Israel to occupy Syrian southern territory for ‘unlimited time’, says minister | Syria

Israel’s defence minister has reaffirmed the country’s intention to occupy a swath of Syrian territory beyond Israel’s contested northern borders for an “unlimited amount of time” during a visit to the strategic Mount Hermon. “The IDF is prepared to stay in Syria for an unlimited amount of time. We will hold the security area in … Read more

Plastic pollution leaves seabirds with brain damage similar to Alzheimer’s, study shows | Plastics

Ingesting plastic is leaving seabird chicks with brain damage “akin to Alzheimer’s disease”, according to a new study – adding to growing evidence of the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine wildlife. Analysis of young sable shearwaters, a migratory bird that travels between Australia’s Lord Howe Island and Japan, has found that plastic waste … Read more

Trinidad and Tobago calls new UK visa requirement ‘disproportionate move’ | Immigration and asylum

Trinidad and Tobago has described Britain’s new visa requirement for tourists from the twin island state as a disproportionate and disappointing response to the issue of false asylum applications. Trinidad and Tobago nationals previously could visit the UK without a visa, only requiring the electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which was introduced in January for all … Read more

Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest could be telling blow in the Philippines’ dynastic feud | Rodrigo Duterte

Few expected things to move so quickly. Supporters of the Philippines’ former president Rodrigo Duterte barely had time to protest before he was jetted off to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity in relation to his country’s so-called “war on drugs”. According to activists, this bloody crackdown has seen as many as … Read more

US pauses water-sharing negotiations with Canada over Columbia River | Canada

The United States has paused negotiations with Canada on a key water-sharing treaty as Donald Trump continues both his threats to annex his northern neighbour and to upend major agreements governing relations between the two counties. British Columbia’s energy ministry said officials south of the border are “conducting a broad review” of the Columbia River … Read more