Voice of America’s immigration news
Voice of America is an international news and broadcast organization serving Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Balkan countries
Updated: 1 min 50 sec ago
From VOA Creole: Haitian historian says 'Bwa Kale' anti-gang movement is people's defense solution
Haitian historian Michel Soukar says the "Bwa Kale" anti-gang movement is the citizens' homemade defense solution. Citing rampant corruption among the national police force and ruthless violence against the civilian population, Soukar said the Bwa Kale movement is a means for the Haitian population to defend itself as best it can against bandits. Soukar says Haitians understand they are alone in this fight so "the people defend themselves however they see fit.”
See the full story here.
From VOA Persian: Iran's supply of enriched uranium is rising sharply, IAEA official says
The Iranian government is significantly increasing its stockpiles of uranium enriched to 60% purity, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said in an interview with Reuters. His remarks are expected to increase global concerns about the Islamic Republic's nuclear program.
See the full story here.
US state seeks $47.8M fine for air pollution by natural gas processor
Sanctions allege permit violations and emissions of pollutants liked to respiratory issues, climate change
From VOA Persian: Dozens of Iranian journalists voice ‘strong opposition’ to mandatory hijab law
Amid opposition to the "Hijab and Chastity" law, more than 140 Iranian journalists have issued a statement warning that this law represents a "widespread violation of the citizens' fundamental rights," including their social rights, privacy and basic freedoms.
See the full story here.
NASA delays next moon mission to April 2026
The U.S. space agency, NASA, is leading an effort to return astronauts to the surface of the moon and establish a routine presence on the lunar surface. As VOA’s Kane Farabaugh reports, NASA says it will push the next mission of its Artemis program from late 2025 to early 2026.
From VOA Mandarin: China’s ‘lifeless’ millennials struggle with rising cost of living
As the Chinese economy slows down and the job market becomes more competitive, tens of thousands of young Chinese are resorting to money-saving challenges and sharing their frugal feats on social media. Some youths participating in money-saving trends limit monthly food expenses to no more than $70, or around 500 yuan.
See the full story here.
From VOA Mandarin: Chinese netizens vocal about choice for US ambassador to China
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen David Perdue, a former Republican U.S. senator, to become U.S. ambassador to China. Perdue's stance on China has attracted significant attention in Chinese public opinion.
On Chinese social media, Perdue is often referred to as "anti-China and pro-Taiwan." However, some experts express doubts about this and believe that Perdue, if stationed in China, will play the role of the "good cop."
See the full story here.
Austin Tice is alive, family of American journalist says
The former US Marine, who was taken in Syria more than 12 years ago, is the last American journalist held overseas
Lobito Corridor takes center stage; Angolans pin hopes on Biden's visit
Angolans hope Biden's visit delivers on promises of investment, better infrastructure, and improved lives through the Lobito Corridor project
Burkina Faso junta fires prime minister, dissolves government
No reason was given for dismissal of Tambela, who was appointed interim premier soon after military leader Ibrahim Traore seized power in September 2022
Rights groups cautious about Islamist rebels’ pledges to protect Syrian minorities
After capturing the Syrian city of Aleppo, which has significant Kurdish and Christian populations, HTS reassured minority groups they would be protected under its rule
Former Ukrainian President Poroshenko: We can stop the war in 24 hours
In an interview with VOA’s Ukrainian Service, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko discussed the war with Russia and his vision for achieving peace
The clock is ticking for TikTok
TikTok edged closer to being banned in the United States after losing an appeal on Friday against a law requiring the video-sharing app to divest from its Chinese parent company by January 19. The potential ban could strain US-China relations just as president-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20. TikTok said it would now appeal to the Supreme Court, which could choose to take up the case or let the DC circuit court's decision stand. We spoke with Seth Schachner, Managing...
Poll: Most Americans want US leadership on global affairs, increased defense spending
Despite Americans electing a president who ran on an agenda of domestic issues, 57% of those surveyed said they want to see US more engaged in international events
UN chief to visit South Africa as it steps up to helm G20
South Africa is first African nation to chair economic bloc
Turkey, Iran, Russia to meet Saturday in Qatar to discuss Syria
ANKARA, TURKEY — The foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran and Russia will meet in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday to discuss a lightning rebel advance in Syria, a Turkish diplomatic source said Friday.
Syrian rebels have made their biggest battlefield gains since the civil war began 13 years ago, striking a devastating blow to President Bashar Assad.
After years of being locked behind frozen front lines, the rebels captured the main northern city of Aleppo last week before pushing as far south...
Renewed concerns that US adversary behind ‘Havana Syndrome’
A just-released report by US lawmakers accuses US intelligence agencies of botching their investigation into the illnesses that affected hundreds of American diplomats and intelligence officers — a charge US intelligence officials deny
Trump offers public show of support for Hegseth, his embattled choice to lead Pentagon
Pete Hegseth’s confirmation by the Senate is in doubt as he faces questions over allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault and his views on women in combat
US urges China to act as North Korea cozies up to Russia
As North Korean troops bolster Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, the U.S. is urging China to rein in its allies’ provocative actions. This comes amid indications that Beijing is increasingly uneasy about the expanding partnership between Russia and North Korea. VOA's Nike Ching reports.