Germany Tries to Untangle Complex Profile of Market Attack Suspect

The authorities said they were struggling to understand the motives behind ramming a car into a Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg, which left a 9-year-old boy among the five dead.

On the Prowl for the Perfect Wave, and a Chance to Proselytize

Christian Surfers, a group of missionaries who surf, have expanded to a remote part of Costa Rica, where people come from afar looking for the “perfect wave.” And maybe a little Jesus?

Memes, Jokes and Cats: South Koreans Use Parody for Political Protest

As South Koreans took to the streets this month demanding the ousting of their president, some found an unexpected outlet to express their fury.

A Cultural Casualty of the War in Ukraine: ‘The Nutcracker’

Lithuania’s national opera house had stopped showing Tchaikovsky’s 1892 masterpiece in solidarity with Ukraine over the war with Russia. Then a new minister expressed fondness for the Russian composer, igniting a furor.

After Military Took Power, Terrorist Attacks Only Got Worse

In the West African nation of Niger, killings by insurgents have surged since the military seized power in a coup, expelled U.S. and European troops and stopped negotiations with Islamist groups.

Germany Mourns After Christmas Market Attack

Germans visited a memorial in Magdeburg, Germany, for the at least five people killed and more than 200 injured at a Christmas market, after an attacker drove a vehicle into a crowd.

Iran’s Energy Crisis Hits ‘Dire’ Point as Industries Are Forced to Shut Down

Although Iran has one of the biggest supplies of natural gas and crude oil in the world, it finds itself in a full blown energy emergency, coming just as it also suffers major geopolitical setbacks.

Deception and Betrayal: Inside the Final Days of the Assad Regime

President Bashar al-Assad, who wielded fear and force over Syria for more than two decades, fled the country under the cover of night — and a fake political address.

Israel-Gaza Strikes

Israel-Gaza Strikes

Germany Bulked Up Christmas Market Security. An Attack Still Happened.

The latest deadly assault on a beloved German tradition illustrates the challenge of holiday safety.

Pope Francis’ Christmas Message to His Top Advisers: Don’t Gossip

Francis urged the Vatican inner circle to bless more and talk less badly of others. It wasn’t the first time he had used the occasion to scold them.

In Top Minister’s Resignation, Shades of an Earlier Political Crisis for Trudeau

Chrystia Freeland’s departure this week recalls the 2019 SNC-Lavalin affair, in which Jody Wilson-Raybould quit Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet after a demotion.

From Liberal Icon to MAGA Joke: The Waning Fortunes of Justin Trudeau

Canada’s prime minister gained global renown 10 years ago for his unabashedly progressive politics. But at home, voters turned sour on him long ago.

A Restaurant Is More Than a Workplace for People Often Shunned by Employers

A popular restaurant in Buenos Aires is staffed almost entirely by workers with neurological challenges, tapping into often-overlooked talent and harnessing their skills.

How Will Ukraine Keep the Lights on This Winter?

The Ukrainian energy network has been so battered by Russian attacks that officials are seeking out new options to prevent a crisis, like renting floating power plants and scavenging scrapped ones from the region.

3-Minute Christmas Market Rampage Shakes Germany

At least five people, including a 9-year-old child, were killed in the attack, which took place in the eastern city of Magdeburg. The authorities are still seeking a motive.

Terrorism Roars Back in Pakistan, 10 Years After a Campaign to End It

Political instability, dwindling public support and economic constraints are eroding the costly gains that the country made in combating militancy after a school attack in 2014.

Houthi Missile Strikes Tel Aviv as Attacks Increase

The Israeli military said several people were lightly injured after its air defenses failed to intercept the projectile, which struck a playground in the city.

Guatemalan Officials Raid Compound of Jewish Sect and Remove Dozens of Minors

The authorities said at least 160 children and teenagers might have been the victims of human trafficking and other crimes on a farm run by Lev Tahor, an ultra-Orthodox sect.

How Many People Did Cyclone Chido Actually Kill on a French Island?

Officials have said that the death toll in Mayotte, currently at 35, could end up in the thousands. But in the capital, there were no scenes of public mourning and little talk of searches for missing loved ones.

Jewish School in Toronto Is Targeted for a Third Time

Canadian ministers will convene a meeting with the police to discuss antisemitism, after attacks at Jewish establishments in Toronto and Montreal this week.

Why Have So Many Canadians Turned on Justin Trudeau?

Allies and opponents alike are calling for him to resign as prime minister.

Driver Plows a Car Into a Christmas Market in Germany

At least two people were killed and dozens were wounded after a car rammed into a Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg in central Germany on Friday evening.

Police Respond to Vehicle Ramming Attack at German Christmas Market

Emergency responders attended to an incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday.

Key Ally Abandons Trudeau in Fresh Blow to His Government

The leader of the party that supported Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party vowed to bring down the government, saying Mr. Trudeau had failed Canada.

Driver Rams Christmas Market in Germany, Killing at Least 2 in Suspected Attack

Video showed a car plowing into a large crowd in the city of Magdeburg. The driver, identified as a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian citizen who worked as a doctor, was arrested.

French Court Convicts 8 People Tied to Events That Led to Teacher’s Killing

Samuel Paty was beheaded in 2020 by an Islamist extremist after showing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad to his students to illustrate free speech.

Five Books That Explain the Chaos of 2024

And one to read for fun.

Matteo Salvini Acquitted After Blocking Rescue of Migrant Boat in Italy

The deputy prime minister and the leader of the far-right League party claimed he was a victim in the fight against illegal immigration that has swept across Europe.

Musk Expresses Support for Far-Right Party in Germany’s Election

It was not the first online intervention by Elon Musk, the entrepreneur and adviser to Donald Trump, on behalf of once-fringe anti-immigrant parties in Europe.

Cyclone Chido Death Toll Nearly Doubles in Mozambique

The swirling wind and rain hit an area where a yearslong insurgency had already forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.

Romanian Court Blocks Andrew Tate’s Case From Heading to Trial

An indictment against Mr. Tate, the online influencer facing accusations of human trafficking and sexual misconduct, was sent back to prosecutors, an appeals court said.

Three Deals in 12 Days: How Australia Is Countering China in the Pacific

In separate agreements with Nauru, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Australia is attempting to edge out China’s influence in the region.

Ten Years Later, a Political Exile Returns to a Syria in Transition

In 2014, Sawsan Abou Zainedin left Syria during a civil war, while Bashar al-Assad was in power. Now, with rebel militants in control, Ms. Abou Zainedin is working on the country’s delicate political transformation.

Can Wall Street Pressure Ease Brutality in India’s Sugar Fields?

Pension funds and big investors are pressuring Coca-Cola, Pepsico and others over brutal working conditions in India’s cane fields. Some of the sugar buyers are tiptoeing toward change.

At 23, Surviving Scandal to Take a Green Seat in the E.U. Parliament

Lena Schilling, the youngest lawmaker in Brussels, faced a harsh questioning of her character and credibility before winning a chance to fight against climate change in the halls of power.

Trump Is Threatening Europe With Tariffs. Is It Ready?

The incoming president promised “tariffs all the way” unless Europe bought more U.S. oil and gas. European officials have no clear strategy for avoiding a trade war.

On Avignon’s Ancient Ramparts, Modern Messages Denounce ‘Rape Culture’

A feminist collective, the Amazons of Avignon, has been plastering the walls of the city with testimony from the trial of the 51 men who were convicted in the Gisèle Pelicot rape case.

Ukrainians Mourn the Loss of a Young Journalist and Her Stories

Viktoria Roshchyna died in September in Russian custody. The reporter had been well-known for her stories about life in parts of occupied Ukraine.

Its Syrian Bases in Doubt, Russia Sends Cargo Flights to Libya

A Libyan officer said the stepped-up flights from Russia and Syria delivered military gear.

Britain to Name Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the U.S.

The veteran Labour lawmaker chosen by Prime Minister Keir Starmer has experience in trade policy and business and was once nicknamed “the Prince of Darkness” for his political tactics.

51 Men Guilty in Rape Trial That Horrified France

Dominique Pelicot, who admitted to drugging and raping his wife for almost a decade and to inviting dozens of strangers to join him, was convicted on Thursday of aggravated rape and other charges and was sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison. The court also convicted the 50 other defendants, most of them on rape charges. Catherine Porter, a New York Times reporter, followed the four-month trial and reports from Avignon.

With Guilty Verdicts, Rape Victim’s Ordeal in France Becomes a Message of Hope

Dozens of men who abused Gisèle Pelicot were convicted, including the man who invited them to do so: her husband of 50 years. She wanted the public trial to show rape victims they were not alone.

Maps: See Israel’s Moves in Syria Since al-Assad Was Toppled

Israeli fighter jets have launched hundreds of airstrikes, while soldiers have seized a buffer zone and captured military posts in territory formerly under Syrian control.

Giséle Pelicot’s Ex-Husband Found Guilty in Mass Rape Trial

A French court found the ex-husband of Ms. Pelicot, Dominique Pelicot, guilty and sentenced him to 20 years in jail. Fifty other men were also convicted in the mass rape trial.

What It Looks Like on an Island Steamrolled by a Cyclone

A visit to the Indian Ocean islands of Mayotte, which were struck by Cyclone Chido last weekend, reveals the devastating toll of the storm on an impoverished territory that belongs to France.

Gisèle Pelicot Speaks After Rape Trial Verdict: ‘We Share the Same Struggle’

In brief remarks after her ex-husband and 50 other men were convicted, she said she had never regretted her decision to allow the trial to be public.

‘We Just Want Mercy’: A Gaza Hospital Pleads for a Respite

Medical workers at one of the last functioning hospitals in the north of the territory say the facility has come under heavy attack by Israel this week.

Zelensky Raises Prospect of European Peacekeepers in Ukraine

But many European leaders say that with no sign that Russia is interested in peace, it is too early to discuss the presence of peacekeeping forces.

Activists say the sentences for other defendants are too light.

The Pelicots’ children provided a dramatic moment in the trial.

Who Are the 51 Men Convicted in the Gisèle Pelicot Rape Trial?

Most of the accused received sentences of eight to 10 years, less than the 10- to 18-year terms that the public prosecutor had recommended.

Supporters of Gisèle Pelicot came from far and wide.

They cheered when David Pelicot, her eldest child, exited the courtroom after her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 other men were found guilty.

