Viktor Babaryko, a Belarusian opposition politician imprisoned for over 630 days, was recently seen in a video and photos, marking the first contact since his 2020 arrest. Detained while running against President Lukashenko, Babaryko was held incommunicado, described by his team as “torturous.” The images show him significantly thinner, dressed in prison overalls, sending greetings to family. Similar images of fellow political prisoner Maria Kolesnikova were released last year. Both sets of images were published by Roman Protasevich, a former activist now cooperating with Belarusian authorities. Noah Prescott 09/01/2025 11:30 am
Iranian General Behrouz Esbati criticized Russia for misleading Tehran about its military actions in Syria, accusing Moscow of bombing deserts instead of targeting Syrian rebels. His remarks, notable due to Russia’s alliance with Iran, partially blamed Russia for Bashar Assad’s fall. Esbati also cited internal corruption in Syria and tensions between Damascus and Tehran over Assad’s refusal to support Iranian attacks on Israel. An audio recording of his speech was published by journalist Abdullah Abdi. Ava Sinclair 09/01/2025 11:30 am
Takeshi Ebisawa, a Japanese Yakuza leader, pleaded guilty in a New York court to trafficking nuclear materials from Myanmar, intending to sell them to a supposed Iranian general for a nuclear weapons program. The US DEA’s 2021 undercover operation revealed Ebisawa’s plans to trade uranium and plutonium, alongside narcotics and weapons, including surface-to-air missiles. Ebisawa admitted to laundering drug money and conspiring with Myanmar insurgents. Myanmar, rich in resources like uranium, is a hub for transnational crime amid ongoing civil conflict. Noah Prescott 09/01/2025 11:30 am
President Zelensky’s decision not to renew the Russian gas transit contract through Ukraine may harm Ukraine more than Russia, as Ukraine relies on Europe and the U.S. for energy. The move could be seen as a response to Slovakia and Hungary, who oppose Ukraine’s NATO membership and have blocked EU military aid. Slovakia and Hungary’s reliance on Russian energy complicates the situation, with Slovakia threatening to cut electricity exports to Ukraine. The decision has minimal impact on Russia’s economy but raises questions about its strategic intent. Penelope Kingsley 09/01/2025 11:30 am
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro faces significant international criticism amid claims he lost last year’s election. Despite allegations of election fraud and increased repression, he’s set to begin a third term. Challenges include economic collapse, human rights investigations, and a $15 million U.S. bounty for alleged drug trafficking. Maduro’s leadership, marked by conflict since succeeding Hugo Chávez, faces its toughest test yet, impacting Venezuela’s fragile democracy. His past, torn between baseball and politics, reflects his lifelong commitment to radical politics, shaped by ideological training in Cuba. Noah Prescott 09/01/2025 8:00 am
Elon Musk’s interview with German far-right leader Alice Weidel on X is under scrutiny by EU regulators for potential law violations. They are particularly concerned about whether the platform gives an unfair advantage to Weidel’s AfD party ahead of Germany’s election. The European Commission, with up to 150 officials, is investigating if X complies with the Digital Services Act. Evidence from the interview could support the EU’s case against X, which was charged in July for not respecting EU rules. A decision is pending, with potential diplomatic implications involving the U.S. administration. Penelope Kingsley 09/01/2025 8:00 am
Hadi Nazari, a 23-year-old hiker, survived 13 days lost in Australia’s Kosciuszko National Park by finding two granola bars. He was rescued on January 8 after being spotted by hikers, 10 kilometers from the search command post. Over 300 people participated in the search. Nazari was airlifted to safety and found in good health. His family expressed immense relief and joy at his safe return, calling it the “happiest day of our lives.” Penelope Kingsley 09/01/2025 8:00 am
Lebanon’s parliament is poised to elect army chief Joseph Aoun as president, ending a vacancy since 2022 and highlighting Hezbollah’s reduced influence. The presidency, reserved for a Maronite Christian, has been vacant since Michel Aoun’s term ended. Momentum for Joseph Aoun grew after Hezbollah’s candidate, Suleiman Frangieh, withdrew. Western and Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, have shown support for Aoun, who is backed by the U.S. Aoun has led the U.S.-supported Lebanese army since 2017. Noah Prescott 09/01/2025 8:00 am
The Israeli military found the body of Yousef Zyadna, a Bedouin Arab hostage, in a Gaza tunnel, indicating he was “killed in captivity.” Evidence suggests his son, Hamza, may also be dead. Both were abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Two other siblings, Aisha and Bilal, were released during a ceasefire. The attack led to Israel’s campaign against Hamas, resulting in over 45,930 deaths in Gaza. Israel reports 95 hostages remain, with 34 presumed dead. Penelope Kingsley 09/01/2025 4:30 am
Relief efforts in western China are focusing on resettling survivors after a deadly earthquake near a Tibetan Buddhist holy city. Over 46,000 people have been relocated, with 126 killed and 188 injured. Relief supplies like tents and stoves are being distributed. The quake struck near Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, and was followed by over 500 aftershocks. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a magnitude of 7.1, while China’s center reported 6.8. Vigils were held by Tibetans in India and Nepal. Noah Prescott 09/01/2025 4:30 am
