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Iran’s Supreme Leader Vows to ‘Not Back Down’ as Protests Swell

After days of fierce protest, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the demonstrations as wanton destruction and accused protesters of trying to “please” President Trump.
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Russia Says It Used Nuclear-Capable Missile to Strike Western Ukraine

The attack seemed intended to send a message to Europe as it strongly backs Kyiv in the peace talks.
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How an Abrupt Call Between Trump and Colombia’s President Averted a Crisis

President Gustavo Petro said that the new tone between the leaders was “friendly,” but he also resurfaced his deep disagreements with President Trump.
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Inside Myanmar’s Gilded Capital, Empty Streets and Moldy Corners

Myanmar’s junta created a capital to withstand an invasion. Now, the military struggles to project an image of control over a crumbling nation.
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Saudi Official Accuses U.A.E. of Helping Yemeni Separatist to Escape

Aidarous al-Zubaidi is wanted on treason charges in Yemen after he led a lightning military offensive that escalated a bitter feud between the Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
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Lebanon Claims Progress in Disarming Militant Groups Like Hezbollah

The military said it had completed the first phase of a plan to demilitarize armed groups as fears grew that Israel was preparing a new offensive against Hezbollah.
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Live Updates: Trump Says U.S. Will ‘Rebuild’ Venezuela and Suggests He Won’t Intervene in Colombia

In an interview with The New York Times, President Trump said “only time will tell” when asked how long the U.S. would want oversight of Venezuela.
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Colombia’s President Feared a U.S. Attack. Then Trump Called.

The conversation appeared to defuse a crisis that erupted after President Trump said military action against Colombia “sounds good.” President Gustavo Petro spoke to The New York Times just before the call.
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Trump Says U.S. Oversight of Venezuela Could Last for Years

In a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, President Trump said “only time will tell” when it comes to how long the United States aims to control the country.
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Why Russian Tourists Are Flocking to Southern China’s Beaches
Russians find a refuge on the beaches of Sanya from sanctions and “sideways looks,” toasting the New Year beside a Chinese nuclear submarine base.