World Politics
US removes NZ$17 million bounty on Syrian rebel leader
It follows a high-level US delegation meeting with the former jihadist.
Lara Trump withdraws name for consideration in US Senate
There was speculation that the daughter-in-law of US President-elect Donald Trump would succeed outgoing US Senator Marco Rubio.
Vanuatu snap election pushed back after earthquake
The election was triggered when the president dissolved parliament ahead of a motion of no-confidence in the now caretaker PM.
US Senate passes government funding bill, averts shutdown
The US Congress passed spending legislation early on Saturday in a down-to-the wire burst of activity that will avert a destabilizing government shutdown ahead of the busy holiday travel season.
Conflict continues in the Middle East
It's been another year of conflict in the Middle East, Al Jazeera Senior International Correspondent Resul Serdar Atash explains what's happened. Audio
What happens if the US government shuts down?
US government services will be disrupted and hundreds of thousands of federal workers will be told not to work if Congress fails to extend funding past Friday US time.
DA barred from prosecuting Trump over alleged election interference
The long-awaited decision raises questions about whether the criminal case against Trump can move forward in court.
Syria 'exhausted by war': Defacto leader
The defacto leader of Syria says his country is exhausted by war and isn't a threat to its neighbours or the west. Andrew McRae spoke to World Vision's Syria response director Emmanuel Isch. Audio
What's next for South Korea's Yoon Suk Yeol?
![This handout photo taken and released on December 7, 2024 by the South Korean Presidential Office shows South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering an address at the Presidential Office in Seoul. - South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol stopped short of resigning on December 7 over his declaration of martial law, with a vote to impeach him hours away and mass street protests planned in Seoul. (Photo by Handout / South Korean Presidential Office / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS / “The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by Handout has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [2024] instead of [2023]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure...](https://media.rnztools.nz/rnz/image/upload/s--w5PjzhLH--/ar_16:10,c_fill,f_auto,g_auto,q_auto,w_288/v1733885533/4KFC2P4_AFP__20241207__36PP3UH__v5__HighRes__CorrectionSkoreaPoliticsUnrest_jpg?_a=BACCd2AD)
The vote to impeach himmarked the culmination of a stunning political showdown sparked by his shock decision to impose martial law.
Councillors receive abusive emails after Israel vote
They voted in favour of Nelson City Council boycotting businesses which operate in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
BBC World Lookahead with Pete Ross
BBC World reporter Pete Ross joins Maggie Tweedie to take a look at some of the events making headlines internationally. Audio
China's Xi calls on party to 'turn knife inward' to end corruption
China's Communist Party must "turn the knife inward" to eliminate problems of discipline, including corruption, President Xi Jinping said, a new call to hunt down corrupt officials.
As Trump inauguration nears, Kamala Harris debates her future
A run for California governor in 2026 - or another shot at the US presidency in 2028? The VP's top aides are divided on the best course.
Israel to shut embassy in Ireland over 'extreme anti-Israel policies'
Israel says Ireland has "crossed every red line" with its policies, including recognition of a Palestinian state.
France has a new PM, but Macron has the same old problems
Analysis - After the toppling of France's government, the next will also have minority support, and be vulnerable to attack from far-right and left-wing opponents.
From Vogue magazine to exile - What's next for Bashar al-Assad's wife?
Asma al-Assad was once seen as Syria's Princess Diana. Now, she will likely live out her days exiled in Russia. Audio
South Korea's president defiant after impeachment
The Constitutional Court will decide whether to remove President Yoon Suk Yeol sometime in the next six months.
South Korea president impeached over declaration of martial law
President Yoon Suk Yeol has been suspended from official duties and an acting president will step in.
Apple CEO Tim Cook to meet with Trump
Business leaders have attempted to establish a positive rapport with Trump since his election win in November.
