The violence of the last four days in Syria is the worst in the country since an Islamist-led rebel offensive toppled Bashar al-Assad in December, and the most serious challenge…
First Druze crossing in 50 years as Israel courts allies in Syria
Early on Friday morning, a group of Syrian men crossed into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights through a UN-monitored buffer zone. With no diplomatic relations between Syria and Israel, Syrians crossing…
Qatar: US rejects ‘impractical’ Hamas demands as Gaza truce hangs in balance
Talks to extend the Gaza ceasefire have failed to reach an agreement, a Palestinian official has told the BBC, as the US accused Hamas of making “entirely impractical” demands at…
USA: South African ambassador ‘no longer welcome’ in US, Rubio says
The US is expelling South Africa’s ambassador to Washington, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying he is “no longer welcome in our great country”. In a post on X,…
Russia: Prospect of Ukraine ceasefire still uncertain despite Trump’s optimism
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Vladimir Putin of trying to “sabotage” diplomatic efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire. In a post on social media, he urged the US to…
UK: Economy shrank unexpectedly in January
The UK economy shrank unexpectedly in January, in a blow to the government ahead of its Spring Statement later this month. The economy contracted by 0.1%, which was weaker than…
Kenya: President’s church donation sparks clashes
Police in Kenya have fired tear gas to disperse protesters who tried to occupy a church that was recently given a substantial donation by President William Ruto. The gift to…
Angola: Authoritoes refuse entry to opposition leaders from across Africa
Angola is under fire after it denied entry to several senior African political figures set to attend a conference hosted by the country’s main opposition party. Unita said it had…
USA: Columbia suspends and expels pro-Palestinian students who occupied building
Columbia University has taken action against students who participated in a pro-Palestinian protest last spring and took over a campus building. The school suspended and expelled some students who participated…
USA: US-Ukraine agreement shows a deal is never dead with Trump
Don’t call it a breakthrough, as there is still a long way to go before lasting peace. But Tuesday’s agreement between the US and Ukraine over a proposed temporary ceasefire…