World | Deutsche Welle

Mali on edge as insurgency tests junta's resolve The death of Malian defense minister Sadio Camara amid a series of coordinated assaults on several Malian cities is posing a serious challenge to the junta in Bamako, analysts say. China blocks Meta's $2B acquisition of AI startup Manus Manus claimed to revolutionize agentic AI. Now Chinese authorities are forcing Meta to unwind its purchase of the company in what analysts believe could set a new precedent. Putin pledges support for Iran in talks with FM Araghchi Russia's Vladimir Putin told Iran's Abbas Araghchi that Iranians would navigate the "difficult period" of war and he hoped for peace soon. Araghchi is visiting Russia at a time when talks with the US remain on hold. How the Iran war is bringing back 'citizenship as a weapon' Some Gulf states, trapped between Iran, Israel and the US in the current war, have started revoking the citizenship of locals considered "traitors." But is it about security — or a way to suppress political dissent? China seeks Southeast Asia gains as US influence falters Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Southeast Asia aims to portray Beijing as a steady regional partner as the region grapples with the fallout from the war in Iran, tariffs and doubts over Washington's reliability. Why anti-US sentiment is quietly growing in India Indians are facing economic pain from the US-Israel war with Iran, and public sentiment toward President Donald Trump is turning sour. But experts say trouble has been brewing for a while. Will the Iran war end Strait of Hormuz oil supremacy? The conflict has brutally exposed the energy market's Achilles' heel. While global powers China, India and the EU push renewables, Gulf leaders are advancing plans for new bypass pipelines to safeguard their oil empires. Musk vs. OpenAI trial to get underway Two giants in the AI sector are set for a courtroom battle: Elon Musk (xAI) is taking on Sam Altmann (OpenAI). Musk has accused Altmann of betraying OpenAI's originally nonprofit mission. Portugal's arms industry is taking off Portugal has built up a surprisingly large, independent arms industry over the past five years. But whether it can be truly autonomous with the US as a major ally remains to be seen. Iran war deadline heats up Trump-Congress showdown A US president can order a military operation without congressional approval, but only for 60 days. After that they must seek formal approval from Congress. For the Iran war, this deadline expires on May 1. SIPRI: Record arms spending, again Global military spending hit a record high in 2025. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, warns the trend is likely to continue — and carries additional risks. Russia, North Korea agree 'long-term' military cooperation Russia's defense minister and the chairman of the State Duma are both visiting North Korea. One helped inaugurate a memorial to North Korean soldiers killed fighting Ukraine, the other hashed out a new defense deal.