Uruguay Death Toll Soars as Virus Slams South America

Contagion rates in the country began inching up in November and soared in recent months, apparently fueled by a highly contagious variant first identified in Brazil.


Spy Agencies Seek New Afghan Allies as U.S. Withdraws

The move signals an acknowledgment by Western intelligence agencies that they are preparing for the likely collapse of the central government and a return to civil war.


Lies on Social Media Inflame Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Misinformation has flourished on Twitter, TikTok, Facebook and other social media about the violence between Israelis and Palestinians.


Guantánamo Detainee Agrees to Drop Call for C.I.A. Testimony

Under a deal with the military court, Majid Khan, who has admitted being a courier for Al Qaeda, will give up his chance to call witnesses to his torture in return for being released as soon as next year.


China’s Ambitious Plans in Space: The Moon, Mars and Beyond

An upcoming Mars landing is one of many high-profile missions on the country’s schedule as it seeks to challenge American dominance of space exploration.


Australia’s Never-Ending Travel Ban

Is it worth it, keeping the borders closed until the middle of 2022?


Your Friday Briefing

Israeli ground forces shell Gaza.


Cameroon Sentences Transgender Women to 5 Years in Prison

Human rights groups and lawyers said the sentences are the latest examples of a crackdown on homosexual and transgender people in Cameroon.


Shohei Ohtani Is Thriving as a Two-Way Star

With the so-called Ohtani rules junked, the Angels’ “super freak” is dominating as a hitter and a pitcher. “There are things that he can do on a baseball field that other people can’t.”


Before diplomacy begins, Israel opts for brute force against Hamas.