World News

40017 readers
8 users here now

A community for discussing events around the World

Rules:

Similarly, if you see posts along these lines, do not engage. Report them, block them, and live a happier life than they do. We see too many slapfights that boil down to "Mom! He's bugging me!" and "I'm not touching you!" Going forward, slapfights will result in removed comments and temp bans to cool off.

We ask that the users report any comment or post that violate the rules, to use critical thinking when reading, posting or commenting. Users that post off-topic spam, advocate violence, have multiple comments or posts removed, weaponize reports or violate the code of conduct will be banned.

All posts and comments will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This means that some content that violates the rules may be allowed, while other content that does not violate the rules may be removed. The moderators retain the right to remove any content and ban users.


Lemmy World Partners

News !news@lemmy.world

Politics !politics@lemmy.world

World Politics !globalpolitics@lemmy.world


Recommendations

For Firefox users, there is media bias / propaganda / fact check plugin.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/media-bias-fact-check/

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
1
 
 

Summary

Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have disconnected from Russia’s power grid to prevent "geopolitical blackmail."

The move, decades in the making, was accelerated by fears of Russian pressure after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Baltic states will test their energy stability for 24 hours before integrating with Europe’s grid via Poland.

Officials warn of potential cyberattacks and sabotage, with increased security in place.

Estonia’s Kaja Kallas called the move "a victory for freedom and European unity."

2
 
 

They call negotiations a thing. It's as if someone is saying the opposite! today, the foreign ministry of the islamic republic of iran, a member of the security ministry, talks with the world and makes contracts with other countries. Any country is accepted except usa and israel, The Zionist regime, because it is not an state. Its a gang of criminals.

Use a translator to translate the link in the post. Link to the words

3
 
 

Summary

A Canadian task force detected a "coordinated and malicious" online campaign linked to China, targeting Chrystia Freeland, a candidate to replace Justin Trudeau as prime minister.

The campaign was traced to a WeChat news account linked to the Chinese government, with over 30 accounts participating. China’s embassy has not responded, but Beijing has denied interference allegations.

This follows previous claims of Chinese election meddling.

Freeland stated she "will not be intimidated." Trudeau remains PM until a new Liberal leader is chosen on March 9.

4
 
 

The United States has announced the approval of the sale of more than $7.4bn in bombs, missiles and related equipment to Israel, which has used American-made weapons to devastating effect during the war in Gaza.

The state department has signed off on the sale of $6.75bn in bombs, guidance kits and fuses, in addition to $660m in Hellfire missiles, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The proposed sale of the bombs “improves Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serves as a deterrent to regional threats”, the DSCA said in a statement.

5
 
 

The United States has demanded that Hezbollah must not be part of Lebanon’s government.

Washington’s Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus said on Friday after meeting Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun that she was “not afraid” of the armed group “because they’ve been defeated militarily”. However, she said that the US has made its continued role in the government a “red line”.

Later on Friday, the head of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, Mohammed Raad, slammed Ortagus’s comments as “blatant interference” in Lebanon’s affairs.

Ortagus is the first senior US official to visit Lebanon since US President Donald Trump took office and since Aoun was elected president.

Her visit comes amid a stalled cabinet formation process in Lebanon, where government posts are apportioned on sectarian lines. Hezbollah’s ally, the Amal Movement, has insisted on approving all Shia Muslim ministers, keeping the process in deadlock.

6
 
 

Trump presented his ethnic cleansing plan as if he had the best interests of the Palestinians at heart. As if he was saving them from a disaster-prone earthquake zone, not from a genocidal neighbour he counts as Washington’s closest ally. His comments were greeted with shock and horror in western and Arab capitals. Everyone is distancing themselves from his blatant backing for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza’s population.

But these are the same leaders who kept silent through 15 months of Israel’s levelling of Gaza’s homes, hospitals, schools, universities, libraries, government buildings, mosques, churches and bakeries. Then, they spoke of Israel’s right to "defend itself" even as Israel caused so much damage the United Nations warned it would take up to 80 years to rebuild the territory - that is, four generations.

