Showing 1 - 10 of 8,262
Afghan woman's boutique brightens Bamiyan
AFP, Published on 18/02/2026
» BAMIYAN (AFGHANISTAN) - With women banned from most jobs in Afghanistan, an embroidery boutique run by 22-year-old Rahima Alavi is a surprising and treasured sight in Bamiyan.
Shein in EU crosshairs over ‘childlike’ sex dolls
AFP, Published on 17/02/2026
» BRUSSELS - The European Union on Tuesday opened an investigation into the online retail giant Shein over the sale of childlike sex dolls and what it called the platform’s “addictive design”.
Bitter pill: Taliban government shakes up Afghan medicine market
AFP, Published on 16/02/2026
» KABUL — Afghanistan's decision to overhaul its medicine market was meant to improve quality and boost domestic production, but industry specialists say the swift changes have led to a litany of problems.
German leader urges US to repair ties with Europe
AFP, Published on 13/02/2026
» MUNICH - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged on Friday that a rift had opened up between Europe and the United States but issued an appeal to Washington: “Let’s repair and revive transatlantic trust together.”
'Punk wellness': China's stressed youth mix traditional medicine and cocktails
AFP, Published on 13/02/2026
» SHANGHAI — In a softly lit Shanghai bar, graduate student Helen Zhao stretched out both wrists to have her pulse taken -- the first step to ordering the house special, a bespoke "health" cocktail based on traditional Chinese medicine.
Europe's most powerful rocket carries 32 satellites for Amazon Leo network into space
AFP, Published on 13/02/2026
» KOUROU — The most powerful version of Europe's Ariane 6 rocket Thursday carried 32 satellites into space for the Amazon Leo network, which aims to rival Elon Musk's Starlink.
'Madness': Ukrainians furious over Olympian ban for memorial helmet
AFP, Published on 12/02/2026
» KYIV — Ukrainians were outraged Thursday by a decision from the International Olympic Committee to disqualify their skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Winter Olympics over his helmet honouring killed athletes.
EU leaders push rival fixes to reverse bloc's 'decline'
AFP, Published on 12/02/2026
» ANTWERP (BELGIUM) - EU leaders told industry executives on Wednesday they were committed to transforming the bloc's lagging economy into a global powerhouse able to confront US and Chinese competition.
'Artists of steel': Japanese swords forge new fanbase
AFP, Published on 11/02/2026
» MISATO, SAITAMA (JAPAN) - Sparks illuminate the soot-covered studio of Japanese swordsmith Akihira Kawasaki as his apprentice hammers red-hot steel, showcasing a millennium-old craft now enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
US commerce chief admits Epstein Island lunch but denies closer ties
AFP, Published on 11/02/2026
» WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted Tuesday to having lunch on the private island of late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2012, but denied closer ties, amid bipartisan calls for his resignation.