
Palestinian Authority under fire for VIP vaccines
Palestinian human rights and civil society groups say the PA’s COVID vaccination programme lacks transparency.

Colombia military operation kills 10 FARC dissidents
Colombian army bombs a base used by dissidents from the former FARC rebel group in Calamar, Colombia.

Protests continue amid row over who represents Myanmar at UN
Anti-coup rallies resume as Myanmar envoy, military make rival claims to representation at the United Nations.

In Pictures: Risking death in search for antique Afghan carpets
Rug hunters spend weeks passing through villages like sleuths along old caravan trails, but journeys are full of peril.

There must be truth and justice for Algeria’s disappeared
The 2006 Charter on National Peace and Reconciliation continues to undermine justice in Algeria.

Venezuela’s Guaido, US top diplomat discuss ‘return to democracy’
US secretary of state spoke to Venezuela’s opposition leader, stressing the importance of a return to democracy.

Senegal opposition chief to appear in court over rape allegation
Summons came after Senegal’s parliament voted to strip Sonko of legal immunity.

Iraq: Ain al-Asad airbase, which hosts US forces, hit by rockets
Multiple rockets land at Iraq’s Ain al-Asad airbase where US, coalition forces stay, according to coalition spokesman.

Attacks on health care in Syria take ‘catastrophic’ toll
International Rescue Committee report shows the devastating impact a decade of war has had on healthcare in Syria.

Marriage for Sale
Some risk sham marriages to obtain European residency for a partner – but the practice can have shattering consequences.

Sri Lanka church to hold Black Sunday for justice in 2019 attacks
Roman Catholic Church declares Black Sunday to seek justice for victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attack.

Australian economy beats COVID blues to bounce back
Australia’s economy beats expectations to expand 3.1 percent in the final quarter of 2020.

Rio Tinto chairman quits over Aboriginal site damage in Australia
Anglo-Australian mining giant triggered an outcry last year when it blew up the ancient rock shelters at Juukan Gorge.

Japan billionaire seeks eight artists for voyage around Moon
Yusaku Maezawa launches search for eight people to join him as the first private passenger on a trip around the moon.

Japan steps up COVID testing, but some say more effort needed
During pandemic’s course, Japan performed about 60 tests per 1,000 people, compared with 130 in S Korea and 1,000 in US.

US concerned over report of possible N Korea nuclear reprocessing
Pentagon says Pyongyang could be trying to grab attention of new administration after failed Trump summitry.

‘Catastrophe’ as Brazil hits record-high daily COVID deaths
Deaths surge as political infighting undermines effective pandemic response and vaccination roll-out falters.

Race for EV batteries pits conservationists against green energy
The clash of environmental priorities poses a quandary for President Biden who made promises to both groups of voters.

Medics risk lives to treat injured in Myanmar anti-coup protests
Healthcare workers have set up mobile clinics to treat protesters but say their biggest challenge is ‘not to get shot’ .

Biden withdraws budget director nomination amid opposition
Both Republican and Democratic US legislators had raised opposition to Neera Tanden’s nomination over her past tweets.