POLITICS

Feb 12 2026POLITICS

A New Book Fair Shows Syria’s Open‑Book Future

The Damascus book fair this month marked a turning point for the country, showing that books once banned are now on shelves and selling well. The event opened after Bashar al‑Assad’s regime fell, reflecting how the new government has changed Syria’s cultural rules. At the fair, readers could find

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

U. S. Boosts AI and Fishing Tech at APEC to Counter China

The United States is stepping up its push for artificial intelligence and maritime monitoring tools at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings held in southern China. This move is part of a larger strategy to keep U. S. influence strong in the region as tensions with China grow. A senior U.

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

Kyrgyzstan’s Power Shift: A New Face in Security

The chair of Kyrgyzstan’s parliament stepped down on Thursday, and several people who had supported the former head of security were taken into custody. This move comes after President Sadyr Japarov decided to remove the former security chief, Kamchybek Tashiev, who had been a key ally of his. Th

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

Minnesota’s Immigration Agent Pull‑Back: A Shift in Enforcement

A new phase has begun for immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Earlier this year, a large group of armed agents—about 3, 000 people—was sent to Minneapolis and surrounding areas under a program called Operation Metro Surge. These agents wore face masks and military‑style uniforms, sparking pr

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

White House Climate Rollback and Minnesota Immigration Shift

President Trump and EPA head Lee Zeldin will speak at the White House today, announcing a reversal of an Obama‑era climate assessment that had triggered extensive new rules and billions in spending. The decision marks a sharp pivot from past environmental policies, sparking debate over its long‑term

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

Apple News Faces FTC Scrutiny Over Alleged Bias

The U. S. Federal Trade Commission has expressed worry about claims that Apple News favours left‑leaning outlets while sidelining conservative voices. In a letter to Apple’s chief executive, the FTC chair explained that the agency cannot force companies to adopt any political stance or organise n

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

Melbourne’s Protest Plans for Israel’s President

A group of students will meet in a busy train station this Thursday. They want to speak out against what they see as violence in Gaza. The event comes on the last day of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia. Herzog was invited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after a deadly

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

Uvira’s Slow Comeback After Battle

The town of Uvira, on the border with Burundi and a key trading spot by Lake Tanganyika, is slowly regaining life after a brief occupation. In December, fighters from the AFC/M23 group took control of Uvira and left a week later when pressure from the United States pushed them out. This allowed Cong

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

A Call to Reject a Dangerous Nominee

The U. S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee will soon hear from Jeremy Carl, a Trump appointee for a senior State Department post that shapes U. S. policy at the United Nations and other global bodies. The role, called assistant secretary of state for international organizations, is crucial for han

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Feb 12 2026POLITICS

A New Voice in Utah Says Bigotry Is Not Just an Opinion

The state’s leaders are debating bills that could deny housing, teaching jobs, and health care to transgender people. The proposals would also stop public insurance from covering gender‑affirming treatments. These laws, introduced this year, raise concerns about fairness and safety for many resident

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