Palmyra (AFP) – Syrians are once again picnicking and smoking shisha amid the ruins of ancient Palmyra, once desecrated by jihadists but still awe-inspiring, and open to the public following the overthrow of president Bashar al-Assad. The city’s renowned ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were twice overrun by the Islamic State group, which proceeded to destroy many of the most famed structures.
Berlin (AFP) – Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz says the European Union would present a united front to Washington after US President Donald Trump signed executive orders imposing 25-percent tariffs on steel and aluminium. “If the United States leaves us no other choice, then the European Union will act together,” Scholz says in parliament.
Hong Kong (AFP) – As poaching of valuable fragrant incense trees rises in Hong Kong, scientists are turning to genetics to fight back. Geneticist Zhang Huarong uses genetics to catalogue and take DNA samples from each plant for a database that can help authorities crack down on illegal harvesting — as well as offer insights into how the plants can be better conserved.
London (AFP) – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer takes an at-home HIV test at 10 Downing Street to mark National HIV Testing Week which begins on 10 February. Starmer’s Labour government is to publish an “HIV action plan” later this year, detailing how it will achieve its target of ending new cases in England by 2030. HIV is a virus that damages the cells in your immune system and weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease.
Al-Hol Camp (Syria) (AFP) – Syria’s Kurdish authorities release around 155 IS-related families from the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria, which holds families of Islamic State fighters. “The feeling of joy is indescribable” says a woman leaving the camp with her children.
Bucharest (AFP) – Romanian President Klaus Iohannis speaks at a press conference after announcing he would resign following pressure for him to step down ahead of the re-run of an election that was voided over allegations of Russian interference. Iohannis was facing a renewed attempt by MPs to suspend him, a move he describes as “baseless”, saying “I have never violated the Constitution.”
Washington (AFP) – Staff return to their work at a regional office of the Veteran Hub of Vinnytsia, 250 km from Kyiv, after being forced to close for a week when US President Donald Trump ordered the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which distributes US humanitarian aid globally. The hub was able to reopen with the help of local funding after staff quickly took to social media to publicise the consequences of the aid freeze.
Avellaneda (Argentina) (AFP) – A stream on the outskirts of Buenos Aires turned blood red on 6 February, causing anxiety among residents who blamed it on pollution. The Ministry of the Environment for the province of Buenos Aires said in a statement that water samples had been taken to determine what substance had caused the discoloration, citing the possibility of an “organic dye”.
Bangkok (AFP) – Five Thai nationals held hostage in Gaza for more than a year have returned to their home country, after being freed on January 30 under a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the Gaza war.
New Orleans (AFP) – The Philadelphia Eagles soared to a crushing 40-22 Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, shattering their opponents’ bid for a historic hat-trick of NFL titles in a rout watched by President Donald Trump. “It was amazing, it was electric, the Eagles never struggled from start to finish”, says Clare Courduff as she leaves the stadium after the Super Bowl.
