- World News
Scandal-hit Austria: New chancellor, same policies
After being engulfed in political drama over the last few days, Austria has a new head of government; however, apparently, a reluctant one. Alexander Schallenberg, who has taken over from Sebastian Kurz, describes himself as being “chancellor against his will.” At his inauguration in the chancellery on Vienna’s Ballhausplatz, the former foreign minister said the post was an honor that…
- World News
AfricaLink on Air – 12 October 2021
International court backs Somalia in sea dispute with Kenya++ EU places temporary visa restrictions on Gambians++Turkey: Social media under increased threat from government SOURCE: DW News
- World News
Japan bids to harness the energy of super typhoons
At the peak of its power on September 27, Mindulle was classified as the third super typhoon to form in the Western Pacific this year, with winds gusting up to 195 kilometers (121 miles) an hour. The powerful storm, which had originated close to the Pacific island of Guam, made its way north and by the last week of September…
- World News
India’s main opposition attempts overhaul amid leadership crises
The Indian National Congress, often referred to as the “grand old party of India,” is set to have a high-level meeting on Saturday. The agenda is clear: to find a new chief to invigorate the country’s main opposition party. The Congress — which held power for more than 50 of independent India’s 74 years — secured less than 10% of…
- World News
An inquiry exposed sexual abuse within French Catholic Church — now what?
Editor’s note: The following article contains graphic details of sexual assault and child abuse. “The father took me to his tent and closed it,” said the victim. “He kissed me on the lips, with his tongue. It was disgusting. He caressed me. I was petrified,” the victim continued. “He taught me words I didn’t know — like masturbation and fellatio.…
- World News
AfricaLink On Air – 11 October 2021
News+++ Sankara trial begins in Burkina Faso+++South Africa fears COVID surge as local election campaigns start+++Rwanda’s circumcision plan to stop HIV+++Flavored ARVs in Kenya help children take HIV medication+++Sports SOURCE: DW News
- World News
Kashmir: Minority killings increase amid violent demographic tensions
Last week, two Hindu schoolteachers and a pharmacist in Srinagar were killed by militants who claimed their victims were right-wing Hindu nationalists implementing New Delhi’s “occupation designs” for Kashmir. Their deaths are part of a recent spate of killings, which are being blamed on an Islamist militant insurgency challenging New Delhi’s rule in the restive region. Hindus, also called “Pandits”…
- World News
Shazia Batool: Woman with polio uses art to empower others
Shazia Batool remains undeterred by polio and is striving to promote the rights of women and people with disabilities in Pakistan’s Balochistan region. SOURCE: DW News
- World News
Afghanistan: What will the Taliban do without an enemy to fight?
In the first half of August, Taliban forces toppled the previous, internationally backed Afghan government in a lightning offensive. This swept Taliban fighters, who had spent years “in the mountains” — an often literal euphemism for waging guerrilla warfare — into cities, towns, and regular army bases abandoned by former government forces. Now, the militant group wants to build “strong…
- World News
Croatian politicians deny culpability in border pushbacks
Standing in the Croatian parliament in front of a dozen TV cameras, Sandra Bencic asked the question of the day: “Do we want to live in a state in which lawless groups run around beating people up?” Bencic, who leads the left-wing green opposition party Mozemo (We Can), called on Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic to explain what is happening at…
- World News
Let’s talk about sex, habibi!
Traditionally, in most Middle Eastern countries, “it” is expected to happen on the wedding night for the first time. “But for most women, this is also the first time they are naked in front of anyone and the first time they see a penis in real life,” Nour Emam, who runs Arab-English sex education courses, told DW. One doesn’t have…
- Sports News
Germany better under Hansi Flick, says North Macedonia coach Blagoja Milevski
North Macedonia made headlines after beating Germany in a World Cup qualifier earlier this year. Can they do it again? Coach Blagoja Milevski tells DW that although the Germans have improved, another win is achievable. SOURCE: DW News
- World News
Angela Merkel leaves lasting legacy in Israel
While Germany grapples with the task of forming a new government, outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel is heading to Israel. An earlier scheduled visit had to be postponed at the last minute in August because of events in Afghanistan. Originally described by officials as “a working visit,”it now has the aura of a farewell trip. On Sunday she will meet Israel’s…
- Sports News
Hansi Flick’s effect on Germany becomes clearer with victory over Romania
Germany overcame Romania with less gloss than in recent performances. Nevertheless, it is increasingly clear that Hansi Flick has changed the direction of this side. One more win will secure World Cup qualification. SOURCE: DW News
- World News
Who is Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dmitry Muratov?