Putin Glosses Over Russian Setbacks, Including Syria

The Russian president, in a marathon annual news conference, said that he had not yet met with Bashar al-Assad, the ousted Syrian leader who fled to Moscow, but that he planned to.

‘The Daily’ podcast covers Gisèle Pelicot’s rise to feminist hero.

On a Flight With Gaza’s Rare Evacuees

The war in Gaza is one of the few conflicts most civilians can’t escape. But a small number of sick or critically injured people have been evacuated. The Times Magazine reporter Nicholas Casey went on a rare evacuation flight to try to understand what it takes to leave.

Israel Launches Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen as Netanyahu Issues Warning

The Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea for more than a year in what they have described as a campaign in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

With al-Assad Gone, Syrians in Homs Assess the Destruction

The ancient city, an early stronghold of opposition to Bashar al-Assad’s oppressive regime, was ravaged by a government crackdown. New York Times correspondents in Homs spoke to people who were reacting to his fall with smiles and tears.

Here Are 4 Reasons China Meddles in Local U.S. Politics

American intelligence agencies have warned of influence operations targeting city halls and statehouses. But what’s in it for Beijing?

As China Seeks Influence, It Has a Cuddly Way Into City Hall: Pandas

Records and interviews show that Beijing has used pandas as leverage to shape policy on Taiwan and to cultivate relationships with local U.S. politicians.

Here’s a look at the details of the case.

Who is Dominique Pelicot?

Here’s what happened.

Chinese Spacewalk Apparently Breaks a Record (Barely)

China said two of its astronauts spent nine hours outside the Tiangong Space Station. The longest previous spacewalk, by Americans, was eight hours and 56 minutes.

Chinese Astronauts Spend 9 Hours Outside Space Station

The spacewalk appears to be the longest in history, barely breaking a record set by American astronauts in 2001.

Europe Has a Leadership Vacuum. How Will It Handle Trump?

With Germany and France both in political turmoil, the new administration of Donald J. Trump will begin at a time of instability for the continent.

The Pelicot Trial: A Timeline

Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year sentence after he admitted to drugging and raping his wife, Gisèle. Here’s how the events unfolded.

Google Street View Captures a Man Loading a Bag Into a Trunk. Arrests Follow.

The image, from northern Spain, showed a man with a white bag in the trunk of a car. The National Police said it helped them solve a missing-person case.

They Fought for Assad in Syria. Now They’re Handing in Their Guns.

Across Syria, soldiers tied to the former Assad regime are surrendering their weapons to the interim government. The New York Times spoke to some of these men in Latakia, as they face a new and uncertain future as civilians.

Police Can Seize £2 Million From Andrew Tate Accounts, U.K. Court Rules

The online influencer has bragged about refusing to pay taxes. A London court found that he and his brother had not paid taxes on more than £21 million in business revenue.

Killing of Russian General Sends a Message, but Doesn’t Change the War

Ukraine’s forces are steadily losing ground on the battlefield. The assassination of a top general in Moscow won’t improve their war effort, analysts and Western officials say.

New Battles Threaten Kurdish-Turkish Truce in Northern Syria

U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led forces say they have come under fresh attack in several places by a Turkish-backed militia, even as Washington seeks a lasting cease-fire.

China’s Nuclear Buildup Is on Track Despite Graft Scandals, Pentagon Says

Corruption investigations may have shaken Beijing’s confidence in top commanders, but China’s military expansion hasn’t slowed, a report found.

The Dark Mystery of France’s Most Notorious Sexual Predator

For over three months, judges and lawyers have tried to grasp the true nature of Dominique Pelicot, who said he had invited dozens of strangers to join him in raping his drugged wife.

Zelensky Meets With European Leaders to Discuss Ukraine’s Future

As Donald J. Trump prepares to take office in the United States, President Volodymyr Zelensky attended a meeting hosted by the NATO chief to plot the path forward in the war with Russia.

Syria’s First Domestic Flight Since the Assad Regime Fell Takes Off

The Damascus International Airport reopened on Wednesday with a domestic flight to Aleppo, signaling that Syria’s new rulers are confident in their ability to govern after the end of the Assad family’s rule.

Hopes for a New Syria Take Flight

A Syrian Air flight from Damascus landed in Aleppo on Wednesday, as the transitional government tries to demonstrate its ability to run the war-shattered country.

Who Is Friedrich Merz, a Leading Candidate to Be Germany’s Next Chancellor?

If polls are correct, Olaf Scholz’s successor could be the 69-year-old leader of the Christian Democratic Union. He is offering to get the German economic engine humming again.

Al-Assad’s Soldiers Hope for Amnesty. First, They Have to Take a Number.

Syria’s new rulers say they will spare conscripts of Bashar al-Assad and pursue those who oversaw his regime’s abuses. Hundreds are lining up to learn which promise applies to them.

The Year in Pictures 2024: Far From Ordinary

Photographers captured historic moments of war, grief and wonder that defined the year.

The Once Booming Drug Town Going Bust Under Taliban Rule

Funding its war against the United States, the Taliban reaped millions from boom towns trading opium, heroin and meth. Victorious, the group crushed the trade, leaving ghost towns in its wake.

Russia Detains a Man It Says Killed a General on Ukraine’s Orders

The Russian prosecutor’s office said the suspect, a 29-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan, confessed to planting the bomb on the orders of Ukrainian agents.

U.K. Police Chiefs Were Too Slow to React to Summer Riots, Report Says

Police leaders waited too long — three days — to trigger a national mobilization to tackle the anti-immigrant violence that broke out in Britain this year, a report found.

Congressional Leaders Unveil Short-Term Spending Bill Tied to Disaster Aid

What started out as a simple stopgap measure to avert a shutdown for a few months became a magnet for more than $100 billion in emergency disaster and farm aid, plus a host of unrelated policy measures.

China Lengthens Visa-Free Stays for Tourists

In its efforts to attract visitors, the country extended stays from less than a week to up to 10 days for visitors between destinations.

The Trump Factor Further Shakes Up Canada’s Politics

The president-elect’s threat to impose major tariffs on Canadian goods and other pointed comments have tapped into a treacherous moment in domestic politics.

Limits on Aid to Syria Threaten to Worsen the Country’s Humanitarian Crisis

Major obstacles could stymie Syria’s new leaders as they struggle to find some footing and improve the country’s living conditions.

Powerful Earthquake Causes Extensive Damage in Vanuatu

The 7.3-magnitude earthquake caused heavy damage to buildings, including the U.S. Embassy, and knocked out the internet across most of the Pacific Island nation.

Video Captures Moment When Blast Killed Russian General

A video clip that recorded the assassination of Igor Kirillov, a high-ranking general, gives a few clues about the power and the placement of the explosive device.

Syria’s Rebel Leader Vows to Disband and Integrate Armed Factions

Ahmed al-Shara said that fighters would be brought under the defense ministry’s authority. The announcement came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel visited captured Syrian territory.

C.I.A. Director Arrives for Talks Amid Rising Hopes for Gaza Cease-Fire

The pace of peace talks has picked up, pushed by multiple factors, including wars in Lebanon and Syria that have seriously weakened Hamas’s allies and the election victory of Donald J. Trump.

In Visit to Territory Seized in Syria, Netanyahu Says Troops Will Stay

The previously unannounced trip highlighted Israel’s expanded military presence across the de facto border with Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Afghan militias story

Afghan militias story

Who Was Igor Kirillov, the Russian General Assassinated in Moscow?

The general had faced sanctions for using chemical weapons in Ukraine.

Paul Watson, Anti-Whaling Activist, Is Released After 5 Months in Prison

Mr. Watson was facing extradition to Japan but was released after Denmark decided to reject the extradition request, his lawyer said.

Bomb Kills Russian Military General in Moscow

Gen. Igor Kirillov was responsible for Russia’s radioactive, chemical and biological defense forces. A Ukrainian official said Kyiv was behind his assassination.

Syria’s Rebel Leader Vows to Disband Armed Factions

The leader of the rebel coalition that swept to power last week said that fighters would be brought under the defense ministry’s authority. It was not immediately clear how that would be achieved.

Behind Germany’s Political Turmoil, a Stagnating Economy

One of Europe’s powerhouses is losing its competitive edge, and the political class can’t agree on why — or what to do about it.

France Rushes Aid to Mayotte, Island Territory ‘Devastated’ by Cyclone

Hundreds are feared dead after the storm razed entire neighborhoods in Mayotte, a series of islands off the eastern coast of Africa, before unleashing its destructive force on Mozambique.

Cafes Can’t Play Music, but the Water Taps Work: Life Under Syria’s Rebels

The Islamists who now lead Syria have ruled the city of Idlib for years. Residents say they imposed some strict laws, but also heeded some complaints and improved public services.

Trump’s Tariffs Helped Northern Vietnam Boom Like Never Before. What Now?

The north benefited from the global search for alternatives to Chinese manufacturing. No one knows whether a second Trump term will impede or accelerate that growth.

U.S. Cites ‘Indications’ North Korean Soldiers Died Fighting for Russia

The Pentagon spokesman said the North Koreans had entered combat last week in the Russian region of Kursk, but he did not specify the number of casualties.

What North Korea Gains From Its Alliance With Russia — and What It Risks

Sending troops to fight against Ukraine has gotten North Korea much-needed cash and diplomatic leverage. But there may be hidden costs, too.

Massive Earthquake in Vanuatu Damages U.S. Embassy

The embassy was one of many damaged buildings filmed by a resident after the 7.3-magnitude earthquake.

Ukraine Says It Killed General Who Led Russia’s Nuclear Defense Force

A Ukrainian official said Kyiv was responsible for the assassination in Moscow of Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of Russia’s radioactive, chemical and biological defense forces.

An aerial view shows the aftermath of a landslide at a shipping terminal in Vanuatu after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake.

Powerful Earthquake Jolts Vanuatu, Damaging Buildings

A tsunami alert was lifted for the Pacific island nation, but government websites were offline after the quake. The U.S. Embassy building was seriously damaged, officials said.

Map: 7.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Vanuatu

View the location of the quake’s epicenter and shake area.

Syrian Rebel Leader Calls for Lifting of Sanctions, as al-Assad Defends Exit

Ahmed al-Shara urged nations to remove sanctions from Syria and the terrorism designation from his group so Syria could rebuild. Bashar al-Assad also gave his first account of fleeing to Russia.

