World | Deutsche Welle

Republic of the Congo elections: A foregone conclusion? Voters in the Republic of the Congo (Brazaville) go to the polls this Sunday to elect their next leader. Many political analysts predict victory for the longtime President Denis Sassou Nguesso. Ethnic Serbs fear impact of Kosovo's Law on Foreigners Many Kosovo Serbs retain Serbian citizenship. They fear that the enforcement from Sunday of Kosovo's Law on Foreigners will mean that they will be treated as foreign nationals and face considerable restrictions. Zelenskyy meets Macron as Iran war overshadows Ukraine The Ukrainian president is in Paris for talks with one of Kyiv's staunchest allies. The meeting comes as the US-Israeli war on Iran has removed pressure on Moscow, and derailed Ukraine peace talks. Who is Pakistan supporting in Iran war? Islamabad has so far presented itself as a "neutral" party in the conflict, condemning the US-Israeli strikes on Iran as well as castigating Tehran for its attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Ghana's new gold royalty hike shakes mining industry As gold prices surge, Ghana has introduced a new 'sliding-scale' to capture more royalties from its mined gold. Mining giants say the new rates could scare away new investors and force some to move elsewhere. Balen Shah: From rebel outsider to Nepal's next prime minister Balendra "Balen" Shah's historic leap from Kathmandu's streets to national power marks a dramatic shift in Nepali politics and a major test for a new government. Oil for cash? Ukraine-Hungary tension continues to escalate Hungary has seized a Ukrainian cash transporter and is pressuring Kyiv to resume oil deliveries. As Zelenskyy decries "banditry," will Ukraine get its cash back? Taiwan parliament approves major arms deal with US The weapons approved are part of a $11 billion US arms package announced in December. The package aims to bolster Taiwan's military capabilities against Chinese aggression. From broker to bystander: Europe's Iran problem Europe was once central to diplomacy with Iran, helping broker the 2015 nuclear deal. But the current crisis has exposed a less influential EU. Can the bloc still shape events or has it been reduced to the sidelines? Iran war could spark the next global food crisis The Iran conflict is driving up energy and fertilizer costs, raising alarms over a return of food inflation. Farmers are bracing for resource shortages that could drag down harvests. Pakistan bombs Kabul and Afghan border provinces Pakistan's airforce struck the Afghan capital city and several border provinces overnight, Taliban officials have said. Cuba to release 51 prisoners after talks with Vatican It remains unclear if any political prisoners will be among those set freed. Rights groups say more than 1,200 political detainees remain in Cuban jails.