Monday, July 20, 2026
Sarah Mitchell
Taipei Times · Staff Reporter

Experienced journalist covering international affairs and political analysis.

Jürgen Klopp Poised to Lead German National Football Team
world Jürgen Klopp Poised to Lead German National Football Team Jürgen Klopp is widely expected to become the new head coach of the German national football team, following Julian Nagelsmann's departure. This move has been anticipated for some time, with the German FA confirming initial discussions.
Mexico's Enthusiastic Embrace of the 2026 World Cup Host Role
world Mexico's Enthusiastic Embrace of the 2026 World Cup Host Role Mexico has fully embraced its role as a host nation for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing significant positive attention for its vibrant atmosphere and hospitality. The country's enthusiastic approach is generating considerable discussion among observers and future attendees.
Contrasting Environmental Policies: Germany Protects Ancient Forest, US Opens Public Lands for Exploitation
world Contrasting Environmental Policies: Germany Protects Ancient Forest, US Opens Public Lands for Exploitation Germany has moved to permanently protect the ancient Hambach Forest from coal mining, while the United States under the Trump administration has pursued policies to expand drilling and development on public lands.
Moroccan World Cup Standout Ismael Saibari Joins Bayern Munich
world Moroccan World Cup Standout Ismael Saibari Joins Bayern Munich Ismael Saibari, a key player for Morocco in the ongoing World Cup, has officially signed with German football giant Bayern Munich, though he remains focused on his current tournament commitments.
Europe Grapples with Rising Temperatures: The Shifting Landscape of Cooling Solutions
world Europe Grapples with Rising Temperatures: The Shifting Landscape of Cooling Solutions As extreme heatwaves become more common across Europe, the continent faces a growing challenge in adapting its infrastructure and societal norms to rising temperatures, prompting a reevaluation of traditional cooling methods.
US Proposes Conditional Economic Relief for Iran Amidst Sanctions Rebound
world US Proposes Conditional Economic Relief for Iran Amidst Sanctions Rebound Following a notable increase in oil exports for Iran after a recent agreement, the United States has outlined specific conditions for further economic concessions, including access to frozen assets and a substantial reconstruction fund.
Global Environmental Progress: Innovations in Energy, Transportation, and Community Action
world Global Environmental Progress: Innovations in Energy, Transportation, and Community Action This article highlights recent positive developments in environmental sustainability, from shifts in energy production and electric vehicle adoption to soil regeneration and community-led pollution control efforts.
Russian Deserters in Germany Face Asylum Challenges Amidst War
world Russian Deserters in Germany Face Asylum Challenges Amidst War Russian individuals fleeing military service, including those who have deserted, are encountering significant hurdles in their attempts to secure asylum in Germany, with most applications currently facing rejection.
Tate Brothers Arrested in Miami as UK Seeks Extradition on New Charges
world Tate Brothers Arrested in Miami as UK Seeks Extradition on New Charges Social media personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate have been apprehended in Miami by US Marshals, following an extradition request from the United Kingdom. The UK authorities are pursuing new charges against the brothers, including rape and sex trafficking offenses alleged to have occurred between 2010 and 2017.
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Hit Russian Facilities
world Ukrainian Drone Strikes Hit Russian Facilities Ukrainian drones have launched attacks on various sites in Russia, reportedly killing nine and injuring over 80. Kyiv claims these strikes are aimed at disrupting supplies for the Russian invasion.
FIFA Under Scrutiny Amidst Red Card Controversy and World Cup Expansion Talks
world FIFA Under Scrutiny Amidst Red Card Controversy and World Cup Expansion Talks FIFA is facing renewed scrutiny following a contentious red card reversal involving Folarin Balogun and ongoing discussions about further expanding the World Cup tournament.
Neuschwanstein Murderer Challenges Extradition to US Over Death Penalty Concerns
world Neuschwanstein Murderer Challenges Extradition to US Over Death Penalty Concerns A man convicted of murder near Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle is fighting extradition to the United States, citing fears of facing the death penalty.
Ukrainian Sports Minister Expresses Strong Disapproval Over IOC's Reversal on Russian Olympic Participation
world Ukrainian Sports Minister Expresses Strong Disapproval Over IOC's Reversal on Russian Olympic Participation Ukraine's Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi has voiced profound outrage regarding the International Olympic Committee's decision to ease restrictions on Russian athletes, calling the move a 'moral failure'. He has urged IOC President Kirsty Coventry to visit Ukraine to witness the ongoing conflict firsthand.