What did they think would happen at the end of the wrecking spree they armed and fully supported? Did they imagine the people of Gaza could survive for years without homes, or hospitals, or schools, or water systems, or electricity? They knew this was the outcome: destitute Palestinians would either risk death in the ruins or be forced to move out.

And western politicians not only let it happen, they told us it was "proportionate", it was necessary. They smeared anyone who dissented, anyone who called for a ceasefire, anyone who went on a protest march as an antisemite and a Jew hater.

7
 
 

A pitiless crackdown on on illegal immigration. A hardline approach to law and order. A purge of “gender ideology” and “wokeness” from the nation’s schools. Erosions of academic freedom, judicial independence and the free press. An alliance with Christian nationalism. An assault on democratic institutions.

The “electoral autocracy” that is Viktor Orbán’s Hungary has been long revered by Donald Trump and his “Make America Great Again” (Maga) movement. Now admiration is turning into emulation. In the early weeks of Trump’s second term as US president, analysts say, there are alarming signs that the Orbánisation of America has begun.

8
 
 

Summary

Governments worldwide condemned Donald Trump’s sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza war crimes.

Trump’s order imposed economic sanctions and travel bans on ICC staff, calling the warrants “illegitimate.”

The ICC and 79 nations, including Germany, France, and the UK, denounced the move as a threat to international justice.

Amnesty International called it “vindictive.” ICC officials fear the sanctions could disrupt their work, with Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan potentially targeted next.

9
 
 

Summary

The parents of four British teenagers are suing TikTok, alleging that its algorithm promoted the deadly "blackout challenge," leading to their children's deaths in 2022.

The lawsuit, filed by the Social Media Victims Law Center, claims TikTok deliberately pushed dangerous content to maximize engagement.

The case follows similar lawsuits and renewed scrutiny of social media’s role in child safety.

New UK laws now require platforms to prevent children from accessing harmful challenge videos.

10
 
 

Summary

French prosecutors have launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s X over allegations that it manipulated its algorithms to distort discourse.

The probe follows a report from a French lawmaker, citing "biased algorithms" that may have interfered with automated data processing.

Meanwhile, the EU is also investigating X for potential violations of the Digital Services Act, demanding internal algorithm documents by Feb. 15.

X has faced criticism for allegedly amplifying far-right content, with Musk publicly supporting Germany’s far-right AfD party.

11
 
 

Summary

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a private meeting inadvertently broadcast via a hot mic, warned that Donald Trump is seriously considering annexing Canada to secure its critical mineral resources.

Speaking to business and labor leaders, Trudeau claimed Trump’s administration is keenly aware of Canada’s resource wealth and sees annexation as a means to control it.

The comments, cut off after staff realized they were audible, underscore growing economic and political tensions.

He also stressed the need to diversify trade, noting, “Geography means we’re always going to both benefit and be challenged by trade with the United States.”

12
 
 

Summary

Trump reiterated his proposal for the U.S. to take over Gaza after Israel’s military campaign, despite backlash from Republicans, international leaders, and human rights groups.

The plan, announced without consulting aides or conducting feasibility studies, suggests relocating Palestinians and rebuilding Gaza as a tourist hub.

The White House attempted damage control, calling relocation "temporary," but concerns persist over the plan’s implications and potential for escalating regional tensions.

13
14
 
 

Summary

North Korean troops deployed to Russia’s Kursk region in late 2024 have been withdrawn since mid-January after suffering heavy losses, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.

About 300 North Koreans were killed and 2,700 wounded, with some captured soldiers unaware they were in combat.

The troops struggled with unfamiliar terrain and Ukrainian drone attacks. Pyongyang sent forces in exchange for Russian satellite technology and financial aid.

Analysts estimate casualty rates between 30–50%, making their deployment a costly gamble for North Korea.