Syria’s top rebel tries out the role of top diplomat.

In an interview, Ahmed al-Shara shed his green fatigues and sought to leave his militant past behind to talk of rebuilding the state.

The U.S. military says its airstrikes killed 12 Islamic State operatives in Syria.

Putin Stays Silent on Syria, With Russia’s Future There in Question

In an hourlong televised meeting with his top military brass, Vladimir Putin left Syria unmentioned and made it clear that winning in Ukraine was his top priority.

How to Understand the Collapse of Germany’s Government, and What’s Next

Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote in the German Parliament, ending the unpopular three-party coalition government he has led since 2021.

Germany’s Olaf Scholz Loses a Vote of Confidence

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany called for the confidence vote after his three-party coalition broke up. Lawmakers voted to dissolve the existing government by a vote of 394 to 207, with 116 abstaining.

Tice’s Mother Asks Netanyahu for Pause in Syria Strikes to Search for Journalist

Debra Tice wrote to the Israeli prime minister that her family had “credible information” that Austin Tice may be held in a prison outside Damascus, in an area where Israel had been conducting military operations.

Ex-Bangladeshi Leader Orchestrated Mass Disappearances, Inquiry Finds

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and top officials are implicated in a centralized program that abducted dissidents and held them in secret prisons, an official commission’s preliminary report said.

Here’s what to know.

Letby’s Lawyers Seek Appeal After Lead Expert ‘Changed Mind’ on Murders

Lawyers for Lucy Letby, a British nurse found guilty of murdering seven babies, said that the prosecution’s expert witness was not reliable after he changed his mind about why three infants died.

German Government Collapses at a Perilous Time for Europe

Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote, deepening the political turbulence in one of the continent’s most powerful economies.

12 Die at Georgian Ski Resort From Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The police say the bodies were found in a room above an Indian restaurant not long after a generator had been plugged in nearby.

Top Canada Minister Resigns, Threatening Trudeau’s Hold on Power

Chrystia Freeland, the deputy prime minister and finance minister, had been helping lead Canada’s response to the incoming Trump administration.

Bashar al-Assad appears to give his first account of leaving Syria.

Syria’s New Leadership Takes Early Steps Toward Recognition

A little over a week after taking power, the rebel alliance that led the overthrow of the Assad regime has begun to receive diplomats in the Syrian capital, Damascus.

Israel Carries Out Heavy Strikes on Syria’s Coast, Monitor Says

Overnight strikes targeted former army positions, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor. Israel has said it aims to keep military equipment away from extremists.

Hundreds Feared Dead After Cyclone Hits French Territory of Mayotte

Officials on the archipelago off the eastern coast of Africa said the number of people killed by Tropical Cyclone Chido could be much higher than the 21 now confirmed dead.

Why America’s Kurdish Allies Are Under Threat in a New Syria

The Kurds helped the United States contain the Islamic State. Now they fear a resurgent Turkey that has long considered them an adversary. Here’s a guide.

​Impeachment in South Korea Has Cost Washington a Staunch Ally

President Yoon Suk Yeol shifted his country closer to Washington and stood up to Beijing. But that foreign policy could be recalibrated in the future.

Five ‘Bali Nine’ Drug Smugglers Return to Australia After Two Decades

The men were the last Australians still imprisoned in Indonesia for trying to smuggle heroin in 2005, in a case that became a diplomatic flashpoint between the countries.

Myanmar’s War Has Forced Doctors and Nurses Into Prostitution

Nearly four years into a grinding civil conflict, the economy is in ruins, and people — even professionals with degrees — are desperate.

Israel Shutters Its Embassy in Ireland, Citing ‘Anti-Israel Policies’

Amid mounting international criticism of its military conduct in Gaza, Israel says it will deepen ties with countries it considers friendly toward it.

Israel’s Military Strikes Northern Gaza After Days of Deadly Bombardment

Israel’s military said it carried out strikes and raids against Hamas targets in northern Gaza on Sunday. The actions followed days of deadly attacks across the territory.

How Will the Rebels Rule Syria? Their Past Offers Clues.

The Islamist rebels who ousted Syria’s dictator ran a pragmatic and disciplined administration in the territory they controlled. They also jailed their critics.

Israel Strikes Military Sites in Syria, Monitor Says

The Israeli military hit weapons depots and air defenses, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Israel has said it aims to keep military equipment away from extremists.

Weeks of Upheaval Have Paralyzed This South American Nation. Here’s Why.

Protests in Bolivia triggered by a feud between the president and a political rival have caused turmoil. One fallout: fuel shortages that have left drivers lining up for gas for days.

​After Impeachment, South Korea Is Left With No Elected Leader

The suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s powers left a seasoned but unelected prime minister in charge of a country facing daunting challenges at home and abroad.

At Least 11 Dead as Cyclone Devastates Islands in Indian Ocean

The prefect of Mayotte said the death toll could climb. The storm, the equivalent of a Category 3, made landfall in Mozambique on Sunday.

‘They Had the Desire to Return’

Elated residents are trickling home to their shattered Syrian town, a rebel stronghold controlled until recently by the government.

Security Strategy of Recruiting Cheap Militiamen Backfires in Africa

By arming civilians who are poorly trained and have little to no respect for human rights, the military in Burkina Faso has brought the West African nation to the brink of civil war.

As Ambassador, Rahm Emanuel Says His Impatience Nudged Japan Forward

In a society used to quiet consensus-building, Tokyo has made bold changes to its defense policy. “Did I contribute to that?” Mr. Emanuel asked. “Uh, yeah.”

South Koreans Celebrate the President’s Impeachment in Seoul

A dozen members of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s own party helped remove him from office. Lawmakers sought to impeach the president after his declaration of martial law drew public outrage.

Hezbollah Loses Supply Route Through Syria, in Blow to It and Iran

The militant group’s leader admits that the toppling of Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, cut off an important land route from Iran.

The Impeachment of South Korea’s President, Explained

In its second attempt, the National Assembly moved to force President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. But the troubles for him and his country are far from over.

Argentina’s President Receives Italian Citizenship, Angering Law’s Critics

Javier Milei is proud of his Italian ancestry and has tried to bolster ties with Italy’s conservative prime minister. But his new passport angered critics of Italy’s rules on citizenship.

Brazilian Police Arrest Close Ally of Ex-President Bolsonaro, Official Says

Gen. Walter Braga Netto was Jair Bolsonaro’s running mate. The arrest was for meddling in an investigation into a plot to stage a coup, the police said.

Sucesso de bilheteria no Brasil gera expectativas de Oscar – e de um acerto de contas

Décadas após sua mãe perder a disputa do Oscar, Fernanda Torres tem a chance de conquistar a sonhada estatueta com sua atuação no filme que incitou o país a uma profunda reflexão

Georgian Lawmakers Hand Presidency to Far-Right Former Soccer Star

The vote, boycotted by opposition parties in Parliament, sets up a standoff with the sitting president and deepens turmoil in the country after protests and a disputed election.

South Korea’s President Is Impeached After Martial Law Crisis

Some members of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s own party helped remove him from office. But the political uncertainty is far from over.

Joy and Celebrations in Seoul for Protesters as Yoon Is Impeached

“Long live South Korea!” demonstrators chanted, describing a wave of relief after days of anger over the president’s surprise declaration of martial law.

U.S. in Direct Contact With Rebels Who Took Over Syria

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said the United States was communicating directly with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the dominant rebel faction, despite its designation as a terrorist group.

Palestinian Authority Deploys Security Forces Against Militants in West Bank

The authority, which has struggled to crack down on powerful armed groups in the territory, is under pressure from the United States to escalate law-and-order operations.

A Rare Cross-Canada Political Consensus Forms Against Trump’s Border Threat

Canadian leaders agreed to tighten the border, but not on how to respond if President-elect Donald J. Trump follows through on 25 percent tariffs.

Syria Shudders as Assad’s Prison Atrocities Come Into the Light

At the country’s most notorious prison, Syrians confront their worst fears: that they will never know what happened to the loved ones who disappeared.

Cajole, Plead and Flatter: Ukraine Makes Its Case to Trump

Using diplomacy, flattery and the occasional shot in the dark, Ukraine is doing everything it can to win over President-elect Donald J. Trump to its side.

Searching for Syria’s Disappeared

Taher al-Zain’s father disappeared 12 years ago at the height of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Now, like thousands of other Syrians, he is trying to find clues about what happened, and whether or not his father may still be alive.

A Postal Strike Means Fewer Gifts Under Canadian Christmas Trees

For many remote communities in the sparsely populated nation, Canada Post is the only parcel delivery option. Even Amazon relies on it.

A Surprise Blockbuster in Brazil Stokes Oscar Hopes, and a Reckoning

Decades after her mother missed out on an Oscar, Brazil’s Fernanda Torres may have a chance to win a golden statuette with a role in a film that has set off deep soul-searching.

How the President Alienated South Korea, One Group at a Time

Even before Yoon Suk Yeol’s fateful decree, the public had been infuriated with near-constant scandals and unpopular decisions since he took office.

The Message: Impeach South Korea’s President. The Tune: ‘Feliz Navidad.’

Baek Jae Gil, whose viral anthem calls for the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol, has a long history with the country’s pro-democracy movement.

Here are the latest developments.

The opposition hopes to secure enough support from the ruling party to suspend President Yoon Suk Yeol after his short-lived martial law decree.

Joy Buoys Syria’s First Friday Prayers Since Assad Ouster, but Hardships Loom

In an impoverished, war-ravaged country, the first prayers after the fall of a brutal regime drew jubilant crowds, even in areas seen as regime strongholds.

Syrians Celebrate in Damascus During Friday Prayers

Joyful chants erupted in and around the historic Umayyad Mosque in Syria’s capital as large crowds gathered to pray and celebrate the country’s newfound sense of liberty.

The Russian military appears to be packing up equipment in Syria, satellite imagery shows.

Such a move highlights the uncertainty of Moscow’s foothold in Syria, which has served as an important strategic foothold in the Middle East.

In Idlib, which has long been rebel territory, a square fills with songs and celebrations.

Blinken Discusses Syria’s Future on Unannounced Visit to Iraq

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said he talked with Iraq’s prime minister about the situation in Syria, including efforts to encourage Syria to transition to an inclusive, non-sectarian government.