Escalating Aggression: Germany's Rail Workers Face Rising Violence
world Escalating Aggression: Germany's Rail Workers Face Rising Violence A recent court verdict in a fatal assault case against a train conductor highlights a disturbing trend of increasing violence targeting railway employees and federal police in Germany. Experts link this rise to societal stress and the confined environment of public transport.
Egyptian Football Federation Alleges Bias After World Cup Elimination
world Egyptian Football Federation Alleges Bias After World Cup Elimination Following a contentious World Cup round-of-16 defeat, Egypt's national team and football federation have voiced strong accusations of match-rigging and referee bias against Argentina.
Mounting Discontent: Can Football Challenge FIFA's Dominance?
world Mounting Discontent: Can Football Challenge FIFA's Dominance? Recent controversies surrounding FIFA, including alleged political interference and unconventional decisions, have amplified calls for reform within global football. This article explores the growing frustrations and the complex challenges involved in any potential shift away from FIFA's established power.
Poland's Stance on Ukraine Aid Shifts Amid Historical Tensions
world Poland's Stance on Ukraine Aid Shifts Amid Historical Tensions Poland may reconsider its military assistance to Ukraine, a move that comes as historical grievances surrounding World War II-era events resurface, potentially impacting the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Eucalyptus: The Australian Export Fueling Global Wildfire Risks
environment Eucalyptus: The Australian Export Fueling Global Wildfire Risks As Europe grapples with escalating summer heat and wildfire threats, the widespread cultivation of eucalyptus, an Australian tree, is drawing international attention for its role in intensifying blazes.
Fatal Drone Attacks Target Russian Facilities, Ukraine Cites Supply Chain Disruption
world Fatal Drone Attacks Target Russian Facilities, Ukraine Cites Supply Chain Disruption A series of Ukrainian drone strikes have reportedly resulted in seven fatalities at various Russian facilities, including warehouses and an oil depot. Kyiv asserts these targeted sites were integral to Russia's drone and navigation equipment production.
US Ambassador's Venetian Visit Sparks Local Protests
world US Ambassador's Venetian Visit Sparks Local Protests The arrival of US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta in Venice, as part of a commemorative tour, was met with significant public demonstrations.
Reports of Fatalities in Gaza Amidst Conflicting Accounts of Israeli Strike
world Reports of Fatalities in Gaza Amidst Conflicting Accounts of Israeli Strike Officials in Gaza reported multiple fatalities following an Israeli military operation, with conflicting narratives emerging regarding the nature of the target and the circumstances of the incident.
Japan Modifies Imperial Succession Framework, Female Exclusion Persists
world Japan Modifies Imperial Succession Framework, Female Exclusion Persists Japan's parliament has enacted changes to imperial succession laws, aiming to secure the continuity of the royal lineage. However, these revisions uphold the existing prohibition against female emperors.
Conflict Zones Grapple with Escalating Disease Outbreaks
world Conflict Zones Grapple with Escalating Disease Outbreaks Ongoing conflicts in regions like Sudan, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are creating environments highly conducive to the rapid spread of infectious diseases, exacerbating humanitarian crises.
Investigation into Alleged Monaco Assassination Plot Deepens with New Developments
world Investigation into Alleged Monaco Assassination Plot Deepens with New Developments New information has emerged in the alleged assassination plot targeting a Ukrainian-Cypriot businessman in Monaco, including the death of a key suspect and the arrest of individuals linked to Ukrainian intelligence.
Challenging the Chess Throne: German Contenders Emerge in FIDE Presidential Race
world Challenging the Chess Throne: German Contenders Emerge in FIDE Presidential Race The upcoming International Chess Federation (FIDE) presidential election is set to feature a significant challenge to the incumbent Russian president, Arkady Dvorkovich, with two German candidates vying for the top position.
A Decade On: The Enduring Impact of Turkey's Failed 2016 Coup Attempt
world A Decade On: The Enduring Impact of Turkey's Failed 2016 Coup Attempt Ten years after a faction within the Turkish military sought to depose President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government, the repercussions of that pivotal event continue to profoundly influence the nation's political, social, and economic landscape.