International

Russia launches 'massive' attack on Ukraine energy, killing at least seven
Russia on Sunday launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, described by officials as the largest over the past months, targeting energy infrastructure and killing civilians.
Biden and Xi take a first step to limit AI and nuclear decisions at their last meeting
The leaders agreed that humans should control decisions to use nuclear weapons — not AI. And they talked about the importance of stability during the transition to a new U.S. administration.
At Tiananmen Square, tight security with metal detectors reflects a changing China
There’s a police check to exit the subway, another to get in line, a third while standing in line, and metal detectors and X-ray machines before you finally reach the Beijing landmark.
2 Israeli airstrikes hit Syria's capital and a suburb, killing 15 people, Syrian state media says
Syria’s state news agency says Israel has carried out two airstrikes on a western neighborhood of Damascus and one of the capital’s suburbs. At least 15 people have been killed. One of the strikes on Thursday targeted an office of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group.
Biden and Xi will meet on Saturday, the 3rd and likely final time during Biden's term
This is likely to be their final meeting before President Biden leaves office. Biden sees it as a chance to reflect on the "tough relationship" between the two countries, an official said.
Pakistan's smog is visible from space. This activist is 'frustrated' but won't give up
The government in Lahore has closed schools and public spaces and shut down factories. Environmental lawyer Ahmad Rafay Alam shares his perspective: "frustrated" but still fighting.
Israel’s ousted defense minister says the military has done all it can in Gaza
On his last day in office, Israel’s outed defense minister offered a revealing glimpse into the war in Gaza – and the decision maker he holds responsible for holding up a ceasefire deal.
Assailants attack Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam. The violence was condemned as antisemitic
Dutch authorities say young people on scooters attacked Israeli fans in hit-and-run assaults overnight after a soccer game in Amsterdam apparently fueled by calls to target Jewish people spread on social media. Five people were treated in hospitals and dozens were arrested.
Germany's coalition government collapses as Chancellor Scholz fires his finance chief
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, paving the way for a confidence vote by parliament in January that is expected to lead to early elections next March.