Worldwide
Donald Trump: a raft of executive orders
23 Jan 2025
Donald Trump began his second term as president with a flurry of executive orders, overturning many Biden-era policies and solidifying his ‘America First’ agenda. These included reinstating the construction of the border wall with Mexico, withdrawing…
In her sermon during the inaugural prayer service at Washington’s National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Budde spoke directly to Donald Trump and J D Vance. She challenged Trump’s recent executive orders, including policies affirming biological distinctions between…
Colombia: army deployed to counter gang warfare
23 Jan 2025
Colombian special forces have been deployed to the conflict-ridden Catatumbo region to counter renewed violence between armed rebel groups, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The…
Tanzania: opposition party elects new chairman
23 Jan 2025
Tundu Lissu has been elected chairman of Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, ousting Freeman Mbowe, who had led the party for over twenty years. Lissu won a tightly contested election with 51.5% of the vote, campaigning…
Australia is investigating allegations that foreign funding is fuelling a rise in anti-Semitic crimes. Prime minister Anthony Albanese revealed suspicions that criminals-for-hire who lack ideological motives are being paid to commit these acts. The authorities are…
Israel / Gaza: ceasefire deal reached
16 Jan 2025
A ceasefire deal has been reached, ending fifteen months of conflict in the Gaza strip. This agreement, hailed by Joe Biden, Qatar’s prime minister, and Hamas officials, aims to bring a much-needed break in violence. It…