Vue lecture

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.

© Farouk Batiche/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Boualem Sansal’s case has inflamed tensions between Algeria and France, where he acquired citizenship.
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Key Netanyahu Minister Steps Down From Israel’s Government

Ron Dermer, a longtime ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an influential figure in the Israeli government throughout the war in Gaza, resigned as minister of strategic affairs.

© Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Ron Dermer, Israel’s minister of strategic affairs, during a visit to the White House, in July.
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Saudi Ex-Intelligence Official Seeks American Help Spilling U.S. Secrets

Saad Aljabri, feuding with the de facto Saudi ruler, wants former U.S. officials to help him fend off Saudi corruption claims.

© Agence France-Presse via Aljabri Family

Saad Aljabri, a former Saudi intelligence official, in an undated photograph released by the Aljabri family in 2020.
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U.N. Security Council Removes Syria’s President From Sanctions List

The decision comes days before the Syrian president, Ahmed al-Shara, is expected in Washington for the first time since he came to power.

© Mauro Pimentel/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

President Ahmed al-Shara of Syria is expected to visit Washington next week.
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Remains of the Last American Hostage Held in Gaza Returned to Israel

Israeli officials told Itay Chen’s family last year that he was probably killed on Oct. 7, 2023, but relatives put off mourning until his body had come home.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Ruby Chen commemorating his son Itay Chen at a candlelight vigil on the steps of the U.S. Capitol last year.
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Deforestation Is Imperiling Coffee Cultivation, Report Finds

A new report by an industry watchdog adds to growing scientific consensus that as forests are felled to make way for coffee farms, rainfall decreases and crops are more likely to fail.

© Dado Galdieri for The New York Times

Harvesting coffee in Alfenas, Brazil, in July. The country is the world’s largest coffee producer.
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