Monday, July 19 2021

*) Merkel tours 'surreal' flood scene, vows aid, climate action Chancellor Angela Merkel has vowed aid and climate action after witnessing the devastation left by floods in Germany. At least 180 people are confirmed dead and hundreds of others are still unaccounted for since Wednesday in the flood-ravaged region of western Germany. Authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia say the floods are a "catastrophe of historic proportion". *) Afghan-Taliban peace talks fail to reach breakthrough Peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban insurgents ended on Sunday without a major breakthrough. In a joint statement after talks in Doha, they pledged to expedite negotiations in their next face-to-face meeting but no date has been set. Both sides have been convening on and off for months but Taliban insurgents have continued their violent offensive across Afghanistan, capturing several districts and border crossings. *) Hundreds of people in Iraq protest against the killing of activists Hundreds of people in Iraq have rallied across the capital, Baghdad. They're calling for accountability in the killing of demonstrators and activists. According to the United Nations, more than 70 activists have been targeted since 2019. Demonstrators are also demanding reforms to the justice system and the release of prisoners of conscience. *)Corruption trial of former South African president to resume South Africa's jailed ex-president Jacob Zuma is scheduled to attend a virtual courtroom for his corruption trial despite last week's deadly violence in the country. Protests and looting began following his imprisonment for contempt of court. At least 200 people lost their lives in the recent riots. Zuma is currently facing 16 charges including fraud, bribery and money laundering. The 79-years-old former leader pleaded not guilty. And finally ... *) Saudi Arabia stages second scaled-down hajj of coronavirus era No foreigners are attending the Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj for a second year after Saudi Ara