What Is Captagon, the Illegal Stimulant That Made al-Assad’s Syria a Narcostate?

The illegal amphetamine, used across the Middle East, became Syria’s biggest export during its 13-year civil war.

Critics Complain That Italy’s Government Is Interfering in the Arts

Italy’s culture ministry dismissed experts preparing an exhibition on Futurism and put in its own appointees, who created a show that seems to glorify the Mussolini years.

Europe will deliver emergency supplies to Syria.

The Red Cross calls for preservation of evidence on thousands of detained and disappeared Syrians.

Blinken stops in Iraq on a regional tour to promote stability in Syria.

At the oldest mosque in Damascus, worshipers celebrate a new Syria.

Russia Hits Ukraine’s Energy Infrastructure in a Renewed Assault

Military analysts had speculated that Moscow could escalate such attacks as a show of force after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, its ally.

With al-Assad Gone, Syrians Seek Answers in an Underground Jail

Guided by cellphone flashlights, relatives searched a notorious lockup in Damascus for traces of loved ones who were snatched during the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey Emerges as a Big Winner in the Wake of al-Assad’s Ouster

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had long worked with the rebels who overtook Damascus. His influence over Syria is now likely to grow.

Emmanuel Macron Appoints Key Ally as France’s New Prime Minister

François Bayrou, a veteran centrist politician, is the fourth prime minister in a year, a record for France.

Prince Andrew’s Links to Chinese Spy Suspect Are Revealed by U.K. Court

A London immigration court upheld a ban on a Chinese citizen described as a “close confidant” of the prince’s, on the grounds of national security.

Syrian Rebels Seize Large Captagon Factory

Rebel fighters found stockpiles of addictive pills, some hidden in fruit or furniture and ready for export as part of the Assad regime’s illegal drug operation.

Here are the latest developments.

The Fall of al-Assad Quickly Infuses Europe’s Debate Over Asylum

Nearly a million Syrians in Germany alone have made new lives. But after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, some politicians across the continent have suggested that refugees could return home.

The Syrian Upheaval Has Iranian Leaders Reeling, Too

For decades, Iran poured money and military aid into Syria, backing the Assad regime in its ambition to confront Israel. Now many Iranians are openly asking why.

Dating on the Front Line: Ukrainian Women Travel to Keep Love Alive

Many women are making dangerous trips to places where loved ones are fighting Russian forces. “We try to imagine that for these two days, there is no war,” one said.

U.S. Hopes for a Gaza Cease-Fire and Hostage Deal ‘This Month’

In the Middle East for a last-ditch diplomatic effort before leaving office, Jake Sullivan, a top White House official, said the current talks were different than those in the past.

U.S. Couple on Holiday Visit Are Shot and Killed in Western Mexico

The killings, and other violent episodes this year, have marred the first few months in office of Mexico’s new president, who has vowed to tackle the country’s bloodshed.

U.S. and Allies Race to Shape a New Syria Trying to Get on Its Feet

As a rebel alliance with a tenuous hold on power struggles to assert control of the fractured country, Israel, Turkey and the United States are trying to influence what Syria will become.

A Turkish intelligence official visits Damascus as nations rush to assert influence.

Chinese-Flagged Ship Suspected of Cutting Cables Remains Halted Weeks Later

After fiber-optic cables under the Baltic Sea were cut last month, European officials hurried to stop the Yi Peng 3. It’s still at anchor there, with no update on three nations’ investigation.

Man Freed From Syrian Prison Appears to Be a Missing American

The man, who told reporters his name was Travis, said he was imprisoned in Syria for several months. The State Department said it was aware of an American found outside Damascus and was “seeking to provide support.”

Syrians Celebrate the Fall of al-Assad, and Look to Rebuild

After five decades under a brutal regime that kept many in fear and poverty, families flooded back from Lebanon, eager to start the slow process of healing.

Rebel Group’s Terrorist Label Could Hinder Efforts to Aid Syria

The United States and others call Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, now taking power in Syria, a terrorist group, blocking funding and even contact with the group. Experts say that should change.

Why Some British Pubs Are Running Out of Guinness

Guinness’s parent company has limited the amount of the beer that U.K. wholesalers and distributors can buy each week, after surging demand led to fears of shortages.

Why Do Some Rebel Governments Last When Others Fall?

One factor matters most, and it could be a problem in Syria.

Trump’s Middle East Adviser Pick Is a Small-Time Truck Salesman

The lore around Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law, is that he is a billionaire dealmaker. Records show otherwise.

Blinken Appeals for Unity Behind New Syrian Government

The secretary of state said the goal of visits to Jordan and Turkey was to unite countries behind a peaceful transition.

Activist Who Told the World About Torture in Syria Is Laid to Rest

Mazen al-Hamada spread the word about the plight of Syrians and his own abuse in the Assad regime’s prisons. He was found dead in Syria this week.

A Missing Syrian Dissident Was Found Dead Near Damascus

Mazen al-Hamada’s described his torture under the Assad regime in an award-wining 2017 documentary. His body was found in a hospital near Damascus, according to a Facebook post by his niece on Tuesday.

Israel says its troops will remain in the Syrian buffer zone for now.

Man Found in Syria Appears to Be a Missing American

The man told reporters that his name was Travis Timmerman and that he had entered Syria on a religious pilgrimage. He said he had been detained for months.

Russian Troops Advance to Within 3 Miles of Key Ukrainian Transit Hub

Russia is pushing toward Pokrovsk, a strategic city for Ukraine’s army with important rail and road connections, in a rapid capturing of ground in the Donetsk region.

Here are the latest developments.

What I Learned From a Reclusive Taliban Commander

Mullah Osman Jawhari led one of the deadliest assaults on American forces in Afghanistan, a battle that came to symbolize the war itself.

How America Created the Enemy It Feared Most

The United States killed its own allies, sabotaging itself in a part of Afghanistan where it never needed to be.

Humbled in Syria, Putin Seeks Vindication in Ukraine

An ally’s downfall has prompted calls in Russia for a definitive victory closer to home.

Young Koreans, Seeing Democracy at Stake, Take to the Streets

South Korea’s night of martial law was a jolt for some members of a generation accused of political apathy. They say they aren’t going away.

Protesters singing and dancing during the protest near the National Assembly in Seoul, on Saturday.

In a Rudderless Europe, Italy Has Its Moment

With Germany and France mired in crisis, the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni looks like a haven of stability, turning the continent’s usual pattern on its head.

In Milei’s Argentina, Economic Albatross Is Tamed but Life Is Much Harder

A year after becoming president, Javier Milei has been praised inside and outside Argentina for reining in galloping inflation. But his economic policies have inflicted widespread hardship.

His Daughter Went Missing in 1999. He Couldn’t Let It Go.

A father’s 25-year search for his missing daughter in South Korea made him a tragic national symbol of unwavering parental devotion.

Rights Groups See a Chance to Seek Justice for Syrian Regime’s Victims

It seems unlikely that deposed President Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia, will be forced to stand trial. That is not deterring activists who have worked for years to document his government’s crimes.

Drones, Dogs, Drug Labs: Canada’s Plan to Avoid Trump’s Tariffs Takes Shape

Two weeks after a Mar-a-Lago dinner with Donald J. Trump, details of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s plan to stave off a showdown with the United States are emerging.

In Defiant Speech, South Korea’s President Defends Martial Law Decree

President Yoon Suk Yeol vowed to “fight to the end,” despite the opposition’s push to impeach him and his own party’s demand that he resign.

Syria’s New Leaders Balance Huge Struggles Amid Disorder

The rebels who seized control called for foreign help in prosecuting atrocities, while trying to restore order in a fractured country.

In Aleppo, Residents Cheer and Refugees Return to a Jubilant but Ravaged City

Though excitement and frenzy were on full display in some parts of Aleppo, the city is still gripped by uncertainty after the sudden end of a 13-year civil war.

U.S. Strategy on Syria Risks ISIS Resurgence, Kurdish General Warns

Gen. Mazlum Kobani, commander of Kurdish forces in Syria, said recent decisions by the U.S. in Syria potentially “leaves a vacuum” that ISIS could take advantage of.

Russian Military and Commercial Activity Appears Halted at Key Syrian Port

Satellite images from last week and this week show that naval vessels docked at the port city of Tartus have left. According to marine tracking data, no cargo ships have entered or left Tartus since Monday.

Syria’s Rebel Group Destroys Tomb of Ousted President’s Father

Rebels damaged and burned the tomb of former Syrian president, Hafez al-Assad, in what some are calling an act of revenge.

U.K. Bans Puberty Blockers for Teens Indefinitely

A freeze placed this year on their use to treat gender dysphoria will remain in place for young people under 18, except in clinical trials, Britain’s government said.

Syria’s new government tries to balance the need for order against a clamor for retaliation.

Who Is Mohammed al-Bashir, Syria’s Caretaker Prime Minister?

Mr. al-Bashir previously headed a rebel-led administration in northwestern Syria. He has been tasked with running the country’s interim government until March.

December

The Year in Pictures 2024

Scholz Calls for Confidence Vote, in Step Toward German Elections

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who had few alternatives after his three-party coalition broke up, is widely expected to lose when Parliament takes up the measure on Monday.

Blinken will travel to Jordan and Turkey, the State Department says.

Syria After al-Assad: How Will the Rebels Govern?

After a rapid rise to power, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group is trying to unite a fractious country where fighting is ongoing.

Blast in Afghanistan Kills a Taliban Leader, Khalil Haqqani

The government accused the Islamic State of being behind the attack, which struck at the heart of the Taliban’s power structure after years of essentially unchallenged dominance.

How Many People Have Died in Syria’s Civil War?

The United Nations and human rights organizations have faced challenges in counting all those killed and missing in the conflict that began in March 2011.

Here are the latest developments.

Kurdish-led forces say they reached a truce with Turkish-backed fighters in a city in northern Syria.

A California family feels hope and worry for relatives in Syria.

Trump’s Admiration for Royals Could Make Them a Potent Diplomatic Tool

A meeting between President-elect Donald J. Trump and Prince William showed Britain’s hope that the Windsors could help safeguard relations with Washington.

In Aleppo, Rebels Give a Sense of What May Come in Syria

Rebel fighters who took control of Aleppo about two weeks ago have promised security and continuity. Prices have skyrocketed, but residents express some hope for the future.