15
 
 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran's supreme leader said Friday that negotiations with America “are not intelligent, wise or honorable” after President Donald Trump floated nuclear talks with Tehran.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also suggested that “there should be no negotiations with such a government,” but stopped short of issuing a direct order not to engage with Washington.

Khamenei's remarks upend months of signals from Tehran to the United States that it wanted to negotiate over its rapidly advancing nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of crushing economic sanctions worth billions of dollars.

Khamenei noted that Trump unilaterally withdrew from the earlier nuclear deal under which Iran drastically limited its enrichment of uranium and overall stockpile of the material, in exchange for crushing sanctions being removed.

“The Americans did not uphold their end of the deal,” Khamenei said. “The very person who is in office today tore up the agreement. He said he would, and he did.”

16
 
 

Summary

Taiwan detected six Chinese balloons, nine military aircraft, and six navy ships near its main island, calling it a form of "grey-zone" harassment.

The balloons, flying at high altitudes, mark one of the highest daily sightings recorded. China has increased military activity around Taiwan, pressuring it diplomatically and militarily.

This follows similar incidents, including record balloon sightings after Taiwan’s 2024 elections.

Beijing, which views Taiwan’s government as separatist, has escalated drills since President Lai Ching-te took office, raising regional tensions.

17
 
 

Summary

Experts warn that Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to "take over" Gaza is fueling jihadist propaganda and could inspire terrorist attacks.

Security analysts say extremist groups will use his remarks to recruit, portraying the U.S. as an occupying force.

Critics, including Sen. Chris Murphy, argue Trump’s rhetoric directly aids terrorist recruitment.

Despite global backlash, Trump has defended his stance.

Former officials warn that, combined with recent cuts to intelligence agencies, these statements heighten the risk of terrorism targeting Americans at home and abroad.

18
19
 
 

Summary

Tesla's sales in Europe and the UK are plummeting, despite overall EV growth in the region.

In January 2025, Tesla sales fell 63% in France, 59% in Germany, and 12% in the UK, where overall EV sales rose 35%.

Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands also saw major declines. Analysts cite Tesla's aging lineup and CEO Elon Musk's far-right political statements as key factors.

The Cybertruck's European road restrictions further limit appeal.

20
 
 

Summary

A poll found that 88% of German voters fear foreign election interference, with Russia (45%), the US (42%), and China (26%) seen as top threats.

Concerns include deepfake disinformation and social media manipulation, with 56% believing Germany is unprepared. Elon Musk, a vocal far-right supporter, has drawn criticism for allegedly influencing German politics.

Voters also worry about the far-right AfD's aggressive online campaigns. Many (79%) believe populists benefit most from social media.

Meanwhile, 71% support creating a new ministry to combat digital misinformation.

21
 
 

Summary

Ukraine has received French Mirage 2000-5 and Dutch F-16 fighter jets, President Zelenskyy confirmed.

The Mirage jets, modified for air-to-ground combat and electronic warfare resistance, were pledged by France in June 2024.

Dutch F-16s also arrived, fulfilling European commitments amid declining U.S. support.

Ukraine also reported striking a Russian airfield used for drone launches.

22
23
 
 

Summary

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino condemned the US for spreading a “falsehood” about the Panama Canal, after the State Department claimed Panama had agreed to waive tolls for US government ships.

The dispute follows Trump’s assertion that the US should “take back” the canal, citing Chinese influence as a threat.

In response, Panama withdrew from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

China criticized US interference, while analysts see military action as unlikely but not impossible given past interventions in the region.

24
 
 

Summary

Israel has begun preparations to facilitate Palestinian emigration from Gaza under Trump’s controversial plan, while Egypt is lobbying against it, warning of regional instability.

Trump initially proposed permanent relocation but later scaled it back, calling it temporary.

Egypt has privately told U.S. and Israeli officials it will resist the plan and views it as a threat to national security.

Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations also oppose the forced transfer of Palestinians. Israel continues to reject Palestinian statehood, complicating diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

25
 
 

I know nothing should surprise me with these fucking people at this point, but my mouth still dropped open when I read that.

view more: next ›