World | Deutsche Welle

Middle Corridor: Can Bulgaria be a safe gateway for Asian imports to the EU? The EU wants more trade via the "Middle Corridor," which could bring big benefits for Bulgaria. But Tuesday's drone attacks on commercial ships off the Bulgarian coast is a stark reminder of the security risks involved. Why music in Iran is more than just entertainment Iranian authorities are trying to persuade prominent singers in exile to return home. While the state seeks to harness music as a political tool, music has also become a powerful expression of dissent and resistance. South Sudan's road to elections remains uncertain South Sudan's first general election is set for December 22. Insecurity, political tensions and the failure to begin voter registration have raised doubts over whether a credible poll can be held. As US midterm elections loom, Trump's campaign tactics are becoming increasingly unusual, and expensive Despite not being on the ballot, Trump is campaigning hard ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. His tactics and promises have mostly been at the expense of US taypayers. Experts say some might violate federal law. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey: Could the Mecca defense pact become a game changer in the war against the Houthis in Yemen? Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to provide "practical measures" to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks. Could a new alliance reshape the war against the Houthis in Yemen? Gerhard Schröder visits latest Russian employer, Hyperglobus Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder visited a Moscow supermarket in his new role on the supervisory board. Schröder is no stranger to retirement stipends in Russia — or the scandal that accompanies them. EU enlargement: European Commission tables reforms to prepare bloc for new members The European Commission is proposing earlier access to EU markets for candidate countries, new voting rules to reduce vetoes and extra safeguards for a bigger bloc. But is the reform fair — or even feasible? China's Golden Week reveals cautious consumer spending despite travel surge Chinese visitors are returning from trips after the 13-day Golden Week holiday. Their subdued spending has raised fresh questions about domestic demand in the world's second-largest economy. Suspected pneumonic plague in Siberia: What we know about the disease After a worker at a Russian plague research institute in Siberia died October 2, 2026, nearly 200 of her contacts were under medical observation. But authorities there denied pneumonic plague had caused the death. Yemen's Houthis claim strikes on Aden, Riyadh airports Aden International Airport came under attack as Yemen's war intensified, with the Houthis targeting key transport hubs. Around 200,000 people have been displaced by the fighting between government forces and the Houthis. Where is Spain headed after the snap election announcement? Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is taking a gamble by calling an early election in Spain. The housing crisis, migration and the rise of the right-wing populist Vox party are all likely to dominate the campaign. EU seeks ways to make expansion more palatable to members The European Commission has put forward ideas it hopes will both ease the EU expansion process and allay concerns among existing members. Several countries, not least war-torn Ukraine, are among the candidates.