BRICS wargames: Why they matter, why India opted out
South Africa is hosting the BRICS exercises, but two founding members are not participating amid tensions with the US.

South Africa is hosting the BRICS exercises, but two founding members are not participating amid tensions with the US.





![Young men showing off military weapons in gang-controlled Rio de Janeiro. [Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-1767116420.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)



Justice Alexandre de Moraes has approved a request for the ex-president to leave prison for hernia treatment.
EU delays Mercosur trade deal until January amid farmer protests and opposition from France and Italy.
European champions Paris Saint-Germain pushed all the way in Intercontinental Cup final in Qatar by South Americans.

Thousands of people protested against a bill that would reduce the prison sentence of former President, Jair Bolsonaro.
The controversial bill, which prompted a scuffle in Congress’s lower chamber, now proceeds to the Senate for a vote.

A Brazilian lawmaker was removed from Congress by police on Tuesday as he staged a protest against a bill.
Former President Jair Bolsonaro has endorsed his eldest son’s campaign to be Brazil’s next president in the 2026 race.
The mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew was granted bond from ICE amid conflicting claims.
Demonstrators march in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other cities, calling for an end to femicide, rape and misogyny.