The Gold Rush at the Heart of a Civil War

Famine and ethnic cleansing stalk Sudan. Yet the gold trade is booming, enriching generals and propelling the fight.

How a Feminist Comedy Came to Rule China’s Box Office

“Her Story” touches on sensitive topics in China, like censorship and gender inequality. But its humorous, nonconfrontational approach may have helped it pass censors.

A Search in Syria for the Disappeared

Syrians raced to newly emptied prisons to reunite with loved ones snatched away by the brutal regime of Bashar al-Assad, but their quest sometimes took them to the morgue.

How Romania’s Fascist and Communist Pasts Haunt Its Politics

An ultranationalist politician’s surge shows how many people would rather forget the country’s fascist past, experts say.

South Korea’s Leader Holds Onto Power as the Net Closes In

President Yoon Suk Yeol shows no sign of stepping down, as investigators raided his office and more members of his own party turned against him.

North Korea Says Yoon Has Caused ‘Pandemonium’ in South Korea

In its first statement about the turmoil over President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law decree, the North said nothing about how inter-Korean relations might be affected.

‘We Thought We Would Be Executed’: Freed Prisoner on Life Inside Sednaya

Around 2,000 people emerged on Sunday from Sednaya, a facility used to detain, torture and kill tens of thousands of prisoners during Syria’s 13-year civil war. These prisoners were released after the Assad regime in Syria fell to conquering rebels last weekend.

A Northern Gaza Hospital Lacks Food and Water for Patients, Officials Say

The health ministry in Gaza said dozens of patients are at risk of death because the Indonesian Hospital does not have enough water and food to keep them alive.

Syria’s New Leaders Vow Punishment for Atrocities Under al-Assad

The rebels who seized Damascus are trying to get a new government up and running, even as foreign powers like Israel and Turkey, and armed Syrian groups, fight for power.

French Court Finds Writer Guilty of Denying Rwandan Genocide

Charles Onana and his publisher were fined for passages in a book that were found to have violated a French law making it illegal to deny an officially recognized genocide.

Uncertainty and Hope on the Road to and from Damascus

Thousands of Syrians have been traveling to and from the Lebanese border since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Some families hoped to reunite with loved ones, while others are leaving amid an uncertain future.

A Tour of Assad’s Monumental Palace, With a Scruffy Rebel as a Guide

The televisions may be stripped away now, but a presidential residence still contains many remnants of a brutal reign.

Six Arrested in Connection With Deadly Accident That Killed Over 50 Migrants

U.S. and Guatemalan authorities said the arrests were linked to a human trafficking ring and a deadly 2021 traffic accident.

Australian Cyclist Pleads Guilty in Death of Wife, a Fellow Olympian

Rohan Dennis pleaded guilty this week to a lesser charge in the death of Melissa Hoskins last year, after he drove with her on the hood of a vehicle, the authorities said.

FIFA Bends Own Rules to Give Saudi Arabia Coveted 2034 World Cup

Critics objected to the bidding process, and human rights groups raised concerns about workplace safety for the migrants who will build the stadiums needed to host the event.

In northern Syria, Turkish-backed rebels advance on a town held by Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed forces.

The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Damascus has set off a scramble for territory and power among fighters with competing interests.

What to Know About Syria’s Notorious Sednaya Prison

Amnesty International described it as a “human slaughterhouse,” where, other rights groups say, tens of thousands of people were detained, tortured and killed during the 13-year civil war.

It is ‘too early’ to remove Syrian rebels from terror list, Britain says.

Trump Calls Trudeau the ‘Governor’ of ‘The Great State of Canada’

The president-elect’s mockery of Canada and its leader is the latest salvo after his promise to impose steep tariffs on Canadian exports.

Police Arrest 3 After Deadly Explosion in the Netherlands

The blast, which the mayor of The Hague called an “unprecedented disaster,” killed six people on Saturday morning.

The rebels in Syria seem to want a more inclusive government, a U.N. envoy says.

Gazans feel relief for Syrians, but fear that their suffering will be prolonged.

Rage Grows Over a Spate of Brutal Murders of Women in Kenya

Almost 100 women have been killed in the span of three months, the police say. Rights groups want President William Ruto to declare femicide a national crisis.

Syrian rebels vow to punish senior officials in the Assad government.

Israel, Seeing an Opportunity, Demolishes Syria’s Military Assets

Israel capitalized on the power vacuum in Syria to bomb targets across the country, saying it aims to keep weapons away from extremists.

At the presidential palace in Damascus, rebels walk the halls.

Martial Law Fallout Raises Questions South Korea Has Never Dealt With Before

The president faces an accusation of insurrection and, in a first for a sitting leader, the possibility of arrest. Here’s what to know about his political future.

Netanyahu Finally Takes the Stand in His Corruption Trial

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is accused of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in a trial that began four years ago. He has denied the charges.

On the Ground in Damascus as Syrians Chart a New Path

In a matter of days, Syria’s capital — once the stronghold of Bashar al-Assad’s government — became the epicenter of a new chapter in the country’s history after opposition forces overran the city. Christina Goldbaum, a New York Times correspondent, traveled to Damascus to find out how residents were reacting to the sudden breakthrough in the 13-year civil war as more than five decades of brutal rule by the Assad dynasty come to an end.

South Korea’s President Is Still in Office. This Man Intends to Push Him Out.

Lee Jae-myung, the main opposition leader, is leading efforts to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his declaration of martial law. He could also be the next president.

Mr. Lee leaving the National Assembly on Saturday night after the impeachment against Mr. Yoon failed.

In Georgia Protests, Echoes of Ukraine’s Past Revolutions

This former Soviet Republic has been rocked by anti-government demonstrations over the same issues that hurtled Ukraine into war — its relationship with Europe and Russia.

Here are the latest developments.

Lula Recovering From Emergency Surgery for Bleeding in Skull

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil was in the hospital following the procedure. Doctors said the bleeding appeared to be linked to a fall in October.

Taiwan Says China Has Deployed Largest Fleet of Ships in Decades

Taiwan is on high alert in response to China’s unannounced deployment of naval and Coast Guard ships, as tensions rise over U.S. support for the island.

With an Eye on China, Australia Strikes a Deal With Nauru

In return for financial support, the Pacific island nation of Nauru pledged not to enter any security pacts without Australia’s assent.

Volcanic Eruption Forces Mass Evacuation in the Philippines

Nearly 90,000 people on the island of Negros were ordered to seek shelter after Mount Kanlaon spewed deadly ash and lava.

12 Days That Changed Syria: The Rebel Offensive in Visuals

A visual timeline of the stunning rebel advance in Syria

How to Understand the Armed Factions Operating in Syria

The fighters shared a desire to topple Bashar al-Assad’s government, but they don’t share much else.

What to Know About the Countries Still Dropping Bombs in Syria

Bashar al-Assad is gone, and Russia and Iran have stepped back. But Israel, Turkey and the United States are carrying out airstrikes.

In France, Marine Le Pen Takes Aim at the Top

After helping to oust the prime minister last week, the far-right leader has made clear her next target is President Emmanuel Macron.

The Netanyahu Corruption Trial, Explained

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel took the stand on Tuesday. Here’s what to know about the trial.

Shock, Glee and Unease as Syrians Celebrate the Unthinkable

A day after the regime of President Bashar al-Assad fell, civilians poured into the streets of Damascus, weeping in disbelief. Many sought word of relatives held in a notorious prison on the outskirts of the city.

Cease-Fire Talks Between Israel and Hamas Gain Momentum, Officials Say

While a deal was not yet in hand, a crack in the stalemate comes after Israel and Hezbollah reached a truce and President-elect Donald J. Trump ratcheted up the pressure for an agreement.

Crowds Go to Syria’s Sednaya Prison In Search of Loved Ones

Rebel forces released many detainees from the notorious Sednaya military prison in Damascus. The government complex has a long history of human rights abuses under the rule of fallen President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria’s President Had Stocks of Chemical Weapons. What Happens to Them Now?

While experts believe that Syria has retained some stocks of chemical weapons, their quantities likely have been depleted and it would be hard for rogue actors to use them.

Foreign governments weigh recognizing rebels they once shunned as extremist.

A rebel leader sheds his nom de guerre and speaks of the work ahead for Syria.

Topper

The Year in Pictures 2024

November

The Year in Pictures 2024

October

The Year in Pictures 2024

September

The Year in Pictures 2024

August

The Year in Pictures 2024

July

The Year in Pictures 2024

June

The Year in Pictures 2024

May

The Year in Pictures 2024

April

The Year in Pictures 2024

European countries are pausing asylum decisions for Syrians.

Germany, where nearly a million Syrians are living, was among those suspending action on refugees from the war.

March

The Year in Pictures 2024

Rebels rush to establish order as they form a transitional government.

February

The Year in Pictures 2024

January

The Year in Pictures 2024

Fighting still rages in northern Syria as rebel groups vie for territory.

A Quick Arab Pivot: From Welcoming al-Assad to Managing the Chaos

Only weeks ago, Arab nations had been working hard to bring Bashar al-Assad back into the fold, assuming he was there to last. They were badly mistaken.

Crowds Throng to Prison in Syria, Desperate to Find Relatives and Friends

The Assad regime ran a network of torture centers that swallowed up tens of thousands of Syrians. Now that the rebels have opened the gates, many see a chance to learn of the detainees’ fates.

Explosion at Fuel Depot Near Florence Kills at Least Two

Officials said it would take time to determine the cause of the explosion. At least 26 people were injured in the blast.

A Surprise Advance to Damascus, Captured on Video

Bashar Al-Assad’s grip over Syria was visible everywhere in the capital. It was all dismantled in less than 24 hours.

‘The Daily’ podcast covers al-Assad’s fall.

Syrians Displaced by War Rush to Return Home

The 13-year conflict in Syria caused one of the “largest displacement crises in the world,” according to the United Nations. Now, an untold number of people are trying to go back.

Israel Claims Credit for al-Assad’s Ouster, but Sees Risk in His Absence

For Israel’s leaders, Bashar al-Assad’s downfall was made possible by their recent assaults on Hezbollah, Iran and Syria, all of which weakened the Iran-backed axis.

In the Golan Heights, events in Syria bring relief and uncertainty.

