EU grudgingly accepts no-deal Brexit would still include some deals
The European Union will wait until November before kicking off full-blown preparations for a possible collapse of Brexit talks, diplomats said, reluctantly accepting that such a scenario would still require some managing.
Far from home, a Syrian rebel group starts over
Syrian rebels forced from their towns when government forces retook eastern Ghouta near Damascus are starting over in the far north, aiming to build hundreds of homes for displaced fighters and civilians on opposition-held land near the Turkish border….
UK judge adjourns contempt case against far-right activist Tommy Robinson
A judge adjourned a rehearing on Thursday in a contempt-of-court action against British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose case has attracted the sympathy of right-wing supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Israel prepared to reopen Golan crossing with Syria: defense chief
Israel is ready to reopen a crossing point into the Syrian-controlled Golan Heights now that Syrian government forces have regained control from rebels, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Thursday.
EU’s Barnier says working for Brexit deal, close economic ties later
The European Union’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Thursday he was working for a Brexit deal and a close economic relationship afterwards.
EU executive says working for Brexit deal but also doing no-deal preparations
The European Commission continues to prepare for the possibility that Britain may leave the EU in March without a deal on their future relations but insisted on Thursday that it was working to conclude a treaty.
A village remembers Catalonia’s ill-fated bid to leave Spain
Oriol Costa looks at a ballot box in a glass case in his village in Catalonia, a reminder of last year’s banned Oct. 1 referendum on independence that plunged Spain into its worst political crisis in decades.
America had no achievements at U.N. General Assembly: Iran president
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday the United States had nothing to show for its appearance at the U.N. General Assembly this week, extending an exchange of insults with Tehran’s arch-adversary.
Second pro-EU Swiss minister in a week announces resignation
A Swiss minister who backs strong ties to the European Union announced on Thursday she planned to quit, the second to do so this week, amid efforts by the country to wrap up talks with the EU on renewing bilateral ties.
Polish ombudsman wins Norwegian human rights award
A Norwegian human rights foundation gave its annual prize on Thursday to Polish lawyer Adam Bodnar and the civil society group he heads for their work defending minority rights and judicial independence in Poland.
