World

[ad_1] A church in Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, is receiving attention for its decision to redesign its Christmas nativity scene to reflect the impact of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Just weeks before Christmas, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, located in the West Bank, unveiled a new display …

[ad_1] The Russian government has approved a three-day voting window for its presidential elections in 2024. Ella Pamfilova, chairwoman of the Russia Central Election Commission, said that although the extended election window was originally conceived as a pandemic accommodation in 2020, its “other benefits” have made keeping it desirable. “Three-day voting …

[ad_1] The U.S. embassy in Baghdad was attacked by several rockets on Friday morning that caused minor material damage but no casualties, U.S. and Iraqi officials said. Explosions were heard near the embassy in the capital city of Iraq at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Friday. An embassy spokesperson then confirmed …

[ad_1] A former president of Sierra Leone has been called in for questioning by police over recent attacks that officials say was a failed coup, an official said Thursday. The police summoned ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma to its headquarters “for questioning on the failed attempted coup” toward the end of …

[ad_1] Denmark’s parliament on Thursday passed a new law banning the desecration of all religious texts. The law comes as international outrage over recent public desecrations of the Quran triggered furious demonstrations in Muslim countries. “We must protect the security of Denmark and Danes,” a statement by Justice Minister Peter …

[ad_1] Construction of a 1.9 billion-euro ($2.05 billion) section of an electricity cable that will connect the power grids of Greece and Cyprus is slated to begin in the new year, officials said Thursday. An eventual extension of the renamed Great Sea Interconnector is planned to connect Israel’s power grid …

[ad_1] M23 rebels have reportedly seized the town of Mushaki, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The latest of M23’s territorial advances comes as the U.N. withdraws its peacekeeping forces from the conflict-ravaged nation after years of minimal progress. Allegedly supported by neighboring Rwanda, M23 is known for its longstanding campaigns …

[ad_1] MEXICO CITY (AP) — Environmental watchdogs accused a Mexico-based startup Thursday of violating international trade law by selling a health supplement made from endangered totoaba fish to several countries including the U.S. and China. Advocates told The Associated Press they also have concerns that the company, The Blue Formula, …

[ad_1] YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) — Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed Thursday to exchange prisoners of war and work toward signing a peace treaty in what the European Union hailed as a major step toward peace in the long-troubled region. The two countries said in a joint statement they “share the view …

[ad_1] ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A Greek policeman was severely injured late Thursday when a mob of volleyball fans poured out of an Athens arena and attacked riot police outside. State ERT television said a flare shot by a rioter severed a thigh artery in the 30-year-old officer, who was …