Jun 12 U.S. and Sweden conduct military drills on Baltic Sea island By James Brooks, Associated Press Though the annual BALTOPS exercise isn't held in response to a specific threat, this year's edition comes amid heightened tensions with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. About 7,000 military personnel and 45 ships from 14 NATO countries, as well… Continue reading
Jun 12 Russian-owned successor of McDonald's opens in Moscow By Jim Heintz The logo is different, but still evokes the golden arches: a circle and two yellow oblongs — representing a beef patty and french fries — configured into a stylized M. Continue reading
Jun 12 China accuses U.S. of attempting to 'hijack' support in Asia By Syawalludin Zain, David Rising, Associated Press Defense Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe lashed out at U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, rejecting his “smearing accusation” the day before at the Shangri-La Dialogue that China was causing instability with its claim to the self-governing island of Taiwan and… Continue reading
Jun 11 Watch 6:52 Saudi-backed tournament creates hazard for professional golf The intersection of sports and geopolitics continued to play out Saturday during the first-ever LIV Golf series in London. The new competition is backed by the Saudi government and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman amid heavy criticisms of the country's… Continue watching
Jun 11 UN expresses concern after militias battle overnight in Libya's capital By Associated Press The country’s plan to transition to an elected government fell through after an interim administration based in Tripoli, headed by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, failed to hold elections last year. Continue reading
Jun 11 U.S. Defense Secretary Austin says China's military activity near Taiwan threatens region By Syawalludin Zain, David Rising, Associated Press Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Austin noted a “steady increase in provocative and destabilizing military activity near Taiwan,” including almost daily military flights near the island by the People's Republic of China. Continue reading
Jun 11 Germany's chancellor attempts to open up North Macedonia's EU bid By Konstantin Testorides, Veselin Toshkov, Associated Press Bulgaria refuses to approve the EU’s membership negotiation framework for North Macedonia, effectively blocking the official start of accession talks with its smaller Balkan neighbor. Continue reading
Jun 11 North Korea's leader defends arms buildup during party meeting By Kim Tong-Hyung, Associated Press North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has doubled down on his arms buildup in the face of what he describes as an aggravating security environment. Continue reading
Jun 11 Venezuela and Iran agree to expand ties on oil amid U.S. sanctions By Amir Vahdat, Associated Press Maduro's first visit to Iran comes amid tensions across the Middle East over the collapse of Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers. Continue reading
Jun 10 Watch 2:21 News Wrap: White House lifts COVID requirement for overseas travelers entering the U.S. By PBS NewsHour In our news wrap Friday, the Biden administration says overseas travelers to the U.S. will no longer have to test negative for COVID-19 within a day before they fly after the CDC determined the requirement is no longer necessary, the… Continue watching