Desi Bouterse, a dictator convicted of murder who twice ruled Suriname, has died at 79
PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) — Desi Bouterse, a dictator convicted of murder who twice ruled Suriname, has died at 79.
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CNNAs first Israeli hostages are released, Hamas sends a message: It is far from being destroyed
Israel’s longest war has so far failed to destroy its main enemy, Hamas, which, despite suffering devastating losses, is framing the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a victory for itself – and a failure for Israel.
- HuffPost UK
Putin Ally Says Ukraine Will 'Cease To Exist' As A Country In 2025
The comments came as Russia continues to make progress ahead of the third anniversary of the war.
- Associated Press
Southeast Asia foreign ministers seek breakthrough in Myanmar conflict and South China Sea dispute
Southeast Asian foreign ministers gathered Sunday for their first meeting this year under the regional bloc's new chair, Malaysia, seeking a breakthrough over Myanmar’s drawn-out civil war and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The retreat on the idyllic northern resort island of Langkawi was the first major meeting of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations hosted by Malaysia. Officials said it aims to chart the bloc’s direction for the year as it tries to resolve Myanmar's deadly four-year crisis and tensions over China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
- South China Morning Post
China, US need to tackle 'growing pains' together: People's Daily says ahead of Trump 2.0
China and the United States should seek more common ground and avoid strategic misjudgment, the state-run People's Daily said on Sunday, in an apparent call to the coming Trump administration to deepen engagement. The editorial in the Communist Party mouthpiece came two days after a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US president-elect Donald Trump, and just ahead of his inauguration on Monday. The South China Morning Post will feature a live blog of the ceremony in Washington.
- South China Morning Post
Trump 'unlikely to take the initiative to use Taiwan as a bargaining chip' with Beijing, Bonnie Glaser says
What does a second Trump term mean for Taiwan, especially with a Republican-controlled Congress? After Trump was elected in 2016, he initially tried to use Taiwan to gain leverage over Beijing. After taking a congratulatory call from then-Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen, Trump questioned whether the US should continue to adhere to a one-China policy.
- France 24
Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners, next hostage-prisoner swap to take place Saturday
The next group of Gaza hostages to be released under the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement will be freed on Saturday, a senior Hamas official said on Sunday. This follows the dramatic exchange of three Israeli hostages for 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday in an agreement aimed at ending more than 15 months of war in Gaza. Read our blog to see how the day's events unfolded. This blog is no longer being updated. (FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)Read more on FRANCE 24 EnglishRead also:90 Palest
- South China Morning Post
Han and Vance strike positive tone for US-China ties ahead of Trump inauguration
Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng has held talks with the US vice-president-elect J.D. Vance and tech billionaire Elon Musk at separate meetings in Washington ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a "long and fruitful" relationship. The meetings came two days after Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's phone conversation on Friday, when they "discussed balancing trade, fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects", the incoming US president said on his
- Associated Press
Rubio will meet with peers from India, Japan, Australia after expected confirmation, officials say
The Trump administration would begin formal international engagements this week when Marco Rubio — expected to be confirmed soon as secretary of state — meets with the foreign ministers of India, Japan and Australia, U.S. officials say. The so-called Quad grouping is a main component of the U.S. strategy to blunt increasing Chinese influence and aggression in the Indo-Pacific, an initiative that Trump had championed during his first term in office but was elevated to the leaders’ level by outgoing President Joe Biden. Rubio is expected to be confirmed by the Senate to the post of America’s top diplomat on Monday, just hours after President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in for his second term.
- Associated Press
Middle East latest: Released Israeli hostage says she has 'returned to life'
One of the Israeli hostages freed on the first day of the Gaza ceasefire said Monday in her first comments since being released that she has “returned to life.” Emily Damari, 28, was one of three hostages freed Sunday after spending 471 days in captivity. In an Instagram story, which was shared by Israeli media, Damari thanked her family and the large protest movement that coalesced to advocate for the release of the hostages.
- The Telegraph
Italy’s playboy prince says he hired a prostitute to show him how to have sex
Prince Emanuele Filiberto, the grandson of Italy’s last king, has revealed how he hired a prostitute to teach him how to have sex with his first girlfriend.
- Evening Standard
Briton, 19, mobbed in 30-man sex assault and threatened with rape during Italian trip
The student is in the process of filing a legal complaint in London, according to reports
- The Telegraph
Trump becomes one of world’s richest men after $43bn crypto coin launch
The launch of a Donald Trump “meme coin” has handed the incoming president a paper fortune that makes him one of the world’s richest men on the eve of his inauguration.
- HuffPost
CNN Data Reporter Hits Joe Biden With A Harsh Truth In His Final Hours Of Office
"My goodness gracious," Harry Enten said of one particular polling detail on the outgoing president.
- The Telegraph
‘The worst team maybe in Manchester United’s history’ – Amorim’s astonishing admission
Ruben Amorim says he is managing arguably the worst Manchester United team in history.
- INSIDER
I traveled to Hong Kong for the first time. Here are 5 things that surprised me about its food, transportation, and efficiency.
When I told my family I was planning a trip to Hong Kong, they responded: "Why? Isn't Hong Kong similar to Singapore?"
- The Telegraph
Watch: Gun-toting Hamas fighters return to Gaza streets as ceasefire begins
Masked Hamas fighters carrying rifles returned to the streets of Gaza after a ceasefire came into effect on Sunday, declaring “victory” as they drove through rubble-strewn streets.
- Yahoo News Singapore
CPF’s Special Account closure boosts retirement payouts for seniors; Singapore to enhance cost of living support in 2025 Budget: Singapore live news
CPF announces Special Account closure for members aged 55 and above as the government pledges more aid for cost of living woes. Plus some of the biggest and fascinating news in Singapore and beyond.
- Hello!
Netflix viewers can't stop binge-watching this 'addictive' and 'crazy' thriller
The thriller series, Departure, is now on Netflix and has viewers hooked despite its initial mixed reviews.
- CNN
Japan’s elderly are lonely and struggling. Some women choose to go to jail instead
The rooms are filled with elderly residents, their hands wrinkled and backs bent. They shuffle slowly down the corridors, some using walkers. Workers help them bathe, eat, walk and take their medication.
- Fortune
Meet the 34-year-old engineer who quit his day job to transform a cave into a vacation rental—now it’s booked out a year in advance, raking in over $700,000 a year
“I don't think I ever want a 9-to-5 again," says Gingerich who is taking home over $350,000 yearly with Dunlap Hollow.