The swirling wind and rain hit an area where a yearslong insurgency had already forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.
News
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.
Coke, Pepsi and Other U.S. Companies Face Wall Street Pressure Over Labor Abuses in India
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.
Australia Targets China’s Influence With Deals in Pacific Islands
In separate agreements with Nauru, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Australia is attempting to edge out China’s influence in the region.
A Solstice of the Soul
For his next trick, your cosmic correspondent for the past quarter-century will (try to) retire.
Trump Tariffs? Europe Braces but Has No Clear Strategy
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.
Senior U.S. Diplomats Meet With Governing Militias in Syria
The U.S. officials in Damascus are also looking for signs of Austin Tice, a missing American journalist, as well as other U.S. citizens.
Friday Briefing
The rape trial that horrified France.
During Pelicot Trial, Avignon’s Ramparts Give a Platform to 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 Viktoria Roshchyna 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.