German domestic intelligence reportedly rejects Palantir

Palantir has long divided opinions. In the eyes of its proponents and opponents, the analysis tools made by the publicly traded US company which are in-demand worldwide are either a silver bullet or the devil's work. Against this backdrop, a media report has emerged in Germany: according to information from the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, as

Mario Draghi: Charlemagne Prize Winner and Europe’s Stabilizer

The former head of the European Central Bank Mario Draghi was presented with the prestigious Charlemagne Prize at a ceremony in Aachen, western Germany, on May 14. "You took charge of the euro during a time of crisis, and you stabilized the euro and the eurozone," Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during his speech honoring Draghi.  With his

Merkel Calls ‘Male-Killing’ Label Absurd

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has dismissed accusations that she systematically sidelined male rivals during her political career. The "male-killing Merkel" label emerged in German political commentary during Angela Merkel's rise inside the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU). What does the 'male-killing Merkel' tag refer to? It referred to the fact that several powerful male rivals or mentors

Iran conflict tests India’s multi-alignment diplomacy

India has long taken pride in doing what few major powers could manage. It bought oil from Iran, built defense ties with Israel, strengthened relations with the US and expanded economic links with the Gulf monarchies, while insisting it would not be drawn into regional camps or formal alliances. The Iran war, however, is pushing that

Madonna, Shakira and BTS to Headline World Cup Halftime

The July 19 World Cup final in New Jersey will be the first to include a Superbowl-inspired "Halftime Show," with performances from American veteran Madonna, the Colombian voice of the 2010 and now 2026 World Cup Shakira, and South Korean boyband BTS.  The curator is Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who announced the lineup in a promotional video

Experts Warn Tunisia Sliding Toward Authoritarianism

Human rights in Tunisia are a growing case for concern. On Tuesday, courts upheld the sentencing of two prominent Tunisian journalists accused of financial crimes. But media rights group say the ruling was a case of "judicial harassment," and argued that the charges leveled lacked evidence. Prior to the hearing, Amnesty International sounded the alarm

Japan’s fight against kodokushi — lonely deaths

Japan is facing a rising number of "lonely deaths," or people dying in isolation, despite government efforts to stem the tide. The issue has become such a part of modern society here that it even has its own term, "kodokushi" — making up close to 5% of Japan's overall death rate. Statistics released by the

Latvia’s Prime Minister Resigns After Coalition Breaks Over Drones

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina on Thursday said she was resigning in response to her coalition government breaking up.  "I am resigning, but I am not giving up," Silina said in a televised statement.  Silina, of the center-right New Unity party, was left without a ruling majority in the parliament as of Wednesday, when the

Merkel Urges Patience as Merz’s Coalition Faces Criticism

Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know Angela Merkel has urged Germans to judge the government with "moderation and balance"  The former chancellor said she wished the conservative-center-left coalition success but declined to comment in detail on its policies. Merkel advised Chancellor Friedrich Merz to show "a generous spirit" towards coalition partners

Iran tensions and oil shocks overshadow BRICS talks

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar called for "safe, unimpeded maritime flows" through international waters, including the Strait of Hormuz, as the politically divided BRICS nations gathered in New Delhi on Thursday. "We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations," Jaishankar said in his opening remarks. "There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets
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