World | Deutsche Welle

Couples looking to have children often turn to surrogacy agencies in Georgia without understanding the hidden costs Georgia became a hub for surrogate pregnancies after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. DW spoke with parents, and those who wanted to become parents, about the hidden costs of a booming industry. Ukrainian prisoners of war and defectors have been gathered into a Russian battalion to face Ukrainian forces — why? And how? Russia has announced a battalion consisting of Ukrainian "volunteers." But veterans and former prisoners of war share very different accounts. Money, networks and bias: Why women struggle to win seats in US politics The US is holding Congress and state governors elections. At all levels of US politics, women are underrepresented — but they may win some historic victories in the midterms on November 3. Is China seeking to restrict Taiwan's cultural presence? From coffee competitions to literature awards, Beijing appears to be working to limit Taiwan's international cultural and political impact. How the Houthi-Saudi conflict is affecting countries on Africa's Red Sea coast — and beyond The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which Yemeni government forces are trying to take back from the Houthis, is located not far from Djibouti and other African states. Schools crisis in France: Investment fails to inspire confidence For weeks, schoolchildren in France have been protesting the failing education system. Compared to many other countries, France invests heavily in education but critics say that the funds are not distributed fairly. Eritrean troops in Ethiopia raise fears of a regional war Ethiopia and Eritrea are trading blame for confrontations in Tigray amid international calls for restraint. Their respective allies have the potential to catapult the conflict into a regional war. Macron and Steinmeier struggle to revive Franco-German ties Presidents Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Emmanuel Macron are about to step down from their offices. Their meeting in France made it clear how urgently the Franco-German partnership needs new momentum. US imposes sanctions aiming to 'dismantle' International Criminal Court The US has announced new sanctions on the International Criminal Court. It's the latest in a series of steps by the Donald Trump administration as it seeks to "dismantle" the intergovernmental organization. Poland: Lifeline for Ukrainian refugees confronts donor fatigue and online abuse as anti-Ukrainian sentiment grows A Ukrainian woman who fled the war in her country built a lifeline for refugees in Poland. Now her organization faces donor fatigue, funding cuts and rising hostility as support for Ukrainians in Poland wanes. India's 'cockroaches' vs Election Commission: What you need to know ahead of CJP's October 10 protests The Indian capital New Delhi has been turned into a fortress with train and metro cancelations, barricades and heavy police presence ahead of Saturday's planned protests against the chief of India's electoral body.