World News

World News

U.S. Sanctions Cut Off Iranians' Access To Medicine, Iran Says

7:33am August 21, 2019

by Steve Inskeep

The U.S is working to increase pressure on Iran, and many Iranians are struggling. The State Department is challenging Iran's charges that the U.S. is cutting off access to cancer drugs.

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Iran's Oil Tanker Seizure Revs Up Fight For Global Public Opinion

7:27am August 21, 2019

by Steve Inskeep

Before the U.N., Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Iran for seizing a British-flagged oil tanker. An Iranian news service offered the opposite narrative — accusing Britain of piracy.

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Simon Cheng, a staff member of Britain's consulate in Hong Kong, who has been detained by Chinese authorities in the neighboring mainland city of Shenzhen, is seen in an unknown location in this undated photo obtained from the Facebook page "Free Simon Ch

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China Confirms British Consulate Employee Held On 'Administrative Detention'

7:20am August 21, 2019

by Scott Neuman

Hong Kong resident Simon Cheng disappeared on Aug. 8 during a business trip to neighboring Shenzhen. A Chinese official confirmed his arrest on Wednesday, saying it is an internal matter for Beijing.

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Israel Uses Controversial Technology To Screen Palestinians In The West Bank

6:40am August 21, 2019

by Daniel Estrin

Israel is using facial recognition software at checkpoints where Palestinians enter the country — speeding the commute for some, but prompting concerns about the technology and the occupation.

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Bangladesh Tries Again To Repatriate Rohingya To Myanmar

6:40am August 21, 2019

by Michael Sullivan

A U.N. effort to repatriate ethnic Rohingya to Myanmar is stymied by the refugees' refusal to return — unless Myanmar grants them citizenship. Myanmar's government is refusing to do so.

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In Fight With His Coalition Government, Italy's Prime Minister Resigns

6:26am August 21, 2019

by Sylvia Poggioli

Italy's prime minister has announced his resignation — blaming his right-wing coalition partner for withdrawing his support.

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Syrian Opposition Fighters Withdraw From Stronghold In Idlib Province

6:26am August 21, 2019

by Ruth Sherlock

Syrian government forces are advancing into a strategic town, forcing opposition fighters to leave. The province has been a refuge for many Syrian civilians, but now it's threatened.

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News Brief: U.S. Economy, Iran Sanctions, Syria's Civil War

6:14am August 21, 2019

White House takes steps to stoke the economy. The U.S. says it will continue sanctions against Iran. And, Syrian government forces advance into a strategic town in the country's last rebel stronghold.

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Cardinal George Pell arrives at the Victorian County Court in Melbourne, Victoria, in February. Pell's appeal of verdicts on sexual abuse charges was rejected on Wednesday.

Australian Court Upholds Sex Abuse Verdicts Against Cardinal Pell

4:23am August 21, 2019

by Scott Neuman

The former archbishop of Sydney and high-ranking Vatican official was sentenced in March to six years in prison for abusing two 13-year-old choirboys in the 1990s.

Octavio Dotel, then a pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, seen during a 2007 game. Dominican Republic authorities arrested the former MLB player, saying both he and ex-infielder Luis Castillo were linked with an alleged drug trafficker.

Ex-MLB Players Luis Castillo, Octavio Dotel Linked To Alleged Dominican Drug Lord

7:05pm August 20, 2019

by Colin Dwyer

The Dominican attorney general said Tuesday that the former professional baseball players supported a drug running and money laundering network led by César Emilio Peralta.