United Nations, United States | AFP | The United States on Wednesday called for an international arms embargo to be imposed on South Sudan following the failure of the latest ceasefire aimed at ending the four-year war. US Ambassador Nikki Haley told the Security Council that President Salva Kiir’s government …
Read More »Sex and the White House: from Clinton to Trump
Washington, United States | AFP | Two decades ago this week US president Bill Clinton declared that he “did not have sexual relations with that woman.” As it turned out, he did — and he was impeached for lying about his trysts with Monica Lewinsky. Today, another US president is accused …
Read More »Elton John announces final tour
New York, United States | AFP | Pop legend Elton John on Wednesday announced a final tour, saying he intends to stop traveling to spend more time with his family. The 70-year-old British entertainer, revealing his plans at a gala New York event, said he planned to “go out with a …
Read More »Elton John to ‘go out with a bang’ on final tour
New York, United States | AFP | Elton John announced Wednesday that he is retiring from touring, with the consummate showman saying he wants to devote himself to his children — but after a final, massive swing around the world. The 70-year-old British entertainer, revealing his plans at a gala …
Read More »World powers step up pressure on Syria, Russia over chemical attacks
Paris, France | AFP | Two dozen countries agreed Tuesday to push for sanctions against perpetrators of chemical attacks in Syria, with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson saying Russia “ultimately bears responsibility” for such strikes. Twenty-four nations approved a new “partnership against impunity” for the use of chemical weapons, just …
Read More »Snake blood, flaming bricks: Mattis gets bizarre Indonesian send off
Jakarta, Indonesia | AFP | A soldier tore apart a snake with his teeth and his comrades headbutted flaming stacks of bricks as Indonesia’s special forces treated visiting US defence secretary Jim Mattis to an unusual display on Tuesday. Mattis — whose own nickname is “Mad Dog” — seemed impressed by …
Read More »US senator pregnant, set to be first to give birth in office
Washington, United States | AFP | US Senator Tammy Duckworth, a decorated Asian American army veteran and double amputee, announced Tuesday she was pregnant with her second child. The 49-year-old Democrat from Illinois stands to be the first senator to give birth during her term. “Wanted to share some exciting …
Read More »Senior Qaeda leader calls for attacks on Jews, Americans over Jerusalem
Hong Kong, China | AFP | A senior Al-Qaeda leader has called on Muslims “everywhere” to rise up and kill Jews and Americans in response to US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. In a video released Monday, Khalid Batarfi said Trump’s decision was “a declaration of …
Read More »Ugandans excited as Daniel Kaluuya receives first Oscars nomination
A first for ‘Ugandan’ Kuluuya, ‘The Shape of Water’ scores big with 13 Oscar nominations Best actor: Timothee Chalamet, “Call Me by Your Name” Daniel Day-Lewis, “Phantom Thread” Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out” Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour” Denzel Washington, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Fantasy …
Read More »Trump wins Davos raves for ‘landmark’ tax cut
Davos, Switzerland | AFP | Instead of a chilly reception from globalisation’s defenders, US President Donald Trump may find a warm welcome in the posh ski resort of Davos, from global executives delighted with his controversial tax reform. The annual World Economic Forum in the snow-bound Swiss resort is a …
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