Around the Globe

Rohingya genocide case vs Myanmar explained

The International Court of Justice in The Hague has opened hearings in a landmark case brought by The Gambia accusing Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya minority under the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. The case centers on Myanmar’s 2017 military operations in Rakhine State, which drove more than 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh amid allegations of mass killings, rape, and village burnings. Both sides present arguments on jurisdiction, state responsibility, and compliance with provisional measures as the UN’s top court examines whether Myanmar violated its obligations to prevent and punish genocide.

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Iran’s army vows to help crush protests as demonstrations spread

Iran’s army has warned it may join Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in a growing crackdown on nationwide protests across the Islamic Republic. Large crowds have taken to the streets in multiple cities as demonstrations widen and reported casualties increase. The Revolutionary Guard has referred to many protesters as “terrorists” and accused foreign actors of fueling unrest. Human rights groups report rising deaths and injuries, while authorities defend security operations as necessary for maintaining order.

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Venezuela starts freeing political prisoners, Trump says

U.S. President Donald Trump said Venezuela has begun a process to release political prisoners, linking the move to his earlier decision to halt a “second wave of attacks” on the country. His remarks referenced cooperation from Venezuelan authorities but did not include specific details or independent verification. The Venezuelan government has long denied holding political prisoners, while human rights groups and opposition figures report detentions of government critics. The statement drew renewed attention to the impact of U.S. pressure and sanctions on Venezuela and the status of detainees in the country.

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U.S. to “run” Venezuela, Trump says—what we know about the plan

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in an overnight military operation, placing them in U.S. custody. The Pentagon confirmed involvement of air and special operations units, while the administration signaled that the United States will temporarily “run” Venezuela. Officials have not released a detailed plan for governance, a legal framework for the intervention or a timeline for political transition. Lawmakers, regional governments, international organizations, human rights groups and energy analysts are seeking clarification on the operation’s legality, regional impact and consequences for global oil markets.

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Trump ramps up pressure as U.S. launches strikes on Venezuela

The United States has launched military strikes on targets inside Venezuela, including military facilities, after authorization from President Donald Trump. U.S. officials describe the operation as a limited effort to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and disrupt the capabilities of security forces aligned with his government. The action follows sanctions and diplomatic steps aimed at supporting opposition leadership and challenging Maduro’s control of state institutions.

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Italian readers get Rizal’s Noli, Nick Joaquin’s Tropical Gothic

The Philippine Embassy in Rome launched the Italian editions of José Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and Nick Joaquin’s “Tropical Gothic” at a cultural event attended by diplomats, Filipino community members, Italian guests, and literary stakeholders, highlighting efforts to promote Philippine literature in Italy through translation, distribution, and cultural diplomacy.

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