Author: News Desk

US Vice President JD Vance on Friday met with Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, his office said. News of the meeting came after top German officials pushed back against Vance’s complaints about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in Europe. J.D. Vance’s Critique of European Policies at MSC At the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a speech criticizing European leaders for what he perceives as restrictions on free speech and their handling of mass migration. His remarks sparked varied reactions, with notable European…

In tonight’s edition, nearly three weeks on from their seizure of Goma, M23 rebels continue their advance to the city of Bukavu. Also, the conflict is high on the agenda for the Africa Union summit this weekend as the heads of the 55 member states from across the continent gather in Addis Ababa. And from invasive bugs to toxic pesticides, Kenya’s roses are facing some thorny issues this Valentine’s Day. Rwanda-backed rebels advance into eastern Congo's 2nd major city of Bukavu

A deputy commander of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon was injured and a UN vehicle torched late Friday by Hezbollah protesters blocking the road to Beirut airport. Demonstrators had been protesting against a decision by Lebanese authorities to revoke permission for a passenger plane from Iran to fly to Beirut on Thursday. UN Lebanon force demands 'immediate' inquiry into torching of vehicle in Beirut

Donald Trump’s latest move delivers a major blow to US-EU trade relations, raising concerns over tariffs, NATO tensions, and economic policies. What does this mean for the future of transatlantic relations? Read more.

Will Starmer be able to stand up to Trump and his aggressive MAGA strategy that is using a sledgehammer to negotiate. MAGA is motivated by a deep distrust of America’s allies rather than of America’s enemies. In Trump’s mind we have ripped America off and taken its friendship for granted. In these circumstances, nothing can be ruled out. Will Starmer be able to stand up to Trump Trump is an American nationalist who puts America first, not Britain. Whether Trump truly defends American interests is a question for another day. But it is clear that Farage, and much of the…

The US president, Donald Trump, consumes his tariff threats and puts his commercial partners in suspense. If at the beginning of the week he announced that he would apply rates of up to 25% to the imports of steel and aluminum, yesterday he undertook a second onslaught: he will impose reciprocal tariffs to its commercial partners. The news has not sat very well in the European Union. The community block has warned this Friday that it will react “firm” and “immediate” to unjustified commercial measures “. “The EU will react firm and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair…

Central bank says Southeast Asian economy on track for robust investment, exports and household spending going forward.Malaysia’s economy grew 5.1 percent in 2024, as strong domestic demand and investment offset a downturn in the commodities sector, according to the Southeast Asian country’s central bank. Gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 5 percent in the October-December quarter, Bank Negara Malaysia said on Friday, down from 5.3 percent growth in the third quarter but ahead of an advance estimate of 4.8 percent. The year on year performance marked a significant jump from GDP growth of 3.7 percent in 2023. “Going forward, while the…

Helping firms navigate the future of work Background: Providing work-based solutions and AI-driven services assisting organisations to adapt to the changing world of work.Kevin Empey’s work involves creating tailored and future-fit workforce solutions designed to attract and retain talent, and maintain employee engagement and productivity, while also helping to build adaptive organisation and employment models for the future. “My role in Lockton is to support our clients address the key people challenges they face in a rapidly changing workplace,” he explains. “All our work is about improving cost-effectiveness and resolving immediate people challenges today while also ensuring any solutions are helping…

Syria’s quest for national unity seems simple enough on paper, principles of diversity & inclusivity almost perfect. But the reality is significantly different where you have 10 years of prisoners having to sit across their captives and persecutors. Syria’s quest for national unity The Paris conference to chart Syria’s political future will include all segments of Syrian society except for the Kurdish-led administration in the northeast and loyalists of the repressive former government of Bashar Assad. Interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa has promised to launch an inclusive political process to set up a new constitution and representative government for all Syrians.…

Danielle Sassoon, Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor, handed her resignation on Thursday after acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, a former Trump lawyer, ordered Manhattan federal prosecutors to throw out the corruption charges filed against New York Mayor Eric Adams. Top prosecutor resigns over New York mayor corruption case dismissal