Posts by Cosmopolitan Canada
Why Russia’s Putin and Syria’s Sharaa agreed to meet after a decade of war
Russia clearly wanted to pivot to work with Sharaa. It likely extended feelers long ago, recognizing HTS as a potential partner, even after a decade of fighting in Syria. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa journeyed to Russia on Wednesday for important meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. For many people who have followed the Syrian civil…
Read MoreKenya police fire tear gas to disperse crowds at stadium to view body of ex-PM Odinga
Kenyan police have fired tear gas at huge crowds of mourners who had gathered at a stadium in the capital, Nairobi, to view the body of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after it had been flown from India where he died. Several people were reportedly injured in the chaos as security officers sought to…
Read MoreFrance’s Lecornu likely to survive no-confidence votes in parliament
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu faces two no-confidence motions in parliament on Thursday, although his chance of being ousted are seen as slim. Lecornu on Tuesday announced the suspension of an unpopular pension reform that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, a signature policy measure of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term. The concession…
Read More‘You’ve been calling a lot!’: How 2 AP reporters landed an interview with Madagascar’s coup leader
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — The head of an elite Madagascar military unit ousted the African island country’s president in a coup, capping weeks of youth-led protests over water and power cuts, the high cost of living and endemic poverty, among other issues. Col. Michael Randrianirina, who led the rebellion that toppled President Andry Rajoelina, told…
Read MoreKelly Reichardt’s “The Mastermind” Reinvents the Heist Movie
One of the joys of reviewing movies is witnessing a longtime filmmaker’s artistic breakthrough, as has happened with Kelly Reichardt. A serious director with a principled world view, she formerly eschewed style and flair as if they were sins, narrowing her aesthetic to fit the points of view that she conveyed in each film. But…
Read MoreRaila Odinga: The man who shaped Kenyan politics
Raila Odinga was one of Kenya’s most influential and enduring political figures despite five unsuccessful presidential bids. For years, the firebrand politician emerged as a staunch campaigner and defender of multi-party democracy – adored by near-fanatical supporters and vilified by a threatened political elite. Fondly known as “Baba”, meaning father, the veteran opposition leader died…
Read MoreStudy: Almost two-thirds of refugees in Germany at risk of poverty
Almost two-thirds of refugees in Germany are at risk of poverty, a leading economic institute has found. The latest study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) released on Wednesday said that in 2022, 63.7% of refugees in the country were at risk of poverty, down from 70% in 2020. The measure refers to…
Read MoreGermany greenlights €2,000 tax-free earnings for pensioners
Germany will introduce an “active pension” from 1 January 2026 that lets people who choose to work past the statutory retirement age earn up to €2,000 per month tax-free. Labour Minister Bärbel Bas framed the Aktivrente as a straightforward incentive intended to keep experienced workers in the labour market. Asked about the centre-right Union’s proposal…
Read MoreMadagascar military says it has seized power as president moves to ‘safe place’
An elite military unit says it has seized power in Madagascar from President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests in the Indian Ocean island. Standing outside the presidential palace on Tuesday, CAPSAT chief Col Michael Randrianirina said the military would form a government and hold elections within two years. He also suspended key democratic…
Read MoreBen-Gvir to Netanyahu: Give Hamas an ultimatum if it continues to delay hostage return
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich commented, “Only military pressure brings back hostages.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening to issue a clear ultimatum to Hamas after it did not release all deceased hostages on time and in accordance with the US-brokered agreement on Tuesday evening. “If you do…
Read MoreDeadly landslides and flooding cut off 300 communities in Mexico
MEXICO CITY (AP) — More than 300 communities in central and eastern Mexico remained cut off by deadly landslides and flooding on Tuesday, as thousands of soldiers and civilian workers scrambled to reopen blocked roads. The government confirmed that at least 64 people have died due to the torrential rains. Dozens are still missing and…
Read MoreIsrael confirms reception of remains of Guy Illouz, Bipin Joshi, and two other hostages
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum subsequently responded to the news, stating, “may their memories be a blessing, together with two additional deceased hostages.” The IDF on Tuesday confirmed the reception and has informed the families of Guy Illouz and Bipin Joshi that their remains have been brought back to Israel for burial. The remains…
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