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What You Need To Know: 

1. Italy’s Prime Minister-designate Giuseppe Conte has given up on efforts to form a government after President Mattarella rejected his choice for economic minister.

2. Ireland overwhelmingly voted to overturn their restrictive abortion ban in referendum.

3. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made good on his promise to demolish his country’s nuclear test site as a small group of foreign journalists watched.

4. At least 30 Syrian army troops and Iranian-backed militiamen were killed when Islamic State fighters attacked a military outpost near Palmyra in eastern Syria.

5. A heatwave killed 65 people in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi amid fears the death toll could climb as the high temperatures persist.

6. Venezuela‘s President Nicolás Maduro won re-election to another six-year term, in a vote marred by an opposition boycott, low turnout, and claims of vote-rigging.

7. Voters in Burundi overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, ushering in changes that could let President Nkurunziza stay in power until 2034.

8. Colombian right-wing candidate Ivan Duque won a place in June’s presidential runoff with leftist Gustavo Petro, deepening fears a peace accord with Marxist rebels could be unraveled or the economy overhauled.

9. An Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has infected at least 35 people, killing 12.

10. Sunni politician Saad al-Hariri was nominated to be Prime Minister of Lebanon for the third time.

Afghanistan

• At least 3 dead, 15 wounded in Baghdad suicide attack
• Kidnapped U.N. staff member and son released
• Sixth member of gas pipeline clearance team killed
• Death toll in Kandahar rises to 16

Algeria

• Blogger accused of espionage sentenced to 10 years in prison

Argentina

• Cinema collapse kills at least 3
• Thousands protest negotiations with IMF

Australia

• Far-right party rejects proposed tax cuts, adding to Prime Minister’s woes
• Authorities searching for 50 athletes, officials missing after Commonwealth games
• Archbishop convicted of concealing child sex abuse

Azerbaijan

• Blast at cafe in Baku kills 2

Barbados

• Barbados elects first female PM in opposition landslide win

Brazil

• City of Sao Paulo declares state of emergency due to trucker protest
• Government authorizes army to clear trucker protest 
• President Temer scraps re-election plan, backs former minister Meirelles

Burkina Faso

• Taiwan cuts ties with Burkina Faso
• Security forces kill 3 suspected Islamist militants in early morning raid

Burundi

• Voters approve new constitution extending presidential term limits 
• Opposition push to annul vote extending President’s term

Cameroon

• Dozens killed in restive Anglophone region

Canada

• Explosion at Indian restaurant wounds 15 people

China

• China considers scrapping birth limits by 2019
• China disinvited from major U.S. military exercise
• China calls U.S. withdrawal of drills invite ‘unconstructive’
• Authorities jail Tibetan language promoter for ‘inciting separatism’

Colombia

• Conservative former President Duque and leftist Petro to meet in run-off

Congo

• Death toll in Ebola outbreak reaches 12
• 50 people killed after boat capsizes on river
• Militia attacks east Congo gold mine

Croatia

• Parliament approves new economy minister to replace Dalic

Egypt

• Officials arrests prominent activist, latest in wider crackdowns

Estonia

• Police says $13 billion laundered through Estonia

Ethiopia

• University students protest over alleged rape

Finland

• Poll leaders rule out working with nationalists after vote

France

• Two French agents accused of spying for foreign power
• Unemployment edges up, dampening Macron’s hopes

Germany

• Nationalists march in Berlin, face massive counter-protests

Guatemala

• Court sentences four military officers for civil war crimes

Guinea

• President reshuffles government as he faces strikes, civil unrest
• Parliamentary majority rejects calls for Bollore inquiry

India

• India takes U.S. steel tariffs complaint to the WTO
• At least 9 dead after police fire on protesters seeking closure of copper smelter

Iran

• U.S. to impose ‘strongest’ sanctions on Iran if no changes made

Iraq

• Bombs target communist party headquarters

Ireland

• Voters overwhelmingly chose to legalize abortion in referendum 

Israel

• Defense chief plans 2,500 new West Bank settler homes
• Army kills 3 Gazan militants after foiling border bombing 
• Israeli air strikes target boat moored in Gaza
• Israeli minister says U.S. may soon recognize Israel’s hold on Golan Heights

Italy

• PM-designate Conte gives up efforts to form a government 
• 5-Star leader says President should be impeached
• President calls in former IMF official amid political turmoil 
• 2 dead, 18 injured in train accident in Piedmont

Lebanon

• Prime Minister Hariri wins majority support to be PM
• Parliament elects Hezbollah ally Ferzli deputy speaker
• Parliament re-elects Shi’ite Berri as speaker

Libya

• At least 7 killed by car bomb in Benghazi
• Clashes intensify in East Libya as car bomb kills 2

Malaysia

• Former leader Najib grilled by anti-corruption agency
• Large amounts of cash found at apartment of ousted PM’s son and daughter

Mexico

• Presidential race seen little changed by second debate

Myanmar

• Finance minister resigns
• Rohingya insurgents killed Hindu villagers

North Korea

• North Korea demolishes nuclear test site as journalists watch
• Kim Jong-un commits to summit with Trump, denuclearization

Pakistan

• Heatwave kills 65 people in Karachi
• Gunmen kill 2 policemen in southwestern Quetta
• Authorities approve bill to merge tribal regions with country

Palestine

• Dozens of Palestinians injured by Israeli gunfire in Gaza
• Palestinians demand full ICC investigation into “Israeli war crimes”
• President Abbas hospitalized with pneumonia

Panama

• Former President to stop fighting extradition from U.S.

