News Wire | November 2022 Archive

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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
Qatar to Supply Germany With LNG as EU Seeks Secure Energy Options

By Shotaro Tani & Guy Chazan | Financial Times

Qatar is to provide Germany with liquefied natural gas under a long-term supply deal that marks a big step forward in efforts by Europe’s biggest economy to wean itself off Russian gas.

More from WPR: The EU Is Still Struggling for Unity on Russian Energy Imports

Peru Opposition Lawmakers Launch Third Impeachment Attempt Against Castillo

Reuters

Peru opposition legislators Tuesday presented another impeachment motion against President Pedro Castillo, the third formal attempt to oust the leftist leader since he took office last year, calling him morally unfit for office.

More from WPR: Peru Is Tired of Castillo’s On-the-Job Training

Jiang Zemin, Leader Who Guided China Into Global Market, Dies at 96

By Chris Buckley & Michael Wines | The New York Times

Jiang Zemin, the Shanghai Communist kingpin who was handpicked to lead China after the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and presided over a decade of meteoric economic growth, died on Wednesday in Shanghai. He was 96.

Oath Keepers Founder Stewart Rhodes Guilty of Jan. 6 Seditious Conspiracy

By Spencer S. Hsu, Tom Jackman & Rachel Weiner | The Washington Post

A federal jury Tuesday convicted Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and a top deputy of seditious conspiracy for leading a months-long plot to unleash political violence to prevent the inauguration of President Biden, culminating in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

More from WPR: Fears of Political Violence Gather Ahead of the U.S. Midterm Elections

U.S. Unveils Plan to Rebuild Ukraine Energy Grid After Russian Assault

By Missy Ryan & Emily Rauhala | The Washington Post

The Biden administration will put $53 million toward rebuilding Ukraine’s battered electrical grid, as officials scramble to help Ukrainians withstand a sustained Russian assault that has plunged millions into darkness and cold.

More from WPR: U.S. Aid to Ukraine Will Survive a GOP Congress

Pentagon Warns of China’s Plans for Dominance in Taiwan and Beyond

By Karoun Demirjian | The Washington Post

China conducted more ballistic missile tests last year than the rest of the world combined and is on course to possess 1,500 nuclear weapons within the next decade, the Pentagon warns in an assessment of Beijing’s rapidly expanding military posture.

More from WPR: China Has Nothing to Gain From Invading Taiwan

Mexico High Court Upholds Keeping Military on Police Duties

Associated Press (free)

Mexico’s Supreme Court upheld Tuesday a constitutional change that allows the military to continue in law enforcement duties until 2028.

El Salvador to Repurchase More of Its Debt

Associated Press (free)

El Salvador’s government announced Tuesday that it will make a second buyback of its sovereign debt bonds maturing in 2023 and 2025 as it tries to calm market concerns that it could default on its debt.

More from WPR: Bukele Is Turning El Salvador Into a Bitcoin Lab Experiment

Mexico, U.S. Appear Headed for Dispute Over GM Corn

Associated Press (free)

Mexico and the United States appear to be headed for another commercial dispute Tuesday, this time over a Mexican ban on imports of genetically modified yellow corn.

Spy Claims Raised in Uruguay Probe of Ex-Presidential Guard

By Guillermo Garat | Associated Press (free)

Two months into an investigation of alleged passport forgery involving the former security chief for Uruguay’s president, questions are expanding after a newspaper’s reports that prosecutors have also found evidence of political spying and blackmail against opposition politicians.

Russia Postpones Talks on New START Pact, Imperiling Major Nuclear Accord

By Robyn Dixon | The Washington Post

Russia’s unilateral postponement—citing “political reasons”—of a technical meeting with U.S. officials about the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty has called into question the future of the sole remaining strategic nuclear arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow, as Russia lashes out amid setbacks in its war on Ukraine.

