World | Deutsche Welle

Iran: Surge of political prisoners amid US-Israel war Amid the US-Israel war with Iran, as the world breathlessly watches the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran is quietly increasing pressure on political prisoners. Advocates are sounding the alarm, warning of mass executions. EU invites Taiban members to discuss Afghan migrant returns The European Commission has invited officials from Afghanitan's Taliban to discuss the returns of certain migrants. It's controversial on humanitarian grounds, and because Brussels doesn't recognize Taliban authority. War in Iran: Despite Iranian attacks, Doha steps up mediation efforts Qatar is intensifying regional mediation efforts despite the Iran war bringing airstrikes and cutting off Doha's access to global oil markets. But can Qatar leverage its ties to the US and Iran for its own benefit? Trump-Xi summit: High stakes for the US, China and the world US President Donald Trump is hoping for a foreign policy win at the upcoming summit with China's Xi Jinping. The Iran war, trade deals and Taiwan are expected to be high on the agenda during Trump's visit to Beijing. Thailand scraps Cambodia naval pact amid sinking ties Bangkok's decision to end MoU 44, a long-stalled maritime agreement with Cambodia, is a win for Thai nationalists. This comes as Cambodia struggles to garner international support amid controversy over scam centers. UK: Keir Starmer tells Cabinet he will continue in place, as four junior ministers quit British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met with his Cabinet amid continued pressure after election losses. A set piece speech yesterday failed to calm the waters, and four junior ministers resigned on Tuesday. India: New Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay cracks down on state-run TASMAC liquor shops In his first major decision since becoming the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay has ordered 717 state-run TASMAC liquor stores near religious places and schools to shut down. What now for the role of high representative in Bosnia? Christian Schmidt's departure as high representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina doesn't look like a routine diplomatic handover. It seems to indicate that international powers want something different from the role. EU negotiators agree new rules on vital medicines A new agreement aims to tackle the drug shortages that have plagued the bloc. Among other things, it would make it easier to use public funds to support the production of essential medicines. US: LA area mayor to plead guilty to acting as Chinese agent The mayor of a Los Angeles suburb with a heavy Chinese-American presence has resigned after admitting to acting as a Chinese propaganda agent. Eileen Wang now faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. South Africa's Ramaphosa refuses to resign over cash scandal Despite the establishment of an impeachment committee, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has ruled out resigning over the cash heist scandal. Ukrainian children held in Russia: militarized, 'reeducated' A Ukrainian initiative to repatriate abducted Ukrainian children reports that at least 20,000 girls and boys are being held by Russian families and authorities. Can these children ever find their way home? Religion steers Bengal politics in Bangladesh, India — again Bengal, a region known for its secular traditions, is seeing a rise of religion in politics as Islamists grow stronger on the Bangladesh side of the border and Hindu nationalist BJP takes power in India's West Bengal.