A prominent Saudi Arabian women’s rights activist whose arrest and alleged torture drew international condemnation was convicted of crimes against the state but could be freed from prison early next ... ( read original story ...)
New in 2021: US troop presence heading down to 2,500 in Iraq and Afghanistan
U.S. troop levels hit 2,500 each in Iraq and Afghanistan, after nearly two decades of war in both countries. Though it did not set another milestone for Iraq, the Trump administration has said it ... ( read original story ...)
South Korea, Finland confirm first cases of the new COVID-19 variant
South Korea and Finland both said they have confirmed their first cases of the new COVID-19 variant, which has been running through the United Kingdom and has prompted shutdowns across Europe. What’s ... ( read original story ...)
South Korea confirms first COVID-19 variant cases
South Korea has confirmed its first cases of a more contagious variant of COVID-19 that was first identified in the United Kingdom. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said Monday the ... ( read original story ...)
Iran: At least 12 climbers killed after heavy snowfall
Heavy snow and winds in several parts of Iran in the past few days have closed many roads and disrupted transport. ( read original story ...)
Turkey tightens government control over civil society groups
Turkey has passed a law expanding government control over civil society groups, a move that rights campaigners warn may lead to the closure of non-governmental organisations and throttle what dissent ... ( read original story ...)
Japan suspends international air travel in response to new virus variant
Japan clamped down on international visits by non-resident foreign nationals until the end of January in response to the spread of a new more virulent variant of the coronavirus that has sickened ... ( read original story ...)
Almost 70% of the world’s soccer balls are made in one city in Pakistan — here’s what it’s like inside one of the factories
The city of Sialkot in northern Pakistan is home to at least 1,000 soccer ball factories that employ almost 60,000 people. ( read original story ...)
Blackcaps v Pakistan: first test, day four – Live updates
NZ lead by 239 NZ 431 (Williamson 129, Watling 73, Taylor 70, Nicholls 56, Shaheen 4/109) Pakistan 239 (Faheem 91, Rizwan 71, Jamieson 3/35) 17th over - Naseem continues. Latham has a single to deep ... ( read original story ...)
Australia v India: second Test, day four – live!
Can the bowlers save Australia again by fighting back from an almost hopeless position? Join Geoff Lemon for updates ... ( read original story ...)