Pocket Reader - News in English

Paul Watson, Anti-Whaling Activist, Is Released After 5 Months in Prison NYT » World News Mr. Watson was facing extradition to Japan but was released after Denmark decided to reject the extradition request, his lawyer said.

Syria’s Rebel Leader Vows to Disband Armed Factions NYT » World News In the latest effort to present an image of stability, the leader of the rebel coalition that swept to power over a week ago said armed groups would be dissolved. It was not immediately clear how that would be achieved.

Behind Germany’s Government Collapse Is Frustration Over a Stagnating Economy NYT » World News One of Europe’s powerhouses is losing its competitive edge, and the political class can’t agree on why — or what to do about it.

A Biodiversity Solution Might Be Hiding in Plain Sight. NYT » World News We tend to look at environmental problems in isolation. A holistic approach would be more effective, a new report says.

Idlib Residents Describe Life Under Syria’s Rebels NYT » World News The Islamists who now lead Syria have ruled the city of Idlib for years. Residents say they imposed some strict laws, but also heeded some complaints and improved public services.

Mayotte, Cyclone-Hit French Territory, Imposes Curfew as Aid Is Rushed In NYT » World News Hundreds are feared dead after the storm razed entire neighborhoods in Mayotte, a series of islands off the eastern coast of Africa.

Trump’s Tariffs Helped Northern Vietnam Boom Like Never Before. What Now? NYT » World News The north benefited from the global search for alternatives to Chinese manufacturing. No one knows whether a second Trump term will impede or accelerate that growth.

Cafes Can’t Play Music, but the Water Taps Work: Life Under Syria’s Rebels NYT » World News The Islamists who now lead Syria have ruled the city of Idlib for years. Residents say they imposed some strict laws, but also heeded some complaints and improved public services.

U.S. Cites ‘Indications’ North Korean Soldiers Died Fighting for Russia NYT » World News The entry of North Korea into the war with Ukraine has marked a serious escalation in the conflict.

What North Korea Gains By Sending Troops to Fight For Russia NYT » World News Sending troops to fight against Ukraine has gotten North Korea much-needed cash and diplomatic leverage. But there may be hidden costs, too.

Bomb Kills Russian General in Moscow NYT » World News The general, Igor Kirillov, died after a bomb in a scooter exploded, officials said. He was the head of Russia’s radioactive, chemical and biological defense forces.

Tuesday Briefing NYT » World News Germany’s political turmoil.

Vanuatu Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alert NYT » World News Tsunami waves of less than a foot hit Vanuatu’s coastline. Officials said the threat had passed about an hour after a tsunami alert was issued.

Syrian Rebel Leader Calls for Lifting of Sanctions, as Assad Defends Exit NYT » World News Ahmed al-Shara urged nations to remove sanctions from Syria and the terrorism designation from his group so Syria could rebuild. Bashar al-Assad also gave his first account of fleeing to Russia.

Tuesday Briefing: Syria’s New Leader Calls for Lifting Sanctions NYT » World News Plus, the breakout stars of 2024.

Putin Stays Silent on Syria in Meeting With Russia’s Military NYT » World News In an hourlong televised meeting with his top military brass, Vladimir Putin left Syria unmentioned and made it clear that winning in Ukraine was his top priority.

What to Know About the Collapse of Germany’s Government, and What’s Next NYT » World News Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in the German Parliament, ending the unpopular three-party coalition government he has led since 2021.

Austin Tice’s Mother Appeals to Netanyahu to Pause Strikes to Search for Son in Syrian Area NYT » World News Debra Tice wrote to the Israeli prime minister that her family had “credible information” that Austin Tice may be held in a prison outside Damascus, in an area where Israel had been conducting military operations.

Letby’s Lawyers Seek Appeal After Lead Expert ‘Changed Mind’ on Murders NYT » World News Lawyers for Lucy Letby, a British nurse found guilty of the murders of seven babies, said that new evidence about the prosecution’s lead witness undermined the case against her.

Ex-Bangladeshi Leader Orchestrated Mass Disappearances, Inquiry Finds NYT » World News Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and top officials are implicated in a centralized program that abducted dissidents and held them in secret prisons, an official commission’s preliminary report said.