Paraguay

• Paraguay opens embassy in Jerusalem
• Paraguay suspends arms imports in bid to stop illegal trafficking

Romania

• Court acquits former PM Tariceanu of false testimony charges 

Russia

• Investigation shows Russian military missile downed flight MH17
• Militants in Eastern Syria kill 4 soldiers
• President Putin meets French President Macron, says North Korea summit end regrettable
• Putin to step down as President after term expires in 2024
• Russia delays U.N. sanctions on Libya human-trafficking leaders

Saudi Arabia

• New arrests in crackdown on activists 

Somalia

• Dozens killed in clashes between two Somali regions in land dispute
• Storm in Somaliland kills dozens, wipes out farms
• Al Shabaab suicide bomber hits military convoy

South Africa

• Zuma ally resigns after anti-corruption protests

South Sudan

• U.S. proposes U.N. sanctions against six senior South Sudan officials
• Peace talks end without deal

Spain

• German court rejects call for Puigdemont to be rearrested
• Ruling party fined in major corruption case
• Authorities rescue over 500 migrants in the Mediterranean
• Leaders of Podemos win confidence vote after house purchase investigation

Syria

• At least 30 killed in ISIS attack on Syrian army near Palmyra
• Army, police celebrate recapturing all of Damascus 
• Air strikes on pro-government positions kill 12
• Suspected Israeli strike targets Hezbollah in Syria

Thailand

• Protest leaders surrender as pro-democracy march disperses 

Turkey

• Court sentences 104 people to life in prison in post-coup case
• 1 dead, 4 injured in explosives factory blast
• Police detain 51 suspected ISIS members
• Roadside bomb kills 2 village guards in southeast

Uganda

• Bus crash kills at least 22, including children

Ukraine

• FBI seek to thwart major cyber attack on Ukraine
• Ukraine tests U.S. missile systems for first time

United States of America

• President Trump says U.S. team in North Korea planning summit with Kim Jong-un
• American freed from Venezuela jail after 2 years 
• U.S. warships sail near South China Sea islands claimed by Beijing
• Top commander in Europe wants more resources, forces to deter Russia
• Secretary of State says ‘sonic attack’ in China 
• Japan, Russia, Turkey bring potential U.S. tariff retaliation to $3.5 billion

Venezuela

• Maduro re-elected President amid low turnout, global criticism
• Authorities arrest 15 military officials over vote period
• Election runner-up to formally challenge result
• Foreign minister says new U.S. sanctions are illegal
• President Maduro expels top U.S. diplomat

Vietnam

• U.S. slaps heavy duties on Chinese steel shipped from Vietnam
• Vietnam says Chinese bombers in disputed South China Sea increase tensions

Yemen

• Powerful cyclone strikes Yemen; 6 dead, 30 missing
• U.S. alarmed by strike on Turkish ship delivery wheat to Yemen
• 5 killed, 22 wounded by Houthi missile in Marib

Zimbabwe

• President applies to re-join Commonwealth, invites poll observers
• Army won’t allow opposition to rule

How Israel Was Created?

After World War I, the League of Nations granted the British a mandate to rule Palestine, which was to be changed into a Jewish National Home.

In 1947, the United Nations adopted a Partition Plan for Palestine recommending the creation of Arab and Jewish independent States and an internationalized Jerusalem. The plan was accepted by the Jewish Agency, and rejected by Arab leaders.

On May 14, 1948, the Jewish Agency declared the State of Israel’s independence. The following day, the armies of four Arab countries – Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq – entered what had been British Mandatory Palestine launching the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. They were joined by Yemen, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan.

After a year of fighting, a ceasefire was declared and temporary borders, known as the Green Line, were established. Jordan annexed what became known as the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Egypt took control of the Gaza Strip.

On May 11, 1949, Israel was admitted as a member of the United Nations by a majority vote.

In May 1967, Egypt massed its army near its border with Israel, expelled UN peacekeepers, and blocked Israel’s access to the Red Sea.

On June 5, 1967, Israel launched a pre-emptive strike against Egypt. Jordan, Syria, and Iraq responded. In a Six-Day War, Israel defeated Jordan and captured the West Bank, defeated Egypt and captured the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula, and defeated Syria and captured the Golan Heights. Jerusalem’s boundaries were enlarged, incorporating East Jerusalem.

