Alexander Katiraie
Blog
As Belgium Races to Save U.S.A.I.D. Contraception, Some Supplies Are Reported Ruined
The Belgian government is in talks with the Trump administration to save birth control stranded in a warehouse, but another shipment has been incorrectly stored.
Published: November 12, 2025, 7:56 pm
Algeria Pardons Writer Boualem Sansal at Germany’s Request
Boualem Sansal, an Algerian-French writer, was arrested on accusations of undermining national security during a visit to his homeland a year ago and sentenced to five years in prison.
Published: November 12, 2025, 9:00 pm
Labour Party’s Internal Fight Goes Public, as Starmer’s Trouble Grows
An attempt by Keir Starmer’s allies to undercut a rival has forced into the open a party debate over whether to replace the prime minister.
Published: November 12, 2025, 10:13 pm
Solvay of Belgium Creates Rare Earths Deals With U.S.
The contracts are the latest sign of how Europe is lagging the United States in the race to break China’s chokehold on rare earths.
Published: November 12, 2025, 6:53 pm
At the Cybathlon, May the Best Brain-Computer Interface Win
Every four years at the Cybathlon, teams of researchers and technology “pilots” compete to see whose brain-computer interface holds the most promise.
Published: November 12, 2025, 7:50 pm
Blue Diamond Sells for $25.6 Million at Auction in Switzerland
A 9.51-carat blue stone that once belonged to the heiress Bunny Mellon sold for $7 million less than at its last auction, a sign of profound shifts in the diamond industry.
Published: November 12, 2025, 8:11 pm
In ‘The Seduction,’ a ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ for This Moment
The French-language series from HBO Max focuses on the young Marquise de Merteuil — and on love, broken promises and manipulation.
Published: November 12, 2025, 10:02 am
Visiting Leiden, Canals and Charm Without the Crowds of Amsterdam
Leiden, a city whose university is often called the Oxford of the Netherlands, features museums, gardens, murals and plenty of ways to stretch your mind.
Published: November 12, 2025, 10:02 am
Blood and Tears as Spain’s Troubled Bullfighting Star Hangs Up His Cape
José Antonio Morante Camacho says he has fought his last bull. Fans appreciated his artistry but also his honesty about his struggles with mental illness.
Published: November 12, 2025, 10:01 am
Pope Leo Shares His Favorite Movies Ahead of Vatican Event
The list leans heavily on uplifting classics.
Published: November 11, 2025, 10:12 pm
Trump Threatened to Sue the BBC for $1 Billion. What Are His Chances?
Legal experts say President Trump’s litigation track record offers both hope and warning to the British public broadcaster, which he has threatened with a $1 billion suit.
Published: November 11, 2025, 9:13 pm
Roman-Era Treasures Stolen From Syria’s National Museum
The Damascus museum theft set off an official investigation in what may be one of Syria’s largest losses of antiquities in recent years.
Published: November 11, 2025, 7:24 pm
The Mysterious ‘Louvre Detective’ Was a 15-Year-Old Passer-by
The photo of a dapper man in a fedora sparked many questions: Was the person real? A Sherlock Holmes-inspired detective on the case? Or just being very French?
Published: November 11, 2025, 4:47 pm
Ban a Pro-Palestinian Group? The U.K. Government Thought Few Would Care.
Official advice provided to the government before its ban on Palestine Action underestimated the significant public protests that followed, records show.
Published: November 11, 2025, 4:47 pm
Sarah Jessica Parker Describes Her Year as a Booker Prize Judge
The actor had to read so many books (153) she bowed out of most family activities. Still, she said, collaborating to pick a winner was worth the sacrifice.
Published: November 12, 2025, 8:31 pm
Iraqis Are Voting for a New Parliament. Here’s What to Know.
Iraq is caught in a power struggle between Washington and Tehran, with the Trump administration insisting that the next government disarm powerful Iran-backed militias.
Published: November 11, 2025, 9:06 pm
As Iraqis Vote for a Parliament, U.S. Presses to Rid Country of Iran’s Influence
After a U.S. occupation, years of sectarian violence and a jihadist insurgency, Iraq has become an improbable haven of calm in the Middle East.
Published: November 11, 2025, 5:19 pm
2025 Booker Prize Goes to David Szalay’s ‘Flesh’
The rags-to-riches tale had already made fans of Zadie Smith and Dua Lipa. Roddy Doyle, who chaired the judging panel, called the book “singular” and “extraordinary.”
Published: November 11, 2025, 8:17 am
Why the BBC Is Facing Its Gravest Crisis in Decades
The British public service broadcaster apologized on Monday for a misleadingly edited documentary about President Trump. But the scandal had already claimed two of its top executives.
