News
Opposition leaders arrested at pro-EU protest in Tbilisi
A protest intended to block a key traffic artery in Tbilisi was met with heavy police repression and violent arrests.
El Salvador's bitcoin dream falters despite lofty crypto hub ambitions
El Salvador has quietly scaled back its ambitious cryptocurrency experiment, marking a significant reversal of President Nayib Bukele's vision to transform the Central American nation into a bitcoin paradise.
Tehran showcases advances ahead of revolution anniversary
Tehran Municipality has erected banners showcasing the nation's advances across various sectors ahead of the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution on February 10.
Sweden says Stockholm mosque used as Iranian spy centre
The Swedish government has accused the Imam Ali Islamic Centre in Stockholm of serving as a platform for Iranian intelligence operations targeting Sweden and the Iranian diaspora, Social Affairs Minister Jakob Forssmed announced on February 3
US Secretary Rubio warns Panama over Chinese influence at canal amid regional tour
US Secretary of State Rubio delivered a stark warning to Panama's president on February 2 that Washington would "take measures necessary" if the Central American nation failed to curtail what the US perceives as China's growing influence.
Bomb blast kills pro-Russian paramilitary leader in Moscow
A bomb explosion in a luxury residential complex in Moscow has killed Armen Sarkisyan, a pro-Russian paramilitary leader from eastern Ukraine, in what authorities are treating as a targeted assassination.
Trump halts Mexico tariffs after border troop deal, but tensions remain
The United States and Mexico have reached a temporary agreement suspending new tariffs, following negotiations between President Donald Trump and his Mexican counterpart, Claudia Sheinbaum.
Arab countries reject Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan
Arab foreign ministers on February 3 unanimously rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.
Viktor Orban's financial savings below national average, his annual asset declaration shows
Hungarian MPs are required to submit asset declarations, but the system relies on self-reporting with no independent verification. There are no real consequences for misreporting or omitting information.
Russia forced to turn to foreigners and criminals as Moscow military recruitment plunges fivefold
Military recruitment in Moscow has dropped fivefold since its peak in mid-2024, forcing Russian authorities to rely increasingly on foreign mercenaries, criminals and debtors to bolster troop numbers.
Majority of Bulgarians don’t want to adopt the euro
New poll shows 57% of Bulgarians are opposed to eurozone entry, as the government gives mixed signals on its euro adoption plans.
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Kim Jong-il 'Birthday Tour' marks resumption of Chinese travel to North Korea
A Chinese tour agency has reignited interest in North Korean tourism with the announcement of the Kim Jong-il 'Birthday Tour' to Rason, a city in North Korea’s northeastern region.
China responds to Trump’s tariffs with WTO challenge, cautious countermeasures
China has sharply criticised the Trump administration’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, but has opted to leave the door open for dialogue with the US to prevent a further escalation of trade tensions.
Bosnia's Republika Srpska to make new attempt to pass ‘foreign agents’ law
Bosnian Serb leader targets "scum who use foreign funds" with controversial legislation modelled on laws adopted in Russia, Belarus and Georgia.
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Tens of thousands join protests in Serbia's Novi Sad
Serbia is in the throes of a political crisis, sparked by a deadly infrastructure collapse in Novi Sad late last year, with ongoing student-led protests putting immense pressure on the government.
Iran unveils new air defence system and ballistic missile
Iran unveiled an air defence system and a new medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to an exhibition of the Defence Ministry’s Aerospace Organisation.
US-Mexico trade war erupts as Trump goes ahead with tariffs
Mexico has vowed to retaliate against the United States after President Donald Trump made good on his threat to slap a 25 per cent tariff on both Mexican and Canadian imports effective February.
Saudi crown prince receives Syrian President al-Sharaa in Riyadh
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Saudi Arabia for the first time as Riyadh seeks to capitalise on the collapse of the al-Assad regime in December.
Myanmar junta slammed on fourth anniversary of coup as protests erupt worldwide
Western countries condemn the military regime for its "escalating violence against civilians, including human rights abuses, sexual and gender-based violence".
Britain supplies emergency vehicle boost to Iraq in $31mn fire engine deal
British manufacturers will supply 62 firefighting vehicles to Iraq's Ministry of Interior under a $31mn loan agreement from UK Export Finance (UKEF).