The measure, known as the Caesar Syrian Civilian Protection Act, authorizes sanctions for war crimes. It is included in the newly passed 2019 Pentagon budget.
Defending the former leader, a military spokesperson says that someone who "served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defense of the country can surely never be a traitor."
The changes apply to cases of clergy committing violence or sexual assaults against anyone under their authority, as well as minors. The pope also changed rules about child pornography.
NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to ex-trade negotiator Wendy Cutler of the Asia Policy Institute about the administration finalizing two deals: U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and U.S.-China Phase 1 agreement.
A former ally of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says the leader has a government-funded "digital militia" that pumps out propaganda targeting the president's enemies.
Ukraine's president was elected with a huge popular mandate to fight corruption. The youngest and least experience member of Ukraine's parliament has joined the battle against corruption.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week faces an internal challenge to his leadership of the Likud Party as it draws up its candidate list for elections in March.
Facial recognition technology became part of the fabric of life in China in 2019. Enabled by a vast network of cameras across the country, the government is using the technology for surveillance.