Israeli Strikes on Syrian Airbase Draw U.S. and Turkish Condemnation

DAMASCUS, Syria — Israeli airstrikes hit the Abu al-Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria early Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with Syrian state media reporting eight strikes on the runway and storage facilities. The Israeli military did not comment, while the attacks drew criticism from a senior U.S. envoy and strong condemnation from Turkey.

Palestinian American Confronts Israeli Settler at West Bank Home

QUSRA, West Bank — Palestinian American Loui Ridi confronted an Israeli settler who entered his property in the occupied West Bank village of Qusra on Tuesday, days after settlers began surrounding his home and two neighbouring Palestinian properties. Ridi had returned from the United States and raised a large American flag over his house, hoping it would help deter further intrusion.

Donald Trump Approval Falls to 33%, Lowest of His Presidency

WASHINGTON, United States — President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, its lowest point of his current presidency, as concerns grow among Americans over the duration of the US conflict with Iran and the impact of higher gasoline prices, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Ethiopia TPS: Judge Allows Trump to End Protections

BOSTON, United States — A federal judge in Boston has allowed the administration of President Donald Trump to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 5,000 Ethiopians living in the United States, removing the last remaining judicial block against the termination. The ruling follows a broader series of legal battles over the administration’s efforts to end TPS protections for nationals of several countries.

Trump Crypto Firm Backs WorldClaw AI Venture

BOSTON, United States — President Donald Trump-backed World Liberty Financial is collaborating with Hong Kong-based AI venture WorldClaw, which provides access to artificial-intelligence models developed by several Chinese technology companies facing U.S. government national-security or intellectual-property concerns.

Russian Drone Shot Down in Romanian Airspace

BUCHAREST, Romania — A suspected Russian drone that breached Romanian airspace was shot down by an F-18 fighter operating on a NATO air-policing mission early Sunday, Romania’s Defence Ministry said, marking the fourth unmanned aircraft destroyed over the country this year.