In 1977, Egyptian President Anwar El Sadat made a trip to Israel, and became the first Arab head of State to recognize Israel as a nation. In the two years that followed, Egypt and Israel signed the Camp David Accords and the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. In return, Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula, and agreed to negotiations over autonomy for Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

The Current Situation in Israel

The current Prime Minister of Israel is Benjamin Netanyahu, a member of the Likud party, which is a center-right to right-wing political party founded by Ariel Sharon. Politics in Israel traditionally fall into three camps, the first two being the largest: Labor Zionism (social democrat), Revisionist Zionism (conservative) and Religious Zionism.

Today, Israel is 75% Jewish, 18% Muslim, 2% Christian, and has a population of nearly 9 million people. The GDP per capita is $42,115, ranked 20^th in the world. Militarily, Israel has a military budget of $21.6 billion (14^th largest in the world), which includes the nuclear bomb. The United States provides significant aid to Israel, over $3.1 billion annually, and over $100 billion since its creation.

The Current Situation in the West Bank

Israel has controlled the West Bank since the Six-Day War (1967). After the 1993 Oslo Accords, Israel allowed the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) to run some administrative areas of the West Bank.

The PLO, runs the Palestinian Authority, a government tasked with managing the Palestinian territories until it makes a deal with Israel. The largest faction of the PLO is Fatah, a secular nationalist political party created by Yasser Arafat. The current leader of the Palestinian Authority is Mahmoud Abbas.

Since 1967, Israel has allowed over 500,000 Israeli settlers to move into settlements in the West Bank. These settlements have the effect of blurring the boundaries of any future Palestinian State, as many Israelis want the West Bank to be fully incorporated as Israeli territory. The presence of these settlements requires Israeli forces to establish a military presence, often making life difficult for Palestinians, as they are excluded from certain Israeli-only roads, and forced to go through a number of security checkpoints.

The Current Situation in Gaza

Gaza is currently under Israeli blockade and is governed by a militant “resistance” group called Hamas. Because Hamas has fired thousands of rockets at Israeli targets, and has conducted suicide bombings on civilian targets, it is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union. To this day, Hamas refuses to recognize the Israeli State, but allows for acceptance of a Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza strip rather than the entire territory.

The quality of life in Gaza is extremely poor, because Israel maintains direct external control over Gaza and indirect control over life within Gaza. Israel controls Gaza’s air and maritime space, and six of Gaza’s seven land crossings. Additionally, Israel reserves the right to enter Gaza at will with its military and maintains a no-go buffer zone within the Gaza territories. Due to Israeli and Egyptian border closures, and the Israeli sea and air blockade, the population is not free to leave or enter the Gaza strip, nor allowed to freely import or export goods. Palestinians in Gaza have limited supplies of electricity and are dependent on Israel for all basic services.

Palestinian Territories Overall

Life in Palestinian territories is extremely difficult. With a population of 4,550,368, and a GDP per capita of $1824 in the West Bank and $876 in Gaza, opportunities for success are slim. In fact, nearly 26% of the population lives below the poverty line. Making matters worse, the median age is only 19 years old, compared to 30 years old in Israel. Palestinians survive largely due to foreign aid, the United States being the largest contributor ($368 million per year).

Internationally, Palestine is recognized by 136 United Nation members, and has a status of non-member observer State since 2012. Today, there are more than 7 million Palestinian refugees living in the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria .

What is Zionism?

Zionism is Israel’s national ideology. It is defined as a national movement of the Jewish people that supports the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in the territory defined as the historic land of Israel. Zionists believe Judaism is a nationality as well as a religion.

However, Arabs and Palestinians generally oppose Zionism, as the explicitly Jewish character of the Israeli State means that Jews have privileges that others do not have. Indeed, any Jew anywhere in the world can become an Israeli citizen, a right not extended to any other class of person.

The Proposed Solutions:

There are 3 proposed solutions for the conflict:

• Two-State Solution

Palestine becomes an independent state in Gaza and most of the West Bank, leaving the rest of the land to Israel. Most polling suggests that both Israelis and Palestinians prefer a two-state solution. This is the solution that the United State is currently working on.

• One-State Solution (Non-Jewish State)

All of the land becomes one nation, becoming a single democratic country. Left-wing Israelis and some Palestinians favor this solution.

A core Palestinian demand in peace negotiations is a “right to return” to the homes their families were forced to abandon in 1948. However, Israel believes it cannot accept the right to return without abandoning either its Jewish or democratic identity. Indeed, adding 7 million Arabs to Israel’s population would make Jews a minority. Thus, Israelis refuse to consider including the right to return in any final status deal.

• One-State Solution (Non-Democratic State)

All of the land becomes one nation by annexing the West Bank and either forcing out Palestinians or denying them the right to vote. Some right-wing Israeli’s favor this solution, but virtually the entire world rejects this option as unacceptable.

The Likely (and Best) Solution

Israelis and Palestinians unite to form a single nation. The government would follow the Lebanese model, where highest offices are proportionately reserved for representatives from certain religious communities. This would allow Jews to feel safe that their people would be represented, while allowing Palestinians the right to vote. For example, the President would always be a Christian, the Prime Minister always Jewish, and the Speaker of the Parliament always a Muslim. In doing so, the nation retains its democratic identity while granting rights for everyone. Most importantly, this solution would bring peace to both Israelis and Palestinians.