EU Proposes Special Tribunal to Investigate Russian Crimes in Ukraine

By Emily Rauhala | The Washington Post

The European Union on Wednesday proposed options for setting up a specialized court to try Russia’s crimes in Ukraine, a potential step toward a broader, international effort to hold the country to account for its war of aggression, but only if the United Nations is on board.

More from WPR: ‘Is Russia Committing Genocide in Ukraine?’ Might Be the Wrong Question

As Macron Pays State Visit to U.S., Ukraine Tests an Old Alliance

By Roger Cohen | The New York Times

As if to demonstrate that old alliances prove their worth in times of war, President Emmanuel Macron of France will be feted this week in Washington on the first state visit by a foreign leader since President Biden took office.

Apartheid-Era Assassin in South Africa Is Stabbed Days Before Release Date

By Lynsey Chutel | The New York Times

A widely reviled apartheid-era assassin in South Africa was stabbed by a fellow inmate Tuesday, just days before he was scheduled to be released on parole, prison authorities said.

South Africa Panel Files Report on Ramaphosa Farm Scandal

Al Jazeera (free)

A special panel investigating whether South African President Cyril Ramaphosa should face impeachment for allegedly covering up a crime that took place on his private farm, submitted its findings to parliament, two weeks before he faces a crucial party election.

More from WPR: South Africa—and Ramaphosa—Have an ANC-Sized Corruption Problem

Mozambique Court Starts Reading Verdict in $2 Billion ‘Hidden Debt’ Case

Reuters

A court in Mozambique on Wednesday started delivering its judgement in a case involving 19 people accused of various crimes for their alleged roles in the disappearance of hundreds of millions of dollars in government-backed loans.

Saudi Arabia to Host China-Arab Summit During Xi Visit, Sources Say

By Aziz El Yaakoubi & Julie Zhu | Reuters

Saudi Arabia plans to host a Chinese-Arab summit on Dec. 9 attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to the kingdom, three Arab diplomats in the region familiar with the plans said Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia Resumes Executions of Drug Offenders After Two-Year Reprieve

By Sarah Dadouch | The Washington Post

Saudi Arabia executed 20 men over drug convictions in a two-week span earlier this month, quietly resuming capital punishment for drug-related crimes after an unofficial two-year moratorium.

Iran Sentences Four People to Death for ‘Cooperating’ With Israeli Intelligence

Reuters

Four people were sentenced to death Wednesday by Iran’s judiciary for allegedly cooperating with the Israeli intelligence service and committing kidnappings, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

NATO Holds First Dedicated Talks on China Threat to Taiwan

By Henry Foy & Demetri Sevastopulo | Financial Times

NATO members held their first dedicated debate on Taiwan in September, as the U.S. encourages other members of the transatlantic security alliance to pay more attention to the rising threat of China to the island.

More from WPR: Rising or Falling, China Is a Serious but Manageable Competitor

Pakistan’s New Army Chief Takes Charge of Military

By Munir Ahmed | Associated Press (free)

Pakistan’s new military chief took command of the country’s armed forces Tuesday as a political rift between the government and the popular opposition leader deepened. He took over a day after a renewed threat from a key militant group behind scores of deadly attacks over 15 years.

More from WPR: Pakistan’s Political Crisis May Be Reaching a Breaking Point

At Least 10 Students Killed in School Bombing in Northern Afghanistan

By Pamela Constable | The Washington Post

A midday bombing at a boys’ religious school in Afghanistan’s northern Samangan province Wednesday left at least 10 students dead and scores injured, government officials said.

China Clamps Down on ‘Zero COVID’ Protests, Loosens Some Pandemic Measures

By Lyric Li | The Washington Post (free)

Small protests against China’s strict “zero COVID” policy occurred in several cities Monday evening, as citizens defied a police crackdown and threats of reprisal, with Beijing blaming “foreign forces” even as authorities moved to vaccinate more seniors and relax some distancing measures.

