Latest in World Highlight
Latest in World
23 arrested in Turkey for alleged connection to IS
Turkish authorities identified nationalities of 15 detainees, a group consisting of Egyptians and Russians, who were arrested in Adana, Turkey
Our nuclear weapons will only be used as a ‘deterrent’: North Korean Ambassador
Egypt has its fixed opinion regarding nuclear non-proliferation and Israel’s position towards it, says analyst
South Korea recommences loudspeaker border propaganda after North’s nuclear test
In reaction to North Korea’s nuclear test, South Korea has resumed broadcasts of anti-Pyongyang propaganda across the border. The last use of loudspeakers triggered a military crisis between the two Koreas. The broadcasts began at midday local time (0300 UTC) Friday, the same day which is believed to be the birthday of North Korean leader …
Twitter sues Turkey over fine for not removing ‘terrorist propaganda’
The microblogging website has filed a lawsuit against the country in a Turkish court. The US company is challenging a penalty imposed upon it by the government. Twitter representatives confirmed to multiple news organizations that the company was seeking to challenge a fine imposed by Ankara for not removing content the government considered “terrorist propaganda.” …
Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate Christmas
Believers in Russia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East have flocked to churches to celebrate Christmas. January 7th marks the birth of Christ in the Julian calendar, which is followed by up to 300 million followers. Eastern Orthodox Christmas rang in across the world on Thursday with celebrations ranging from fireworks displays, church services, processions …
International community condemns North Korea’s report of H-bomb test
Pyongyang managed to develop its nuclear programme, while international attention was focusing on Iranian nuclear ambitions
Time for Saudi Arabia and Iran to ‘act responsibly,’ says Steinmeier
Germany’s foreign minister told “Bild” newspaper that both countries must focus on solving military conflicts in the region. Tensions are worsening between Tehran and Riyadh over the execution of a prominent cleric.
Sunnis, Shiites locked in an endless conflict
Iran and Saudi Arabia are stoking the denominational conflict between Sunnis and Shias. Both sides are attempting to exploit an inner-Islamic conflict that has been raging for more than 1,300 years.
Dar El-Eftaa condemns Chinese authorities for banning the “Azan”
Chinese authorities’ action is a strong insult: Dar El-Eftaa press release
Hezbollah claims attack on Israeli forces
The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed the attack, saying an explosive device struck Israeli military vehicles. The Shiite militant group said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of a militant leader.
Vatican’s recognition of Palestinian state becomes official
An agreement signed by the Vatican last summer recognizing Palestine as a state has gone into effect. The move has drawn staunch criticism from Israel.
New Swedish border controls: a blow to Schengen?
Sweden will instate new controls on the border to Denmark at midnight on Sunday as it tries to cope with a big migrant influx: another nail in the coffin of the Schengen zone? Malcolm Brabant reports from Copenhagen.
Dubai hotel fire: ‘There will be fatalities unless building safety is improved’
The New Year’s blaze at a luxury hotel has led to calls for skyscrapers to be modified, amid concerns that Dubai landmarks are built with flammable cladding. It was the city’s third major high-rise fire in three years.
In Cartoon: Russian News Year Celebration
Russia to sue Ukraine over $3bn debt default
After implementing a moratorium on its debt, Ukraine has defaulted on a controversial loan from Russia. The Russian foreign ministry said it will file a formal legal complaint against Kyiv in a British court.
Africa’s election year 2015: A long way to democracy?
The year 2015 will go down in history as one of elections in Africa. Overall there were thirteen of them. According to observers, eligible voters realized the importance and civic duty to take part in the elections.
Taiwan’s three presidential candidates
Taiwanese voters are set to cast their ballots on January 16 to elect a new president for their self-ruling island. DW takes a look at the three candidates contesting the poll and their China policies.
My 2015: Europe’s super crisis
For our Europe correspondent Bernd Riegert, 2015 was the year of the “super crisis.” As he reports, he was shaken by visits to refugee camps, a lack of solidarity among EU members and poor crisis management.
‘Frank’ losing steam, says Germany’s DWD
Atlantic storm “Frank” that shoved warm air toward the North Pole and deluged Britain is fading, says German meteorologists. To the east, continental Europe’s cold zone has brought frosts to Greece and snow to Turkey.
Air Canada flight diverted after heavy turbulence injures 21
An Air Canada flight en route from Shanghai to Toronto diverted and landed in Calgary after severe turbulence injured 21 passengers. It was not immediately clear what caused the atmospheric instability.
Twin attacks on Syrian Kurdish city kill at least 16
The “Islamic State” has claimed responsibility for the attacks, targeting the Kurdish strongold of Qashmili in Syria’s northeast. At least 16 people were killed and around 30 more injured.
‘Charlie Hebdo’ to release special issue on anniversary of attack
One million copies of the special issue will be released, the magazine said. The issue will include select drawings from the cartoonists killed in the January attack.
Polish government moves to control public media
Poland’s new conservative government wants to pass a media law that would effectively turn public broadcasters into mouthpieces for the government. Warsaw has already drawn scorn for politicizing the judiciary.
Poland’s new conservative government wants to pass a media law that would effectively turn public broadcasters into mouthpieces for the government. Warsaw has already drawn scorn for politicizing the judiciary.
Children used as suicide bombers in Central Asia
Terrorists in Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries are training children to blow themselves up in suicide bomb attacks. Minors are kidnapped or sold and then taken to terrorist training camps.
Nangarhar: Gateway to Afghanistan for ‘Islamic State’
Insurgents loyal to “IS” are marking their presence in eastern Afghanistan amid increased Taliban infighting. The terror group’s attempt to win support from locals and Taliban defectors has also met brutal resistance.
Hamas bans New Year’s celebrations in Gaza
New Year’s Eve festivities have been banned by Hamas, the de-facto rulers of the Gaza Strip. The Islamist group says the celebrations were “incompatible” with Islam.
Weary Central Africans cast ballots, hoping for peace and stability
In a major feat for a country plagued by unrest, the people of Central African Republic queued up to vote in key elections. ‘We are voting in dignity and peace and I am proud,’ the outgoing interim president said.
Turkey detains two ‘Islamic State’ militants planning New Year attacks in Ankara
The two men were thought to have been preparing an attack on Kizilay square, where people usually gather for New Year celebrations. Police have seized suicide vests in the raids.
The year of terror in Europe
Ten years after the last large-scale attacks in London, Europe experienced a bad year of terrorism in 2015. Hundreds died, including many French, Turks and Russians. “War” against “Islamic State” has been the result.
Factbox: Central African Republic elections
Voters in the Central African Republic are optimistic Wednesday’s (30.12.2015) poll will reunite a nation torn by sectarian strife. This is the third time elections are being held since independence from France in 1960.