Pocket Reader - News in English

Sorting Fact From Fiction as Fear Engulfs Bangladesh’s Hindus NYT » World News Reports of vandalism and mob violence are real, but wilder accusations emanating from India muddy the picture.

Is a Putin Ally in Belarus Making a Cautious Overture to the West? NYT » World News President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko of Belarus keeps arresting political opponents, but analysts wonder if a string of unusual pardons is a bid to get sanctions eased.

He Inherited a Seat in the House of Lords. The UK Government Says He Will Lose It in 2025. NYT » World News The U.K. government has pledged to remove hereditary peers from Parliament in 2025. For Lord Cromwell and 87 others, it is a wistful departure.

These Students Ousted a Government. Now They’re Rebuilding a Democracy. NYT » World News It is a daunting task for Bangladesh. But an unusual mix of young people and seasoned technocrats are determined to make the most of their opening.

Tuesday Briefing: The Matt Gaetz Report is Out NYT » World News Plus, celebrating “Chrismukkah.”

Netanyahu Signals Progress on Hostage Deal but Won’t Give Timeline NYT » World News While pledging to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza by any means necessary, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel said of the cease-fire talks with Hamas: “I don’t know how long it will take.”

Slovak Leader Visits Putin, Breaking With E.U.’s Policy of Isolation NYT » World News Prime Minister Robert Fico’s surprise visit to Moscow on Sunday, reportedly to discuss natural gas and Ukraine, was a blow to European unity against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron Appoints New Cabinet After Previous Government’s Collapse NYT » World News President Emmanuel Macron named the choices less than three weeks after the previous government collapsed. He had already picked François Bayrou as prime minister.

Christmas Market Attack in Germany Stirs Political Sniping NYT » World News After an assailant driving an S.U.V. killed five people, calls for solidarity have quickly given way to criticism by rival lawmakers, ahead of snap elections set for February.

Mozambique Court Upholds Result in Disputed Presidential Election NYT » World News The ruling comes after protests that left more than 100 people dead, and paves the way for the candidate from the long-governing Frelimo party to take office next month.

Top Arab Diplomats Visit Syria to Build Ties With New Leadership NYT » World News Ministers from Jordan and Qatar were among the first high-ranking Arab diplomats to meet with the leader of the rebel coalition that toppled the Syrian regime, as the Arab world seeks to bring Syria back into the fold.

A Canceled Vote in Romania Hands Russia a Propaganda Coup NYT » World News Many in the West have applauded the annulling of the first round of the presidential election, won by a Moscow-friendly candidate, but even his critics say it raises troubling questions about Romanian democracy.

Top Arab Diplomats Visit Syria to Build Ties With New Leadership NYT » World News Ministers from Jordan and Qatar were among the first high-ranking Arab diplomats to meet with the leader of the rebel coalition that toppled the Syrian regime two weeks ago.

Why Are North Korean Troops in Ukraine Taking Heavy Casualties? NYT » World News The North Korean army is one of the world’s largest.​ As it joins Russia’s war against Ukraine, its soldiers are paying a price for Kim Jong-un’s geopolitical maneuvers.

Under Pressure, Telegram Turns a Profit for the First Time NYT » World News Even as Telegram faces legal scrutiny and grapples with billions in debt, it is set to be profitable for the first time as it tries cryptocurrencies, subscriptions and ads.

Mpox Is Spreading in Congo’s Capital, Threatening Global Efforts to Contain the Virus NYT » World News In crowded Kinshasa, two strains of mpox are sweeping through a community that relies on selling sex. Hundreds of thousands of vaccines sent to the country have not been used.

Monday Briefing NYT » World News An attack at a Christmas market in Germany.

Organized Looting Throws Gaza Deeper Into Chaos NYT » World News Gangs are filling a power vacuum left by Israel in some parts of southern Gaza, hijacking desperately needed aid for Palestinian residents.

‘I Was Destroyed by It’: 4 Men on Abuse at Ireland’s Catholic Schools NYT » World News After decades of silence, dozens of older men are talking about the sexual abuse they suffered at schools run by religious orders. We spoke to four of them.

Surfers Return for Rare Big Wave Contest in Hawaii NYT » World News The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held only when conditions are just right. The 45 invited surfers had less than 48 hours to arrive on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, on Sunday.