More from WPR: China’s White-Suited Health Workers Symbolize Zero COVID’s Failures

As Haiti Unravels, U.S. Officials Push to Send in an Armed Foreign Force

By Natalie Kitroeff | The New York Times

Fearing a mass exodus, some Biden officials are pressing for a multinational force, but they don’t want to send U.S. troops and haven’t been able to persuade other countries to take the lead.

More from WPR: The World Can’t Afford to Ignore Haiti’s Deepening Security Crisis

U.S. Officials Say Russia Has Postponed Nuclear Weapons Talks

By Felicia Schwartz | Financial Times

U.S. officials said Russia had postponed crucial nuclear weapons talks that were due to begin Tuesday, marking a setback for the last remaining arms treaty between the powers and providing further evidence of fraying diplomatic ties since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

More from WPR: Russia’s New Nuclear Doctrine: Don’t Mess With Us—But Let’s Talk

U.S. Steps Up Pressure on European Allies to Harden China Stance

By Henry Foy & Demetri Sevastopulo | Financial Times

The U.S. is pushing its European allies to take a harder stance towards Beijing as it tries to leverage its position on Ukraine to gain more support from NATO countries for its efforts to counter China in the Indo-Pacific.

More from WPR: Rising or Falling, China Is a Serious but Manageable Competitor

Arrest Sparks Violence in Mexico Border City of Nuevo Laredo

By Alfredo Peña | Associated Press (free)

Gunfire broke out across the Mexican border city of Nuevo Laredo early Monday, prompting the cancellation of classes and an advisory from the U.S. Consulate to shelter in place.

Colombia to Launch Military Operation Against Armed Groups on Border

Reuters

Colombia will launch a military offensive against illegal armed groups operating in border areas, and it is seeking collaboration from neighbors, Interior Minister Alfonso Prada said Monday.

More from WPR: Petro’s Road to ‘Total Peace’ for Colombia Passes Through Venezuela

Honduras to Complete Talks With U.N. on Anti-Corruption Mission, Says President

Reuters

Honduras will soon complete negotiations with the United Nations that aim to create an international mission to fight corruption in the country, President Xiomara Castro said Monday.

More from WPR: Honduras’ Hernandez Will Face Justice, but His Narco-State Could Live On

Cuba Municipal Elections See Lowest Turnout in 40 Years

By Dave Sherwood | Reuters

Cuba saw its lowest level of voter turnout in municipal elections since at least 1981, according to preliminary government figures Monday.

More from WPR: A New Culture of Dissent Is Remaking Cuba’s Politics

Prominent Polish Judge Reinstated Amid Standoff With EU

By Vanessa Gera | Associated Press (free)

Poland’s Supreme Court on Tuesday reinstated a judge who was suspended for two years and became a symbol of the struggle for independent courts under the country’s populist government.

Emmanuel Macron to Use U.S. Visit to Highlight Ukraine War’s Economic Toll on EU

By Leila Abboud | Financial Times

Emmanuel Macron will appeal to Joe Biden to take greater account of the damage done to Europe’s economy by the war in Ukraine in his policy decisions, saying the EU and U.S. need to collaborate more to manage the impact of the conflict and coordinate policies towards China.

U.K. Parliamentary Committee Visits Taiwan

Reuters

A British parliamentary committee is visiting Taiwan this week to meet President Tsai Ing-Wen and other senior officials, the Foreign Affairs Committee said in a statement Tuesday.

Talks Begin on Disarmament of Rebel Groups in Eastern Congo

By Evelyne Musambi | Associated Press (free)

The third round of Congo peace talks facilitated by the East Africa regional bloc opened in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, on Monday with a plan to discuss reforms that will facilitate disarmament of rebel groups.

More from WPR: The Congo-Rwanda Border Conflict Gets a Reprieve—For Now

Unknown Aircraft Targets Wagner Base in Central African Republic

By Jean Fernand Koena | Associated Press (free)

Authorities in Central African Republic have opened an investigation after a low-flying fighter jet dropped explosives near a base for Russian mercenaries working with the country’s military.