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What You Need To Know:

1. Israeli forces killed 58 Palestinians and injured more than 2,700 people during mass protests along the Gaza border, as the U.S. opened their embassy in Jerusalem.

2. Venezuela’s leftist leader Nicolas Maduro won a new six-year term, but his main rivals disavowed the election alleging massive irregularities and extremely low turnout.

3. A political bloc led by populist Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, a long-time adversary of the United States who also opposes Iranian influence in Iraq, won Iraq‘s parliamentary election.

4. A 17-year-old carrying a shotgun and a revolver opened fire at a Texas high school killing 10 people, most of them students.

5. At least 15 people were killed and six were raped during a referendum campaign in Burundi that could let President Pierre Nkurunziza hold power until 2034.

6. North Korea threatened to scrap a summit next month between its leader, Kim Jong Un, and U.S. President Trump, saying it has no interest in a “one-sided” affair meant to pressure the North to abandon its nuclear weapons.

7. A 39-year-old airliner with 110 people aboard crashed and burned just after taking off from the Havana airport, in Cuba’s worst aviation disaster in three decades.

8. The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and far-right League published their joint government program, promising a major spending spree that will likely put Italy on a collision course with the European Union.

9. At least 8 people were killed and dozens more wounded by multiple explosions at a cricket match in the eastern city of Jalalabad, Afghanistan.

10. At least 19 dead, 39 infected in the Democratic Republic of Congo‘s latest Ebola outbreak, where authorities will begin administering an experimental Ebola vaccine.

Afghanistan

• Blast at cricket stadium kills at least 8 officials
• Several killed in suicide bombing north of Baghdad
• Taliban launch large-scale assault on western Afghan city, killing at least 6 security forces
• Flash floods kill at least 34 people

Albania

• Interior Minister rejects opposition calls to resign

Argentina

• Inflation soars to 25.5%

Armenia

• PM tells Putin he wants closer ties with Russia

Bahrain

• Bahrain revokes citizenship of 115 people in mass trial

Bosnia

• Thousands protest over killing of 2 young men

Brazil

• Prosecutors charge 11 people with trying to step up Islamic State cell
• Election poll shows right-winger Bolsonaro holds lead
• Boat adrift with at least 27 African migrants rescued off coast 

Bulgaria

• Government approves plan to buy fighter jets, armored vehicles

Burundi

• At least 15 killed during referendum campaign
• Burundians vote in referendum that could let President hold power to 2034

Cameroon

• U.S. accuses Cameroon of ‘targeted killings’ of Anglophones

Chile

• All Chile’s 34 bishops offer resignation to Pope over sex abuse scandals

China

• Air Force lands bombers on South China Sea island
• China to offer $200 billion U.S. trade deficit reduction package
• Taiwan’s former President gets 4-month jail term over information leak

Colombia

• Candidate Petro says voting software tampered with, government denies
• Right-wing Duque keeps lead in survey head of Colombia elections

Comoros

• Former President under house arrest after probe of passport scheme

Congo

• Authorities to begin vaccinating against Ebola
• 19 dead, 39 infected in Ebola outbreak

Croatia

• Deputy PM Dalic resigns over Agrokor role

Cuba

• Plane crash kills 110 passengers

Cyprus

• 8 bodies found on northern Cyprus coast, believed to be Syrian migrants

Egypt

• President Sisi orders Gaza border open for Ramadan
• Military kills 19, arrests 20 in Sinai operation
• President Sisi pardons over 330 mostly youth prisoners
• Police arrests activist on charges of insulting President
• 4 workers killed by landmine near new capital

El Salvador

• Court to try former President for money laundering 

Ethiopia

• Gunmen kill director of cement plant

France

• President Macron tells Netanyahu Palestinians have right to protest peacefully
• Macron’s party seen outperforming rivals in 2019 E.U. elections

Germany

• 2 killed in shooting in southwestern Germany
• Chancellor Merkel says European ties with U.S. set back over Iran

Hungary

• Hungary and Poland unite on opposing E.U. budget cuts

India

• PM Modi faces revived opposition after setback in southern state
• Highway overpass collapses killing 18 people
• Ruling party asks to form government in southern state despite lack of majority
• At least 15 missing after boat capsizes in southern India
• 7 dead, 30 feared trapped after part of flyover collapses in Varanasi

Indonesia

• 4 shot dead in attack on police, officer killed

Iran

• Iran can resume 20% enrichment if E.U. fails to retain nuclear deal
• At least one killed in protests
• French company Total to pull out of gas deal without sanctions waiver

Iraq

• Nationalist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s block wins election
• Al-Sadr says next government will be ‘inclusive’
• Hundreds protest in Kirkuk over alleged voting fraud

Ireland

• Support for repealing abortion law rises days from vote

Israel

• Israel vilified at U.N. body for Gaza killings, but backed by U.S.
• Guatemala opens embassy in Jerusalem, two days after U.S. move

Italy

• League, 5-Star publish government pact, put Italy on collision course with E.U.

