The world is a constantly evolving place with new stories breaking every day. Here are some of the top Canadian News Today stories making headlines around the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to dominate headlines globally. With cases surpassing 120 million and deaths exceeding 2.6 million worldwide, countries are grappling with balancing public health and economic recovery. Some countries like the United States and United Kingdom have made significant progress in vaccinating their populations while others, particularly in Africa and Latin America, are struggling to secure enough doses.
The United States made history by electing their oldest and first female Vice President, Kamala Harris, alongside President Joe Biden. Their administration has already made significant moves in undoing some of the policies of the previous administration, including rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and reversing the ban on transgender people serving in the military.
In Myanmar, the military staged a coup and detained the country’s democratically elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, sparking days of protests and international condemnation. The military has since cracked down on protesters, leading to dozens of deaths and hundreds of arrests. The situation remains volatile, with the military imposing a nightly curfew and blocking internet access.
In the Middle East, tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated, with Iran allegedly behind a recent attack on an Israeli-owned ship in the Gulf of Oman. The two countries have engaged in a long-standing conflict, with Israel accusing Iran of supporting terrorist organizations and Iran accusing Israel of spying and aggression.
In Europe, tensions mount as countries struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit fallout. The European Union has faced criticism for its slow vaccine rollout, with some member states breaking ranks and securing doses from countries like China and Russia. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has left the EU and is negotiating trade deals with countries around the world, with some experts predicting economic turmoil in the coming years.
In Africa, Ethiopia continues to face conflict in its northern Tigray region, with reports of atrocities committed by both sides. The federal government launched an offensive against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in November 2020, leading to a humanitarian crisis and displacement of thousands of people. There have been calls for an independent investigation into the situation.
Another big story in Africa is the ongoing protests in Nigeria against police brutality and the call to disband the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests gained global attention after a video showing police officers allegedly killing a young man surfaced online. Despite promises of reform from the government, the protests continue with demands for accountability and justice.
These are just some of the many stories making headlines around the world. As global citizens, it’s important to stay informed about what’s happening beyond our own borders and to advocate for positive change wherever we can.