Pocket Reader - News in English

Israel Strikes Syria Hours After Country’s Leader Demands Withdrawal NYT » World News The attacks in southern Syria are part of a new policy aimed at protecting what Israel calls its “security zone” in the region. Syria’s new government has condemned that policy.

What We Know About the U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal NYT » World News A draft agreement discussed on Tuesday does not include $500 billion payout the Trump administration demanded earlier.

Under Trump, America’s New Friends: Russia, North Korea and Belarus NYT » World News When it comes to the war in Ukraine, President Trump finds common cause with the world’s outlier states and stands against traditional U.S. allies like Britain, France, Germany, Canada, Japan and Italy.

Marian Turski, Who Refused to Forget the Holocaust, Dies at 98 NYT » World News From influential platforms, Mr. Turski, an Auschwitz survivor from Poland, warned the world of rising antisemitism and the perils of indifference to it.

U.S. and Ukraine Agree to Minerals Deal, Officials Say NYT » World News President Trump had insisted he wanted “payback” for past aid, shifting America’s three-year alliance with Ukraine to a mercantile footing.

What’s at Stake in Ukraine’s Deal With Trump NYT » World News The country has a bounty of minerals and other natural resources, including gas and oil, but they may not be easy to extract.

Trump’s Ukraine Mineral Deal Is Seen as ‘Protection Racket’ Diplomacy NYT » World News The United States wants to be paid in exchange for helping the country fend off an invader.

Unknown Deadly Illness Strikes Western Congo NYT » World News The outbreak has been traced, tentatively, to three children who ate a bat, the W.H.O. said, and known threats like Ebola and Marburg have been ruled out.

Wednesday Briefing: Taiwan Considers a Changed U.S. NYT » World News Plus, the microphone turns 100.

Trump Announces Investigation That Could Lead to Tariffs on Foreign Copper NYT » World News Tariffs, if they are imposed, could boost U.S. production of a valuable resource but also raise costs for automakers, construction companies and others.

Their Album is Wordless. Will Their Protest Against A.I. Resound? NYT » World News Musicians including Kate Bush and Billy Ocean released a “silent record” in outrage at a proposed change to British copyright law.

The World Bank Pivoted to Climate. That Now May Be a Problem. NYT » World News The Trump administration’s deep cuts to clean-energy programs is raising concerns about U.S. commitments to the lender.

German Central Bank Loss Points to More Economic Woes for Germany NYT » World News The central bank’s president said it was “not possible to rule out” a third year of no economic growth.

In Former East Germany, the Hard-Right AfD Party Finds Most of Its Support NYT » World News The former East Germany still votes virtually as a separate country — and increasingly for a party that has been linked to neo-Nazis.

N.S.F. Cuts Raise Fears of a Reduced U.S. Presence in Polar Regions NYT » World News The National Science Foundation has fired workers at the office that manages polar research, raising fears about a reduced U.S. presence in two strategic regions.

Anxious Prayers as Pope Francis Lingers in Critical Condition NYT » World News Eleven days after the pope was hospitalized, speculation is mounting and prayers for his recovery verge on a vigil.

U.K. to Raise Defense Spending to 2.5% of G.D.P. by 2027, Starmer Says NYT » World News Prime Minister Keir Starmer set out a timeline to increase British spending on defense, now 2.3 percent. He is scheduled to meet with President Trump this week.

How Can Europe Talk to Trump? Macron Tries Flattery, and Gentle Resistance. NYT » World News Emmanuel Macron, the French president, epitomized how the continent’s leaders are trying to navigate President Trump’s increasingly hostile administration.

Taiwan Detains a Chinese-Crewed Ship After Undersea Cable Severed NYT » World News The Coast Guard said it was investigating how the cable was severed and said it could not rule out the possibility of sabotage.

Taiwan Watches Trump Undercut Ukraine, Hoping It Won’t Be Next NYT » World News As President Trump turns toward Russia, Taiwan grapples with its reliance on U.S. support in the face of conflict with China.