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On November 7, 2025, Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) agreed to a US- and Arab-led proposal for a three-month humanitarian ceasefire amid a brutal two-year conflict with the Sudanese army. The RSF's acceptance follows its recent capture of El-Fasher, Darfur's last army stronghold, amid reports of mass killings and atrocities. The Sudanese army has yet to respond to the truce offer.
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The US is advancing a UN resolution to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza, aiming to oversee demilitarization, border security, and police training. The resolution follows a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with troop contributions under discussion. The vote is expected soon, with deployment possible by early 2026.
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The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 begins in Qatar with 16 teams competing across six venues, including Lusail Stadium. Algeria defends their title, while Iraq and Tunisia aim for World Cup qualification. The tournament runs until December 18, with regional stars and qualifiers shaping the region's football landscape.
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Two aircraft crashes occurred in Europe and Russia. A Russian fighter jet crashed during training near Lake Lososinskoe, with no injuries reported. In Croatia, a fire destroyed a Turkish forestry plane, with the pilot's body recovered. Both incidents highlight ongoing aviation risks.
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Greece plans to spend €28 billion by 2036 on military upgrades, including a new anti-aircraft system, fighter jets, and naval vessels. The country aims to replace Russian-made systems and strengthen ties with Israel and the US amid regional tensions.
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Ethiopia is set to host COP32 in 2027 after regional consensus. The host for COP31 in 2026 remains unresolved, with Australia and Turkey competing. The decision is pending, with Bonn as a possible fallback if negotiations fail. The story highlights ongoing regional disputes and Ethiopia's rising prominence in climate diplomacy.
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On November 11, 2025, a Turkish C-130 military cargo plane crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border shortly after departing Azerbaijan en route to Turkey. All 20 personnel aboard, including flight crew, were killed. Search and rescue operations were conducted by Turkish, Georgian, and Azerbaijani authorities. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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On November 22, 2025, Australia and Turkey resolved a multi-year dispute over hosting the 2026 UN climate summit, COP31. Turkey will host the summit in Antalya, while Australia will preside over negotiations and lead pre-COP events focused on Pacific climate financing. The deal ends a deadlock that risked defaulting the summit to Germany and drew criticism from Pacific nations.
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A Turkish military cargo plane crashed in Georgia’s Sighnaghi municipality during a flight from Azerbaijan to Turkey. All 20 crew members and military personnel onboard were killed. The aircraft was involved in logistics for Turkey’s armed forces and was participating in Azerbaijan’s Victory Day celebrations. An investigation is underway.
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A Turkish military cargo plane crashed in Georgia last week, killing 20 soldiers. The aircraft, which had been operating since 1957, was carrying a maintenance team and was being inspected after the crash. The black box analysis is expected to take at least two months. Turkey has grounded its fleet pending investigation.
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The Sudanese war, ongoing since April 2023, has intensified with the RSF capturing El-Fasher, displacing thousands and prompting US calls to halt external weapons supplies. The US accuses the UAE of arming the RSF, while other countries deny involvement. The conflict has caused significant humanitarian suffering.
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On November 18, 2025, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made his first U.S. visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite U.S. intelligence linking the prince to the murder, President Trump warmly welcomed him, announcing plans to sell F-35 jets and pursue economic and defense deals, while pressing for Saudi-Israel normalization.
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Between November 19-25, 2025, Russia launched massive drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, targeting energy and transport infrastructure across multiple regions including Kyiv and Ternopil. The assaults caused widespread power outages amid freezing temperatures, destroyed residential buildings killing at least 31 civilians including children, and left dozens missing. Ukraine responded with long-range strikes on Russian energy facilities.
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Recent archaeological discoveries in Egypt, Turkey, and Scotland reveal complex Neolithic societies, challenging previous ideas of primitive cultures. Findings include figurines, structures, and artifacts that suggest organized social and spiritual practices, with implications for understanding early human development today. Date: Fri, 05 Dec 2025.
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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, once a US-designated terrorist, has visited Washington, marking a historic shift. He met with Trump, discussed anti-ISIS cooperation, sanctions relief, and regional stability. Syria's entry into the US-led coalition signals a major change in US-Syria relations amid ongoing regional tensions.
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Ukraine is pushing to restart peace negotiations with Russia, with recent efforts focused on prisoner exchanges mediated by Turkey and the UAE. Ukrainian officials hope to release 1,200 prisoners before the holidays amid ongoing Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and military positions.
