German minister aims for cannabis legalization by spring
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach hopes the Cannabis Act will be passed by the Bundestag in February and come into force in April, despite opposition to legalizing cannabis even within the governing coalition.
Iran says it launched a satellite despite Western concerns
The Soraya satellite has reached a higher orbit in a new milestone for Iran’s aerospace program. Western nations fear that the space technology could be used to develop nuclear weapons.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi sworn in for second term
Following an election fraught with logistical problems, Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in for a second term as president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He vowed to make the DRC “more united, stronger and prosperous.”
Right-wing group to form a new conservative party in Germany
Members of a German right-wing conservative splinter group have decided to establish a new political party. The Werteunion, or Values Union, aims to take part in upcoming regional polls in three eastern German states.
US reports missile and rocket attack on Iraq base
The US military said its Iraqi base had been struck by Iran-backed militants with rocket and ballistic missile fire. The attacks are a long-running issue but have intensified amid the conflict in Gaza.