International News
Panama dismisses Trump’s threats to retake control of Canal
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino rejected US President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, calling them baseless and affirming Panama’s sovereignty over the waterway. Trump, who criticized Panama’s management and raised concerns about China’s influence, warned that the US might demand the canal’s return if operations were not “secure and reliable.” … Read more
Slovakian Prime Minister Fico visits Moscow amid Ukraine gas dispute – DW – 12/23/2024
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico made an unannounced visit to Moscow on Sunday for what he and the Kremlin called a “working meeting” with President Vladimir Putin. The visit came days after FICO reached an impasse in a dispute with the government in Kiev over the transit of Russian gas from Ukraine to Slovakia, with … Read more
Just 12 trucks delivered aid in northern Gaza since October: Oxfam
Only 12 trucks have distributed food and water in northern Gaza since October, Oxfam reported Sunday, accusing Israel of systematic delays and obstruction amid the worsening humanitarian crisis. The aid group highlighted incidents where aid-receiving shelters were shelled within hours. Source link
Custom clocks designed for Pennsylvania’s Capitol a century ago are still ticking
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – Capitol buildings almost always have an impressive appearance. As seats of government, they are elegant and stately – and often covered with a dome. Visitors to Pennsylvania’s Capitol are attracted by its priceless artwork, polished marble, and intricate carvings, but behind the doors of some of its most ornate offices and chambers … Read more
Putin welcomes Slovak PM to Moscow, a rare visit by EU leader
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Sunday, discussing gas transit and the war in Ukraine, as Kyiv signals it will not renew a key gas deal with Slovakia. The visit, condemned by Slovak opposition parties, highlights Fico’s pro-Russia stance. Source link
Thousands join student-led protest – DW – 12/22/2024
Serbians took to the streets in the capital Belgrade on Sunday to protest against the current government. According to a statement from the Interior Ministry, about 29,000 people participated in the demonstrations. Serbia’s government is under pressure after seven weeks of sporadic demonstrations across the country in response to the collapse of a train station … Read more
Syria after the war – DW – 12/22/2024
7 million displaced people, 5 million war casualties, hunger and poverty – after 14 years of civil war, Syria is in ruins. The cost of rebuilding the country will be huge. DW has collected some important data on the situation in Syria. With an area of about 185,000 square kilometers, Syria is about half the … Read more
The Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmuk shows the extent of violence during Syria’s 13-year civil war
The former Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmuk, on the outskirts of Damascus, offers a glimpse of how brutal the Syrian civil war has been for the civilian population. Home to more than 150,000 people, Yarmouk was completely destroyed during the early years of the war. Now, many people are returning to try to rebuild their … Read more