More from WPR: For Putin and Russia, the Wagner Group Could Be a Recipe for Disaster

U.N. Panel Accuses Regional South Sudan Officials of Overseeing Gang Rapes, Beheadings

Reuters

South Sudan should investigate officials accused of overseeing systematic gang rapes, some of whose victims were girls as young as nine, U.N. rights experts said Monday in a statement the government dismissed as a fabrication.

Four Palestinians Killed by Israeli Fire in Occupied West Bank

By Ilan Ben Zion | Associated Press (free)

A Palestinian man Tuesday rammed his car into an Israeli soldier, seriously injuring her, before he was shot dead by Israeli police in the occupied West Bank. He was the fourth Palestinian killed in a series of violent incidents throughout the day.

Iranian General Acknowledges Over 300 Dead in Unrest

Associated Press (free)

An Iranian general Monday acknowledged that more than 300 people have been killed in the unrest surrounding nationwide protests, giving the first official word on casualties in two months.

More from WPR: The Only Card Iran’s Regime Has Left Is Repression

Russian Army Chief in Syria Meets Kurds Over Turkey Tensions

Associated Press (free)

The chief of Russian forces in Syria has met with a Kurdish commander over threats by Turkey to launch a new incursion into northern Syria, a Kurdish spokesman and an Arab TV station said Monday.

Hong Kong Leader Asks Beijing to Rule on ‘Blanket Ban’ on Foreign Lawyers in National Security Cases

By James Pomfret & Greg Torode | Reuters

Hong Kong’s leader Monday asked Beijing to rule on its bid to block foreign lawyers from working on national security cases, after the city’s top court ruled that a British lawyer could represent jailed pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai.

More from WPR: Lee Will Be Beijing’s Man in Hong Kong

Singapore Repeals Gay Sex Ban but Limits Prospect of Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

By Chen Lin | Reuters

Singapore’s parliament Tuesday decriminalized sex between men, but, in a blow to the LGBT community, also amended the constitution to prevent court challenges that in other countries have led to the legalization of same-sex marriage.

China Rocket Taking Three to Space Station to Blast Off Tuesday

Associated Press (free)

A rocket carrying three astronauts to finish building China’s space station will blast off Tuesday amid intensifying competition with the U.S., the government said Monday.

More from WPR: China’s Space Program Is Driven by a Desire for Prestige, Not Military Might

Xi’s Obsession With Control Produced China’s Protests

By Howard W. French | Foreign Policy

This challenge to the Chinese Communist Party and the state has been building for some time.

China Protests Break Out as COVID Cases Surge and Lockdowns Persist

By Vivek Shankar | The New York Times (free)

Strict COVID restrictions are hurting the country’s economy and angering members of the public, who are taking to the streets. Here’s the latest on the situation.

More from WPR: China’s White-Suited Health Workers Symbolize Zero COVID’s Failures

Chevron to Resume Venezuela Oil Production as U.S. Eases Sanctions

By Joe Parkin Daniels & Felicia Schwartz | Financial Times (free)

The U.S. on Saturday authorized Chevron to resume oil production through its joint ventures in Venezuela, after the socialist government in Caracas and the opposition resumed political talks in Mexico City.

More from WPR: In Venezuela, Negotiating With Maduro Is the Worst Option—and the Only Hope

U.S. Effort to Arm Taiwan Faces New Challenge With Ukraine Conflict

By Gordon Lubold, Doug Cameron & Nancy A. Youssef | The Wall Sreet Journal

U.S. government and congressional officials fear the conflict in Ukraine is exacerbating a nearly $19 billion backlog of weapons bound for Taiwan, further delaying efforts to arm the island as tensions with China escalate.

Biden to Bolster Response to Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones

By Ruby Cramer | The Washington Post

President Biden plans to sign a memorandum Monday directing U.S. agencies to strengthen their response to sexual violence in conflict zones, including in Ukraine, a senior administration official said. The administration is aiming to ensure that such crimes are given treatment equal to that of other human rights abuses.