Published: November 11, 2025, 12:02 am
Trump Threatens to Sue the BBC for $1 Billion After Jan. 6 Documentary
A lawyer for President Trump said the BBC’s editing of a speech he gave was “defamatory.” The broadcaster apologized on Monday for an “error in judgment.”
Published: November 11, 2025, 2:12 am
Why all Aussies should visit this underrated city just a few hours away - and its breathtaking island dotted with world-class wineries: THE DETOUR
Welcome to The Detour: Your food and travel guide to the best flavours, hidden haunts, insider tips and unforgettable new experiences that reward those who wander
Published: November 12, 2025, 9:23 pm
MAFS' Jacqui Burfoot hits back at 'jealous co-stars' who labelled her romance 'fake' as she celebrates one-year anniversary with groom Clint Rice
Married At First Sight stars Jacqui Burfoot and Clint Rice have marked their one-year anniversary.
Published: November 12, 2025, 2:04 pm
Ben Stokes hits back at criticism of England's Ashes preparation after Ian Botham said tourists' plan 'borders on arrogance'
All-time great Botham didn't hold back when he was asked about the team's build-up to the first Test on November 21. Stokes did the same as he replied in Perth on Wednesday.
Published: November 12, 2025, 6:47 am
Transgender athletes won't face blanket ban from 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow despite Olympics being set to exclude them
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year will not adopt a blanket ban of transgender athletes - despite the Olympic Games looking likely to do so.
Published: November 11, 2025, 9:12 pm
Emma Raducanu the rugby player? Tennis star is put through her paces as she pays visit to England squad ahead of crunch New Zealand clash
The tennis star shared her Grand Slam experiences as she joined up with Steve Borthwick's squad who are attempting to land their first victory over New Zealand since 2019.
Published: November 11, 2025, 7:21 pm
DAN BIGGAR: Why England WILL beat the All Blacks (and how I think they'll do it), my encounter with Thierry Henry and why South Africa are in a league of their own right now
The All Blacks are still a magnificent team. But I really do believe the aura of invincibility that once surrounded them isn't there now.
Published: November 11, 2025, 3:18 pm
England without two injured stars as Steve Borthwick names team with seven changes to face the All Blacks in huge Test
ALEX BYWATER: Steve Borthwick looked forward to the 'special challenge' of facing New Zealand but his England team will have to do so without a key duo.
Published: November 11, 2025, 2:37 pm
Sir Cliff Richard proves he's still got it at 85 as veteran singer wears a trendy double denim outfit ahead of his final Australian tour date in Brisbane
One could be forgiven for thinking Sir Cliff Richard was en route to the Australian jungle as he made his way across Brisbane Airport on Tuesday morning.
Published: November 11, 2025, 11:40 am
Mick Lane dead aged 99: British and Irish Lions star who was the final surviving member of first touring side after World War 2 passes away
The world of rugby is in mourning after Lane, who featured in the iconic team's first tour after World War 2, died in his home in Cork on Sunday.
Published: November 11, 2025, 10:58 am
England head coach Steve Borthwick monitoring injuries to key stars ahead of crunch New Zealand clash
ALEX BYWATER: Both players suffered their fitness issues in last Saturday's 38-18 victory over Fiji and were replaced in the second half. If they are absent, it will be a significant blow.
Published: November 11, 2025, 8:47 am
Iconic New Zealand rockers Split Enz set to reunite at Bluesfest 2026
Iconic New Zealand rockers Split Enz are reuniting to play their first shows in 17 years.
Published: November 11, 2025, 6:09 am
Revealing update on NRL star who had to have brain surgery after devastating series of head knocks as his loved ones continue their bedside vigil
Tongan forward Eli Katoa remains in hospital more than a week after he had to be given oxygen on the sideline after suffering a seizure.
Published: November 11, 2025, 3:54 am
Report: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor may have hyphen added to surname
After his titles were stripped, the ex-Duke was reintroduced to the world as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor - notably missing the hyphen traditionally used in the royal family's double-barrelled surname.
Published: November 11, 2025, 11:29 am
Little girl is fighting for her life after crash involving lorry
A young girl has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after a crash involving a lorry. The horror unfolded before 4pm on Monday.
Published: November 11, 2025, 3:58 am
CHRISTOPHER STEVENS reviews Trespasses on Channel 4: This wretched 70s-set Belfast drama is drowning in hatred, poverty and gin
At the end of the second episode of Trespasses, primary school teacher Cushla (Lola Petticrew) searches the house for her mother's hidden stashes of booze, and finds enough to fill Belfast docks.
Published: November 11, 2025, 1:36 am