Japan

• Government plans retaliatory tariffs against the U.S.
• First quarter GDP growth seen slowing sharply in setback for PM Abe

Macedonia

• Main opposition party rejects proposal for new country name

Malaysia

• Police enter home of ousted PM Najib
• PM says he’ll stay in office for 1-2 years

Mexico

• Candidate Obrador’s lead grows head of presidential vote
• Foreign Minister rejects Trump’s comments that some immigrants are ‘animals’
• Independent presidential candidate Zavala quits

Montenegro

• Montenegro may build fence on Albanian border to stop migrants

Morocco

• Thousands protest against U.S. Jerusalem embassy move

Myanmar

• China calls for ceasefire in Myanmar border fighting

Nepal

• Maoists and Liberal communists united as biggest left party

Nicaragua

• Protesters refuse to back down as Ortega talks continue

Nigeria

• Airman killed in Niger Delta attack
• At least 100 people kidnapped along road in northern Nigeria

North Korea

• U.S. demands North Korea to ship some nuclear warheads, ICBM abroad within 6 months
• Two North Koreans including a soldier defect to South Korea
• Chief negotiator refuses to hold talks with South Korea unless differences settled
• North Korea threatens to cancel Trump-Kim summit over drills

Pakistan

• 4 civilians killed in Indian shelling, including 3 children
• Military kills senior member of Islamist militant group in Baluchistan
• U.S. diplomat involved in fatal accident allowed to leave Pakistan

Palestinian Territories

• At least 58 killed in Gaza protests as Israel celebrates U.S. Embassy move
• President Abbas hospitalized with pneumonia
• Man publicly sets himself on fire in Gaza 
• U.N. council mulls calling for Palestinian protection force
• Hamas claims most slain protesters were Hamas members
• Palestinians recall envoys in Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria

Philippines

• President Duterte orders lifting of labor deployment ban to Kuwait
• Philippines expresses serious concern over Chinese bombers in South China Sea

Russia

• Police kill 4 gunmen who raided Orthodox church in Chechnya
• President Putin approves new Cabinet that sees key figures remain
• Russia-Germany gas pipeline raises intelligence concerns
• Village evacuated after ammunition depot fire
• Putin opens bridge linking southern Russia with Crimea
• Opposition leader Navalny gets 30-day jail sentence

Saudi Arabia

• Authorities arrest 7 for suspected links with foreign entities, including 5 women right’s activists 
• Authorities release 1,000 Ethiopian prisoners
• Saudi forces intercept missile fired by Yemen’s Houthis
• Air defenses destroy ballistic missile fired from Yemen

Serbia

• PM Brnabic to act as finance minister until new one is appointed

Slovakia

• President Kiska says E.U. countries ignoring Russian interference
• President Kiska will not seek re-election next year

Somalia

• Dozens killed in fighting between two Somali states over disputed land

Spain

• Spain to maintain control of Catalonia
• Catalonia votes in hardline separatist as leader

Syria

• U.S. to withdraw assistance from northwest Syria
• Military seizes key swaths of land in country’s center
• Syrian government forces seize last rebel enclave in Homs

Thailand

• Multiple bomb attacks hit deep south, injure 3 people

Turkey

• Authorities issues detention warrants for 101 soldiers 
• Bodies of 7 Afghan refugees found off Turkish coast
• Turkey tells Israeli ambassador to leave over Gaza killings
• Authorities detain 54 suspected ISIS members

Ukraine

• President Poroshenko enacts new sanctions against Russia
• Authorities raid Russian media outlets, arrests journalists

United Arab Emirates

• NYU Abu Dhabi blocks journalists from filming John Kerry

United Kingdom

• PM May agrees with France, Germany on upholding Iran nuclear deal
• PM May defeats Labour bid to force her hand on customs
• Scotland’s Sturgeon warns of ‘catastrophic’ no deal Brexit

United States of America

• U.S. and China put trade war on hold after progress in talks
• U.S. sanctions Hezbollah leader Nasrallah
• U.S. imposes sanctions against Iran central bank governor
• 10 students killed in Texas school shooting

Vatican

• Pope Francis to invest 14 new cardinals in June

Venezuela

• President Maduro re-elected amid extremely low turnout
• Voting centers empty as citizens protest elections
• U.S. will not recognize election result
• 11 killed in prison riot
• President Maduro seizes Kellogg plant after it leaves Venezuela

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What You Need To Know: 

1. U.S. President Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and ordered economic sanctions to be reimposed. France, Germany, the U.K., China, and Russia condemned the move.

2. North Korea’s Kim Jong-un pledged to dismantle a nuclear test site in a ceremony attended by foreign journalists. He will meet President Trump in Singapore on June 12.

3. A wave of Israeli strikes on suspected military positions in Syria killed 42 people, including at least 19 Iranians.

4. Mahathir Mohamad was sworn in as Malaysia’s 7th Prime Minister after a stunning election comeback, defeating the coalition that has ruled for six decades.

