Emeralds for Sale: The Taliban Look Below Ground to Revive the Economy
The Taliban government is counting on Afghanistan’s bountiful gemstone and mineral resources after the loss of billions of dollars in international aid.
2025
In Reversal, Musk Trashes Farage, U.K.’s Anti-Immigrant Populist
Elon Musk, the billionaire backer of Donald J. Trump, had been promoting Nigel Farage. But on Sunday Mr. Musk said Mr. Farage “doesn’t have what it takes.”
Ukraine Attacks Kursk Region of Russia Anew
Ukrainian forces’ assault was in the Russian region where they made a surprise incursion last summer.
On the Run, a Hit Man Gives One Last Confession
Edgar Matobato says he killed again and again for former President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. Now he’s trying to stay alive to testify.
Israel’s Military Pounds Gaza as Pressure Mounts for Cease-fire
Gaza’s health ministry said that 88 people had been killed over the past day. Israeli and Hamas officials have been holding indirect cease-fire talks via mediators in Qatar.
A Gas Cutoff Sends Shivers Through a Russian-Backed Breakaway Region
A renegade part of Moldova once boasted it would become a Russian-speaking Switzerland. Now without gas, its leader assured residents, “We will not allow a societal collapse.”
In Damascus, Syrians Reclaim Spaces and Freedoms After al-Assad’s Fall
Residents of Syria’s capital are picnicking on a once-forbidden mountaintop and trading openly in dollars and imported Nescafe. They say the city seems theirs again.
On the Run, a Hit Man Gives One Last Confession
Edgar Matobato says he killed again and again for former President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. Now he’s trying to stay alive to testify.
Italy’s Prime Minister Visits Trump in Mar-a-Lago
Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, joins just a handful of other world leaders who have been to the president-elect’s Florida estate since his victory.
Hong Kong’s Cabbies, Long Scorned and Frustrated, Face the End of an Era
A government push to modernize taxi services comes up against the habits of drivers known for driving fast and accepting only cash.