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Israeli forces launched extensive operations across the West Bank, including Tubas, Jenin, and Hebron, targeting Palestinian militants amid rising violence since October 2023. Multiple casualties, arrests, and settler attacks have been reported today, reflecting ongoing tensions and military activity.
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A Turkish-German family staying in Istanbul died after suspected poisoning, with investigations now focusing on pesticide exposure. The incident has drawn national attention, prompting government statements and hotel evacuations. The case highlights concerns over food safety and pesticide use in Turkey.
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In late November and early December 2025, Russia intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Ternopil, targeting energy infrastructure and civilian areas, causing deaths and injuries. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy engaged in diplomatic efforts with U.S. and European leaders to revive peace negotiations, despite Russia's refusal to participate directly in talks.
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Ukraine launched a drone attack on Novorossiysk, Russia's key oil export port and Black Sea Fleet hub, targeting energy infrastructure. The strike damaged military and civilian sites, with reports of a damaged landing ship. Ukraine aims to weaken Russia's energy revenue amid ongoing conflict.
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A Boeing 747 cargo plane operated by ACT Airlines from Dubai veered off the runway after landing in Hong Kong on October 20, colliding with a security vehicle that fell into the sea, killing two workers. The aircraft was destroyed but all crew survived. The cause remains under investigation.
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Scotland secured a historic 4-2 victory over Denmark in Glasgow, overturning a 2-2 draw in stoppage time to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The match featured dramatic goals, including a bicycle kick from Scott McTominay and a long-range shot from Kieran Tierney, ending Scotland's 27-year absence from the tournament.
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President Biden hosted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, marking his first visit since 2018. The event reignited debate over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with U.S. intelligence concluding bin Salman approved the operation, though he denied involvement. Biden's stance and the visit's implications remain contentious.
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On Nov 28-29, 2025, Ukrainian naval drones attacked two Russian-sanctioned oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, in Turkey's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. Both vessels, part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to evade sanctions, were damaged; Kairos caught fire while Virat sustained minor damage. Turkey condemned the attacks and is engaging with parties to prevent escalation. Separately, UK officials reported increased Russian naval activity near British waters, including laser targeting of RAF pilots by the Russian spy ship Yantar.
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The UN Security Council approved a resolution supporting a multinational force to oversee Gaza's ceasefire and security, including training a Palestinian police force and demilitarization efforts. Israel and Palestine respond differently, amid ongoing tensions and military actions.
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Syrian security forces, in cooperation with Syrian intelligence, conducted operations against Islamic State cells in Latakia and Aleppo provinces. The raids resulted in arrests and casualties amid ongoing tensions and sectarian violence. Syria emphasizes its commitment to coastal security and combating militant groups.
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A wildfire in Iran's Hyrcanian forests, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reignited on November 15 due to drought and suspected illegal activity. Iran has requested international firefighting assistance, including from Turkey and potentially Russia, as efforts continue to contain the blaze threatening biodiversity and ancient ecosystems.
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Turkish President Erdogan plans to speak with Putin about ending the Ukraine war, including reviving the grain deal and stopping Ukrainian deaths. Erdogan hosted Zelensky and discussed diplomatic efforts, while maintaining Turkey's balanced stance between Kyiv and Moscow amid ongoing conflict.
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Recent articles highlight ongoing struggles for religious minorities in Turkey, including restrictions on church building, limited political representation, and threats of violence. Despite some reforms, tensions persist amid rising nationalism and controversial decisions like Hagia Sophia's reconversion. The Pope's upcoming visit underscores these issues.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon on December 1 for his first trip as pope, focusing on peace, Christian unity, and interfaith dialogue amid ongoing regional conflicts. He visited key religious sites, urged Lebanese leaders to unite, and called for peace in the region, including at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion.
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US Thanksgiving food costs are volatile amid rising wholesale turkey prices due to avian flu, while consumer sentiment hits 40-year lows. Retailers and politicians present conflicting data on affordability, with some claiming prices are down, but wholesale costs and consumer worries suggest ongoing inflation pressures.
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The Biden administration is moving to designate chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as foreign terrorist organizations, citing their support for violence and destabilization. The move follows regional crackdowns and regional tensions, with the process including reports from US agencies and potential legal challenges.
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Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi will meet with French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris this week to urge Iran to resume cooperation with the IAEA amid ongoing tensions over nuclear inspections. The meeting follows increased sanctions and Iran's recent suspension of IAEA cooperation after a war with Israel. Iran emphasizes regional shifts and rejects US conditions for talks.
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Pope Leo, the first US pope, is on a three-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and advocating for Christian unity, regional peace, and interfaith dialogue amid ongoing conflicts and regional tensions.
