Sainz set to step out of comfort zone to defend Dakar Rally title

Bisha (Saudi Arabia) (AFP) – Veteran Spanish driver Carlos Sainz made history when he won his fourth Dakar Rally last year and is confident that he has what it takes to challenge for victory in this season’s gruelling race in Saudi Arabia.

The Paris-Dakar bivouac in Bisha ahead of the start of the race on Friday

New Year's fireworks accidents kill five in Germany

Berlin (AFP) – Five people died across Germany and a police officer was seriously injured from accidents linked to the powerful fireworks Germans traditionally set off to celebrate the new year, police said Wednesday.

Germans celebrate New Year's Eve with particularly intense usage of fireworks

'I'm Still Here': an ode to Brazil resistance

Sao Paulo (AFP) – “I’m Still Here,” Brazil’s hope for Oscars glory, focuses on the country’s military dictatorship years (1965-1985) but is also very much “a film about the present,” its lead actress Fernanda Torres told AFP.

Brazilian actor Selton Mello (L), Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres and director Walter Salles attend the red carpet premiere of "I'm Still Here" at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024

Australia axe Marsh, call

Sydney (AFP) – Out-of-form all-rounder Mitch Marsh was axed Thursday from Australia’s team for the series-deciding fifth Test against India in Sydney with Beau Webster to make his debut.

All-rounder Beau Webster will make his Australia debut in the fifth Test against India

Jets quarterback Rodgers ponders NFL future ahead of season finale

New York (AFP) – New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers acknowledged the uncertainties he’s facing after the team’s NFL season finale against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, which could spell the end of his tenure in New York or even his career.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers warms up prior to an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills

Eagles' Barkley likely to sit out season finale, ending rushing record bid

Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will probably sit out the regular-season finale against the New York Giants on sunday, ending his pursuit of the NFL single-season rushing record, coach Nick Sirianni said Wednesday.

Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles jumps over the tackle of Marist Liufau of the Dallas Cowboys in the Eagles' NFL victory over the Cowboys

Syria FM hopes first foreign visit to Saudi opens 'new, bright page'

Damascus (AFP) – Syria’s top diplomat said he hoped to open a “new, bright page” with Saudi Arabia upon arriving in the kingdom Wednesday, the first foreign visit for Syria’s new rulers, who seized power last month.

Workers unload humanitarian aid supplied by Saudi Arabia at the airport in Damascus; a high-ranking Syrian delegation has traveled to Saudi Arabia on the first foreign visit by the country's new Islamist rulers

Palestinian Authority suspends Al Jazeera broadcasts

Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday ordered the suspension of broadcasts by Qatar-based Al Jazeera across the Palestinian territories, accusing the network of airing “inciting content”, official media reported.

Al Jazeera has an office in the West Bank city of Ramallah, seat of the Palestinian Authority, as well as one in Jerusalem.