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Kosovos parliamentary election on Sunday is a pivotal moment, with Prime Minister Albin Kurtis Vetevendosje party aiming for a majority to end a political deadlock. The second vote this year comes after failed coalition talks, risking missed EU and World Bank loans. Voters express disillusionment, with neither side offering significant changes. Kurti promises public worker bonuses, capital projects, and an organized crime unit, while the opposition focuses on better living standards. No polls predict the outcome, making the elections impact uncertain.

Russias billionaire count hits record high amid war with Ukraine, but their political clout wanes. Oleg Tinkovs bank nationalization and exile exemplify this shift. The chaotic nineties saw oligarchs gain power, but Putins rule has changed that. Sanctions and war spending have boosted loyalists, forging a new wave of dependent power players.

Dolly Parton debunks death rumors, British teen Bella Culley released from prison, and Epstein files unsealed - test your news recall with our final Christmas quiz covering October to December. Relive the years highs, lows, and surprises as we ring in the new year.

Israel and Somaliland forge new alliance, sparking regional tensions: Israel becomes the first country to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, aiming to cooperate in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. This move, tied to the Abraham Accords, is met with strong outrage from Somalias leaders and rejection by the EU, US, and many other countries, potentially reshaping alliances and tensions in the region.

Mulatu Astatke, the Ethio-jazz pioneer, played his final concert in London, blending Ethiopian Orthodox melodies with global jazz vibes. Born in Ethiopia, he studied at Berklee College of Music and later in London, drawing from traditional instruments. Despite early pushback, he persisted, creating a unique sound that continues to inspire.

Voters in Myanmar cast ballots in the first phase of the countrys general election, held under military rule amidst a civil war and widespread repression. The election, marred by boycotts and criticism as a sham, saw security forces on high alert and electronic voting machines used for the first time. Despite threats from resistance groups, the vote proceeded relatively smoothly. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party is expected to dominate, with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing maintaining power as the civil war and displacements continue.

Myanmars Military Junta Holds Disputed Election Amid Civil War and Crackdown on Dissent The Myanmar military junta is conducting a highly contentious election, nearly five years after seizing power in a coup. Major opposition parties, including Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy, have been banned, and their leaders jailed on allegedly false charges. Up to half the country wont vote due to rebel control in vast areas. The polls are being held in three phases over the next month, with only 274 of 330 townships deemed stable enough. Six parties, including the juntas Union Solidarity and Development Party, are running nationwide, while dozens of others have been dissolved or sidelined. Prominent figures like film director Mike Tee, actor Kyaw Win Htut, and comedian Ohn Daing have received seven-year prison sentences for criticizing a pro-election film. More than 200 people face charges under a harsh new law that even carries the death penalty for disrupting the vote. The UN human rights chief says civilians are being coerced from all sides, with no room for free speech or assembly. This election takes place amid a devastating civil war that has killed thousands, displaced millions, wrecked the economy, and worsened by a recent earthquake and aid cuts. The junta, backed by China and Russia, has lost big chunks of territory to ethnic armies and resistance groups but clawed some back with relentless airstrikes. Western nations and groups like the UK and European Parliament are calling the election a total sham, urging real dialogue instead. The junta insists the election is for Myanmars people, not outsiders, and warns that boycotting it rejects democracys path forward.

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Israels Recognition of Somaliland: A Bold Move with Global Repercussions Israels historic decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation has sparked a wave of reactions, with both support and criticism pouring in from various countries and international bodies. Somaliland, a breakaway region in East Africa, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since run its own government and currency. However, it lacked international recognition until Israels surprise move. The decision has been met with strong opposition from more than twenty Middle Eastern and African countries, as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. They warn of risks to peace in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and beyond. The US State Department has maintained its stance on recognizing Somalias borders, including Somaliland. Somalia has called the decision unlawful, while African Union and East African leaders have expressed concerns about violating UN rules and threatening continent-wide stability. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has framed the recognition as an extension of the Abraham Accords, which built ties with Arab and Muslim nations. Despite the pushback, this bold step could potentially reshape alliances in a volatile corner of the world.