Special Report: Inside the proxy battle that keeps an Iraqi city on its knees
Three years ago, the world rejoiced when Iraqi forces backed by the United States and Iran liberated this ancient city from the brutal rule of Islamic State. The people of Mosul hoped to rebuild their shattered lives.
Swiss lawmakers clear way for same-sex marriage bill
Switzerland’s lower house of parliament approved draft legislation on Thursday to let same-sex couples marry in a country that has lagged other parts of western Europe in gay rights.
Turkish court sentences U.S. consulate employee Topuz to jail: Anadolu
A Turkish court sentenced U.S. consulate employee Metin Topuz to 8 years and 9 months in jail for aiding a terrorist organisation, state-owned Anadolu news agency said on Thursday.
Nepal parliament to vote on new map in land dispute with India
Nepal’s parliament is set to vote at the weekend on a new map of its border with India, an official said on Thursday, underlining the Himalayan nation’s determination to press its case in a land dispute that has strained ties with its giant neighbour.
In Paraguay’s coronavirus war, isolation centers exact a heavy toll
Paraguay’s coronavirus camps, obligatory for anyone entering the South American country, have garnered praise from international health bodies for helping stem the spread of the epidemic. The government calls them the “first line of defense”.
Ivory Coast army says 12 soldiers killed in attack near Burkina border
Twelve Ivorian soldiers were killed and seven wounded in an attack at a northern border post near Burkina Faso early on Thursday, a senior officer at the army chief of staff’s office said.
Malaysia bars citizens from haj pilgrimage on coronavirus fears
Malaysia said on Thursday its citizens would be barred from making the haj pilgrimage this year due to concerns over the new coronavirus, following in the steps of neighbouring Indonesia, which is also a Muslim-majority nation.
Israeli minister says still no consensus with U.S. on West Bank annexations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to bridge gaps with the United States and his main coalition partner over his pledged annexation of parts of the West Bank, a cabinet minister said on Thursday.
Finland lifts travel restrictions on neighbours except Sweden
Finland’s government said on Thursday it will lift coronavirus-related restrictions on leisure travelling to and from neighbouring Baltic and Nordic countries, excluding Sweden.
Attacker and one adult die in Slovak school assault
Slovak police said they killed a 22-year-old man who attacked staff and pupils with a knife at a school on Thursday in an assault that left a vice-principal dead and four injured.
