Global Security
North Korean troops are suffering heavy casualties in Russia
North Korea’s decision to deploy troops to the Kursk region of Russia was seen as an escalation of the conflict. It was said that the North Korean leader hoped his forces would return home battle-tested and ready to fight for the homeland. US officials say Russia has deployed some 8,000 North Koreans in the region, the border area where Ukrainian forces seized Russian territory in a surprise attack over the summer. But as The World’s Daniel Ofman tells us, far fewer troops may return home than Pyongyang expected.
The number of Americans studying in China is a fraction of what it once was
The US and China want more foreign exchange students between their two countries. But politics and bureaucracy often complicate the process, and far fewer Americans are going to China to study than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘It’s a lifelong injury’: From Gaza to Doha, children bear the scars of war
An estimated 17,000 kids have lost or been separated from their parents in Gaza, according to UNICEF. At least 3,000 have suffered a limb amputation. The small Gulf nation of Qatar has taken in more than 1,600 Palestinians in recent months, including dozens of injured children.
‘He was killed with no justification’: In the West Bank, a Palestinian family grieves the death of their oldest son
As war continues in Gaza, Israelis and Palestinians are also fighting. A recent Israeli military raid on a Palestinian refugee camp killed at least 10 people. Israel said it was a counterterrorism operation against Hamas. The raid led to a general strike staged by Palestinians across the West Bank where, since Oct. 7, 2023, tensions and violence have increased.
US National Security Council spokesman on heightened tensions between Iran and Israel: ‘We don’t want to see this conflict widen and deepen’
US officials say they hope Israel’s tensions with Iran don’t widen and deepen. At the same time, Israel’s military chief now says that his armed forces will respond to Iran’s weekend missile attack. Retired Adm. John Kirby, the spokesman for the National Security Council, talks with host Marco Werman about the role the US will play as its ally Israel decides how to retaliate.
‘Sacred refuge:’ This cultural center provides a safe space for Jews and Arabs in Jerusalem
FeelBeit is an event space and bar in Jerusalem that brings together Palestinian and Israeli artists to share the stage. Before Oct. 7, 2023, this was already a difficult thing to do. But after, it’s been almost impossible. FeelBeit closed for a while but realized that it was important to reopen their doors. The World’s Marco Werman went there to see what it’s all about.