World

President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the next ambassador to Israel, selecting a staunchly pro-Israel conservative. This decision could foreshadow shifts in American foreign policy concerning the tumultuous conflicts in the Middle East. Mr. Huckabee, an evangelical Christian, has been an unwavering supporter of Israel throughout his political journey. He’s consistently defended Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, earning him a reputation as a…

This afternoon, the Taoiseach engaged in a conversation with President-elect Donald Trump, with pressing matters like the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine taking center stage. Simon Harris, while on the move between canvassing events in the country’s northwest, participated in this significant dialogue. Trump, who previously served as President from 2017 to 2021, secured a return to the White House last week after emerging victorious in the elections. He is set to officially assume office on January 20, 2025,…

Spain is currently grappling with the aftermath of its deadliest floods in decades, sparking intense frustration directed toward the ruling class. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has emphasized that any political discussions regarding accountability will need to be postponed until the country begins its recovery from this catastrophic event. In light of the devastation caused by the disaster on October 29, which claimed 222 lives, the government has introduced a substantial new aid package amounting to nearly €3.8 billion. As…

Emergency responders are engaged in fierce battles against wildfires blazing on both the east and west coasts of the United States. Among these blazes is a tragic fire in New York and New Jersey. It claimed the life of a state parks worker and disrupted Veterans Day festivities. Meanwhile, in Southern California, another fire has wreaked havoc, leaving over 130 structures in ruins. Progress is being made against a wildfire located in Ventura County, just northwest of Los Angeles. This fire erupted last Wednesday and…

In a groundbreaking moment for New Zealand, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has issued a heartfelt apology to individuals who suffered abuse while under state care. This acknowledgment of the "unimaginable pain" experienced in child welfare homes and psychiatric facilities marks a significant step towards reckoning with a dark chapter in the nation’s history. The recent public inquiry revealed that approximately 200,000 vulnerable New Zealanders faced abuse throughout various decades of state care, labeling these findings…

Tragedy struck the northern Lebanese town of Ain Yaaqoub, where at least 14 individuals lost their lives, and 15 others sustained injuries due to an Israeli airstrike, as reported by the local mayor. This strike marks a grim milestone as it represents the northernmost location in Lebanon to be attacked by Israeli forces since tensions escalated in October 2023. The targeted building was home to around 30 residents, including several Syrian refugees. "Some individuals remain trapped beneath the rubble," the mayor noted,…

The annual UN climate talks, where intricate issues such as energy policy and financial aid dynamics take center stage, have spawned a unique vocabulary that seems to grow with every meeting. To help navigate the terms being discussed at this year's COP29 gathering, we’ve put together a handy guide. **UNFCCC:** This stands for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It’s not only the title of the 1992 treaty that nearly 200 nations committed to in order to combat climate change, but it also refers to the…

Today, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is scheduled to sit down with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, as announced by the State Department. This meeting comes at a critical juncture, with the deadline imposed by Washington to improve conditions in Gaza fast approaching. The discussion is set for 5 p.m. local time (which translates to 10 p.m. in Ireland), although the public agenda provided little insight into the specifics of their conversation. However, hopes for a ceasefire in the…

A Russian missile struck a residential apartment complex in Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, resulting in injuries to at least seven individuals and leaving several others trapped beneath the debris, according to officials. Among the injured were two young children, as reported by regional governor Serhiy Lysak via the Telegram messaging app. The missile assault wreaked havoc on apartments stretching from the first to the fifth floors. Images shared by authorities showcased a devastated roof and floors that had caved in,…

Benjamin Netanyahu has often expressed his belief that Donald Trump is arguably the best ally Israel has ever had in the Oval Office. In a bold display of support this week, the Israeli Prime Minister was among the first global leaders to extend his congratulations to Trump on his election victory, calling it "the greatest comeback in history." Such enthusiasm from Mr. Netanyahu comes as no big surprise. During Trump's initial term, he established himself as a fervent supporter of Israel. Among his many actions, the…