … Continue reading NATO secretary general warns world must prepare for war

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World News

Russia grinds deeper into Ukraine after 1,000 days of grueling war

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv was expected to fall quickly, but Ukraine defied expectations, resisting a larger adversary and reclaiming some territory through bold counteroffensives. Nearly three years later, the war grinds on as a brutal stalemate. Russia continues to make small but steady territorial gains at a high cost, while Ukraine struggles with dwindling resources and morale. The U.S. delayed critical … Continue reading Russia grinds deeper into Ukraine after 1,000 days of grueling war

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U.S. News

DOJ moving to wind down Trump criminal cases before he takes office

The Justice Department is evaluating how to close two federal criminal cases against President-elect Donald Trump, in accordance with the longstanding policy that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted. Despite special counsel Jack Smith’s recent actions in the cases related to January 6 and classified documents, DOJ officials now acknowledge that no trial is feasible in the near future due to legal complications. With Trump’s … Continue reading DOJ moving to wind down Trump criminal cases before he takes office

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World News

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says war with Russia is being pushed ‘beyond borders’ as North Korea joins in

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the deployment of North Korean soldiers to support Russian troops in Ukraine is internationalizing the conflict. He reported that around 3,000 North Korean soldiers are already near the front line, with expectations of an increase to 12,000. Western leaders estimate that North Korea has sent about 10,000 troops to aid Russia, raising concerns about implications for Indo-Pacific relations. … Continue reading Ukraine’s Zelenskyy says war with Russia is being pushed ‘beyond borders’ as North Korea joins in

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World News

Taliban bans women ‘hearing other women’s voices’ in latest decree

The Taliban has imposed new extreme restrictions on women in Afghanistan, banning them from “hearing other women’s voices” while praying. Khalid Hanafi, the acting minister of the Vice and Virtue Ministry, announced this ban in a now-deleted social media message. Women are prohibited from praying loudly enough for others to hear, reciting Quranic verses, or chanting religious phrases like “Allahu Akbar.” This follows a previous … Continue reading Taliban bans women ‘hearing other women’s voices’ in latest decree

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Politics

Giuliani ordered to turn over his N.Y. apartment and valuables to the former Georgia election workers

A federal judge in New York has ordered Rudy Giuliani to transfer his luxury apartment and various valuables to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, whom he defamed. U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman ruled that Giuliani must relinquish personal property, including cash accounts, jewelry, and his $5.7 million Madison Avenue co-op, within seven days. This decision follows a defamation … Continue reading Giuliani ordered to turn over his N.Y. apartment and valuables to the former Georgia election workers

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Politics

Zelenskyy presents Ukraine ‘victory plan’ to allies on tour of Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently touring European capitals to promote his “victory plan” aimed at creating conditions for a just resolution to the war with Russia. This tour follows a scheduled summit with U.S. President Joe Biden that was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. During his visit to Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized Italy’s continued support for Ukraine as it faces a challenging … Continue reading Zelenskyy presents Ukraine ‘victory plan’ to allies on tour of Europe

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Politics

Julian Assange makes 1st public appearance since his release from prison

Julian Assange made his first public appearance since his release from prison, addressing European lawmakers in Strasbourg. He stated that the U.S. forced him to “plead guilty to journalism” to secure his freedom after 14 years of detention, emphasizing that his case sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom. Assange explained that he chose “freedom over unrealizable justice” in accepting a plea deal that led … Continue reading Julian Assange makes 1st public appearance since his release from prison

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Politics

Zelenskyy slams ‘colonial’ peace proposal to war with Russia in UN speech

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned proposals for a peace deal with Russia that do not ensure a “just peace” for Ukraine during his speech at the U.N. General Assembly. He highlighted the ecological dangers posed by Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and criticized the U.N. for its inability to act decisively against Russia due to its veto power in the Security Council. Zelenskyy rejected … Continue reading Zelenskyy slams ‘colonial’ peace proposal to war with Russia in UN speech

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