Pocket Reader - News in English

Middle East Crisis: U.S. Conducts Strikes in Iraq and Syria Against Iran’s Forces and Its Proxies NYT » World News More than 85 targets at several sites were hit, U.S. Central Command said, in retaliation for attacks on U.S. forces by Iran-backed militias, including one that killed three American soldiers.

What Withholding Funds to UNRWA Means for Gaza NYT » World News After 12 employees of the U.N. agency were accused of participating in the Oct. 7 attack against Israel, some donor countries have suspended funding. But more than a million people in Gaza depend on the agency for aid.

What to Know About the Return of Power-Sharing in Northern Ireland NYT » World News For the first time, a Sinn Fein politician will serve as first minister.

U.N. Court to Rule on Whether Ukraine Committed Genocide NYT » World News The highest court of the United Nations will render a verdict on a claim that has been used by Russia to justify its invasion.

U.S. Leading Soft Landing for Global Economy NYT » World News Economies all over the world are lowering inflation while avoiding serious recession — but growth in the United States stands out.

How Shrinking Populations Fuel Divisive Politics NYT » World News A look into the future shows the importance of immigration.

U.N. Climate Chief Warns Countries Against ‘Hiding Behind Loopholes’ NYT » World News Simon Stiell used a speech in Azerbaijan to set expectations for global climate negotiations there this year.

How Closely Does Iran Control Its Proxy Forces? It Depends. NYT » World News Tehran provides arms and support to an array of militant groups across the Mideast, but it does not call all the shots, experts say.

January Transfer Window Totals: Where Have All the Deals Gone? NYT » World News A quiet January window may not be a bubble bursting, but rather an awareness that the player-acquisition business has changed.

Pigeon Collared as a Possible Chinese Spy Is Freed After 8 Months NYT » World News Animal rights activists in Mumbai celebrated an end to the “wrongful imprisonment” of a mystery bird that a detective concluded was probably a lost racer from Taiwan.

Widening Mideast Crisis: Israelis and Palestinians See Different Problems With Sanctions on Settlers NYT » World News President Biden ordered financial and travel penalties on four Israelis accused of attacks in the West Bank. Some denounced the sanctions, while others called them insufficient.

Fire From Explosion of Gas-Laden Vehicle Kills at Least 3 in Nairobi NYT » World News More than 270 others were injured in the late-night blaze that burned many homes and a warehouse.

El Salvador’s Strongman Is Set to Ride a Landslide Past Checks and Balances NYT » World News The millennial president, Nayib Bukele, and his party are likely to win resoundingly in elections Sunday. His running mate says they are “replacing” democracy.

In Russia, a Cat Thrown From a Train Offers a Safe Space to Vent NYT » World News The death of a pet during a train journey has given Russians a safe space to speak out and connect, and allowed the Kremlin to shift attention from wartime gloom.

In the West Bank, Palestinians Struggle to Adjust to a New Reality NYT » World News The volatile mix of violence, tensions and Israeli restrictions has had a stultifying effect on the West Bank.

Cleaning Latrines by Hand: ‘How Could Any Human Do That?’ NYT » World News Bezwada Wilson, born into a caste tasked with manually removing dried human waste, has spent 40 years trying to eradicate the practice and retrain workers.

Malaysia Halves Sentence of Najib Razak, Fallen Ex-Prime Minister NYT » World News His release has been set for August 2028 and his fine reduced to a quarter of its original amount, a move that has drawn criticism from observers and citizens.

Over 800 Officials in U.S. and Europe Sign Letter Protesting Israel Policies NYT » World News The document was signed by government employees in 12 nations and E.U. institutions. Signers say their leaders’ policies could be contributing to war crimes in Gaza.

China Meets the U.S. to Discuss Fentanyl, But the Détente Has Limits NYT » World News Negotiations have resumed on restricting the flow of fentanyl into the United States. But Beijing may prove less cooperative on Iran and North Korea.

Friday Briefing NYT » World News The E.U. reached a Ukraine aid deal.