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France's parliament is set to pass a law simplifying the restitution of looted artworks and artifacts to former colonies, including requests from Benin, Algeria, and Mexico. The bill aims to streamline procedures for items acquired between 1815 and 1972, reflecting a shift towards acknowledging colonial history.
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Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain diplomatically strained since December, with Bahrain mediating efforts to bridge the gap. Egypt is also involved, seeking to contain regional conflicts over Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. The situation highlights ongoing Gulf rivalries and regional instability as of February 15, 2026.
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On March 25, 2026, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google’s YouTube negligent for designing addictive social media platforms that harmed a young user’s mental health. The plaintiff, KGM, began using YouTube at age six and Instagram at nine. The jury awarded $6 million in damages and will soon decide on punitive damages. This verdict follows a $375 million ruling against Meta in New Mexico for child safety violations.
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Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Annaba, Algeria, on his first-ever visit to the country. He is visiting sites linked to Saint Augustine, promoting peace and religious coexistence. The pope's tour of four African nations emphasizes issues like migration, resource exploitation, and civil society, amid regional tensions and historical wounds.
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The pope has begun a two-day visit to Algeria, marking the first papal trip to the country. He is promoting peace, religious coexistence, and commemorating martyrs from the civil war. The trip includes meetings with officials, visits to mosques, and a mass in Annaba, amid ongoing religious tensions.