Russia’s wartime production fuels its economy
Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from some of their positions in the Donetsk region as Russian troops have advanced. Military production has increased significantly in Russia as one of the anchors of its wartime economy, which is projected to grow over the next year, despite heavy international sanctions.
‘Guantanamo on an epic scale’: Life inside ISIS detention camps in Syria
ISIS still conducts large-scale attacks like the one in Russia last month that killed about 130 people. In Syria, where the group originated, it continues to be active. One strategy to contain ISIS has been to hold thousands of people in detention camps in northeastern Syria.
EU threatens to shut down popular app that pays users to watch videos
The European Commission is calling the new TikTok Lite app “toxic as cigarettes.” It’s a spin-off from the makers of the original TikTok, that pays people to watch videos. The EC says it was launched without regard for risks of addiction, or safeguards against children using it. Now they’re threatening to suspend it.
A local soda is making a comeback in Turkey
Gazoz is an old-school, hyper-local soda that’s been ubiquitous in Turkey since it was invented more than a century ago. Every town has a signature brand, often incorporating local flavors like pine, lavender, or sweet almond. The World’s Durrie Bouscaren reports from southern Turkey on why this beloved drink is having a moment.
‘He was killed with no justification’: In the West Bank, a Palestinian family grieves the death of their oldest son
As war continues in Gaza, Israelis and Palestinians are also fighting. A recent Israeli military raid on a Palestinian refugee camp killed at least 10 people. Israel said it was a counterterrorism operation against Hamas. The raid led to a general strike staged by Palestinians across the West Bank where, since Oct. 7, 2023, tensions and violence have increased.