Latest in World Highlight
Latest in World
Syria talks to test Iran, Russia’s ‘intentions,’ says Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s FM has said that the Vienna talks will show if Tehran and Moscow are “serious” about a political solution to the Syrian conflict. The statement comes as Russia makes a record number of airstrikes in Syria. Saudi Arabia said Wednesday that international talks in Vienna will test whether Tehran and Moscow are “serious” …
Rwanda MPs debate constitutional change on presidential term limits
Rwanda’s lower house of parliament debated on Wednesday a constitutional change that would allow President Paul Kagame to run for a third term, a move opposed by the United States and other donors. The amended constitution will still be a draft that faces a referendum, but it is expected to pass. Parliament met after a …
Text book sparks row over economics in schools
A row has erupted in Germany over a school textbook that allegedly paints a “monstrous” picture of rampant business lobbying. The book was withdrawn from sale after a complaint from an employers’ association. The German Interior Ministry is facing a backlash from anti-lobby groups after it asked the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) to …
Abbas calls on UN for ‘special regime’ to protect Palestinians
Addressing the UNHRC, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on the UN to establish a “special regime” to protect Palestinians. He also accused Israel of “extrajudicial killings” amid mounting tensions. During a special one-hour meeting at the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Palestinians are looking to the UN for …
MSF hospital destroyed in Yemen airstrikes
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders says airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition have destroyed one of its hospitals in northern Yemen. It’s the second attack on an MSF clinic in less than a month. The international aid group said several nighttime strikes hit the small hospital in the Haydan district of Saada province, injuring one staff …
Iran invited to Syria talks
Washington has said that an invitation will be sent to Tehran for upcoming talks on political transition in Syria. Defense Secretary Carter also spoke of US plans to ramp-up its military campaign in Syria
Obama administration to step up strategy to fight Islamic State
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has said the US will ramp up air strikes against the terror group in Syria and Iraq. His testimony comes as Russia and Syrian government forces step up their own attacks on the group. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said on Tuesday the Obama administration is stepping up its military campaign …
Net neutrality in the air after EU Parliament votes in favor of TSM
The European Parliament has voted in favor of a telecommunications bill that drops roaming charges across the EU. However, the bill also threatens net neutrality in the 28-nation bloc. The European Parliament Tuesday voted in favor of the Telecommunications Single Market (TSM) bill after amendments proposed by several Members of European Parliament (MEPs) were rejected. …
UN: Assessing full quake impact ‘will take days’
As rescuers hunt for survivors of a massive earthquake that hit parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan, DW spoke to OCHA in Kabul about how the remoteness of the area and poor communications are hampering relief efforts. The 7.5 magnitude quake which struck northern Afghanistan and a large part of Pakistan on Monday, October 26, claimed …
Olympics chief says refugee athletes can compete in Rio
The president of the International Olympic Committee says highly qualified athletes who are refugees can compete in the Olympic Games. UN member states are urged to help the IOC identify talented refugee athletes. Thomas Bach, the president of the IOC, said that athletes who are refugees will be allowed to compete for the first time …
Omani FM meets Syria’s Assad as flurry of diplomacy continues
Oman’s foreign minister has visited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus amid a whirlwind of diplomatic activity to resolve the crisis. Oman is known to play a mediator role in the region. Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi and Assad talked in Damascus on Monday as regional and international actors mount a new offensive to …
Opinion: EU refugee summit over Balkan route has saved Europe for now
Facing the complete failure of the handling of the refugee crisis, key European Union (EU) states have agreed upon emergency measures. These need to work now, otherwise the EU is in danger, says DW’s Bernd Riegert. It was only under great pressure, following threats and mutual abuse, that the heads of government of European countries, …
German Defense Minister von der Leyen meets with Iraq in effort to curb mass migration
German Defense Minisiter Ursula von der Leyen is due to meet with her Iraqi counterpart to discuss ways to remedy the masses of people fleeing the country. Ahead of her visit, she urged unity within the Iraqi government. In Baghdad on Monday, von der Leyen will meet with Prime Minister Haider al Abadi and Defense …
Turkish police clash with ‘Islamic State’ fighters
A police raid of suspected “Islamic State” in southeastern city has turned deadly. The incident comes as Turkish authorities ramp up security measures following the twin bombings in Ankara. Two police officers and four militants were killed in the clashes early Monday. The gun battle occurred after police raided a house in the mostly Kurdish …
Top Saudi court upholds death sentence for Shiite cleric