Desperate Haitians Who Fled to the Dominican Republic Are Being Sent Back in Cages

Relations between the neighboring countries on the island of Hispaniola have long been frosty. They are now complicated by up to 10,000 deportations a week.

‘We Came Here Gloating’: Syrians Loot Assad’s Palace

Thrilled by the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, Syrians took furniture and appliances from his official residence. Some posed for photos.

Road to Damascus Littered With Relics of Fallen Assad Government

Reporters for The New York Times entered Syria on Monday, finding remnants of former President Bashar al-Assad’s oppressive rule.

Here are the latest developments.

South Korea Bars President From Traveling Abroad

President Yoon Suk Yeol cannot leave the country as an investigation unfolds into whether he led an insurrection last week when he briefly imposed martial law.

Revolutions Swept the Middle East in 2011. Will Syria’s End Differently?

Bashar al-Assad’s downfall evokes memories of uprisings in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Yemen, each of which brought civil war or authoritarian rule. Syrians hope for better.

Massacre in Haiti’s Capital Leaves Nearly 200 Dead, U.N. Says

The killings in a Port-au-Prince slum, which appeared to target practitioners of Voodoo, were ordered by a gang leader, a Haitian human rights organization said.

The Israeli military deployed tanks and advanced in the Golan Heights buffer zone between Israel and Syria on Sunday.

Footage shows a chaotic scene after rebels capture a notorious prison.

With Syria in Flux, Turkish Forces Attack U.S.-Backed Forces

Rebels supported by Turkish air power fired on a Kurdish-controlled city in northern Syria, pitting proxies of the U.S. and Turkey — NATO allies — against each other.

Stunned Iranian Officials Try to Distance Their Country From Assad

A reckoning emerged in Iran on Sunday as officials and commentators swiftly moved to distance the government from a tyrant it had supported.

Syrians in New York City Celebrate the Fall of Assad

Syrian expatriates and their supporters beat drums and sang revolutionary songs in Arabic at a gathering in Washington Square Park.

Notre-Dame Holds First Public Mass in Years: ‘Fire Has Not Conquered Stone’

Sunday was the first opportunity for worshipers to return to the cathedral, beloved by the faithful and secular alike, since the 2019 fire that devastated it.

Explosions and fires erupted around Damascus on Sunday.

Visual e

Israeli Ground Forces Cross into Syria, Officials Say

Israeli ground forces have overtly crossed into Syrian territory for the first time since the 1973 October War, passing the demilitarized border zone, two Israeli officials said.

Government soldiers put up little resistance when the rebels stormed Damascus, video shows.

Syria’s Army Was Hollowing Out Long Before Rebels’ Advance

While multiple factors contributed to the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, corrosion inside his own military did not help, analysts say.

The U.S. has been in contact with rebel groups through Turkey and is debating how extensively to engage them.

The Assad Family’s Legacy Is One of Savage Oppression

A dynasty bombed and detained thousands of opponents, building fearsome internal security agencies to quash unrest.

Syrians in Lebanon Start to Head Home, With Both Joy and Worry

Thousands who fled during the country’s civil war celebrated the toppling of the Assad government — and their long-awaited return home — at the Syria-Lebanon border crossing.

What’s Next for Syria After the Collapse of Assad’s Government?

Predicting Syria’s future is challenging, as the government’s sudden demise took many people who have watched the region for years by surprise.

The Campaign by Syrian Rebels to Topple Assad Was Swift

President Bashar al-Assad had kept opposition forces at bay for a decade with help from Russia and Iran. But rebels struck at a moment of weakness for those countries.

Bogged Down in Ukraine, Russia Pays a Price in Syria

With the fall of President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, Vladimir V. Putin has suffered one of the biggest geopolitical setbacks of his quarter-century in power.

Aleppo gives a hint of what is to come in Syria, at least in the immediate future.

The northern city of Aleppo, which rebels captured on Nov. 30 just fours days into their surprise offensive, suggests that big changes won’t come immediately.

Nations and Leaders React to Toppling of Syria Regime

The U.N. special envoy called it a “watershed moment” on Sunday as world leaders reckoned with the news.

‘Our hearts are dancing with joy’: Damascus residents celebrate Assad government’s fall.

With Assad’s Fall, Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ Unravels

Tehran’s main regional allies are weakened or collapsing: Syria’s president, Bashar al-Assad, has fled his country, Hezbollah is battered by conflict with Israel, and Hamas is still at war.

Records Seized by Israel Show Hamas Presence in U.N. Schools

While Israel asserts that the United Nations has tried to minimize the problem, the global organization says Israeli officials are waging an unfair campaign to discredit it.

As Syrian Rebels Take Charge, Freeing Prisoners of Assad Is a Priority

Many people want to determine the fates of loved ones who disappeared into a notorious military prison that was a symbol of human rights abuses under President Bashar al-Assad.

43,000 Ukrainian Soldiers Killed Since Russia Invaded, Zelensky Says

The tally differs sharply from estimates by U.S. officials and military analysts, who have said the number is closer to 70,000.

Biden and Family of Austin Tice, Journalist Long Missing in Syria, Believe He Is Alive

President Biden said on Sunday that U.S. officials believe they can bring Mr. Tice home, but that they do not know where he is.

Assad’s fall deprives Hezbollah of a key ally.

As Syrian Government Loses Control, the Skies Above Go Quiet

For years, people lived in terror of airstrikes by Syrian and Russian planes that helped keep the country’s authoritarian leader in power.

Who Is the Leader of Syria’s Rebel Offensive?

Abu Mohammad al-Jolani spearheaded a lightning assault that led to the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

Bashar al-Assad is in Russia seeking refuge, state media outlets there say.

After Failed Martial Law, South Koreans Ask: Who’s in Charge?

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ill-fated bid to impose martial law has created a power vacuum in his governing camp, pushing the country deeper into what analysts call a constitutional crisis.

A President Rejected by Voters Eight Years Ago Wins Election Again in Ghana

John Dramani Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2017, is set to return to office after his main opponent, Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat.

They Love France. So When Notre-Dame Burned, They Wanted to Help.

A couple from North Carolina are part of the second-largest group of donors to the huge fund-raising effort to restore the famous cathedral: Americans.

He Was Shot in the Face. Now Ukraine Wants to Draft Him.

After being left for dead by Russian soldiers, Mykola Kulichenko doesn’t think he should be forced to serve. His experience highlights the vagaries of Ukraine’s aggressive mobilization.

Israel Enters Demilitarized Buffer Zone in the Golan Heights

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said he had ordered troops to “take over” the zone between his country and Syria.

Syrians Celebrate as Rebels Force Bashar al-Assad Out of Power

Gunfire and cheering erupted across Syria after rebels took control of Damascus, the capital, and ended President Bashar al-Assad’s authoritarian regime.

Here are the latest developments.

Syrians Mourn All They Have Lost, Even as They Celebrate

Thoughts of loved ones dead or missing complicate joyous relief at the prospect of Bashar al-Assad’s losing power.

She Sued Over Transgender ‘Conversion Therapy,’ a First for China

Ling’er won a settlement payout from the hospital where she was held for three months against her will and subjected to electroshock therapy.

South Korea’s Ex-Defense Chief Is Detained Over Martial Law Episode

Prosecutors are investigating whether President Yoon Suk Yeol and his followers committed insurrection when they briefly put South Korea under martial law.

U.S. national security adviser says Syria has been abandoned by its key allies.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris Reopens After Five-Year Renovation

World leaders and global dignitaries celebrated the cathedral’s reconstruction following a fire that devoured its roof in 2019.

U.S. Spy Agencies Monitor Chemical Weapons Storage Sites, Fearing Use in Syria

But aides to President Biden have made clear that the United States has no intention of intervening in support of either President Bashar al-Assad or the rebels.

With Pageantry and Dignitaries, France Unveils a Reborn Notre-Dame

Five years after a ruinous fire, the reopening of the cathedral restored it in full glory to the Paris skyline and delivered a much-needed morale boost for France.

Trump Attends Notre-Dame Ceremony in First Foreign Trip Since Election

At the ceremony, the president-elect took a seat next to President Emmanuel Macron of France, with whom he has had a rocky relationship.

In a Romanian Village, Anger Fuels Support for an Ultranationalist ‘Messiah’

A presidential election has been called off, but the discontent that propelled the surging campaign of a rightist firebrand rages on.

Damascus residents brace for an uncertain future as rebels advance toward the capital.

Notre-Dame, in flames and reborn: a memory.

A reporter looks back on the shared

In the Syrian Regime’s Hour of Need, Its Patron Iran Makes an Exit

The collapse of a partnership built over four decades would reshape the balance of power in the Middle East.

A Times reporter got a look inside Notre-Dame before its grand unveiling.

The leader of Syria’s rebels told The Times that their aim is to oust al-Assad.

Impeachment Bid Against South Korea’s President Fails

The country was thrown into deeper uncertainty after the governing party refused to oust President Yoon Suk Yeol. Protesters filled the streets of Seoul and vowed to keep the pressure on.

An embattled Macron gets a needed public triumph.

Thousands of donors helped fund the reconstruction effort.

Zelensky Met With Trump in Paris to Press Ukraine’s Case

The Ukrainian leader planned to use the grand reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral to lobby the president-elect and other world leaders attending the ceremony.

South Korea’s Leader Survives Impeachment Vote After His Power Grab

The country was thrown into deeper uncertainty after the governing party changed its stance and refused to oust him. Protesters vowed to keep the pressure on.

South Korean Leader’s Deal to Avoid Impeachment Risks Bigger Turmoil

President Yoon Suk Yeol survived an opposition-led attempt to remove him by getting his party members to back him. But his troubles could now become theirs too.

See images of the fire and the restoration.

Assad did little to support the military ranks, analysts say.

Notre-Dame has been at the center of French culture and history for centuries.

Russia, an Assad ally, is unlikely to come to his aid.

How Protesters Filled the Streets in South Korea’s Center of Power

Aerial photos show how tens of thousands of South Koreans gathered in the streets in Seoul to protest.

Trump and Prince William Headline Guest List at Notre-Dame Reopening

Dozens of officials have been invited to Paris as the rebuilt cathedral welcomes visitors five years after a devastating fire.

Notre-Dame Reopens: Photos

As Notre-Dame reopens after a 2019 fire, here is a selection of scenes from the famous Paris cathedral during a weekend of preparations and ceremonies.