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Turkish authorities arrested three defence company executives on suspicion of spying for foreign powers, initially linking them to the UAE, but later removing that detail. The suspects are accused of attempting to share employee biographical data. Turkey's defence exports increased significantly in 2024, driven by military drone sales.
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U.S. and Ukrainian officials are engaged in ongoing negotiations with Russia, with recent talks indicating progress on a peace framework. The U.S. has sent envoys to Moscow to discuss recognition of occupied territories, while Russia maintains maximalist demands. Fighting continues in Ukraine as diplomatic efforts intensify.
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Turkey has begun constructing its TF-2000 naval air defense destroyer, part of the Steel Dome multi-layered system, and signed a deal to export a light corvette to Romania. The country is also developing its domestic missile and radar systems amid regional tensions.
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As of December 11, 2025, the Gaza ceasefire brokered by the US and regional mediators since October 10 remains fragile. Hamas is open to a weapons freeze but rejects full disarmament demanded by Israel under Trump's 20-point plan. Israeli forces maintain control over half of Gaza, with ongoing disputes over prisoner exchanges, international peacekeeping deployment, and the reopening of border crossings.
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On November 27-29, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, made his inaugural overseas trip to Turkey, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. He met President Erdogan, engaged with Catholic and Orthodox leaders, and promoted Christian unity, interfaith dialogue, and peace amid regional conflicts. The visit also highlighted Turkey's role in hosting refugees and mediating regional tensions.
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Pope Leo arrived in Turkey on his first international trip, emphasizing Turkey's role as a mediator in conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine. He called for dialogue, peace, and Christian-Muslim unity, while addressing issues such as women's rights and regional stability. The visit marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea.
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On December 11, 2025, scientists warn that a fault line beneath the Sea of Marmara is moving eastward, increasing the risk of a major earthquake near Istanbul. Meanwhile, a false 5.9-magnitude quake alert was mistakenly issued in Nevada on December 4, causing widespread confusion but no shaking. Recent quakes also shook northwest England and Alaska without major damage.
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Israeli authorities have arrested a man for spying for Iran, amid increased Iranian recruitment efforts. Iran is also funneling money to Hezbollah in Lebanon through covert channels, while Israeli cities are warning residents about Iranian recruitment texts. These developments highlight escalating regional tensions and covert operations.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Turkey to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, emphasizing Christian unity and peace. He met with Turkish leaders, celebrated the Nicene Creed, and will visit Lebanon to support Christian communities and seek justice for the Beirut blast victims.
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Pope Leo XIV marked the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed in Turkey, urging Christian leaders to unite and promote peace amid ongoing conflicts. His visit highlights efforts to foster dialogue among denominations and address global tensions, including in Lebanon and the Middle East.
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On November 29, 2025, Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pontiff, visited Istanbul's Blue Mosque, removing his shoes as a sign of respect but choosing not to pray visibly. He toured the mosque with Muslim leaders, engaging in light conversation, and broke from predecessors by skipping the Hagia Sophia. His visit marks the start of his first overseas trip, which includes Lebanon.
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Pope Leo's visit to Lebanon follows engagements in Istanbul, including a prayer at the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral and a liturgy with Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew. His trip aims to support Lebanon during its ongoing crises, including economic collapse, the Beirut port explosion, and regional conflicts involving Hezbollah and Israel. The pope will meet victims of the Beirut blast and encourage Lebanese unity and resilience.
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Pope Leo visited Lebanon, meeting with officials and addressing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He emphasized Turkey's role in peace efforts and reiterated support for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. The trip highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts amid regional instability.
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Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon on Sunday for a three-day visit aimed at promoting peace and unity amid ongoing regional conflicts and Lebanon's internal crises. He met with political and religious leaders, called for reconciliation, and emphasized the importance of dialogue, especially regarding the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict and regional stability.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet with US President Trump on December 29 to discuss the second phase of a US-led plan to end the Gaza conflict. Topics include Hamas disarmament, Gaza governance, and regional security arrangements amid ongoing tensions and military operations in Gaza and Syria.
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A Ukrainian naval drone attack targeted Russian vessels near Turkey, prompting Turkish condemnation. The incident highlights escalating Black Sea conflicts amid Ukraine-Russia tensions, with Turkey warning all parties. Ukrainian claims responsibility for the attack, which involved maritime drones, while Turkey emphasizes the threat to navigation and regional stability. Today’s date: Tue, 02 Dec 2025.