Pocket Reader - News in English

Ahmed al-Shara: The Evolution of Syria’s New Leader NYT » World News Ahmed al-Shara’s unlikely path from membership in Al Qaeda to head of state has raised questions about how he intends to govern Syria.

Facing Trump’s Hostility, Ukraine Weighs Its Options. But They Are Few. NYT » World News There is a broad reckoning in Ukraine: Washington can no longer be relied upon as a supporter. But Kyiv still has agency on the battlefield and can seek increased support from Europe.

Facing Early-Onset Alzheimer’s, She Fought to Expand Assisted Suicide in Quebec NYT » World News Sandra Demontigny, 45, pushed Quebec to become one of the few places in the world to allow people to choose a medically assisted death sometimes years in advance.

Syria Begins National Dialogue but Without Kurdish-Led Militia NYT » World News Although the conference was called to chart the country’s future, the Kurdish-led militia that controls much of Syria’s northeast was not invited.

Tuesday Briefing NYT » World News Tension between Europe and the U.S. over Ukraine.

How a Demographic ‘Doom Loop’ Helped Germany’s Far Right NYT » World News Understanding the Alternative for Germany’s success in Sunday’s elections.

3 Workers Killed in Highway Bridge Collapse in South Korea NYT » World News Seven others were injured when part of a highway construction site broke apart on Tuesday morning, officials said.

Putin Dangles Deals for Rare Earth Metals for U.S. NYT » World News In an interview broadcast on Monday, President Vladimir Putin said U.S. companies stood to profit in Russia, but suggested a Ukraine peace deal was still far-off.

Hopes Fade for Workers Trapped for Days in Tunnel in India NYT » World News Local officials have been unable to make contact with eight people after wall of silt and water caused the ceiling to collapse.

Ukraine Nears a Deal to Give U.S. a Share of Its Mineral Wealth NYT » World News President Trump said that Ukraine’s president may soon visit the White House to sign a deal, though how it ties in to efforts to end the Russian invasion and guarantee Ukraine’s security is unclear.

Hamas Official Expresses Reservations About Oct. 7 Attack on Israel NYT » World News Mousa Abu Marzouk, the head of Hamas’s foreign relations office, said he would not have supported such an attack on Israel had he known of the devastation it would wreak on Gaza.

Tuesday Briefing: The Ukraine War’s 3rd Anniversary NYT » World News Plus, letting resorts run wild.

British Couple Arrested by Taliban in Afghanistan, Family Says NYT » World News Peter and Barbie Reynolds were arrested on Feb. 1, their children told U.K. news outlets. The couple had run an education company in Afghanistan for almost two decades.

Trump, Meeting With Macron, Says He Might Visit Russia NYT » World News The White House talks came amid simmering tensions over America’s turn toward President Vladimir Putin.

Francis Is in Critical Condition. What Happens When a Pope Dies? NYT » World News Time-honored rituals, drafted and refined over centuries, allow for ritual mourning and provide order at a dramatic moment of transition.

Elon Musk Congratulates AfD Leader on Germany’s Election Results NYT » World News The leader of the party said she received the call after the party known as the AfD finished second in national elections, by far the best showing in its history.

U.S. Votes Against U.N. Resolution Demanding Russian Withdrawal from Ukraine NYT » World News The United States voted against a resolution, backed by most of Europe, demanding Russian withdrawal from Ukraine — a deep fissure between allies, and a sharp shift in American policy.

Why Tensions Are Rising Over Israel’s Operations in the West Bank NYT » World News Amid the most intensive Israeli operations in the area in decades, Palestinians fear entrenched displacement and a return to military control in some towns.

How TikTok Helped Germany’s Left to a Surprise Election Showing NYT » World News Struggling a month ago, the Die Linke party surged into Parliament by riding a backlash against conservative immigration policy.

How Friedrich Merz Will Try to Lead Europe Despite a Weakened Hand NYT » World News The likely next chancellor is unpopular, and his country’s economy has stalled. But his penchant for risks could help lead to a European showdown with President Trump.