5. A suspected jihadist killed a pedestrian in a knife attack in the heart of Paris before he was shot dead by police.

6. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinian was chosen as Armenia‘s new Prime Minister after weeks of protests against the ruling party.

7. Italy’s anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the far-right League reached a deal to govern the nation. The new Prime Minister should be named in a few days.

8. 26 people were killed in an attack by an unidentified “terrorist group” in rural Burundi, days before Burundians vote in a controversial referendum that could extend the president’s term.

9. At least 17 people died in an area of northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo where health officials have now confirmed an outbreak of Ebola.

10. Hezbollah and its political allies made significant gains in Lebanon’s election securing half the seats in parliament. Prime Minister Hariri is expected to remain in office.

Afghanistan

• Suicide bombers strike in Kabul, killing 5
• Militants attack government building, 10 dead
• Taliban kill dozens of police officers in western Afghan province
• U.N. says at least 86 people killed during voter registration drive
• Taliban seize another district center

Armenia

• Opposition leader Pashinian selected as new Prime Minister
• Security service, police chiefs sacked at new Prime Minister’s request
• Acting Finance Minister quits post 

Australia

• Family of 7 dead with gunshot wounds in rural Australia
• 5 new Members of Parliament ousted for holding dual citizenship

Bahrain

• Parliament bars members of opposition groups from standing in elections

Brazil

• Anti-corruption judge says he will not run for President

Burundi

• 26 people killed in ‘terrorist’ attack by unidentified group

China

• North Korean leader meets President Xi ahead of Trump summit
• Former Communist Party official sentenced to life in prison for bribery

Colombia

• Government and ELN rebels renew peace talks in Havana
• Right-winger Duque holds strong lead in presidential poll
• Over 200,000 undocumented Venezuelan migrants register in Colombia

Congo

• 2 British tourists freed after being kidnapped in Congo
• Former army chief, opposition figure jailed for 20 years
• 17 deaths reporter in latest Ebola outbreak

Czech Republic

• Prime Minister Babis expects final coalition agreement soon

East Timor

• Opposition coalition heads for victory in election

Egypt

• Court acquits 2 police officers of killing detained lawyer

Equatorial Guinea

• Supreme Court upholds ban on opposition party

France

• France condemns as “unacceptable” as U.S. move to re-impose sanctions on companies trading with Iran
• One killed in Paris knife attack by Chechen terrorist
• Labor minister summoned over PR contract

Georgia

• Hundreds protest after police raid night clubs

Germany

• Trains collide in southern Germany, at least 2 dead

India

• Bridge collapses into river in Kashmir; at least 5 dead, 11 missing

Indonesia

• 5 officers, 1 inmate dead in detention center riot
• Members of a family bomb 3 churches, at least 13 dead

Iran

• Top leaders, lawmakers, lash out at U.S. over nuclear deal withdrawal
• Iran condemns wave of Israeli air strikes in Syria
• E.U., Iran pledge to uphold nuclear deal without the U.S.

Iraq

• Shiite cleric Sadr front-runner in partial election results 
• Kurdistan region to hold elections on September 30th

Ireland

• Google suspends all ads related to abortion referendum 

Israel

• Soldier convicted of killing Palestinian is freed
• Israel kicks off U.S. Embassy celebration, boosts border force
• PM Netanyahu meets Putin amid new round of Syria talks
• Forces hit dozens of Iranian targets in Syria after barrage

Italy

• 5-Star Movement and the league talks progress, PM may be in sight
• Tribunal lifts ban on Berlusconi holding public office

Kenya

• At least 47 killed as dam bursts 

Lebanon

• Hezbollah allies gain in Lebanon vote, underscoring Iran sway
• PM Hariri replaces chief of staff after election setback
• U.S. to keep backing Lebanese military despite Hezbollah gains

Libya

• Navy says 180 migrants rescued in Mediterranean 
• 2 dead in car bombing at checkpoint near oil crescent 
• Coastguards intercept more than 500 migrants

Madagascar

• President lifts restrictions on opposition candidates

Malaysia

• Mahathir, 92 years old, sworn-in as Prime Minister
• Jailed politician to receive royal pardon from new Prime Minister
• PM bars predecessor from leaving country amid corruption probe
• PM Mahathir to re-define fake news law, not abolish it 

Mexico

• Government says time is running out for NAFTA deal
• 3 soldiers killed in gun battle in opium growing state

Myanmar

• Insurgents kill 19 in attack near Chinese border

Nicaragua

• Tens of thousands protest in new anti-government rallies

Nigeria

• Military helps rescue 1,000 Boko Haram hostages
• Nigerian Diplomat killed in Sudan
• President Buhari travels to Britain to visit doctor

North Korea

• Singapore to host U.S.-North Korea summit on June 12
• Japan, China, South Korea agree to cooperate on North Korea
• Kim Jong-un vows to dismantle nuclear site in May ceremony

Pakistan

• Blast kills 1 policeman, wounds 13 in northwest Pakistan

Palestine

• Israeli fire kills 1 Palestinian, wounds 170 in border protests 

Paraguay

• Paraguay to mote embassy in Israel to Jerusalem

Philippines

• Top judge, Duterte’s critic, ousted by colleagues

Romania

• Thousands protest against ruling coalition

Russia

• Putin begins new presidential term, keeps Medvedev as Prime Minister
• Two pilots die in military helicopter crash in Syria

