How Voodoo overcame suppression and became a democratic force in the West African nation of Benin
OUIDAH, Benin — Democracy came to the cradle of Voodoo religion in 1991, when Benin’s military dictator of many years surprisingly lost an election that he had organized. Mathieu Kérékou had amassed power partly by banning the practice of so-called…
Trump acknowledges calling Netanyahu ‘crazy’ and says Israel is complicating peace talks with Iran
BEIRUT — President Donald Trump acknowledged criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “crazy” in a phone call that involved expletives, saying he was “a little bit perturbed” that Israel’s fighting with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon was…
Court in Spain drops charge against PM’s brother in corruption case
A Spanish court on Monday dropped one of the charges against the brother of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in an influence-peddling trial, ruling the alleged offense had expired under the statute of limitations.
Trump reconsidering $1.8 billion fund, AP source says, as Justice Department temporarily pauses it
WASHINGTON— President Donald Trump is reconsidering whether to move forward with a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate his allies, a person familiar with his thinking said Monday, as the Justice Department also said it would temporarily pause the…
Ultra-Orthodox protesters block roads and trains across Israel over military draft
JERUSALEM — Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox demonstrated across Israel on Monday, blocking roads and trains and setting cars on fire to protest mandatory enlistment in Israel’s military. Israel’s police said demonstrators blocked major intersections…
What to watch in Tuesday’s primaries as Democrats try to defend California and make inroads in Iowa
WASHINGTON — For a state that’s home to Hollywood, there isn’t much star power in California’s governor race. It’s a somewhat different story in Los Angeles, where a reality television personality is running for mayor as the city prepares to host the…