Cuba Wins China Debt Relief, New Funds

By Marc Frank | Reuters

China has agreed to restructure Cuban debt and provide new trade and investment credits to the beleaguered Caribbean Island nation after a meeting in Peking between the two Communist countries’ leaders.

Mexico’s President Leads Supporters in March Through Capital

By Steve Fisher & Maria Abi-Habib | The New York Times

Two weeks after tens of thousands of Mexicans protested against proposed electoral changes they say would undermine democracy, Mexico’s president Sunday marched through the capital accompanied by massive crowds in a display of popular support for his mandate.

Peru’s Castillo Names Betssy Chavez as New Prime Minister

Reuters

Peru President Pedro Castillo on Friday named Minister of Culture Betssy Chavez as the country’s new prime minister.

More from WPR: Castillo Puts Pragmatism Over Ideology to Boost Peru’s Flagging Economy

Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei Dies ‘Suddenly,’ State Says

By Bryan Pietsch | The Washington Post

Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei has died, the Foreign Ministry said Saturday, providing scant detail.

U.S. and NATO Scramble to Arm Ukraine and Refill Their Own Arsenals

By Steven Erlanger & Lara Jakes | The New York Times

The West thought an artillery and tank war in Europe would never happen again and shrank weapons stockpiles. It was wrong.

More from WPR: U.S. Aid to Ukraine Will Survive a GOP Congress

EU Races to Settle Differences Over Level of Cap on Russian Oil Price

By Sam Fleming & David Sheppard | Financial Times

Brussels is racing to finalize the proposed price ceiling on Russian oil shipments in the coming days after EU governments clashed over the level of the cap and whether to link it to a wider round of sanctions.

More from WPR: The EU Is Still Struggling for Unity on Russian Energy Imports

Gunmen Storm Mogadishu Hotel, Trapping Government Officials

By Hussein Mohamed | The New York Times

Gunmen wearing suicide vests and believed to be members of a militant group attacked a hotel popular with government officials in the capital of Somalia on Sunday, according to the police.

Congo’s M23 Rebels Ask for Dialogue After States Declare Cease-Fire

Reuters

Democratic Republic of Congo’s M23 rebel group Friday said it wants to talk directly with the government after Congo’s president and other African leaders signed a cease-fire deal aimed at stopping attacks by the militia.

More from WPR: The Congo-Rwanda Border Conflict Gets a Reprieve—For Now

Malawi Vice President Arrested Over Corruption, Says Graft Watchdog

By Frank Phiri | Reuters

Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested and charged the country’s vice president, Saulos Klaus Chilima, over graft allegations, it said Friday, following months of investigation over his conduct.

Former Ivory Coast Militia Leader Ble Goude Returns Home After Exile

Reuters

Charles Ble Goude, a former militia leader who was acquitted of crimes against humanity related to his role in Ivory Coast’s civil war, returned from exile Saturday as politicians sought to reconcile after years of instability and conflict.

Israel’s Likud Signs Coalition Deal With Anti-LGBTQ Radical

Associated Press (free)

Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has struck a coalition deal with a small ultranationalist faction leader known for homophobic rhetoric and disparaging remarks about non-Orthodox Jews, a sign of the prospective government’s hardline makeup.

More from WPR: Netanyahu’s New Partners Could Spell Trouble for U.S.-Israel Ties

Iraqi PM: Probe Recovers Part of $2.5B Embezzled From Taxes

Associated Press (free)

Iraq’s government said Sunday it will recover part of nearly $2.5 billion in funds embezzled from the country’s tax authority in a massive scheme involving a network of businesses and officials.

Yemen’s Government Signs $1 Billion Aid Package With UAE-Based Fund

By Yan Zhuang | The New York Times

Yemen’s internationally recognized government signed a deal with the Arab Monetary Fund on Sunday, state media said, paving the way for the Saudi-backed administration to receive $1 billion of economic aid.