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has confirmed the death sentence for the popular Shiite leader Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr on “sedition” charges. The sheikh’s life now depends on the possibility of a royal pardon by King Salman. Nimr’s family and lawyers said Sunday that the court rejected the appeal filed by Nimr, who is known as a …
Lessons in popularity from Russia’s Putin
President Putin could write a handbook on “popularity for dummies,” as his ratings continue to rise. In Moscow, Fiona Clark looks at how he’s using textbook moves to win the hearts and minds of the Russian public. Canada’s new prime minister, Justin Trudeau might be the sexiest politician alive at the moment, but if you’re …
Blair apologises for Iraq war ‘mistakes’
The former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said he is sorry for mistakes around the US-led military invasion of Iraq. Speaking to CNN, he also conceded that the war may have helped bring about the “Islamic State.” Tony Blair apologised for some aspects of the way the case to invade Iraq in 2003 had …
US, Jordan propose 24-hour surveillance of Al-Aqsa to end Jerusalem violence
Israeli and Jordanian officials are to meet to work out details of 24-hour video monitoring of the al-Aqsa, which is holy to Jews and Muslims. The plan is aimed at ending weeks of violence. US Secretary of State John Kerry announced Saturday that Israel and Jordan had agreed on steps, including round-the-clock video monitoring of …
Syrian rebels reject cooperation with Russia, demand end of bombing
Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebels have rebuffed cooperation with Russia against the “Islamic State” and holding elections. Their response came after Russia suggested it could work with the rebels
Opinion: A birthday child with little cause for celebration
Over 70 years ago, the United Nations was founded in New York. Although the UN is needed more urgently than ever, the organization’s influence in the world is shockingly limited, writes DW’s Daniel Scheschkewitz. The Middle East is about to implode. The Syrian Civil War has brought the world superpowers to the brink of a …
‘Islamic State’ claims responsibility for Bangladesh bombings: monitor
The “Islamic State” terrorist group has said it was responsible for the attack at an annual Shiite celebration, a monitoring group reported. At least one person died and dozens more were injured in the bomb blasts. The so-called “Islamic State” terrorist organization, also known simply as IS, carried out the bomb blasts that went off …
Obama appoints new envoy for anti-IS coalition
President Obama has appointed Brett McGurk as his new coalition envoy against the “Islamic State.” Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Carter said the US plans to conduct more raids against the Sunni jihadist group in Iraq
As Argentines vote, outgoing president looms large
Satan or patron saint? As Argentines go to the polls, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner leaves behind a nation deeply divided. But could her exit also be the beginning of the end of years of economic isolation? Breaking up is hard to do. In the slums of Buenos Aires, this is especially true when it comes …
‘Every dark skin in Israel is now a target’
The recent escalation in violence between Israelis and Palestinians has conjured up an old demon from Israel’s past: racism and discrimination against Jews, by Jews.
As violence rages in Middle East, Kerry holds talks with Netanyahu in Berlin
The US Secretary of State has met Israel’s prime minister to discuss the ongoing conflicts across the Middle East. The talks come as leaders the world over urge an end to the violence in Israel and the West Bank. US Secretary of State John Kerry met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Berlin on …
Amnesty spotlights ‘hellish reality’ of Southeast Asian refugee crisis
Trafficked, beaten and sometimes even killed for ransom – a new AI report examines the horrors experienced by Rohingya attempting to flee persecution in Myanmar in May this year, and warns of another looming crisis. “We felt so sorry whenever we saw the people dead and thrown to the sea. The people are dying on …
What to expect from Sharif-Obama talks
Pakistani PM Sharif and US President Obama are set to hold talks on Wednesday amid Washington’s concerns over Pakistan’s support for Islamists in Afghanistan and its nuclear safety. But will Islamabad accept US demands? Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will kickoff his three-day official visit to the US on the night of October 20. The …
Islamists issue death threat against leading Bangladeshi blogger
Bangladeshi blogger Imran H Sarker says he has received a death threat from the “Islamic State” via Facebook. In an interview with DW, the blogger explained why he is taking the threat seriously. Dhaka-based blogger Imran H Sarker is one of the most widely read and popular bloggers in the country with nearly a million …
WHO report highlights dangers of road traffic
The global status report on road safety for 2015 is more promising than many expected. The number of fatal accidents is down – but unfortunately not everywhere, according to data from the World Health Organization. About 1.25 million people are killed in traffic accidents worldwide. This is the grim message from the global status report …
Russian airstrikes kill scores in northern Syria: Monitor
Russia has carried out airstrikes in a rebel-held area in Syria, killing numerous insurgents and civilians, according to a monitor. Several governments have accused Moscow of targeting opponents of the Assad regime