Notre-Dame Reopening: Schedule of Events and How to Watch

A speech by President Emmanuel Macron and a religious service will precede the broadcast of a taped concert by French and international musical artists.

Here’s what happened at Notre-Dame’s reopening.

Here are the latest developments.

Trump Heads to Notre-Dame Ceremony in First Foreign Trip Since Election

The president-elect will be at the cathedral alongside dozens of world leaders. He was also meeting with President Emmanuel Macron of France, with whom he has had a rocky relationship.

The Fall of Assad in Syria: How It Happened and What Comes Next

Rebels are asserting control in Damascus as questions loom over their plans.

Canada’s 988 Crisis Hotline, a ‘Pathway to Survival,’ One Year Later

The hotline responded to more than 300,000 calls and texts in its inaugural year, reinforcing appeals for Canada to establish a national suicide prevention strategy.

Syria’s Government Battles Multiple Rebel Uprisings

The longtime Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is facing threats from rebellions on numerous fronts as his key ally, Iran, is paring back support.

In Fight for Syria, a Battle for Domination of the Entire Middle East

In a region “already on fire,” analysts say, rebels’ advance toward Damascus is a barometer of the shifting power dynamics that also affect nations like Iran, Turkey, Russia and the United States.

Disappointed Protesters Vow to Keep Pressure on South Korea’s Yoon

Demonstrations in the city and nationwide demanding the president’s ouster intensified through the week, and Saturday’s rally was the largest yet.

Athens’s New Answer to a Water Supply Crunch: An Ancient Aqueduct

Hadrian’s Aqueduct supplied water to Greece’s capital for centuries but was then largely abandoned. It’s being revived to ease water scarcity amid global warming.

President Yoon’s Speech Apologizing for Martial Law

President Yoon Suk Yeol said his declaration of martial law was born out of “desperation,” and apologized for causing “anxiety.”

Here are the latest developments.

Iran Begins to Evacuate Military Officials and Personnel From Syria

The withdrawals by one of President Bashar al-Assad’s key backers come amid a resurgent rebel offensive.

Syria’s ‘Frozen Conflict’ Is Now Red Hot

When equilibriums are disrupted, chaos can ensue.

As Syrian Rebels Advance, Iran Grows Nervous and Neighbors Close Their Borders

The rebels’ gains prompted Lebanon and Jordan to close border crossings and Iran to begin withdrawing personnel from Syria.

Leader of Syria’s Resurgent Rebels Lays Out Strategy to Oust Assad

In an interview, Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the Islamist rebel heading an offensive moving toward Damascus, said the operation was a long time coming.

Ghana’s Voters Look for Leader to Fix a Broken Economy

Ghanaians voting on Saturday are confronted with a choice familiar to Americans: Return a one-term former president to office, or promote the vice president, at a time when anger over the economy is widespread.

As India-Bangladesh Tensions Rise, So Do Fears of Tit-for-Tat Violence

A diplomatic dispute over claims of persecution of Bangladeshi Hindus threatens to upend Bangladesh’s interim government.

Israeli Attacks Around Gaza Hospital Kill or Wound Scores, Doctors Say

Airstrikes, gunfire, panic and orders to evacuate in the dark of night combined to cause heavy casualties in the area of Kamal Adwan, one of the last hospitals still operating in northern Gaza.

Romanian Court Annuls Presidential Election Results and Orders a New Vote

The decision came days after the government asserted that there had been “cyberattacks” meant to undermine the vote and security council documents indicated possible Russian meddling.

Canada Moves to Protect Arctic From Threats by Russia and China

Ottawa says its focus on the Arctic comes after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “has shaken the foundations” of international cooperation in the northern region.

As Trump Threatens Tariffs, Europe and South America Strengthen Ties

The European Union and four South American countries have reached an agreement to establish one of the largest trade zones in the world.

Syrian Rebels Push South, Edging Closer to Damascus

Government forces appeared to be reinforcing crucial strongholds including the capital, Damascus, and the major city of Homs.

Arsonists Set Fire to Melbourne Synagogue

Witnesses saw two people pouring accelerant in the synagogue early Friday, the police said. Australia’s prime minister condemned the attack as antisemitism.

Inside the Faithful Restoration of Notre-Dame

After Notre-Dame caught fire in 2019, France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, promised to reopen the cathedral in five years. The timeline seemed a Hail Mary. Yet here we are. Michael Kimmelman, architecture critic for The New York Times, brings us a behind-the-scenes look at the faithful restoration of Notre-Dame, which opens to the public on Dec. 8.

See How the War in Syria Has Changed

A surprise advance by Syria’s rebels has redrawn a conflict marked for more than a decade by unusual, shifting alliances.

Atrocities Made a South Korean City Infamous. A Novelist Made It Immortal.

The last time South Korea imposed martial law, Gwangju endured a deadly crackdown. Han Kang, the Nobel Prize-winning author, told its story in “Human Acts.”

How Notre-Dame Was Reborn

It took about 250 companies, 2,000 workers, about $900 million, a tight deadline and a lot of national pride.

Climbers Who Went Missing on New Zealand’s Tallest Peak Are Believed Dead

The police suspended their search for two Americans and a Canadian who went missing while trying to reach the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

South Korean Who Grabbed Soldier’s Rifle: ‘I Couldn’t Back Down’

An Gwi-ryeong, a spokeswoman for a political party, went viral after confronting troops during South Korea’s night of martial law. “My first thought was that I just needed to stop the soldiers,” she said.

In Britain, Starmer Is Trying to Fight Populism From the Lonely Center

One of the last centrist leaders left on the global stage, Prime Minister Keir Starmer this week outlined his plan to deliver change for people in the U.K. Will it be enough?

Inside ‘Rail Force One’: The Trains That Take World Leaders to Ukraine

With airspace closed and missiles flying, visiting Kyiv typically means 10 hours on bumpy tracks — even for presidents, prime ministers and business magnates. It’s plenty of time to reflect.

Notre-Dame Reopens: Here’s What to Know

Millions of visitors will flock to the Parisian cathedral after it reopens in December for the first time since a destructive fire in 2019.

Opposition Grows to South Korea’s President as He Faces Impeachment

The leader of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s own party has backed impeachment, on which the National Assembly is set to vote on Saturday.

McKinsey Agrees to Pay $122 Million to Settle South Africa Bribery Case

The global consultancy was accused of bribing foreign government officials. A former senior partner pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge.

Shalom Nagar Dies; Reluctant Executioner of Adolf Eichmann

He was the hangman chosen to carry out the sentence on the fugitive Nazi war criminal, in Israel’s only case of capital punishment.

A Spate of Vandalism Rattled Estonia. Russia Was to Blame, Officials Say.

Several people were convicted in connection with small acts of vandalism carried out at the behest of Russia’s military intelligence service, prosecutors announced Thursday.

A Defiant Macron Says He Won’t Resign as France’s Leader

A day after his chosen prime minister was forced to resign, President Emmanuel Macron denounced his political opponents.

O que 5 milhões de brasileiros têm em comum? Um nome com um passado sombrio

Silva, sobrenome compartilhado por presidentes e estrelas do futebol, carrega o estigma de suas raízes coloniais. Hoje, muitos enxergam seu legado sob novas perspectivas.

No Food, Water or Power for Opponents Hiding From Venezuelan Government

Six leading opposition activists and advisers have taken refuge at the Argentine diplomatic residence for eight months. Now, the police are cutting off basic services.

Roommate Murdered Kenyan Gay Rights Activist, Court Finds

Edwin Chiloba’s body was found stuffed inside a metal box by the roadside last year. A high court judge did not give a motive but said his roommate carried out the murder.

French Prime Minister Resigns After No Confidence Vote

French lawmakers voted to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier, making his three-month-old government the shortest in modern French history.

Ukraine Makes a Case to Trump’s Team as Its Officials Visit U.S.

Kyiv is feeling a sense of urgency leading up to the Jan. 20 inauguration, given the American president-elect’s vow to end the war quickly.

Prince Johnson, 72, Warlord Who Executed Liberia’s President, Dies

A rebel leader in Liberia’s civil wars, he was accused of numerous atrocities. The most notorious was the videotaped mutilation and killing of President Samuel Doe.

Israeli Strike Hits Densely Populated Tent Encampment in Southern Gaza

The Israeli military said the strike targeted Hamas militants operating in the area. Wafa, the Palestinian Authority’s news agency, said at least 20 were killed and several more were wounded.

Amnesty International Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza

Israel rejected the charge — the first of its kind by a major human rights organization — saying it was “based on lies.”

Syrian Rebels Storm Another Major City

Opposition forces advanced on the city of Hama as their startling offensive moved quickly in the direction of the capital, Damascus.

South Korean General Gives a Confused Account of a Failed Crackdown

The military has spent decades trying to rehabilitate its image and win public trust after a brutal past. Its role in President Yoon’s martial law raised a specter from that era.

How Global Conflicts Helped Reignite Syria’s Civil War

Rebels launched sweeping assaults against the forces of President Bashar al-Assad in northwestern Syria, taking control of large portions of territory, including much of the city of Aleppo. Carlotta Gall, a senior correspondent for The New York Times, explains how events beyond Syria’s borders lit the fuse for renewed fighting.

Deadly Israeli Strike Hits Gaza Humanitarian Zone

The Israeli military said it was targeting senior Hamas militants in the area. Video from the scene showed the charred remains of tents.

American Kidnapped in Philippines Is Believed to Be Dead, Police Say

The police said they believed Elliot Eastman, 26, from Vermont, was killed during the abduction in October. They cited testimony from a suspect in custody.

China Slaps Sanctions on 13 U.S. Defense Firms

The largely symbolic move is in response to the Biden administration’s latest arms sales to Taiwan, the island democracy that China considers its own.

Notre-Dame Is Restored, but Macron’s Legacy Is in Jeopardy

The 860-year-old cathedral has been repaired in a time frame many thought impossible. But rather than basking in success, President Emmanuel Macron is mired in political crisis.

The U.K. Voted to Legalize Assisted Dying. Which Other Countries Allow It?

Assisted dying is legal or partly legal in about a dozen countries, and more are considering allowing it.

