Macron blasts U.S. for forsaking allies and breaking international rules

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron warned Tuesday that the United States is “gradually turning away” from some of its allies and “breaking free from international rules,” delivering some of his sharpest public criticism yet of Washington’s posture under Donald Trump. Addressing France’s assembled ambassadors at the Élysée Palace, Macron said Europe must respond with unity and resolve as the global order frays, citing a spate of U.S. actions that have rattled longtime partners — from Washington’s seizure of Venezuela’s…

NASA weighs early return of ISS astronauts over medical concern

NASA is weighing a rare early return of its current International Space Station crew after canceling a planned spacewalk because of an unspecified medical issue involving one astronaut, the agency said. The astronaut, who was not identified, is in stable condition aboard the orbiting laboratory, according to a NASA spokeswoman. “Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority, and we are actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew-11’s mission,” she said in a statement. NASA…

Rights group: 45 killed since Iran protests began amid internet blackout

Iranian security forces have killed at least 45 protesters, including eight minors, during a sweeping crackdown on demonstrations over economic hardship, the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights (IHR) said, as a nationwide internet blackout was reported by monitoring group NetBlocks amid new subsidy reforms. IHR said the latest day of unrest was the deadliest of the 12-day movement, with 13 protesters confirmed killed. The organization’s director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, said in a statement that hundreds more have been…

U.S. and Colombia strike deal to jointly fight guerrilla insurgents

Colombia’s Petro, Trump agree to ‘joint action’ against ELN along Venezuela border after first call, minister says BOGOTA — Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump to take “joint action” against the National Liberation Army (ELN) along the Venezuelan border after the two leaders held their first phone call, Colombia’s interior minister said. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti told Blu Radio that Petro and Trump used the conversation to de-escalate tensions and align on confronting…

Rubio meeting Danish leaders next week, doubles down on Trump’s Greenland plan

U.S. signals no retreat on Trump’s Greenland push as Europe, Canada rally behind Denmark U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he will meet Danish leaders next week and signaled no retreat from President Donald Trump’s aim to take control of Greenland, even as alarmed allies scramble to coordinate a response and lawmakers in Washington push back. A weekend U.S. military operation that seized the leader of Venezuela rekindled concerns about intentions toward Greenland, and U.S. officials have done little to allay fears.…

Somalia opens investigation into alleged unauthorized transit of Yemeni separatist leader

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has opened an urgent investigation into allegations that its airspace and airports were used without authorization to move Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the UAE-backed leader of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council, amid rising regional tensions involving Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Immigration and Citizenship Agency said Thursday it is examining claims that al-Zubaidi transited through Somali territory after skipping planned peace talks in…

Dutch police detain teens over death after snowball dispute

SCHIEDAM, Netherlands — Dutch police arrested two teenage boys as they investigated the death of a 60-year-old man following a suspected assault that may have begun with a dispute over snowballs, authorities said. Emergency services rushed to the scene in the city of Schiedam but were unable to resuscitate the man, who died Monday, police said. Investigators identified the teenagers through CCTV footage and took them into custody for questioning to determine what role they may have played in the incident. “A fight may have…

Understanding Why Momentum Dwindles and How to Revitalize It

Somalia’s Political Cycle: Stalled Progress Amid Promises This article explores the recurring patterns in Somalia's political landscape characterized by the cyclical transitions of leadership that inevitably lead to stagnation, especially regarding security and governance. By examining recent developments, the article underscores the need for accountability and long-term commitments to national priorities. New leaders often bring initial hope and energy. However, political intransigence leads to cycles of…

Russia warns foreign forces in Ukraine would be lawful military targets

Russia warns Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be “legitimate combat targets,” escalating tensions after the U.K. and France announced plans to deploy a multinational force in the event of a cease-fire. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said “militaristic declarations” by a coalition of pro-Ukraine governments were becoming increasingly dangerous. It said any Western “military units, military facilities, depots and other infrastructure on Ukrainian territory will be classified as foreign intervention,…

Somalia e-visa data breach highlights oversight gaps in Digital Public Goods

Somalia’s e-visa data breach has spiraled from a technical failure into a national test of digital governance, exposing at least 35,000 applicant records and prompting warnings from the United Kingdom and the United States. Launched Sept. 1, 2025, as a flagship Digital Public Good meant to secure borders and modernize services, the platform instead revealed how fragile the country’s digital public infrastructure remains without guardrails, oversight and trust. At stake is more than cybersecurity. The incident has triggered…