Rwanda

• Landslides kill 18, death toll at 200 since January

Saudi Arabia

• Yemen’s Shiite rebels fire missiles at Riyadh 
• Saud military says troops arrive in Yemen’s Socotra island

Serbia

• Finance Minister Vujovic resigns for personal reasons

Somalia

• Al Shabaab blast kills at least 5 people in market near Mogadishu
• Al Shabaab kills 9 Kenyan soldiers 

South Africa

• Government takes over direct administration of North West province
• 1 dead as attackers slit throats of worshippers at mosque

Spain

• Catalan secessionists fail to elect new regional leader
• 3 killed as light aircraft crashes in Spain

Sudan

• President endorses major cabinet reshuffle

Syria

• At least 42 killed by Israeli strikes this week
• Russia, after meeting with Netanyahu, backs off supply of missiles to Syria
• Israeli attack on Iranian military facilities in Damascus kills 15 people

Tunisia

• Independent candidates get most votes in municipal election

Turkey

• Prosecutors seek arrest of 300 military personnel
• Poll sees AK Party, allies winning parliamentary majority in June vote

United Kingdom

• Campaign group Leave.EU fined for breaches of election law in 2016 referendum

United States of America

• President Trump abandons Iran nuclear deal, will revive sanctions
• President Trump says Pompeo returning from North Korea with 3 detainees
• President to held China’s ZTE ‘get back into business’
• U.S. to lift sanctions if North Korea dismantles nuclear program
• Fighter jet intercepts Russian bombers in international airspace off Alaska
• U.S. imposes fresh sanctions on Venezuela, VP Pence calls for more action

Venezuela

• Rival opposition candidates vow to stay in race, splitting vote

Yemen

• Saudi-led air strikes hit Yemen presidential palace killing at least 6 people

Zimbabwe

• President Mnangagwa raises pensions for war veterans ahead of election

 

What You Need To Know:

1. Two ISIS suicide bombers struck Afghanistan’s capital, killing 25 people, including nine journalists, in the deadliest assault on reporters since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

2. The Iran-backed Shi’ite group Hezbollah and its political allies looked set to win more than half the seats in Lebanon’s first parliamentary election in nine years

3. Powerful rainstorms killed at least 91 people in northern and western India.

4. Protests in the Armenian capital Yerevan suddenly calmed after the ruling party confirmed it would back an opposition leader to become prime minister.

5. The U.S. government to take another 30 days to decide whether to impose tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from the European Union, Canada, and Mexico, extending a period of uncertainty for businesses in those regions.

6. Nearly 1,600 protesters were arrested across Russia as Vladimir Putin is set to begin a new 6-year term. Opposition leader Navalny was among those arrested.

7. ISIS suicide bombers attacked Libya’s election commission, killing at least 14 people in an attack aimed to disrupt a nation-wide vote planned for later this year.

8. Israeli troops fired live rounds and tear gas at Palestinian protesters injuring nearly 1,100 people.

9. Boko Haram bombed a mosque in northeast Nigeria killing 27 people. At least 45 people were killed in a separate attack on a village in northern Nigeria.

10. Spain’s maritime rescue service saved 476 migrants who were attempting the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea from African shores.

Afghanistan

• Twin ISIS bombings kill 25 people, including 9 reporters 
• Taliban fighters seize district in northern Afghanistan
• Afghan security forces shrink sharply in past 12 months
• Explosion at mosque in Khost killed at least 17 people, 34 injured
• 7 Indian engineers kidnapped in northern Afghanistan

Algeria

• Algeria summons Moroccan ambassador over Western Sahara comments

Argentina

• Central Bank raises interest rates to 40% as peso continues to fall sharply

Armenia

• Opposition leader Pashinyan fails to win selection as Prime Minister
• Parliament to hold fresh vote for PM on May 8
• Ruling party will back opposition leader
• Traffic cop robs bank, 2 killed
• Culture minister resigns after meeting with protesters 

Australia

• Cardinal Pell to face trial on sexual abuse charges
• French President Macron calls PM Turnbull’s wife ‘delicious’, sparking reaction

Brazil

• Burning building in Sao Paulo collapses; at least 1 dead
• Workers Party hit by new corruption charges

Burundi

• Authorities ban the BBC, VOA, two weeks before referendum to extend president’s rule

Central African Republic

• 26 killed in attack on church in Bangui

Chad

• Parliament approves new constitution expanding president’s powers

China

• China offers to increase U.S. imports, cut tariffs on some products
• Taiwan says China dangled $3 billion to grab ally Dominican Republic

Colombia

• Right-winger holds strong lead in presidential poll

Denmark

• Greenland PM to stay as PM following coalition agreement 
• Prime Minister Rasmussen reshuffles cabinet after resignations

