Tightened security at French and German airports ahead of Christmas

A report in the "Financial Times" suggested China had launched a low orbit "missile" that could penetrate current defense systems. The Asian superpower said it was for "peaceful" usage.

Portuguese authorities seize a 5.2-tonne haul of cocaine from a Spanish-registered sailing ship, arresting two Spanish citizens and a Peruvian. of on the docks

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke of the importance of fighting the ongoing threat of antisemitism wherever it appears, noting the crimes of the past had taken place in plain sight.

We take a look at the tributes and the criticism of Colin Powell following his passing on Monday. We also look into why the coronavirus may be surging in Russia. Finally, the press is discussing the upsides and downsides of artifacts: namely a rock that’s managed, as Le Monde puts it, to “piss” off a French town.

The ambassadors, including Germany's, had urged a "just and speedy" resolution to Osman Kavala's case. He has been in jail for four years on charges linked to 2013 anti-government protests.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the indigenous community of Kamloops where the remains of 215 children were found in May at a former residential school, apologizing for not coming sooner. The visit followed strong criticisms directed at Trudeau for ignoring an earlier invitation to the community on the first national day of truth and reconciliation on September 30, and instead going on a family vacation.

Human Rights Watch accuses the Cuban government of arresting people arbitrarily, mistreating detainees and holding sham trials in revenge for unprecedented street protests that erupted across the country this summer.

Officials from 10 different countries, including China and Pakistan, are attending the meeting with representatives from the Taliban. The talks come after Putin warned that IS fighters were converging in Afghanistan.

Romania is getting crushed by one of the worst coronavirus waves in Europe. Vaccine skepticism and inaction on the part of the president, the administration and authorities are largely to blame.

In Lebanon the car has reigned supreme, with little managing to steer people away from the mighty automobile. But now, the economic crisis is succeeding where everything else failed by challenging Lebanon's national passion for automobile ownership, and driving growing numbers towards greener or more collective transport.

The former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was in Dubai recently for Expo 2020. Many were struck by the many modern, attractive women he was photographed with. Was it by accident or design? Was one photo taken at the Israeli Pavillion?

US media reports that Trump National Golf Club's finances are under scrutiny, with a probe launched into whether it has misled a valuation for tax purposes.