It’s truly amazing that, in today’s Russia, Dmitry Muratov is still in charge of the newsroom of the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper — and has not been killed, forced into exile or branded a “foreign agent,” as has happened to many other representatives of his craft. “With this award, we will campaign for Russian journalism, which is now subject to…
- World News
Burkina Faso: Justice for Thomas Sankara
Justin Sogbedji looked up in awe at the 5-meter tall statue of Thomas Sankara. Erected last year in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, the impressive monument attracts thousands of visitors every month. Sogbedji can’t seem to get enough pictures with Sankara’s statue. “Thomas Sankara is a fighter. Ever since my childhood, I liked what he did,” said Sogbedji, who moved to…
- World News
The uphill battle facing Chad’s new transition council
Earlier this week, Chad officially swore in its interim parliament, the so-called National Transition Council (CNT). Chad’s military junta —which emerged after the death of longtime ruler Idriss Deby Itno — named the 93-member assembly. The CNT effectively replaces the former national assembly which existed under Deby’s regime. For now, Chad is ruled by a military junta. Deby, who was…
- World News
Who is Maria Ressa, journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate?
Maria Ressa, the CEO and executive editor of Manila-based news outlet Rappler, received the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. The award also makes her the first Filipino to win a Nobel Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee handed her, along with journalist and Putin critic Dmitry Muratov, the award for “efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition…
- World News
India: West Bengal state prepares for festival season amid COVID fears
India’s federal government has warned states that the Hindu religious festival season could lead to another spike in coronavirus infections. SOURCE: DW News
- Sports News
Saudi Arabia and Newcastle United: Deal follows Qatari agreement and assurances to Premier League
After Saudi Arabia resolved a dispute with Qatari broadcaster BeIN Sports, a Saudi-led consortium has taken over Newcastle United. The purchase – condemned by human rights campaigners – could not happen in Germany. SOURCE: DW News
- World News
When are pushbacks at the EU’s external borders illegal?
Between May and September 2021, investigative journalists from several European countries filmed so-called pushbacksat five locations along the Bosnian-Croatian border. The footage documents 11 cases in which migrants were forcibly expelled from Croatia. More than 140 people are said to have been deported across the green border without authorities ever looking into whether they qualified for protection. According to human…
- World News
UN targets on Afghan resettlements ‘doable’ says EU, but without commitments
EU member states failed Thursday to commit to a United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) demand for governments to resettle 42,500 Afghans who need protection over the next 5 years. Speaking after a EU-hosted online forum, European Commissioner for Migration Ylva Johansson said the target is “doable” but that it requires EU member states to make pledges. “Countries will also take…
- World News
Africalink on Air – 07 October 2021
South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu turns 90 +++ UN endorses world’s 1st malaria vaccine as ‘historic moment.’ What impact for Africa +++ Tanzania’s writer Abdulrazak Gurnah wins Nobel Prize for Literature +++ Nigeria’s president presents over 16 trillion Naira 2022 budget to the national assembly +++ Coups in Africa – what gains for young people? SOURCE: DW News
- World News
Inside Europe 07.10.2021
Hidden cash and dodgy dealings: a Pandora’s box of offshore tax theft – Protectors or predators? Two institutions gone awry: the French Catholic Church and the British police – A spot of predictive virology looking ahead to another COVID winter- Turkey clamps down on social media – A Danish artist takes the money and runs – Two tales of two…
- Sports News
Saudi Arabia and Newcastle United: Would a takeover be possible in the Bundesliga?
After Saudi Arabia resolved a dispute with Qatari broadcaster BeIN Sports, the Kingdom is set to lead a takeover of Newcastle United. Such deals are common in England’s Premier League – but not in the German Bundesliga. SOURCE: DW News
- World News
Cape Verde boxing champ helps young men escape crime
Keeping young men out of trouble. That’s the hope of this Cape Verdean boxing champion. Walter Barros has seen many of his friends killed. He thinks sport can help young men escape a similar fate. That’s why Barros created the Believe project. Some 200 young people train here. Organizers also run a recycling and repair service and produce sport and…
- World News
Why are tensions increasing between China and Taiwan?
China’s military flew tens of fighter aircraft as many as 149 times toward Taiwan in recent days, in what is the most recent attempt at putting pressure on the self-governing island by displaying Beijing’s military might. Even though all flights were in international airspace, they prompted Taiwanese defense forces to scramble jets in response and raised fears that any miscalculation…
- World News
EU summit: No firm timeline for Western Balkans accession
EU and Western Balkan leaders have wrapped up a one-day summit in Brdo Castle in Slovenia with promises for greater integration but didn’t commit to a solid timeline for the six countries to join the 27-member bloc. “The Western Balkans are part of the same Europe as the European Union. The EU is not complete without them,” EU Commission President…
- World News
How the US invasion changed Afghanistan
On October 7, 2001, the US invaded Afghanistan to avenge the al-Qaida-orchestrated September 11 terrorist attacks. The primary aim of the US invasion was to hunt down Osama bin Laden and punish the Taliban for providing safe haven to al-Qaida leaders. It took little effort on part of the US to dismantle the Taliban regime. Bin Laden, however, managed to…
- World News
COVID: How is India vetting its vaccines for children?
A COVID-19 vaccine developed in India will soon be available to adults and children over 12 years old. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) recently approved Zydus Cadila’s needleless, three-dose vaccine for emergency use. The shot, known as ZyCoV-D, will be the first vaccine to be administered to adolescents in India. It is also the world’s first vaccine built…