Taiwan’s President Steps Down as Leader of Ruling Party After Drubbing in Local Elections

By Joyu Wang | The Wall Street Journal

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen relinquished her seat as head of the island’s ruling party after it lost several key contests in local elections Saturday, foreshadowing political uncertainty amid heightened tensions with China.

More from WPR: China’s Saber-Rattling Won’t Make Taiwan Shift Course

Pakistan Arrests Senator Over Comments About Army Chief

By Zarar Khan | Associated Press (free)

Federal police in Pakistan have arrested a senator for comments critical of top military officers, colleagues from his Tehreek-e-Insaf political party said Sunday. It was the second time he was taken into custody in as many months.

More from WPR: Pakistan’s Political Crisis May Be Reaching a Breaking Point

Kazakh Leader Meets Putin in First Post-Election Trip Abroad

Associated Press (free)

Kazakhstan’s leader met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, a week after winning a new seven-year term by a landslide in a snap election.

More from WPR: China Is Taking Advantage of Russia’s Weakness in Central Asia

Xi’s Costly Obsession With Security

By Stephen Roach | Foreign Affairs

How a quest for control threatens China’s economic growth.

Ukraine Raids Holy Site Amid Suspicion of Orthodox Church Tied to Moscow

By Marc Santora & Ivan Nechepurenko | The New York Times

The Ukrainian security services Tuesday raided one of the holiest sites for Orthodox Christians, saying they were scouring a 1,000-year-old monastery in the heart of Kyiv for Russian saboteurs among the clerics and weapons amid the relics, even as pilgrims prayed in the caves below.

Kurds Brace for Renewed Turkish Assault as Commander Calls for U.S. Help

By Louisa Loveluck | The Washington Post

A U.S.-supported Syrian enclave braced for attacks by Turkish forces as its leading commander called on Washington to do more to oppose the threatened ground invasion.

At Qatar’s World Cup, Biden’s Envoy Balances Firmness and Flattery

By John Hudson | The Washington Post

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday rejected criticisms that his World Cup appearance in Qatar contributed to indifference about human rights, as some activists denounced the Persian Gulf state’s treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ people.

More from WPR: The Qatar World Cup Raises Tough Questions for Global Activists

U.S. Navy Probe: Iranian Drone Struck Israeli-Linked Tanker

Associated Press (free)

Investigators have concluded that an Iranian drone was used to bomb an oil tanker linked to an Israeli billionaire last week, the U.S. Navy said Tuesday.

Formidable But Not Invincible

By Ali Wyne | Foreign Affairs

Why the United States should not overreact to China and Russia.

Bolsonaro Challenges Brazil Election He Lost to Lula

By Ricardo Brito & Carolina Pulice | Reuters

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has challenged the election he lost last month to leftist rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, arguing votes from some machines should be “invalidated” in a complaint that election authorities met with initial skepticism.

More from WPR: How Brazil’s Electoral System Helped Democracy Defeat Disinformation

Russia, Cuba Leaders Meet in Moscow, Honor Rebel Icon Castro

Associated Press (free)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday met with his Cuban counterpart in Moscow, where the two unveiled a monument to Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and hailed the “traditional friendship” between their sanctions-hit nations.

Mexican President Confirms Regional Meeting Canceled

Associated Press (free)

Mexico’s president confirmed Tuesday that a planned meeting this week of the regional group known as the Pacific Alliance will not take place, because Peru’s congress did not give that country’s president permission to leave the country.

Guadeloupe Government Fights ‘Large-Scale’ Cyberattack

Associated Press (free)

The French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe is fighting what it calls a “large-scale” cyberattack on its computer networks.

A Drone Attack Strikes Sevastopol, a Kremlin-Backed Official Says

By Carly Olson | The New York Times

Local authorities in Crimea said Ukraine targeted the port city of Sevastopol with a drone attack Tuesday.

