Venezuela Frees Key Opposition Figures, Then Rearrests One
Hours after at least 35 political prisoners were released, one of the most prominent was apparently back in custody, raising doubts about the government’s direction and control.
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US not trying to dismantle Nato or undermine world order, says ambassador – Europe live
Matthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to Nato, responds to criticism in the Munich Security Conference reportJimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison for national security offencesIn its section on Europe, the Munich Security Conference report has also warned that the continent was entering “a prolonged era of confrontation, as Russia’s full-scale war of aggression and expanding hybrid campaign dismantle the remnants of the post-cold war cooperative security order.”It also added that:“Washington’s gradual retreat from its traditional role as Europe’s primary security guarantor – reflected in wavering support for Ukraine and threatening rhetoric on Greenland – is heightening Europe’s sense of insecurity and exposing its unfinished transition from security consumer to security provider.”“Analysts widely view these operations as deliberate efforts by Moscow to probe Europe’s defences, sow division, intimidate publics, and weaken support for Ukraine by diverting attention toward domestic security. Europe now faces the challenge of proactively deterring further provocations while avoiding inadvertent escalation.”“European leaders have long refrained from overt criticism of US policies. Instead, they have pursued a dual strategy: striving to keep Washington engaged at almost any cost while cautiously preparing for greater autonomy. …Recent confrontations over Greenland, in turn, suggest that Europe’s strategy of accommodation may be reaching its limits.”“Given the urgency of these tasks and the limits of consensus-based decision-making, progress will depend on courageous leadership coalitions. Smaller avant-gardes, such as the Weimar Plus countries (France, Germany, Poland, and the UK) or the European Group of Five (the former plus Italy), will be essential to drive defense industrial consolidation, articulate a coherent European vision for Ukraine, and prepare the EU for enlargement. These steps will involve sharing costs and political risk. Continue reading...
Russia scrambles to close communications gap on battlefield after Starlink deactivated
Elon Musk’s SpaceX blocks Russia’s illicit use of satellite internet, which Ukraine says is already affecting operationsRussia’s military is scrambling to find alternatives to Starlink satellite internet after access to the network was curtailed, disrupting a key communications system that Kremlin forces had been using illicitly on the battlefield.Ukraine said last week that Starlink terminals being used by Russian troops had been deactivated after talks between its defence minister and Elon Musk, whose company SpaceX operates the satellite network. Continue reading...
No 10 claims Starmer ‘positive, confident and determined’ despite resignation of two key aides in 24 hours – UK politics live
PM addresses Downing St staff after Morgan McSweeney and communications chief Tim Allan step down Tim Allan said he was standing down to allow Keir Starmer the opportunity to build a new team.In a statement, he said:I have decided to stand down to allow a new No 10 team to be built.I wish the PM and his team every success. Continue reading...
Trump claims Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl show watched by millions was ‘affront’ to American ‘greatness’ – US politics live
Puerto Rican musician has been vocal critic of US president, who claimed performance held almost entirely in Spanish was a ‘slap in the face’Donald Trump may have not enjoyed Bad Bunny’s acclaimed Super Bowl half-time show but so many others have taken to social media to heap praise on the performance.The 31-year-old singer took to the stage in Santa Clara, California, for a performance which was almost entirely in Spanish to celebrate his Puerto Rican heritage and culture.The real American Dream isn’t about fitting a stereotype - it’s about believing in yourself when the world tries to tell you otherwise.Proud to call Bad Bunny my friend - a Puerto Rican, an American, a creator who stood on the Super Bowl stage and reminded the world that language, culture, and identity are part of this country’s story.They need to give me several hours to let me process and understand the tsunami of emotions I’m feeling. Thank you.It was my absolute honour to be a part of Benito’s halftime show.Thank you Benito for inviting me and thank you to the entire cast for welcoming me onto your stage. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Continue reading...
Police use pepper spray at Sydney rally against Isaac Herzog visit, with MP alleging officers threw punches
Grace Tame and Lidia Thorpe address crowds in Sydney and Melbourne as NSW Labor backbencher says police reaction ‘totally over-the-top’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNew South Wales police have pepper sprayed protesters at a Sydney rally opposing Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s visit, with a state Labor MP claiming their actions were “totally over-the-top” and a Greens MP alleging she was assaulted.The brutal and chaotic scenes came after thousands gathered lawfully near Sydney’s Town Hall on Monday evening, before attempting to march to state parliement in defiance of a NSW law passed in the wake of the Bondi antisemitic terror attack that effectively bans protesters from marching in designated areas. Continue reading...
UK PM Starmer’s communications chief quits amid Epstein scandal fallout
PM faces criticism for backing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to US despite his known links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Police pepper spray protesters as Israeli president visits Sydney
Isaac Herzog is on a four-day visit to Australia following the December mass shooting at Bondi Beach.
‘Tell the truth’: Epstein survivors demand justice in Super Bowl ad
The advertisement urges US Attorney General Pam Bondi to disclose all remaining files related to the late sex offender.
US news anchor Savannah Guthrie says 'we will pay' in plea for mother's return
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared in the middle of night from her home in Tucson, Arizona, last weekend.