Pocket Reader - News in English

Strategy of Recruiting Cheap Militiamen Backfires in Africa NYT » World News By arming civilians who are poorly trained and have little to no respect for human rights, the military in Burkina Faso has brought the West African nation to the brink of civil war.

‘They Had the Desire to Return’ NYT » World News Elated residents are trickling home to their shattered Syrian town, a rebel stronghold controlled until recently by the government.

Tropical Cyclone Chido Pummels French Territory Mayotte NYT » World News The storm, the equivalent of a Category 4, was moving toward East Africa’s coast on Sunday after killing several people in Mayotte, a French archipelago.

Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Envoy, Says His Impatience Nudged Japan Forward NYT » World News In a society used to quiet consensus-building, Tokyo has made bold changes to its defense policy. “Did I contribute to that?” Mr. Emanuel asked. “Uh, yeah.”

The Impeachment of South Korea’s President, Explained NYT » World News In its second attempt, the National Assembly moved to force President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. But the troubles for him and his country are far from over.

Hezbollah Loses Supply Route Through Syria, in Blow to It and Iran NYT » World News The militant group’s leader admits that the toppling of Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, cut off an important land route from Iran.

Argentina’s President Receives Italian Citizenship, Angering Law’s Critics NYT » World News Javier Milei is proud of his Italian ancestry and has tried to bolster ties with Italy’s conservative prime minister. But his new passport angered critics of Italy’s rules on citizenship.

Brazilian Police Arrest Close Ally of Ex-President Bolsonaro, Official Says NYT » World News Gen. Walter Braga Netto was Jair Bolsonaro’s running mate. The arrest was for meddling in an investigation into a plot to stage a coup, the police said.

Far-Right Soccer Star Is Tapped for Presidency of Georgia NYT » World News The vote, boycotted by opposition parties in Parliament, sets up a standoff with the sitting president and deepens turmoil in the country after protests and a disputed election.

South Korea’s President Impeached After Martial Law Crisis NYT » World News Some members of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s own party helped remove him from office. But the political uncertainty is far from over.

Blinken Meeting Arab Ministers Amid Uncertainty Over Syria Transition NYT » World News Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken was in Jordan to confer with Arab foreign ministers on the ouster of the longtime Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Joy and Celebrations in Seoul for Protesters as Yoon is Impeached NYT » World News “Long live South Korea!” the protesters chanted, describing a wave of relief after days of anger over the president’s surprise declaration of martial law.

Palestinian Authority Vows West Bank Raids Against Militants NYT » World News The Authority has struggled to crack down on powerful armed groups in the territory.

A Rare Cross-Canada Political Consensus Forms Against Trump’s Border Threat NYT » World News Canadian leaders agreed to tighten the border, but not on how to respond if President-elect Donald J. Trump follows through on 25 percent tariffs.

Sweet Season NYT » World News The holidays are upon us. It’s time to start baking.

Searching for Syria’s Disappeared NYT » World News Taher al-Zain’s father disappeared 12 years ago at the height of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. Now, like thousands of other Syrians, he is trying to find clues about what happened, and whether or not he may still be alive.

A Surprise Blockbuster in Brazil Stokes Oscar Hopes, and a Reckoning NYT » World News Decades after her mother missed out on an Oscar, Brazil’s Fernanda Torres may have a chance to win a golden statuette with a role in a film that has set off deep soul-searching.

Syria Shudders as Assad’s Prison Atrocities Come Into the Light NYT » World News At the country’s most notorious prison, Syrians confront their worst fears: that they will never know what happened to the loved ones who disappeared.

Canada’s Postal Strike Hits Christmas Deliveries in Remote Communities NYT » World News For many remote communities in the sparsely populated nation, Canada Post is the only parcel delivery option. Even Amazon relies on it.

Cajole, Plead and Flatter: Ukraine Makes Its Case to Trump NYT » World News Using diplomacy, flattery and the occasional shot in the dark, Ukraine is doing everything it can to win over President-elect Donald J. Trump to its side.