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

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

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

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