Showing 1 - 10 of 123
'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.
Lies, horror, trauma: Kenyans recount forced Russian recruitment
AFP, Published on 09/02/2026
» NAIROBI — The scars on Victor's forearm remind him constantly of the day a Ukrainian drone attacked him after he was forcibly conscripted, like hundreds of young Kenyans, into the Russian army.
US immigration agents face backlash after Minneapolis killings
AFP, Published on 27/01/2026
» WASHINGTON — The fatal shooting of two civilians in Minneapolis has reignited accusations that federal agents enforcing US President Donald Trump's militarised immigration crackdown are inexperienced, under-trained and operating outside law enforcement norms.
Upstart gangsters shake Japan's yakuza
AFP, Published on 19/12/2025
» TOKYO - When Takanori Kuzuoka began climbing the criminal career ladder, he didn't fancy joining Japan's old-school yakuza, with their tattoos, rigid hierarchy and codes of honour.
Iraq's social media mercenaries dying for Russia
AFP, Published on 05/11/2025
» BAGHDAD — Smiling broadly and clad in military fatigues, young Iraqi Mohammed Imad's last TikTok post was in a field carved up with heavy vehicle tracks in what appeared to be Ukraine. Smoke was rising behind him.
Put the bright stripes away, Pope's Swiss Guards get new garb
AFP, Published on 03/10/2025
» VATICAN CITY - The Swiss Guards, the defenders of the pope known for their colourful uniforms, unveiled more sombre attire Thursday -- but only for special occasions.
Latinos, ex-military, retirees – ICE hopefuls answer Uncle Sam's call
AFP, Published on 19/09/2025
» PROVO (UNITED STATES) - There is a mixed crowd lining up outside the ICE recruitment fair in Utah, where hundreds of people are eager to join US President Donald Trump's vast deportation effort.
Liverpool face Isak dilemma ahead of Arsenal visit
AFP, Published on 26/08/2025
» LIVERPOOL - Liverpool and Arsenal have combined to spend nearly £550 million ($742 million) in a transfer arms race, yet the future of Newcastle forward Alexander Isak still hangs over Sunday’s showdown between the Premier League title rivals.
'This is no vacation': young Poles do summer army bootcamp
AFP, Published on 29/07/2025
» WARSAW — Sweating and out of breath, young Poles throw grenades and practise evacuating the wounded at a training ground outside Warsaw.
Man City move for Gonzalez, Tel joins Spurs on deadline day
AFP, Published on 04/02/2025
» MANCHESTER (UNITED KINGDOM) - Manchester City signed Nico Gonzalez from Porto in the biggest move from Premier League clubs on Monday's transfer deadline day, while Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel headed to Tottenham on loan.