Serbia’s Vucic attempts diplomatic ‘balancing act’ with Zelensky’s visit
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is making his first official visit to Serbia, in a notable move given Belgrade’s close ties with Moscow and its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia. Zelensky is seeking to shore up international support as Russian…
US pledges $1bn support to Colombia as Trump-backed president sworn in
The US has pledged £1bn in assistance to Colombia, after the country’s new right-wing president was sworn in on Friday. Trump ally Abelardo de la Espriella used his maiden speech to promise an «all-out war» on what he calls «narco-terrorism». In a…
France looks up for night of stars
Tonight and throughout the weekend, thousands of people across France will be looking up at the stars for the annual Nuits des Étoiles. The three-night event offers free stargazing in more than 400 towns, with astronomers on hand to help visitors spot…
Todd Blanche, Trump’s ex-lawyer, confirmed as attorney general
President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer Todd Blanche has been confirmed as US attorney general – the nation’s top law enforcement official. Blanche won confirmation in a 50-49 vote, with Republican Senators Susan Collins and…
US scientists turn to sharks for help with hurricane prediction
From the killer shark of «Jaws» to the tornado-tossed predators of the «Sharknado» movies, films long have portrayed sharks as objects of summer fear. But when a shark cuts through the waters off the US East Coast, it now may be doing more than hunting.…
The phone book that led us to Assad’s spy chief in hiding
For months we drew a blank in our hunt for Luka. And then we had our first breakthrough. One of those listed in the book, who we tried calling again, finally answered the phone. He had been the guard for Luka’s apartment block, he told us, and…
Vietnam’s indigenous Hmong people forced to adapt to climate crisis – Focus
The indigenous Hmong people have lived in a mountainous region of northern Vietnam for centuries. But today, these farming communities are on the front line of the climate crisis. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and landslides are now part of…
Russian drones target medics, hospitals and ambulances in Ukraine
According to the WHO, strikes on ambulances make up 20% of all attacks on Ukraine’s healthcare system, which suggests these are part of a calculated strategy. The result of such sustained attacks is that the civilian population close to the…
From Tehran’s walls to the world: Iran’s visual propaganda as an art of war (2/2)
A towering image of Donald Trump with his mouth sewn shut looms over Valiasr Avenue, one of Tehran’s busiest thoroughfares. The US president’s mouth is covered by a blue veil in the shape of the Strait of Hormuz. Beside his image, a slogan in Persian –…
Bringing ‘Green Boots’ home 30 years after climber died on Everest
The Chinese side of the peak – where Green Boots’ body is – is steeper and doesn’t have the same support structures as the southern slope, which is another complicating factor, Sherpa sources have told BBC News Nepali. «It’s really…