Coming for Selfies, Staying for Art: Dakar’s Biennale Draws Young Crowd

Encouraged by Senegal’s new president, teenagers and young adults, with social media tools in hand, have thronged an art exhibition that is usually the exclusive realm of the wealthy and elite.

What Do 5 Million Brazilians Have in Common? A Name With a Grim Past

Silva, the surname of presidents and soccer stars, has long carried stigma over its colonial links. Now, many see its legacy in new ways.

Gazans With Disabilities Face ‘Impossible Times’ of Chaos and War

A family fled carrying a 9-year-old girl for hours on their backs. Sisters with visual impairments pleaded for help as Israeli airstrikes fell. “It’s a nightmare,” one wheelchair user said.

Old Photos Evoke the Chaos of South Korea’s 1980 Unrest

Clashes during President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief imposition of martial law echoed the military’s actions during an earlier political crisis that lasted longer and turned deadly.

Here are the latest developments in South Korea.

South Korea’s Defense Minister Steps Down Over Martial Law Decree

President Yoon Suk Yeol accepted the resignation of Kim Yong-hyun, who said he took responsibility for the crisis caused by the brief imposition of military rule.

Mexican Authorities Seize 20 Million Doses of Fentanyl in Record Haul

The operation comes after President-elect Donald J. Trump threatened tariffs on Mexico if the country did not crack down on fentanyl.

France’s Prime Minister Loses No-Confidence Vote and Is Expected to Resign

Prime Minister Michel Barnier will most likely remain as a caretaker until a replacement is named. But the vote could create a wider opening for the far right.

In Global Finale, Biden Hopes Rail Project Defines Africa Legacy

In his last announced trip abroad as president, Mr. Biden relished touring a U.S.-financed train line in Angola intended to transport goods and critical minerals to port.

Israel’s Military Says Hostages Were Likely Killed by Hamas as Airstrike Hit

The six hostages, whose bodies were found in Gaza over the summer, were probably shot in February by their captors as an Israeli strike hit close to the tunnel where they were held, the military said.

South Korea’s Turmoil Is the Latest Threat to a Three-Way Pacific Alliance

Donald J. Trump had been seen as the main risk factor for the partnership between Tokyo, Seoul and Washington. Then came martial law in South Korea.

Map: Where Rebels Have Advanced in Syria

Syrian opposition fighters have rapidly expanded the territory under their control in northwestern Syria.

Lawmakers Move to Impeach South Korean Leader After Failed Martial Law Bid

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s attempt to break a political deadlock by imposing military rule collapsed within hours, leaving him with few defenders. A vote to impeach him could come as soon as Friday.

Rebels Push Toward Hama, a Syrian Government Stronghold

The map of battle in Syria’s civil war, long static, is rapidly changing.

Georgia Tumbles Deeper Into Crisis as Government Detains Opposition Figures

In a sign of a widening crackdown, security agents have searched the offices and homes of prominent activists and opposition leaders who are furious about the government’s position on Europe.

Elite Sumo Wrestlers Will Compete in London, a Rarity Outside Japan

A five-day event in October will be the Japan Sumo Association’s first competition in Britain in more than three decades.

Crises and scandals have plagued President Yoon Suk Yeol’s time in office.

How the Impeachment of South Korea’s President Will Continue

A detailed look at each stage of the impeachment process against President Yoon.

Handing Out Grants, Zelensky Tries to Win Over War-Weary Ukrainians

Citizens will be entitled to a $24 one-off payment this winter, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced, in a move apparently intended to soften the blow of a tax rise to help fund the war effort.

South Koreans try to process six hours of martial law.

Iran Releases Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Laureate, From Prison for 21 Days

The activist, whose health has deteriorated, had bone surgery last month. She was just 19 when Iran’s morality police detained her.

Why South Korea’s Leader, Desperate and Frustrated, Made a Fateful Decision

​A day after he declared — and then withdrew — martial law, President Yoon Suk Yeol was politically isolated as observers pondered his future in leadership.

How South Korea Plunged Into Political Crisis

After President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, protesters gathered in front of the National Assembly and lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to rescind the order. John Yoon, a reporter for The New York Times in Seoul, explains how the extraordinary events were a culmination of years of political turmoil.

Syrian Forces Battle Rebels Outside Government Stronghold

The rebels have set their sights on the city of Hama, where President Bashar al-Assad’s government has long maintained strength.

With Assad Challenged, a Push to Cut Syria’s Ties to Iran Grows More Unlikely

Even as Israel bombarded Syria, officials say the U.S. and Gulf countries were working to weaken its president’s alliance with Tehran. Rebels’ shock advance has dampened those hopes.

Stripping Down for a Night at a French Museum

To report on an unclothed visit to an exhibition about social nudism, a Times journalist chose to join the party. Her mother did, too.

Stalin Silenced These Ukrainian Writers. The War Made Them Famous Again.

The Soviet regime killed a generation of literary artists in the 1930s. Their legacy is being reclaimed as Ukraine fights to preserve its cultural heritage.

Tapped by Trudeau to Steer Foreign Affairs, She’s Now His Possible Successor

Mélanie Joly, Canada’s top diplomat, has already faced off against India and China, with Donald Trump up next. She’s also considered a top contender to replace Justin Trudeau.

Prime Minister to Lead South Korea After President’s Impeachment

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will be the acting president after the National Assembly ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol.

For Some Koreans, Martial Law Brought Back Frightening Memories

“I immediately thought of 1980, and the fear and desperation we felt,” said a 60-year-old lawmaker who lived through the massacre of protesters in Gwangju.

South Korean Troops Enter Parliament Building

Soldiers stormed South Korea’s National Assembly as legislative aides put up barricades to give lawmakers time to vote on nullifying President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration.

Here are the latest developments.

Nearly 300 Troops Stormed South Korean Legislature, Official Says

The National Assembly’s secretary general, Kim Min-ki, condemned what he called the “illegal, unconstitutional actions of the military.”

South Korea’s Already Shaky Markets Further Rattled by Political Turmoil

Officials pledged “unlimited” support to markets as traders digested the implications of South Korea’s brief declaration of martial law.

South Korean History Is Scarred by Martial Law

The president’s short-lived declaration of a military emergency late Tuesday was young South Koreans’ first exposure to a state of affairs their elders remember well.

South Korea President Declares Martial Law, Then Backs Down

Soon after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration on Tuesday, lawmakers voted to defy him, prompting the president to say he was lifting his order.

South Korea’s President Lifts Martial Law After Order Sparked Protests

Protests broke out in Seoul after President Yoon Suk Yeol temporarily declared an emergency martial law on Tuesday. Hours later, the National Assembly swiftly rebuked the order and voted to lift it.

How Polarized Politics Led South Korea to a Plunge Into Martial Law

Yoon Suk Yeol’s decree, and his reversal under pressure from lawmakers, were the culmination of years of feuding between the country’s two main political camps.

Who is Lee Jae-myung, the South Korean opposition leader?

The opposition leader rallied lawmakers to vote down President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law decree.

Namibia Elects First Woman as President as Ruling Party Keeps Power

Across southern Africa, political parties that have led their countries since the end of colonialism have ceded power to the opposition in recent months. Namibia bucked the trend.

Korean Americans are trying to make sense of events in Seoul.

Italian Man Given Life Sentence for Brutal Murder of Ex-Girlfriend

The killing ignited national outrage and provoked calls for stronger measures to protect women.

President Yoon’s speech walking back his martial law order.

Western allies and the U.N. are keeping a worried eye on the crisis.

In Washington, London and New York, officials voiced concern over the power struggle between the president and lawmakers in South Korea.

NATO Chief Urges More Weapons for Ukraine Ahead of Any Peace Talks

Mark Rutte said it was up to Ukraine to decide when it was ready to begin negotiations with Russia — and that the West should help strengthen Kyiv’s position beforehand.

In Angola, Biden Warns That Slavery’s History Should Not Be Erased

In becoming the first American leader to visit Angola, President Biden said it was important not to forget the ugly legacy of the human trade that originally defined relations with Africa.

Who Is Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea’s Leader?

A conservative, Mr. Yoon won the presidency in 2022 by a slim margin, promising a more confrontational stance against North Korea. He quickly became unpopular and divisive at home.

What to Know About the Surprise Martial Law in South Korea

President Yoon Suk Yeol faces public fury and calls to resign after he imposed martial law, then backed down after Parliament voted to repeal it.

Pro-Government Airstrikes Damage Hospitals in Rebel-Held Syrian City

The director of Idlib University Hospital said his facility was one of two knocked out of service by Monday’s strikes.

A Geopolitical Cauldron Simmers in Syria After Rebel Attacks

Iran and Russia, both stretched by conflicts of their own, have experienced setbacks in Syria after a rebel offensive in the northwest of the country.

Chaos Plays Out at South Korea’s Legislature Building

Soldiers wearing helmets and carrying long guns pushed back against people who tried to enter the National Assembly, after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law.

President Yoon’s Speech Declaring Martial Law

President Yoon Suk Yeol made the extraordinary declaration in an unannounced speech to the nation on Tuesday night.

Here are the latest developments.

President Yoon Suk Yeol claimed ‘anti-state’ forces were at work, and he criticized attempts to impeach him.

Netanyahu Welcomes Trump’s Demand to Free Hostages Before Inauguration

The Israeli leader’s comments came after President-elect Donald J. Trump threatened to take unspecified action unless the hostages held in Gaza are released by Jan. 20.

Fighting Worsens Already Dire Conditions in Northwestern Syria

Years of war and a powerful earthquake had led to crushing poverty, displacement and breakdowns in services. But over the last several days, the region’s misery deepened.

Investigation Into Forced Adoptions From Ukraine Points Finger at Putin

Yale researchers traced hundreds of children taken to Russia in the war, finding what they described as “a higher level of crime than first understood.”

China Bans Rare Mineral Exports to the U.S.

The move escalates supply chain warfare and comes a day after the Biden administration expanded curbs on the sale of advanced American technology to China.

Why Israel and Hezbollah Are Still Firing Amid a Cease-Fire

Some violations of the truce, and some amount of violence, are to be expected, analysts say, and do not necessarily mean the deal will collapse and war will resume anytime soon.

‘Politics Failed’: Top U.N. Envoy Says Gaza War Followed Years of Weak Diplomacy

World leaders failed to focus on a permanent solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and risk making the same mistake again, the departing United Nations’ envoy in the region says.