Merkel Condemns Afghanistan Withdrawal as a "Terrible Failure"
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the 2021 withdrawal of Western troops from Afghanistan a "terrible failure," citing the chaotic evacuation, the Kabul airport suicide bombing that killed over 180 people, and the unpreparedness for the Afghan president's flight and the Taliban takeover.
Merkel Condemns Afghanistan Withdrawal as a "Terrible Failure"
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the 2021 withdrawal of Western troops from Afghanistan a "terrible failure," citing the chaotic evacuation, the Kabul airport suicide bombing that killed over 180 people, and the unpreparedness for the Afghan president's flight and the Taliban takeover.
Progress
44% Bias Score
South Korea Martial Law Declaration Sparks Impeachment Bid
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared and swiftly lifted martial law on Wednesday, citing threats from North Korea and opposition actions; this sparked an impeachment motion by six opposition parties, including the main Democratic Party, and widespread protests.
South Korea Martial Law Declaration Sparks Impeachment Bid
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared and swiftly lifted martial law on Wednesday, citing threats from North Korea and opposition actions; this sparked an impeachment motion by six opposition parties, including the main Democratic Party, and widespread protests.
Progress
40% Bias Score
Belgian Police Search Former EU Justice Commissioner's Properties Amid Money Laundering Probe
Belgian police searched properties linked to former EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders, who is being investigated for alleged money laundering related to lottery winnings; the investigation waited until his immunity expired, raising political questions.
Belgian Police Search Former EU Justice Commissioner's Properties Amid Money Laundering Probe
Belgian police searched properties linked to former EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders, who is being investigated for alleged money laundering related to lottery winnings; the investigation waited until his immunity expired, raising political questions.
Progress
40% Bias Score
EU to impose VAT on Airbnb, Uber, and Bolt from 2030
The EU mandates that online platforms like Airbnb, Uber, and Bolt collect VAT on lodging and ride-hailing services from 2030, aiming for tax equality with traditional businesses, potentially increasing prices up to 25%, but creating challenges for online platforms.
EU to impose VAT on Airbnb, Uber, and Bolt from 2030
The EU mandates that online platforms like Airbnb, Uber, and Bolt collect VAT on lodging and ride-hailing services from 2030, aiming for tax equality with traditional businesses, potentially increasing prices up to 25%, but creating challenges for online platforms.
Progress
40% Bias Score
Israeli Airstrike Kills Five in Gaza, Including World Central Kitchen Workers
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed five people, including World Central Kitchen (WCK) employees, on Saturday, prompting the organization to suspend operations; Israel claims one of the victims was involved in the October 7th Hamas attack.
Israeli Airstrike Kills Five in Gaza, Including World Central Kitchen Workers
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed five people, including World Central Kitchen (WCK) employees, on Saturday, prompting the organization to suspend operations; Israel claims one of the victims was involved in the October 7th Hamas attack.
Progress
60% Bias Score
Georgia's Illegitimate Government Sparks Nationwide Protests Amidst Allegations of Russian Interference
Following disputed elections in Georgia, President Salomé Zourabichvili declared the ruling Georgian Dream party's government illegitimate due to alleged Russian interference and voter intimidation, sparking unprecedented nationwide protests and prompting the EU to condemn the process.
Georgia's Illegitimate Government Sparks Nationwide Protests Amidst Allegations of Russian Interference
Following disputed elections in Georgia, President Salomé Zourabichvili declared the ruling Georgian Dream party's government illegitimate due to alleged Russian interference and voter intimidation, sparking unprecedented nationwide protests and prompting the EU to condemn the process.
Progress
56% Bias Score
EU Criticizes Hungary's Budgetary Plans for Lack of Information and Unreliable Data
The European Commission criticized Hungary's budgetary plans for lacking key information and using unreliable data, potentially delaying the assessment and possibly leading to fines, highlighting a growing conflict between Hungary and the EU.
EU Criticizes Hungary's Budgetary Plans for Lack of Information and Unreliable Data
The European Commission criticized Hungary's budgetary plans for lacking key information and using unreliable data, potentially delaying the assessment and possibly leading to fines, highlighting a growing conflict between Hungary and the EU.
Progress
40% Bias Score
Investigation into Former EU Justice Commissioner for Money Laundering
Former EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders is under investigation in Belgium for alleged money laundering involving lottery tickets and unexplained funds; the European Commission denies prior knowledge but offers cooperation, while critics highlight the irony given Reynders' past actions.
Investigation into Former EU Justice Commissioner for Money Laundering
Former EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders is under investigation in Belgium for alleged money laundering involving lottery tickets and unexplained funds; the European Commission denies prior knowledge but offers cooperation, while critics highlight the irony given Reynders' past actions.
Progress
48% Bias Score
No-Confidence Vote Threatens to Topple French Government
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier faces a no-confidence vote on Wednesday following the use of Article 49.3 to pass a budget with €40 billion in spending cuts and €20 billion in tax increases, leading to a potential government collapse and market instability.
No-Confidence Vote Threatens to Topple French Government
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier faces a no-confidence vote on Wednesday following the use of Article 49.3 to pass a budget with €40 billion in spending cuts and €20 billion in tax increases, leading to a potential government collapse and market instability.
Progress
60% Bias Score
Trump's Use of "YMCA" Leads to Chart Success, Controversy
Victor Willis, co-writer of the Village People's "YMCA," allowed Donald Trump to use the song in his campaign, leading to over 1000 complaints but ultimately boosting the song to #1 on the Billboard charts and significantly increasing Willis's income.
Trump's Use of "YMCA" Leads to Chart Success, Controversy
Victor Willis, co-writer of the Village People's "YMCA," allowed Donald Trump to use the song in his campaign, leading to over 1000 complaints but ultimately boosting the song to #1 on the Billboard charts and significantly increasing Willis's income.
Progress
48% Bias Score
Romanian Presidential Election Result Casts Shadow on Upcoming Parliamentary Vote
Călin Georgescu, a populist candidate who ran his campaign exclusively on TikTok, won the first round of Romania's presidential election with 23% of the vote, sparking concerns of foul play and foreign interference due to his pro-Putin stance; this outcome overshadows the upcoming parliamentary elec...
Romanian Presidential Election Result Casts Shadow on Upcoming Parliamentary Vote
Călin Georgescu, a populist candidate who ran his campaign exclusively on TikTok, won the first round of Romania's presidential election with 23% of the vote, sparking concerns of foul play and foreign interference due to his pro-Putin stance; this outcome overshadows the upcoming parliamentary elec...
Progress
48% Bias Score
Rebel Offensive Captures Most of Aleppo, Raising Concerns for Syrian Government
Rebel forces captured most of Aleppo on Saturday in a surprise offensive, claiming to have also reached Hama, while government airstrikes in Idlib killed three civilians and injured 54, according to the Syrian Civil Defense; Iranian support for the Syrian government was reiterated.
Rebel Offensive Captures Most of Aleppo, Raising Concerns for Syrian Government
Rebel forces captured most of Aleppo on Saturday in a surprise offensive, claiming to have also reached Hama, while government airstrikes in Idlib killed three civilians and injured 54, according to the Syrian Civil Defense; Iranian support for the Syrian government was reiterated.
Progress
36% Bias Score