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Survey: 4 months after uprising, most Bangladeshis want new elections
An even larger number support the interim government's reform agenda
Biden pardon renews debate over presidential clemency
U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden this week, ending a political saga that had divided American lawmakers for years. As VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports, the pardon process at the end of presidential administrations has always been controversial.
UN: Tens of thousands of Syrians displaced in latest fighting
UN calls for de-escalation as fighting spreads
US conducts 'self-defense' strike in Syria
The targeted weapons systems posed a "clear and imminent threat to US and coalition forces," according to the Pentagon
Trump's lawyers urge judge to toss hush money criminal conviction
They argue the case would present ‘disruptions to the institution of the Presidency’
French no-confidence vote could topple prime minister's government
The government of France faces a no-confidence vote Wednesday, a move that could topple the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
Analysts predict French lawmakers will likely vote in favor of a no-confidence motion.
Barnier warned the politicians that voting his government down "would make everything more difficult for France."
The no-confidence vote follows a seldom-used constitutional move the prime minister invoked Monday when he pushed through the 2025 budget without...
Chinese hackers still lurk in US telecommunications systems
FBI and US cyber officials urge companies and consumers to take precautions as the scope of the Beijing-linked breach grows
Trump's choice to run DEA withdraws from consideration
Chad Chronister, a Florida law enforcement officer, provided few details about withdrawal
Risk of North Korea's miscalculation rises after South's martial law declaration
US watchers are wary of North Korea's possible miscalculation after democratic South's martial law declaration
UNESCO says education about climate change is essential in southern Africa
UNESCO is calling for more studies and closer working relations between journalists and scientists to ensure the effects of climate change are understood and can be mitigated, especially in poorer African countries
From VOA Mandarin: How Beijing is reacting to European criticism over Ukraine
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock this week repeatedly criticized China’s economic and military support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, which she said is threatening peace in Europe. During a visit to China, she also pledged to stand up for Germany’s economic interests when it comes to electric vehicles, climate and security policy. VOA Mandarin spoke with analysts about what China’s muted response to her criticism may mean.
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From VOA Mandarin: Chinese criminal activities surge in Malaysia amid visa-free policy
There is new concern in Malaysia over the country’s visa-free policy for Chinese nationals following a series of arrests involving apparent Chinese fraud gangs. Hundreds of Malaysians have fallen victim to job scams orchestrated by Chinese crime networks, with many reportedly held against their will in scam call centers in Cambodia or Myanmar.
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From VOA Russian: Russian woman in New York accused of working for the FSB: What is known about her?
The FBI has charged Nomma Zarubina, a Russian national living in New York, with two counts of making false statements to FBI agents regarding her ties to Russian intelligence services.
According to the FBI, Zarubina sought connections with U.S. journalists, military personnel, and think tank experts on behalf of Russian intelligence agencies. Court documents reveal that she initially lied to U.S. authorities about her ties to FSB but later admitted to cooperating with FSB agents.
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From VOA Spanish: Judge interrogates 3 members of Haiti's transitional presidential council accused of corruption
A Haitian judge overseeing the National Credit Bank corruption case summoned three members of the Transitional Presidential Council to respond to questions about the case. The three officials are accused of pressuring the bank president to pay them 100 million Haitian gourdes to keep his position in the new government.
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From VOA Spanish: What changes to Nicaragua's Constitution give more power to President Ortega and his wife?
The government of Daniel Ortega, who has been president for more than 15 consecutive years, recently promoted constitutional changes that strengthen his hold on power. VOA Spanish explains the scope and possible impact of the changes.
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From VOA Persian: Six political prisoners sentenced to death for 'rebellion' based on 'judge's knowledge'
Iran’s “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign, which is a coordinated protest movement opposing Iran’s extensive use of the death penalty, says the government executed more than 28 people since last Tuesday. The latest prisoners put to death reportedly include two juvenile offenders who were hanged at the Yazd and Ghezel Hesar prisons.
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From VOA Russian: Assad regime in turmoil: Will Moscow and Tehran, mired in their own conflicts, aid Damascus?
Iranian-backed Iraqi militia groups have crossed the border into Syria to support Bashar al-Assad's authoritarian regime in its fight against insurgents. Turkey, which supports rebel groups in Syria, rejected on Monday any suggestion that it might be behind the rebel offensive in the country's north.
VOA Russian asked regional experts to explain what role Moscow and Tehran might play in assisting Assad amid their involvement in wars in Ukraine and in Gaza.
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Trump's tariffs: Mapping the economic ripple effects
President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs are poised to significantly impact countries with substantial trade volumes with the United States. The primary nations affected include China, Mexico and Canada, which are among the largest U.S. trading partners.
Trump has said that tariffs can help his administration pay for proposed tax cuts. But these tariffs are expected to disrupt trade flows, potentially leading to increased consumer prices in the U.S. and prompting retaliatory...
US press club moves to defend, support threatened journalists globally
Work of the Washington-based press club will be guided in part by American journalists who suffered imprisonment in Russia and Iran