Leaders of the European Union Wednesday hailed the inauguration of Joe Biden as a “new dawn” in America. Speaking at the European Parliament in Brussels, ahead of Biden’s swearing-in as the 46th president of the United States, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “This time-honored ceremony on the steps of the U.S. CapitolRead more
Student loan debt in the U.S. accounts for over $1.7 trillion, a figure higher than the GDP of countries like Canada, Russia, and South Korea. Now, students at one of the United States most prestigious universities say they will withhold their tuition payments unless the school meets their demands. VOA’s Keith Kocinski in New YorkRead more
Vice president-elect Kamala Harris made history when she became the first woman ever to win election on a presidential ticket. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports on the path that brought Harris to the second most powerful position in the U.S. government.Camera: Adam Greenbaum Producers: Katherine Gypson, Jesse Oni …Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic has now killed more than 400,000 people in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center. The tragic milestone was marked by a solemn nighttime ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., where 400 lights that lined the iconic reflecting pool at the front of the memorial were turned on toRead more
Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump issued pardons to 73 people and commuted the sentences of 70 others, the White House announced early Wednesday, hours before the end of his term. The pardons included one for Trump’s former campaign manager and senior adviser Steve Bannon, who was charged with defrauding thousands of investors who believed they were giving moneyRead more
Nearly 680 non-governmental organizations in Turkey have condemned a new law aimed at increasing oversight of them, with critics saying it threatens to silence one of the country’s last independent and critical voices. “It’s creating a huge chilling effect,” said Yaman Akdeniz, co-founder of the Freedom of Expression Society, “They [government] want to create fear, and it has been successful so far with this law; there is fearRead more
Afghanistan’s High Peace Council says an immediate cease-fire is a top priority for the Afghan government negotiators in the second round of the intra-Afghan talks in Doha. Meanwhile, activists have expressed their concerns over a recent surge in targeted killings in Afghanistan. VOA’s Samsama Sirat reports from Kabul. …Read more
While running for president, Joe Biden stated that once elected, he would take “immediate steps to renew our own democracy and alliances,” including organizing a global Summit for Democracy during his first year in office. Former Canadian justice minister Irwin Cotler speaks to the media during a press conference in Jerusalem, Dec. 30, 2009.He creditedRead more
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s foreign policy team is vowing to work with like-minded partners around the world to take on pressing challenges, ranging from receding democracy to the growing rivalry with China, Russia and other authoritarian states. Tuesday, Biden’s nominee for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, told the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations at his confirmation hearing thatRead more
In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, dozens of Palestinian high-tech startups are flourishing. Some are branches of international companies, others are all Palestinian. High-tech also offers new possibilities for Israeli-Palestinian cooperation. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. Camera: Ricki Rosen …Read more
The inauguration of Joe Biden represents not only a new chapter for the United States, but for the world. For allies and adversaries alike, new relationships with the world’s superpower are already taking shape.In much of Europe, there is a mood of optimism.“After Joe Biden was elected, you could hear a collective sigh of reliefRead more
The European Union’s executive arm, the EU Commission, called on member states Tuesday to speed up their COVID-19 vaccination programs, saying nations should have at least 80% of their priority populations – front-line workers and people over 80 – vaccinated by March. At a news conference in Brussels, Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas said the goal isRead more
Pakistan is fencing its border with Afghanistan for security. The move is unpopular with local tribes who say it impacts their relations and livelihoods. Ayesha Tanzeem reports.Producer: Marcus Harton …Read more
In a farewell video released on his final full day in office, President Donald Trump offered prayers and best wishes to his successor, Democrat Joe Biden, but without ever mentioning him by name.“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous,” Trump said in the videoRead more
The woman tapped to lead the United States intelligence agencies following four years under President Donald Trump is telling lawmakers her first task will be to restore trust, both with the American people and Washington’s key allies. Avril Haines, a former deputy director of at the Central Intelligence Agency and a former White House aide, called reestablishingRead more
Russia dismissed calls Tuesday for opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s release and threats of sanctions after his arrest, calling the issue a national matter.Responding to calls for sanctions against Moscow a day after Navalny was arrested, a Kremlin spokesperson said Navalny’s case would be dealt with internally.FILE – Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov listens during a newsRead more
Iraq’s Cabinet members voted unanimously Tuesday to postpone this year’s general elections from June 6 until October 10, according to the state news agency INA. The decision came after the country’s electoral commission urged more time to organize the polls in order to conduct free and fair elections. The postponed vote would still beRead more
In the final hours of the President Donald Trump’s administration, the United States Tuesday formally labeled the Chinese government’s policies targeting ethnic Uighur Muslims and other minorities in the northwest region of Xinjiang as “genocide.”“After careful examination of the available facts, I have determined that the PRC [People’s Republic of China], under the direction andRead more