Opinion

As a BBC stringer admitted that the broadcaster is searching for proof of Russia’s alleged role in the "Yellow Vests" protests in Paris, George Szamuely of the Global Policy Institute and author of the “Bombs for Peace: NATO's Humanitarian War on Yugoslavia”, explained to Sputnik how this development may affect the TV channel’s reputation.

A Palestinian teenager was shot dead on Friday by Israeli troops during clashes in the West Bank. This comes after two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday by a Palestinian man near the Givat Asaf junction. After the shooting, Israeli settlers clashed with police, demanding more security and criticising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

German law allows the third gender in birth certificates. Sputnik discussed it with Christian Weiland, a member of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The wave of the so-called yellow vests protests started in France in mid-November. The rallies have been marked by violent clashes with police officers, who have used tear gas and rubber bullets against the protesters. Sputnik spoke about it to Mike Tokes, a Republican strategist and CEO YukoSocial.com.

A Palestinian teenager was shot dead on Friday by Israeli troops during clashes in the West Bank. Sputnik has discussed this with Dr Kobi Michael, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University and former deputy director general and head of the Palestinian desk at the Ministry for Strategic Affairs.

China has recently confirmed that it has detained two Canadian nationals. According to the foreign ministry spokesman, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig had been taken into custody. Sputnik has discussed this with Christopher Oldcorn, a Canadian investigative journalist, covering politics, social policy, and international affairs.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton in a speech unveiled the US strategy to counter Chinese and Russian influence in Africa. He accused Moscow and Beijing of deliberately and aggressively targeting their investments in the region to gain a competitive advantage over the US.

German media reported that citing anonymous sources within the CDU, German Chancellor Angela Merkel may resign from her post in favour of a newly elected head of the party Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

Despite Emmanuel Macron’s conciliatory speech on Monday, during which he pledged he would raise wages, cut taxes and give out bonuses, the Yellow Vest protest movement has not backed down. Sputnik spoke to Professor of French Studies at the University of Warwick, Nick Hewlett to ask what can be expected from the Gilets Jaunes this weekend.

France’s Interior Minister has today confirmed that the man suspected of opening fire at a Christmas market has been shot dead. Cherif Chekatt killed three people and injured 13 in the French city of Strasbourg on Tuesday. Sputnik spoke about it to Robert Spencer, Director of Jihad Watch and Author of the History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS.

With British Prime Minister Theresa May surviving a vote of confidence earlier this week, Sputnik spoke to journalist Marcus Stead about Brexit developments.

The UN has claimed that a number of allegedly Iranian-made weapons have been found recently in the territory of Yemen. Speaking to Sputnik, former Iranian diplomat Dr Seyed Hadi Afghahi explained how the supposed missile fragments had found their way to Yemen.

Republicans in the House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee held a hearing on Thursday to examine allegations of quid pro quo agreements at the Clinton Foundation during Hillary Clinton’s time as Secretary of State.

On Thursday, US Customs and Border Protection announced that Jakelin Ameí Rosmery Caal Maquin, a 7-year-old girl from Guatemala, had died only 48 hours after being taken into the agency’s custody last week. Her family was detained while entering the country from Mexico.

The US Senate voted on Thursday to end any and all military support for the Saudi Arabian-led coalition in the Yemen War, which has produced the worst humanitarian crisis on Earth and inflicted food shortages and disease on the population of what was already the Middle East’s poorest country.

Over the years, famous psychic Uri Geller has bamboozled audiences worldwide with his capabilities, most notably, being able to effortlessly bend spoons using his mind and to the horror of Scottish football fans, deviating a ball before a penalty against the old enemy England. Sputnik spoke with Mr Geller to get an insight into his life and career.

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) - European leaders discussed the Brexit uncertainty, relations with Russia, migration, and fight against disinformation on 14 December, the second day of the European Council summit.

US Attorney for Utah John Huber won't testify before the House Oversight Committee. This is what Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupic has said. Huber had been tasked by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to investigate the Clinton Foundation, which is accused of being entangled in multiple corruption schemes.

MOSCOW (Sputnik), Valentina Shvartsman - The European Parliament's recent resolution calling for scrapping the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is politically motivated, as a cancellation of the project would hardly benefit anyone, including the EU member states, experts told Sputnik.

Hassan Rouhani's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz was meant to show defiance and counter-intimidation against Washington's sabre-rattling, Ghassan Kadi, a political analyst told Sputnik, emphasising Iran's unique geographical position that allows it to maintain control over the Persian Gulf.