Dec 20 Congo presidential election goes on despite conflict and logistical challenges By Sam Mednick, Ruth Alonga, Associated Press Some 44 million people — almost half the population — were expected to vote, but many, including several million displaced by conflict in the vast country's east, could struggle to cast ballots. The fighting prevented 1.5 million people from registering… Continue reading
Dec 20 Putin builds up military resources for new stage of war against Ukraine By Associated Press Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be hoping that relentless military pressure, combined with changing Western political dynamics and a global focus on the Israeli-Hamas war, will drain support for Ukraine in the nearly 2-year-old war and force Kyiv to… Continue reading
Dec 20 China’s earthquake survivors endure frigid overnight temperatures in temporary shelters By Ng Han Guan, Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press Chinese media reports said at least 134 people died and more than 900 were injured. Continue reading
Dec 20 EU officials hail a major migration deal after years of stagnant talks. But critics worry about the rights of asylum-seekers By Lorne Cook, Associated Press Critics say the deal will weaken the rights of asylum-seekers and encourage dubious deals with countries that people leave to get to Europe. Continue reading
Dec 20 Top Hamas leader visits Cairo as indirect talks on another Gaza truce and hostage swap resume By Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy, Associated Press The sides have recently relaunched indirect talks, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, aimed at instituting another cease-fire and freeing more hostages. Continue reading
Dec 19 Watch 4:50 Area in Gaza where Israel told displaced Palestinians to seek shelter becomes battle zone By William Brangham, Alexis Cox Israel's campaign in Gaza continues with deadly effect as diplomats work to secure another deal to pause the fighting to release hostages held by Hamas in return for Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. An attempt at the U.N. to secure… Continue watching
Dec 19 Watch 4:32 How the U.S. and allies plan to protect ships from Houthi attacks in Red Sea By Geoff Bennett, Dan Sagalyn Tensions are rising in the Red Sea, where about 12 percent of the world's global trade passes through. Houthi militias in Yemen say they are attacking ships to support Palestinians. Defense Secretary Austin announced a new multinational effort to protect… Continue watching
Dec 19 Watch 4:55 Iceland escapes worst-case scenario as lava from volcano flows away from important areas By Malcolm Brabant Iceland appears to have so far escaped the worst-case scenario after a volcano erupted overnight about 50 miles from the capital Reykjavik. The lava flow is moving away from important infrastructure, including a fishing port where 4,000 people had been… Continue watching
Dec 19 Watch 6:52 Ukraine prepares for another round of Russia’s winter attacks on energy grid By Nick Schifrin, Zeba Warsi Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed confidence that both the U.S. and the European Union would deliver tens of billions of dollars in much-needed assistance. The aid is crucial for Ukraine’s air defense, which is becoming more important as Russia begins what… Continue watching
Dec 19 Serbia’s ruling populists say weekend elections were fair despite international criticism and protests By Jovana Gec, Associated Press Serbia’s ruling populists are insisting that weekend snap elections were free and fair, but international observers have noted multiple irregularities. Continue reading