Why Iran cracks down at home, cozies up to Moscow
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Backed into a corner by the West, Iran is ramping up uranium enrichment, clamping down on dissent and deepening ties with Russia in a challenge to the U.S. and Europe. Russian President Vladimir Putin heads to Tehran next week to meet with Iran’s leader — his second trip abroad since sending troops into Ukraine. The surprise announcement came a day after the White House said Tehran is preparing to send armed drones to Russia for use in Ukraine and before U.S. President Joe Biden headed toRead more
US tourist falls into Mount Vesuvius after taking selfie
An American tourist fell into Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano in Italy, after trespassing to take a selfie, officials said. The 23-year-old man, who dropped his phone and tried to retrieve it after the selfie, fell several meters into the ash of the crater before being saved by nearby park officials on Saturday. He sustained only minor injuries, officials said. The man, who has not been named, allegedly walked on an unauthorized path to reach the summit of Mount Vesuvius at 1,281 meters, according to a spokesperson from the CarabinieriRead more
UN sees progress in talks to free up Ukraine grain exports
ISTANBUL — U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the first meeting in weeks between Russia and Ukraine took “a critical step” forward Wednesday to ensuring the export of desperately needed grain from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports to help ease the global food crisis. Turkey’s defense minister said agreements would be signed when negotiators meet again in Istanbul next week. The U.N. chief cautioned that “more technical work will now be needed” to reach an agreement, “but the momentum is clear … I’m encouraged. I’m optimistic, but it’s not yet fully done.” With the war in UkraineRead more
Firefighting helicopter crashes off Greek island; 2 dead
ATHENS, Greece — Two members of a helicopter crew battling a forest fire on the Greek island of Samos died when it crashed into the sea, authorities said Wednesday. A Romanian national and a Greek liaison officer died in the crash, while two Moldovan nationals survived, a Coast Guard spokeswoman told the Associated Press. The Soviet-era Mi-8 helicopter, leased for firefighting operations from Ukraine, took off from Samos at 4:39 p.m. and crashed off the island at 5:55 p.m. Nine vessels, five from the Coast Guard, two from the army andRead more
Draghi government stability at risk as Italy’s 5-Stars balk
ROME — The head of Italy’s 5-Star Movement said late Wednesday the party’s lawmakers won’t participate in a confidence vote in the upper chamber of Parliament, putting the stability of Premier Mario Draghi’s coalition government at risk. Former Premier Giuseppe Conte announced the move in a late-night briefing with 5-Star lawmakers. The vote on a series of measures to help Italians withstand the economic crisis is scheduled for Thursday in the Senate and is tied to a confidence motion. Such confidence motions on government-sponsored bills are designed to ensure allies close ranks,Read more