Thursday, April 22, 2021

*) Israel retaliates to missile fired from Syria A surface-to-air missile fired from Syria has exploded near Israel's Dimona nuclear reactor. Israel retaliated by targeting Iranian militia positions across the border. Tensions are high between Israel and Iran over a recent surge in sabotage attacks, some of which the arch-foes have blamed on each other. *) IOC: Taking a knee at Olympics will be punishable Athletes who take a knee or lift a fist against racial inequality will be punished during the Olympics in Tokyo. This is according to the International Olympic Committee, who say it will keep its ban on political protests inside stadiums, at ceremonies and on podiums. Many are disgusted by the IOC's draconian stance and are calling for the rule to be changed against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement. *) Indonesian submarine still missing Indonesia's navy has asked Singapore and Australia to help search for a submarine that went missing after a training exercise. So far, an oil spill was found near the vessel's last known location. Officials suspect the vessel, carrying 53 sailors, has sunk to a depth of 600 to 700 metres. *) Syria loses its rights at OPCW Syria has been stripped of its privileges and voting rights at the global chemical weapons watchdog. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons found the Syrian regime guilty of repeatedly using poisonous gas during the civil war. The draft was proposed by 46 nations, including the US, UK and France. And finally … *) Tiny Icelandic town preps for Oscars The tiny Icelandic town of Husavik, made famous by the hit comedy, "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga," is now preparing for the Oscars. The film's power ballad, "Husavik (My Hometown)," was nominated for Best Original Song, and has fired up the town with excitement. A red carpet has been rolled out on the main street and schools and shops will close to give residents a chance to watch the Academy Awards show live.