NEWS ANALYSIS

Tokyo, Japan | AFP | Size does matter, at least when it comes to some hermit crabs, who appear to have evolved longer penises so they can stay in their shells to protect their homes during sex . The so-called “private parts for public property” theory posited by the research published …

Brussels, Belgium | AFP | The EU and European governments have warned that the British parliament’s rejection of a Brexit deal heightens the risk of a disorderly withdrawal from the bloc. Following are some of the key reactions to Tuesday night’s huge defeat for British Prime Minister Theresa May. – European …

  Dundalk, Ireland | AFP | In the town of Dundalk near the Irish border, locals reacted with exasperation and concern at news that the British parliament had rejected a Brexit deal with the EU. “God knows what will happen,” said barman Gavin McCann, pulling pints at The Vinegar Man …

Detroit, United States | AFP | The Detroit auto show kicked off this week with glitzy, high-production value debuts of mostly sports cars, giant trucks and SUVs — new versions of age-old themes. But tucked away in a corner of the show were the people and companies hoping for at …

London, United Kingdom | AFP | What next? After British MPs rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal on Tuesday, triggering a no-confidence vote in the government, that is the question on everyone’s lips. Here are the three main scenarios facing Britain while the clock ticks down to March 29, …

Paris, France | AFP | Facing the biggest test of his presidency, President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday launched a series of public forums inviting voters to express their concerns and hopes after two months of anti-government protests. Here’s how the government plans to carry out its “Great National Debate”, aimed …

Mogadishu, Somalia | AFP |  The Al-Shabaab, meaning “youth” in Arabic, is fighting an armed insurrection in Somalia, which has been mired in chaos since 1991. Here is some background on the Islamist group with links to Al-Qaeda. – Al-Qaeda links – The Shabaab stem from Somalia’s Islamic Courts that …

  Berlin, Germany | AFP | Dismissed by some as a mini-Angela Merkel, the new leader of Germany’s centre-right CDU party and likely next chancellor has marked the turn of the year by underlining a change in tone from her mentor. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, known in Germany as AKK after her …

  The Hague, Netherlands | AFP | As prosecutors failed to land the scalp of yet another former national leader accused of crimes against humanity, the question echoed in the hallways of the International Criminal Court: is it fit for purpose? The acquittal on Tuesday of former Ivory Coast president …

Washington, United States | AFP | Explosive allegations that US President Donald Trump concealed conversations with Russia have thrown an unwelcome spotlight on interpreters, whose quick wit is vital to diplomacy and who stay scrupulously in the shadows. Interpreters, whether they are working at high-stakes international summits or in low-level …