Feb 03 Iranian-backed militia official in Iraq downplays U.S. retaliatory strikes, hints at de-escalation By Abdulrahman Zeyad, Ali Jabar, Associated Press An Iraqi militia official on Saturday hinted at a desire to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East following retaliatory strikes launched by the United States against dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Continue reading
Feb 02 UN expert says more needs to be done to address human rights abuses in the Philippines By Jim Gomez, Associated Press A U.N. expert says steps have been taken under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address human rights abuses such as the killings of journalists and rights activists. Continue reading
Feb 02 Watch 6:00 U.S. strikes Iran-backed militias in retaliation for deadly attack on American troops By Nick Schifrin, Eliot Barnhart The U.S. launched a series of military strikes against Iranian forces and the militias they support in both Syria and Iraq. The bombings are in retaliation for an attack last weekend that killed three American soldiers and wounded dozens of… Continue watching
Feb 02 Serbia will seek a UN Security Council meeting over latest escalating tensions with Kosovo By Dusan Stojanovic, Associated Press Kosovo’s government has banned banks and other financial institutions in the Serb-populated areas from using the dinar in local transactions. Kosovo’s Central Bank issued the new rules last summer. Continue reading
Feb 02 Watch 9:15 El Salvador's vice president discusses controversial crackdown on gangs, upcoming election By Amna Nawaz, Teresa Cebrián Aranda El Salvador is holding its election and all eyes are on incumbent President Nayib Bukele. He came to power in 2019 and has overseen a brutal crackdown on gangs that terrorized the nation for decades. His popularity has soared, but… Continue watching
Feb 02 AP report: U.S. begins retaliatory strikes on militias in Iraq and Syria, officials say By Tara Copp, Abdulrahman Zeyad, Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press President Joe Biden and other top U.S. leaders had been warning for days that America would strike back at the militias, and they made it clear it wouldn’t be just one hit but a “tiered response” over time. Continue reading
Feb 02 Putin casts the Ukraine conflict as a fight for Russia's survival as he seeks reelection next month By Associated Press Speaking at a meeting with arms industries workers Friday in the city of Tula south of Moscow, Putin declared that the vast majority of Russians support his course. Continue reading
Feb 02 Singaporeans bemoan Sen. Cotton's 'ignorant' grilling of TikTok CEO By Zen Soo, Associated Press During the hearing, Chew was repeatedly questioned about his nationality and possible affiliations to the Chinese Communist Party by Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark. Continue reading
Feb 02 Half of U.S. adults say Israel has gone too far in war in Gaza, AP-NORC poll says By Ellen Knickmeyer, Linley Sanders, Associated Press The poll by The Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found growing disapproval among Republicans and political independents for Israel's conduct of its military offensive in Gaza. Continue reading
Feb 02 Landslides, avalanches and heavy rain expected in Norway after the worst storm in over 30 years By Associated Press Authorities in Norway have issued several landslide and avalanche warnings for the southern part of the country as it continues to get hammered by bad weather. Continue reading