Latest in World Highlight
Latest in World
Twitter tightens abuse rules to prevent ‘hateful conduct’
Twitter has changed its rules of conduct to prevent users from harassing and intimidating others through “abusive behavior and hateful conduct.” The online service now plans to suspend users who engage in such practices.
US: Iranian navy fires rockets near US warships
The United States has accused Iran of launching rockets near a US aircraft carrier and other warships last week in what a US official called an “unsafe” action. It said Iran gave very short notice before the tests.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey to boost ties with ‘strategic cooperation council’
A new joint council between Turkey and Saudi Arabia is expected to bolster security and investment cooperation. Ankara and Riyadh are key supporters of rebels fighting to overthrow the Assad regime in Syria.
Evacuees arrive in Damascus in rare Syria deal, but fighting continues
More than 300 people were evacuated from the war-torn Idlib province in the north
Elneny in Paris for medical check up before joining FC Arsenal
Egyptian international midfielder Mohamed Elneny will undergo medical in Paris Tuesday ahead of singing his contract with the Arsenal Wednesday. Former Arab contractors player and FC Basle midfielder is about to join the north London giants in a deal worth £ 7.4m but must first wait for a work visa before he is allowed to move to England ahead of join the Arsenal team by completing terms on a four and half year contract.
Bread basket case: Putin lets Russians eat cake
‘Merry Christmas and a happy new set of sanctions to you’ is Russia’s message to Ukraine from January 1. Fiona Clark wonders what will be left to eat in Moscow come the New Year.
A year in the US: Social turmoil, violence and historic change
It’s been a year of violence, unrest and historic change for the United States – both at home and abroad. With a presidential election just around the corner, the country’s future course is far from settled.
Pakistani army chief visits Kabul amid Taliban’s revival
The Pakistani army chief is to visit to Kabul to help restart peace talks with the Taliban. The trip comes at a time when Islamists are gaining power, which analysts say is a result of Islamabad’s covert support.
Pentagon: US carried out Christmas Day airstrikes on ‘Islamic State’
Washington has said it carried out a string of airstrikes in Syria and Iraq over the holiday. The move comes as the US and its international allies ramp up the fight against the “Islamic State.”
British man first to row non-stop across Pacific Ocean
British adventurer John Beeden has become the first person to row solo and non-stop across the Pacific Ocean, landing in northern Australia on December 27. He previously rowed across the Atlantic in 2011.
UN sets January target date for Syria peace talks
The UN has named January 25 as the day for representatives of the Syrian regime and opposition to begin international talks aimed to end the war. Questions over the fate of Assad and rebel groups to be invited remain.
Syrian Kurds take strategic dam from ‘Islamic State’
An alliance of US-backed Syrian Kurdish and Arab rebels has taken a key dam on the Euphrates River from the so-called “Islamic State.” The alliance has pushed back “IS” from large swaths of territory.
Nigeria running out of time to deliver on vow to defeat Boko Haram
Nigeria’s new President Muhammadu Buhari promised to stamp out Boko Haram by the end of December. Will he manage to keep his word?
Floods dampen seasonal cheer in England, Scotland and Wales
Parts of northwest England already hit hard by flooding in recent weeks are under severe flood warnings. More heavy rain has been forecast, as the county of Cumbria records its wettest December in at least 105 years.
Damascus: Plan to evacuate militants from Yarmouk put on hold
A plan to evacuate thousands of militants and civilians from rebel-held districts of Syria’s capital has been put on hold. It comes a day after an airstrike killed a Syrian rebel leader in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta.
Rome plagued by starlings
When in Rome, do as the Romans do – these days, that means hide under an umbrella. Millions of starlings have converged on the Italian capital, and their droppings are not only a nuisance, they’re a health hazard.
Iraqi forces continue fight against ‘Islamic State’ in Ramadi
Iraqi forces have continued their drive into the heart of Ramadi, the ‘Islamic State’-held city west of Baghdad. Some reports suggest they’re close to retaking the city.
Palestinian knife assailant killed in Jerusalem
Israeli police have shot and killed a Palestinian man who pulled a knife on officers in Jerusalem. Similar attacks have been occurring for months in Israel.
Dian Fossey: the gorilla researcher in the mist
Great apes were her friends; interacting with human beings was not her thing. People criticized her temper saying she was egocentric and filled with bitterness. Researcher Dian Fossey was murdered 30 years ago.
Dozens injured after earthquake in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India
A strong earthquake has shaken Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as northern India. Dozens have been injured across the region, although no fatalities have been reported as of yet.
Paris-Berlin: So near and yet so far
There are versatile connections between the two capitals. After the November 13 attacks, Marcel Fuerstenau experienced how valuable and moving they can be at a personal level.
Nigerian president ‘shaken and shocked’ by gas tank explosion
Nigeria’s president has responded to a fatal gas tank explosion – with the number of deaths still unclear. The Christmas Eve blast in the southern town of Nnewi may have been exacerbated by firefighters’ lack of water.
Syrian rebel leader Zahran Allouch reportedly killed in airstrike
Several members of a powerful Syrian Islamist group have been killed in an airstrike east of Damascus. Rebel sources said the Jaish al-Islam’s leader Zahran Allouch was among the dead.
ISS astronaut Tim Peake apologizes for dialing wrong Earth number from space
An astronaut aboard the International Space Station has said he accidentally dialed the wrong person from space, asking “Hello, is this planet Earth?” He later went on Twitter to apologize to the woman.
New rebel group vows to overthrow Burundian president
A former senior officer in Burundi’s army said that he and other army officers have formed a rebel movement known as the Republican Forces of Burundi to remove President Nkurunziza from power.
Citing logistical problems, CAR postpones elections
The Central African Republic’s interim government has postponed its planned elections for three days citing administrative delays.
Pope Francis pushes for UN-backed end to Syrian conflict
Pope Francis said during a Christmas speech he’s praying the UN will bring peace to the war-torn countries of Syria and Libya. He also expressed his compassion for refugees and those seeking to help them.
Refugee crisis grows in Greece as EU looks on
Despite much-hyped EU summits and agreements, Greece has yet to see much substantive practical support in dealing with the refugee crisis, as Pavlos Zafiropoulos writes from Athens.
Russia’s crazy calendars: from priests and their cats to murderous dictators
No idea what to buy that special someone? Fear not. DW’s Moscow correspondent Emma Burrows looks at the unusual gifts on sale in the Russian capital – from calendars of Stalin to Orthodox priests and their cats. There is no snow in Moscow – it all has melted – but the city is decked out …
Iraqi forces to retake control of Ramadi ‘within days’
Iraqi forces are on the verge of retaking western Ramadi as they battle the last jihadists holed up in the center of the city. Coalition air forces have continued to bomb ‘Islamic State’ targets.