The Japan Times - Politics

Bolivia blockades make saving lives 'ordeal'

Zulma Hinojosa waits anxiously in a doctor's office at La Paz's Children's Hospital for her 13-year-old son, who suffers from asthma and heart problems.

German far-left militant jailed for 13 years for robberies

A German far-left militant arrested in Berlin after decades on the run was sentenced to 13 years' jail Wednesday for a series of armed robberies committed while she was a fugitive.

Iran says 'low' possibility of return to war with US

Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday said a return to war with the United States was unlikely, while warning that the Islamic republic stood ready against any attack.

Tibet-in-exile government leader sworn in

Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama prayed as the leader of the elected goverment of Tibetans in exile was sworn in for a second term on Wednesday.

No feasts, no joy: Gazans mark a dark Eid

New clothes for children, sacrificial sheep and Eid biscuits, the hallmarks of the Muslim holiday, are all either unaffordable or unavailable in Gaza, casting a shadow over what is usually a time of celebration and joy.

Bolivian Congress OK's use of troops against protesters

Bolivia's congress voted Tuesday to let President Rodrigo Paz deploy soldiers and declare a state of emergency to counter huge street protests seeking his resignation over economic hardship.

Thousands rally for EU on Georgia independence day

Thousands of Georgians staged a pro-Europe rally in the capital Tbilisi on the country's Independence Day on Tuesday, to protest what critics say is the government's democratic backsliding and anti-Western tilt.

Trump builds giant stage at White House for birthday cage fight

It has played host to countless world leaders and moments in history. Now US President Donald Trump has built a huge cage-fighting arena on the White House's South Lawn.

Trump declares himself in 'perfect' health, as 80th birthday looms

Donald Trump said an annual medical checkup had gone "perfectly" Tuesday, as the health of the oldest US president ever to take the oath faces growing scrutiny with the approach of his 80th birthday.

North Korea tests new multi-purpose missile launch system: KCNA

North Korea said Wednesday it had tested a new lightweight multi-purpose missile launching system and a multiple tactical cruise missile weapon system the previous day.

Peace deal hopes boost Wall Street stocks despite latest US strikes

Wall Street stocks mostly rose Tuesday, lifting the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to fresh records on hopes for a Middle East peace deal.

Senegal parliament elects ousted PM as speaker in challenge to president

Senegal's National Assembly elected ousted prime minister Ousmane Sonko as its speaker Tuesday, in a move which could challenge the president's ability to govern as he navigates a massive debt crisis.

Dozens of countries at UN condemn Moscow's 'threats' to embassies in Ukraine

Almost 50 countries condemned what they said were threats by Russia against embassies in Ukraine in a joint statement at the United Nations on Tuesday.

Trump flexes muscle in Texas Senate runoff

Donald Trump's power over Republican voters faces another test Tuesday in Texas, where veteran Senator John Cornyn is fighting long odds after the president endorsed scandal-plagued loyalist Ken Paxton in a bitter Senate primary runoff.

US, Armenia pledge to move forward on corridor during Rubio visit

The United States pledged Tuesday to move forward with Armenia on a planned corridor connecting parts of rival Azerbaijan, during a lightning visit by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Iran accuses US of breaking truce after new strikes

Iran accused the United States of breaching their ceasefire Tuesday after overnight US strikes targeting Iranian missile sites and mine-laying boats threatened diplomatic efforts to strike a deal to end the war.

Trump has annual medical exam, days before turning 80

US President Donald Trump went for his annual medical examination on Tuesday, days before his 80th birthday and amid mounting speculation about his health.

Rubio opens talks in Armenia on US cooperation

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio opened talks Tuesday in Armenia, a former Soviet republic long allied with Russia which has been seeking closer relations with the West.

Senegal parliament elects ousted PM as speaker

Senegal's National Assembly elected ousted prime minister Ousmane Sonko as its speaker Tuesday in a vote boycotted by the opposition, following months of tension that culminated in the firebrand's sacking.

IS-linked women, children return to Australia

A group of seven women and 12 children linked to suspected Islamic State fighters returned to Australia on Tuesday after years in Syria, police said.

Rubio revives 'Quad' with new Asia projects after questions on US

The United States, India, Australia and Japan announced new maritime and critical minerals cooperation on Tuesday, reviving a forum viewed suspiciously by China following questions over the US commitment and disagreement on Iran.

'Next time I'll stab you': Russia sees spate of wartime school attacks

When a teacher at a school in northwestern Russia tried to wake a 16-year-old student sleeping at his desk, he muttered: "You'll regret this."

Rubio revives 'Quad' alliance in India, but staying power unclear

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Tuesday for a revival of joint cooperation with Australia, India and Japan -- the so-called Quad grouping viewed suspiciously by China -- following disagreement on Iran and questions over US commitment.

Rubio says US ready to mediate as Moscow steps up Kyiv threats

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday Washington remained ready to mediate in the war between Russia and Ukraine, after Moscow threatened new strikes on Kyiv.

US hits Iran with new strikes, despite talks to end war

US forces attacked missile sites in southern Iran and boats trying to lay mines on Monday, US Central Command said, imperiling a fragile ceasefire and casting new doubt on a deal to end the Middle East war.

US hits Iran with new strikes, despite ceasefire

US forces attacked missile sites in southern Iran and boats trying to lay mines on Monday, US Central Command said, imperiling a fragile ceasefire and casting new doubt on a deal to end the Middle East war.

'I think twice': Minorities fear World Cup immigration enforcement

Haiti's first World Cup appearance since 1974 is a source of immense pride, but Emile, a Haitian living in Ohio, is afraid to attend a match because of US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

Rubio to revive 'Quad' alliance in India, but staying power unclear

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was to meet Tuesday with Australia, India and Japan to revive the so-called Quad security alliance-- viewed suspiciously by China -- following disagreement on Iran and questions over US commitment.

War-hardened Kyiv residents return to routine after Russian strikes

Sunbathing on terraces, playing in the streets, sitting at cafes: Despite a weekend of intense Russian bombardment, Kyiv residents returned to their normal routines on Monday, with some saying they had become desensitised after more than four years of war.

US attacks missile sites in Iran, despite ceasefire

US forces attacked missile sites in southern Iran and boats trying to lay mines on Monday, US Central Command said, as top Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for talks to end the war.

Canada's Carney calls treatment of Gaza flotilla activists 'unacceptable'

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday denounced the "appalling treatment" of activists aboard the Gaza-bound aid flotilla as "unacceptable," in a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, according to a statement.

Canada PM compares 'dangerous' Alberta separatist bid to Brexit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday compared Alberta's plans to consider separating from Canada to Brexit, calling it "dangerous" and suggesting people may not appreciate the consequences of their vote.

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