Pocket Reader - News in English

Clearing a Final Hurdle, Dutch Leader Is Poised to Become NATO Chief NYT » World News Mark Rutte, the Netherlands’ prime minister, is expected to be elected as the head of the military alliance after Romania’s candidate dropped out.

3 Takeaways From Putin’s Trip to Vietnam NYT » World News The state visit by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to Vietnam had a very different backdrop than his trip to North Korea, as Hanoi has deepened ties with Washington.

Middle East Crisis: Divisions Between Israel’s Military and Government Spill Into Open NYT » World News The armed forces’ chief spokesman went public with frustration over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to advance a plan for governing postwar Gaza.

Putin Once Tried to Curb North Korea’s Nuclear Program. That’s Now Over. NYT » World News Vladimir Putin promised unspecified technological help to North Korea, which could allow it to advance its nuclear weapons program.

Seafaring Nomads Settle Down Without Quite Embracing Life on Land NYT » World News Indonesia’s Bajo people, who once spent most of their lives in boats or offshore huts, are adopting more sedentary habits, but without forsaking their deep connection to the sea.

How Architecture Became One of Ukraine’s Essential Defenses NYT » World News An exhibition in downtown Manhattan showcases more than a dozen grass-roots efforts to rebuild war-stricken cities.

Who Is Ibrahim al-Organi, Accused of Charging Palestinians to Escape Gaza? NYT » World News Ibrahim al-Organi has close connections with the Egyptian government, diplomats say, and he has multiple business interests in Gaza.

Hezbollah Leader Threatens Cyprus and Says It Will Fight Without ‘Limits’ if Israel Attacks NYT » World News Hassan Nasrallah, head of the Lebanese militia, also threatened Cyprus if it helped Israel in an all-out war. The Cypriot president responded that his nation was “not involved in any way.”

Russia and North Korea’s Defense Pact Is a New Headache for China NYT » World News The treaty raises the risk of confrontation in the region and could prompt the United States and its allies to bolster their military presence on China’s periphery.

Russia and North Korea’s Defense Pact Is a Told-You-So Moment in Asia NYT » World News While the agreement rattled officials in South Korea and Japan, the two U.S. allies in recent years have been expecting growing security challenges from North Korea.

When the Only Escape From War in Gaza Is to Buy a Way Out NYT » World News For many Palestinians, securing approval to exit the territory is possible only after raising thousands of dollars to pay middlemen or an Egyptian company.

Will Copa América Be Messi’s Last Time Representing Argentina in Soccer? NYT » World News Lionel Messi had said the 2022 World Cup, which his country won, was his last. Will the Copa América soccer tournament be his goodbye?

Is Hamas Bound by International Law? What to Know. NYT » World News The armed Islamist group committed war crimes on Oct. 7, experts say, and continues to do so by holding hostages.

Thursday Briefing NYT » World News Russia and North Korea pledge mutual defense.

Ecuador Hit by Nationwide Blackout NYT » World News The public works minister said the power outage had been caused by the failure of a transmission line.

Thursday Briefing: Russia and North Korea’s Defense Pledge NYT » World News Also, the challenges of getting aid into Gaza.

Putin’s Presidential Planes: What We Know NYT » World News The Kremlin clings to Soviet-designed aircraft even as Russia’s commercial carriers opt for Western planes.

Beluga Whales Are Rescued From Ukrainian War Zone to New Home in Spain NYT » World News A pair of beluga whales were extricated from the besieged city of Kharkiv and taken to an aquarium in Spain with help from experts around the world.

Officer in Sunak’s Protection Team Accused of Placing U.K. Election Bet NYT » World News The allegations came a week after a lawmaker and aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologized for having placed a similar bet on the date of the vote before it was officially announced.

Anarchy Hinders Gaza Aid Efforts, Despite Daily Combat Pause NYT » World News Thousands of tons of aid stockpiled in southern Gaza cannot be distributed because the roads are too dangerous, relief groups say.