U.K. Supreme Court Rules That Scotland Cannot Hold Independence Referendum

By William Booth | The Washington Post

The Scottish parliament does not have the power to stage a referendum on independence without consent from the British government, dashing hopes for a second vote next year on whether Scots want to leave the United Kingdom.

Missiles for Poland Raise Questions on NATO Stance in Ukraine War

By Andrew Higgins | The New York Times

NATO is determined to help Ukraine battle Russia, but wants no direct part of the war. A new promise of air defense weapons for Poland may make that more complicated.

Germany to Withdraw Troops From U.N. Mali Mission by May 2024

Al Jazeera (free)

Germany will withdraw its troops from the U.N.’s peacekeeping mission in Mali by May 2024, a government spokesman has said, becoming the latest country to announce its pullout from the rebellion-hit country.

Thousands Strike for Wage Increases in South Africa

Al Jazeera (free)

Thousands of public sector workers in South Africa have embarked on a nationwide strike demanding better wages.

King Charles Hosts South Africa’s Ramaphosa for First State Visit

Reuters (free)

King Charles has hosted his first state visit since becoming British monarch, welcoming South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to Buckingham Palace.

Mali Government Bans Aid Groups Receiving Funds From France

Baba Ahmed | Associated Press (free)

Mali’s government has announced a ban on aid groups that are funded by France, the latest attempt by the coup leader in charge to distance the West African country from its one-time colonizer and former ally in the fight against Islamic extremism.

Iran Nuclear Chief Announces Enrichment Program Expansion

By Najmeh Bozorgmehr | Financial Times

Iran has announced an expansion of its nuclear enrichment program, in a provocative response to a rebuke by the U.N.’s watchdog over the alleged existence of undeclared nuclear sites.

More from WPR: Revived or Not, the Iran Nuclear Deal Has Lost Its Purpose

Two Bomb Attacks in Jerusalem Kill One and Wound at Least 18

By Patrick Kingsley & Isabel Kershner | The New York Times

Two blasts in Jerusalem killed a teenager and injured at least 18 other people during the morning rush hour Wednesday, the Israeli police said, in what were the first bomb attacks on Israeli civilians in more than six years.

How Iran’s Security Forces Use Ambulances to Suppress Protests

By Nilo Tabrizy & Ishaan Jhaveri | The New York Times

Witness accounts and video analysis reveal how the state is co-opting ambulances to infiltrate demonstrations and detain protesters.

More from WPR: The Only Card Iran’s Regime Has Left Is Repression

Nepal’s Ruling Party Seen Emerging as the Single Largest in Elections

By Gopal Sharma | Reuters

Election results showed the ruling Nepali Congress party was leading Wednesday and could emerge as the single largest group, said analysts who expect a hung parliament to give new political parties a decisive role in forming the government.

More from WPR: Nepal’s Democracy Faces a Year of High-Stakes Tests

Pakistan PM to Appoint New Army Chief Amid Political Turmoil

By Munir Ahmed | Associated Press (free)

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is poised to appoint a new army chief amid lingering political turmoil, officials said Wednesday, after the military sent a list of senior army generals as candidates for the key position.

More from WPR: Pakistan’s Political Crisis May Be Reaching a Breaking Point

Malaysian King Searches for PM to End Deadlock

By Eileen Ng | Associated Press (free)

Malaysia’s king met with lawmakers Wednesday and will next consult other royal families in a continuing search for a prime minister after inconclusive general elections that saw the rise of Islamists sparked anxieties in the multiracial nation.

More from WPR: Malaysia’s ‘Politics as Usual’ Is Hollowing Out Its Democracy

Workers Protest, Beaten at Virus-Hit Chinese iPhone Factory

By Joe McDonald & Zen Soo | Associated Press (free)

Employees at the world’s biggest Apple iPhone factory were beaten and detained in protests over pay amid anti-virus controls, according to witnesses and videos on social media Wednesday, as tensions mount over Chinese efforts to combat a renewed rise in infections.

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