Russia-backed Syrian forces step in as U.S. retreats
Russia-backed Syrian forces wasted no time in taking advantage of an abrupt U.S. retreat from Syria on Monday, deploying deep inside Kurdish-held territory south of the Turkish frontier less than 24 hours after Washington announced a full withdrawal.
British pedophile who operated in Malaysia, Cambodia found dead in prison
One of Britain’s most prolific child sex offenders, Richard Huckle, has died three years into a life sentence for abusing Malaysian and Cambodian children, Britain’s Ministry of Justice said on Monday, with media saying he had been stabbed to death.
Poland’s nationalists win majority in parliament again, eye court reforms
Poland’s nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party secured a second term in power in Sunday’s parliamentary election, partial results showed on Monday, but fell short of the landslide victory it needs to overhaul the constitution.
Poland’s PiS loses control of upper house: opposition politician
Poland’s ruling nationalist Law and Justice PiS party has lost control of the upper house of parliament, the leader of one of the opposition parties, Katarzyna Lubnauer, said on Twitter on Monday.
Libyan conflict leaves rubbish mounds smoldering in Tripoli’s streets
Mabrouk Ahmed says he has to keep watch into the night to stop people dumping their rubbish on the wide street that runs in front of his home in the south of Libya’s capital, Tripoli.
Spain jails Catalan separatist leaders, sparks protests
Spain’s Supreme Court on Monday sentenced nine Catalan separatist leaders to between nine and 13 years in prison for sedition over their role in a failed independence bid, triggering protests across the region.
EU seeks Italian support for Turkey arms embargo
Spain, Austria and Belgium joined Germany and France on Monday in backing an arms embargo on Turkey over its Syrian offensive but top exporter Italy had yet to declare its position, leaving an-EU wide ban in doubt.
Saudi visit shows Putin’s deepening Middle East influence
President Vladimir Putin signaled Moscow’s growing Middle East clout on Monday by visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time in over a decade, buoyed by Russian military gains in Syria, strong ties with Riyadh’s regional rivals and energy cooperation.
Spaniards react to prison sentences for Catalan separatist leaders
Spain’s Supreme Court on Monday sentenced nine Catalan separatist leaders to up to 13 years in prison for sedition over their role in a failed independence bid, dividing opinion both in the region and across Spain.
Blizzard Entertainment cuts punishment for gamer in Hong Kong protests row
U.S. games publisher Blizzard Entertainment has reduced the punishment dealt out to a Hong Kong-based Hearthstone esports gamer for his public support of pro-democracy protests after its decision sparked controversy among players and the public.