France

• 109 in custody in Paris over May Day violence
• Thousands protest against President Macron at one year anniversary of election
• President Macron to visit Pope Francis in June
• French people outraged after U.S. President Trump mimics Paris attackers 

Gabon

• Court orders Prime Minister Issoze-Ngondet to resign, parliament dissolved

Germany

• Germany vows to take tougher stance on migrant deportations 
• Foreign Ministry to support Israel if it gets seat on U.N. Security Council

Guatemala

• Chief prosecutor Aldana retires amid praise

Honduras

• Protests turn violent in anger over last years election

Hungary

• Prime Minister Orban vows tougher laws on migrations, names new deputy PM’s
• Ruling party wants to amend constitution to ban settlement of migrants

India

• Rainstorms kill at least 91 people, injures over 160
• Kashmir erupts in deadly violence killing 7
• Indian forces fire on Kashmir protesters, killing at least 5

Iran

• Foreign minister says no re-negotiating nuclear deal
• President Rouhani criticizes blocking of Telegram messaging app
• China reiterates call to continue upholding Iran nuclear deal
• Earthquake injures at least 76 people in southwest Iran

Iraq

• Gunmen kill at least 8 civilians north of Baghdad

Israel

• PM Netanyahu says documents prove Iran lied about nuclear program
• Defense minister rejects Palestinian President’s apology over remarks on Jews
• Court convicts Arab poet of incitement 
• Israeli forces kill 3 men in Gaza border breach attempt
• Right-wing ministers move against Supreme Court with legislation

Italy

• League set for big regional victory, bolsters national standing

Kenya

• 6 dead in overnight flooding, 11 others missing
• 4 Kenyans killed in al-Shabab attack near northern border

Lebanon

• Lebanon to elect first new parliament since 2009, turnout low
• Unofficial results show gains for Hezbollah

Libya

• Militants attack election commission, 14 killed

Madagascar

• Opposition calls for government to resign after court ruling

Malaysia

• Opposition leader investigated under fake news law

Mali

• Suspected jihadists kill at least 16 Tuaregs in northern Mali

Mexico

• Obrador lead narrows slightly in presidency race

Morocco

• Morocco severs ties with Iran, accusing it of backing Polisario Front

Mozambique

• Opposition leader and former guerrilla leader dies

Myanmar

• Jade mine slag heap collapse kills at least 14 people

Nigeria

• Explosions at mosque in northeast Nigeria kills at least 27 people
• At least 45 dead in attack on village in northern Nigeria

North Korea

• North Korea changes its time zone to match South Korea

Pakistan

• Coalmine blast kills 23 people in southwest Pakistan
• Gunman wounds interior minister in Punjab

Palestine

• PLO convention affirms President Abbas as unchallenged leader 
• Israeli troops fire bullets at Gaza protesters, 1,100 Palestinians hurt
• Explosion in Gaza kills 6 Hamas gunmen, Israel blamed
• Israel to shift West Bank power supply to Palestinian Authority in $775 million deal

Panama

• Panama to hold presidential election in May 2019

Peru

• Prosecutors say Canadian was lynched after killing shaman

Poland

• 3 miners missing in southern Poland, 2 found dead

Romania

• President Iohannis challenges judicial overhaul plan

Russia

• Russian Olympic Committee President to step down
• Nearly 1,600 people arrested in anti-Putin protests, including opposition leader Navalny
• 2 dead in fighter jet crash off Syrian coast

Rwanda

• Police arrest 23 Congolese refugees after violence in camp

Somalia

• Gunmen kidnap German ICRC aid worker in Mogadishu
• Aid worker killed in shooting in Mogadishu

South Africa

• 7 miners killed in gold mine 
• Army deployed to provincial hospital after protests

South Korea

• Korea’s dismantle propaganda loudspeakers at border

Spain

• Authorities rescue 476 migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea

Sri Lanka

• President Maithripala Sirisena reshuffles cabinet

Switzerland

• 10 climbers die in Swiss Alps after unexpected storm

Syria

• Syrian held by rebels freed as part of deal with government 
• Missile strikes kill over a dozen in northern Syria, mostly Iranians
• Airstrikes kill 23 people in ISIS-held territory 

Thailand

• Hundreds gather near U.N. headquarters in Bangkok to protest military government

Tunisia

• Islamist Ennahda party claims victory in local elections

Turkey

• Pro-Kurdish opposition to nominate former leader for presidency

United Kingdom

• Conservative party avoids London wipeout in local elections
• Government defeated as Lords back powers to block or change E.U. exit deal

United States of America

• Cargo plane crash kills 9 Puerto Rican airmen
• U.S. delays decision on tariffs for E.U.
• President Trump demands China slash U.S. trade surplus by $200 billion, cut tariffs
• President Trump moves to expel 57,000 Hondurans 
• U.S. says of consequences for China’s South China Sea militarization
• U.S. complains to China after laser incidents in Djibouti

Venezuela

• Authorities take charge of big bank, arrests 11 executives

Vietnam

• Senior police official found dead amid illegal gambling probe

Zimbabwe

• Presidential allies lose in ruling party primaries

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