

The Mozambique Song, and Rapper, Inspiring a Youth Uprising
“Povo no Poder,” or “People in Power,” by the rap star Azagaia, has become the unofficial anthem of the protests over a disputed election.

Ivory Coast Says French Forces Will Withdraw
The troops are expected to leave this month as France, a former colonial power in West Africa, fast loses influence there.

Tensions Escalate After Pakistan Pounds Afghanistan With Airstrikes
Pakistani leaders were once friends of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Now, cross-border violence has become alarmingly frequent.

Rebels Easily Toppled Syria’s Army. Their Challenge Now: Rebuilding.
The rebels’ path to victory is littered with evidence of Syria’s defeated military. It also reflects the sizable task of trying to put the country back together.

At Trevi Fountain in Rome, Tourists’ Coins Go to Good Cause
Who gets to spend the millions of euros in change tossed into the Roman landmark?

Ukraine Forces a Halt to Flow of Natural Gas From Russia to Europe
A transnational pipeline was shut down on Wednesday after Kyiv refused to renew an agreement that allowed for the transit of Russian gas through its territory.

A Mexican Mayor’s Odyssey: From Undocumented Migrant to Cartel Target
A former undocumented resident of California who now runs a town in Mexico, Crispín Agustín Mendoza has survived one assassination attempt. But he says, “I have to learn how to survive.”

Germany’s Chancellor Scholz Takes a Jab at Musk in New Year’s Eve Address
Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany’s election would “not be decided by the owners of social media channels” in his annual New Year’s Eve address.

Putin Declares ‘Everything Will Be Fine’ Despite Russia’s Growing Challenges
Speaking on the 25th anniversary of his rule, President Vladimir V. Putin delivered an upbeat and vague New Year’s Eve message that did not address casualties in Ukraine or rising inflation at home.

Houthis Launch Latest Missile at Israel Amid Warnings of Retaliation
The Houthis, an Iranian-backed group based in Yemen, have launched repeated attacks despite the Israeli military’s retaliatory airstrikes.