Phase-Two Talks Begin Between Israel and Hamas

This post was originally published on herePhase-two talks between Israel and Hamas have commenced in Egypt, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed today. If agreed to, this would place Gaza under the authority of an interim political body not affiliated by Hamas, as well as an international peacekeeping force. Egypt claims that a 15-member governing committee…

A Weak German Coalition?

This post was originally published on here German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius torpedoed his own bill to reintroduce conscription yesterday. Pistorius wanted to shift gently toward conscription, having all men, and any women who wanted, fill in a questionnaire assessing their fitness for military service. It was supposed to nudge young Germans toward signing up.…

France Heading for Financial Ruin?

This post was originally published on here French President Emmanuel Macron has been forced to roll back his landmark pension reforms—his most notable achievement in office—to try and get a stable government. France has some of the most generous pension provision in the developed world. Whereas in most countries retirement age is 66 to 67,…

Meanwhile, Vatican Grants Request for Islamic Prayer Room for ‘Muslim Scholars’

This post was originally published on here Muslim scholars visiting the Vatican Apostolic Library are now being offered dedicated prayer spaces, according to the library’s Vice Prefect, Fr. Giacomo Cardinali. In an interview with La Repubblica, Cardinali confirmed that Muslim academics had asked for “a room with a carpet for praying,” and the Vatican obliged.…