Children of UK couple detained in Afghanistan appeal to Taliban for their release
A British couple in their 70s who run education programs in Afghanistan have lost contact with their family after being detained by the Taliban early this month, their children say. The family urged the Taliban authorities to release Peter and Barbie Reynolds. Their four adult children said the couple have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, remaining after the Taliban toppled the Western-backed government in 2021.
Zelenskyy says ready to quit if it brings peace, pushes back on US demand for Ukrainian minerals
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he was “ready” to resign as leader if it meant it would bring to his country, suggesting he could swap it for NATO membership - while also pushing back against US demands for Ukraine’s critical minerals and other natural resources as part of negotiations to end the war. Asked at a press conference Sunday if he was ready to quit if it ensures peace for Ukraine, Zelensky said: “If [it guarantees] peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to resign, I am ready. I can exchange it for NATO.”
After three years of war in Ukraine, Europe’s security guarantees face the abyss
In a war dominated by the unexpected, few imagined Ukraine’s fourth year at war would so firmly question the security of all of Europe. The most basic tenets have crumbled in this war. Russia’s military superpower status has weakened, and the Kremlin’s inner circle overcame an uprising. Drones have altered warfare permanently, and rendered warehouses of tanks near-useless.
Conservatives celebrate German election win as the far right sees historic success
German opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s conservatives have won a lackluster victory in a national election Sunday, projections show. Alternative for Germany nearly doubled its support, the strongest showing for a far-right party since World War II.Merz said he was aware of the dimension of the task he faces to make a governing coalition and said that “it will not be easy.” Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceded defeat for his center-left Social Democrats.The election was dominated by worries about the years-long stagnation of Europe’s biggest economy, pressure to curb migration and growing uncertainty over Europe’s alliance with the United States.
Tens of thousands join mass funeral for slain Hezbollah leader Nasrallah
The long-delayed funeral for Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah took place on Sunday, nearly five months after he was killed in a massive Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut. Hezbollah has been left badly depleted by Israeli attacks and the mass event was intended as a show of strength for the militant and political group. Israel struck several locations in southern and eastern Lebanon during the mass funeral, according to local and state media. The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah stockpiles of weapons.
Pope still in critical condition with signs of ‘mild’ kidney failure, Vatican says
Pope Francis remains in critical condition, according to the Vatican, with blood tests showing mild signs of kidney failure “which is currently under control,” the Vatican said Sunday, as the 88-year-old pontiff battles pneumonia in both his lungs. It added that Francis, who was hospitalized over a week ago, has not shown further respiratory crises since yesterday evening. Some of his blood tests indicate “an initial, mild, renal failure, which is currently under control,” the Vatican said, adding that the Pope continues to be “vigilant and well oriented.”
Israel delays release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees following recovery of six Israeli hostages from Gaza
Israel has delayed an expected release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in exchange for returned Israeli hostages “until further notice,” the Palestinian Prisoners Society said early Sunday. Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the postponement, demanding guarantees that future hostage releases will take place without “humiliating ceremonies.”
Pope given high flows of oxygen but has peaceful night in hospital, Vatican says
Pope Francis has received high flows of oxygen after suffering a respiratory crisis but had a peaceful night in hospital, the Vatican said. “The night passed quietly, the pope rested,” the Holy See Press Office said in a brief statement early Sunday morning, without offering details on his latest condition. Francis remains in “critical” condition and developed an “asthmatic respiratory crisis” on Saturday, the Vatican said earlier. The Vatican said Francis will remain in hospital following his pneumonia diagnosis in both lungs and did not deliver the weekly Angelus prayer Sunday – for only the third time in his almost 12-year papacy.
The only animal Australians are afraid of? A bird. Here’s why
Australian people have a reputation for being hardy and fearless — after all, when you live in a country that has every kind of poisonous snake and spider known to man, not to mention the elusive predator known as the drop bear, it probably takes a lot to freak out. Until, that is, a certain bird appears. It’s not just any bird that strikes fear into the heart of Aussies. The cassowary is one of the world’s largest birds, and it looks like a relic from another geologic era. It’s as tall as a person, has glossy black feathers and piercing eyes, walks on two feet, can weigh up to 140 pounds and has a large dagger-like claw on each foot.
Germany is holding a national election. Here’s what’s at stake
Voting opened Sunday in a German general election that opinion polls suggest will bring a new chancellor and a new governing coalition. The country’s elections are often a little dry and predictable, but this campaign has been eventful by comparison. Last November, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) unceremoniously fired his finance minister. Scholz then lost a vote of confidence, triggering early parliamentary elections.