Israel faces airport closure, strikes as rage over courts overhaul mounts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under more pressure from strikes and demonstrations after firing his defense minister for opposing the legislation.

By Steve Hendrix and Shira RubinMarch 27, 2023

Ukraine live briefing: E.U. threatens sanctions on Belarus over Russian tactical nuclear weapons

E.U. foreign policy chief Josep Borrell threatened sanctions after Russia's Vladimir Putin announced that Belarus would host Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

By Bryan Pietsch and Jennifer HassanMarch 27, 2023

In a first, former Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou travels to China

Ma’s trip comes the same week that Taiwan’s current president, Tsai Ing-wen, visits the United States, Belize and Guatemala, a trip expected to anger Beijing.

By Meaghan TobinMarch 27, 2023

Big Oil is selling off its polluting assets — with unintended consequences

Shell says its divestments in Nigeria help the company meet its green goals. But villagers and watchdogs say conditions have worsened after the sales.

By Rachel ChasonMarch 27, 2023

Hong Kong sees first protest in three years — under strict controls

The protest, the first in Hong Kong since the coronavirus pandemic began, was limited to 100 people, who had to walk within cordon tape and wear numbered tags.

By Theodora YuMarch 27, 2023

Taiwan’s freedoms vs. China’s money: The dilemma for those in the middle

Fears are growing that Beijing will use military force to take control of Taiwan. But on Kinmen, the Taiwanese island closest to China, it's money that talks.

By Christian Shepherd and Pei-Lin WuMarch 27, 2023

Netanyahu fires defense minister who called for halt to judicial overhaul

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant publicly said on Saturday night that plans to overhaul Israel's judiciary were a threat to the country's security.

By Steve Hendrix and Shira RubinMarch 27, 2023

Israel’s democratic crisis is about more than just Netanyahu

The mass protests across Israel are in part a reflection of a profound ideological divide within the country.

By Ishaan TharoorMarch 26, 2023

West warns Putin against ‘dangerous’ nuclear rhetoric but downplays threat

U.S. and NATO officials said there was no indication Russia changed its nuclear posture after President Vladimir Putin said he planned to store tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.

By Francesca EbelMarch 26, 2023

Ukraine live briefing: NATO slams Russia’s nuclear rhetoric; E.U. threatens Belarus with sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow planned to store tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which shares a border with Ukraine.

By Bryan Pietsch, Jennifer Hassan and Sammy WestfallMarch 26, 2023

Tunisia says dozens killed as three ships sink in Mediterranean

The Tunisian Coast Guard said Sunday that 29 people were dead after three boats crossing the Mediterranean Sea to Italy capsized along the Tunisian coast.

By Miriam BergerMarch 26, 2023

Police using ‘excessive force’ at France protests, rights groups say

Police are under fire for their heavy-handed response to protests against plans to raise France's retirement age.

By Claire Parker and Ellen FrancisMarch 26, 2023

Netanyahu’s political touch eludes him as Israel spirals into chaos

Little about his government’s sudden push to remake the courts, or its response to the international backlash, bears the hallmark of a Netanyahu production.

By Steve HendrixMarch 26, 2023

Monarch butterflies lose sanctuary in Mexico as climate changes

The population of endangered monarch butterflies wintering in Mexico's Michoacan dropped by 22% in just one year.

By Naomi SchanenMarch 26, 2023

Taiwan breaks ties with Honduras after it formalizes relations with Beijing

China has mounted a global pressure campaign to poach the remaining countries that recognize Taiwan.

By Meaghan TobinMarch 26, 2023

Kyiv doctor killed in Russian airstrike shows war’s fallout far from front

Oksana Leontieva, a pediatric hematologist and single mother, was driving to work when a Russian airstrike hit the center of the Ukrainian capital.

By Missy Ryan, Kostiantyn Khudov and Alice MartinsMarch 26, 2023

Israeli defense minister calls on Netanyahu to halt overhaul of courts

Israel’s defense minister, a senior ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called for a freeze on the government’s attempt to remake the judicial system.

By Steve HendrixMarch 25, 2023

Ukraine live briefing: Kremlin boosting tank production, Putin says; Kyiv frustrated by U.N. human rights report

Russia plans to build or upgrade 1,600 tanks in the next three years, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

By Andrew Jeong, Adela Suliman, Francesca Ebel, Kyle Rempfer and Missy RyanMarch 25, 2023

Bolsonaro’s return poses risks for the former president — and Brazil

The deeply divided country braces for the homecoming of its most polarizing figure.

By Terrence McCoy and Marina DiasMarch 25, 2023

How to flee house arrest in Russia: Escapees tell their secrets

Keep the ankle bracelet on. Leave late on Friday when police response times are slow. Wear a disguise. Switch cars often. And don't take a suitcase through muddy fields.

By Robyn Dixon, Natalia Abbakumova and Francesca EbelMarch 25, 2023