Let’s have a look at the top five news across the globe today.
Omicron Variant Found in the UK, Germany, and Italy.
On Saturday, the new heavily mutated Omicron coronavirus cases were discovered in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy, prompting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to declare further guidelines to counter the virus. This comes as more countries place travel restrictions on southern Africans. The discovery of the variety has aroused worldwide worry, prompting travel bans and restrictions, as well as a sell-off on financial markets on Friday, as investors fear that Omicron could hamper the global recovery from the almost two-year pandemic.
Israel Borders Sealed Concerning Omicron
Israel announced, on Saturday, that it would prohibit all foreigners from entering the country, making it the first country to respond to a new and potentially more contagious coronavirus variant. It would use counter-terrorism phone-tracking technology to tackle the Omicron variant’s spread. In a statement, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that the restriction would last 14 days, awaiting cabinet approval.
PM Defended Taliban’s Rule Amid Financial Crisis
In a public address on Saturday, Afghanistan’s Taliban Prime Minister defended the group’s authority, claiming it was not to blame for the country’s deteriorating economic crisis. It is working to clean up the former government’s corruption. He also brushed off international efforts to build a more inclusive Cabinet.
The half-hour audio broadcast on state-run media was Mohammed Hassan Akhund’s first public speech since the Taliban seized Kabul and declared control of the country three months ago. The Taliban’s takeover resulted in the suspension of international aid to the government and the freezing of billions of dollars in Afghan assets held overseas, further destabilizing the country’s already fragile economy.
The United States and Partners Are Likely to Exert Pressure on Iraq
In an interview broadcast on Saturday, the US special envoy to Iran said that if Iran exploits the discussions planned to start in Vienna on Monday as an excuse to accelerate its nuclear program, the US and its partners are likely to pressure it.
“If Iran thinks it can use this time to build more leverage and then come back and say they want something better, it simply won’t work. Our partners and we won’t go for it,” envoy Robert Malley said in an interview with BBC Sounds.
French Forces Face Violent Protest in Niger
A French military convoy traveling to Mali has conflicts with the protests in Niger on Saturday, according to sources, after being stopped by the protesters in Burkina Faso for days.
Local media reported clashes between the defense and security personnel and protesters opposing the passage of the French Barkhane army convoy from Burkina Faso to Gao in Mali late Friday in the western Niger town of Tera in the Tillaberi area. After a tense night, violence resumed on Saturday, killing two people and injuring a dozen more.
