Pocket Reader - News in English

Live Updates: South Korea’s President Impeached Over Martial Law Crisis NYT » World News President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Dec. 3 and plunged South Korea into political turmoil. Some members of Mr. Yoon’s own party helped pass the motion to impeach.

South Korea’s President Faces New Impeachment Vote NYT » World News President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ruling party blocked the opposition’s first attempt a week ago after his short-lived attempt to declare martial law.

Singer Turns ‘Feliz Navidad’ Into Protest Anthem Against Yoon Suk Yeol NYT » World News Baek Jae Gil, whose viral anthem calls for the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol, has a long history with the country’s pro-democracy movement.

Joy Buoys Syria’s First Friday Prayers Since Assad Ouster, but Hardships Loom NYT » World News In an impoverished, war-ravaged country, the first prayers after the fall of a brutal regime drew jubilant crowds, even in areas seen as regime strongholds.

Joy Buoys Syria’s First Friday Prayers Since Assad Ouster, but Hardships Loom NYT » World News In an impoverished, war-ravaged country, the first prayers after the fall of a brutal regime drew jubilant crowds, even in areas seen as regime strongholds.

What is Captagon, the Illegal Stimulant Made in Assad’s Syria? NYT » World News The illegal amphetamine, used across the Middle East, became Syria’s biggest export during its 13-year civil war.

Critics Complain That Italy’s Government Is Interfering in the Arts NYT » World News Italy’s culture ministry dismissed experts preparing an exhibition on Futurism and put in its own appointees, who created a show that seems to glorify the Mussolini years.

Russia Launches Missile Attack on Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure NYT » World News Military analysts had speculated that Moscow could escalate such attacks as a show of force after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, its ally.

Live Updates: Joyous Syrians Gather for 1st Friday Prayers Since al-Assad’s Fall NYT » World News A celebratory mood in Damascus and other cities reflected relief at the fall of the Assad dynasty after a half-century of rule.

Turkey Emerges as a Big Winner in the Wake of al-Assad’s Ouster NYT » World News President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had long worked with the rebels who overtook Damascus. His influence over Syria is now likely to grow.

With al-Assad Gone, Syrians Search Prisons for Traces of Their Loved Ones NYT » World News Guided by cellphone flashlights, relatives searched a notorious lockup in Damascus for traces of loved ones who were snatched during the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Macron Appoints François Bayrou as France’s New Prime Minister NYT » World News François Bayrou, a veteran centrist politician, will now become the fourth prime minister in a year, a record for France.

Prince Andrew’s Links to Chinese Spy Suspect Revealed by U.K. Court NYT » World News A London immigration court upheld a ban on a Chinese citizen described as a “close confidant” of the prince’s, on the grounds of national security.

Iranians Confront Their Leaders Over Syria Debacle NYT » World News For decades, Iran poured money and military aid into Syria, backing the Assad regime in its ambition to confront Israel. Now many Iranians are openly asking why.

For Wild Animals, the Bird Flu Disaster Is Already Here NYT » World News Scientists are concerned that the H5N1 virus could set off another human pandemic. But it is already putting species under pressure in the wild.

Europe Begins to Ask if Syrians Can Go Home After al-Assad’s Fall NYT » World News Nearly a million Syrians in Germany alone have made new lives. But after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, some politicians across the continent have suggested that refugees could return home.

Canada’s Gas Brings Indigenous People New Money, and Old Worries NYT » World News New export terminals on Indigenous land have reignited a generations-old debate over identity and environmental stewardship.

Ukrainian Women Are Traveling to the Front Line to Keep Love Alive NYT » World News Many women are making dangerous trips to places where loved ones are fighting Russian forces. “We try to imagine that for these two days, there is no war,” one said.

Friday Briefing NYT » World News Here’s what you need to know.

Friday Briefing: Israeli Forces to Stay in Syria for Now NYT » World News Plus, British pubs are scrambling for Guinness.