NEWS ANALYSIS

Paris, France | AFP | Thibaut Pinot conquered the Pyrenean summit of la Col du Tourmalet on Saturday with Julian Alaphilippe following him across the line to extend his overall Tour de France lead over defending champion Geraint Thomas, who admitted to feeling “weak”. Thomas, in fact, lost time for a …

Portrush, United Kingdom | AFP |  Ireland’s Shane Lowry said it had been “the most incredible day” after firing a stunning eight-under-par 63 on Saturday to take a four-shot lead over Tommy Fleetwood into the final round of the 148th British Open at Royal Portrush. The 32-year-old delighted the thousands …

New York, United States | AFP |  Big US companies are accelerating efforts to move more of their supply chains from China to neighboring countries in light of Trump administration tariffs. Companies in sectors such as technology, clothing and footwear are exporting more goods from emerging giants including Vietnam and Malaysia, …

San Diego, United States | AFP |  The “Game of Thrones” cast leapt to the defense of its much-maligned final season in front of a boisterous crowd at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, blaming the backlash on negative media coverage. The HBO fantasy epic’s conclusion enraged fans around the world, and …

Berlin, Germany | AFP  Germany paid tribute Saturday to Claus von Stauffenberg and others who sought to assassinate Adolf Hitler 75 years ago, a plot that was recognised only belatedly but which a resurgent far-right is now seeking to expropriate. In the attempt on July 20, 1944, Stauffenberg and other high-ranking …

Washington, United States | AFP |  US Democrats presented a united front this week after Donald Trump’s coarse attacks on progressive lawmakers, but the solidarity masks deep fissures in the party as it moves toward choosing a 2020 presidential nominee. From the most liberal quarters to the centrists, Democrats circled …

Cairo, Egypt | AFP |  Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi lauded his side’s “incredible” Africa Cup of Nations triumph Friday as Baghdad Bounedjah’s early goal earned a 1-0 victory over Senegal in the final. Bounedjah gave Algeria a dream start against Sadio Mane’s Senegal, the top team in Africa, in front of …

Khartoum, Sudan | AFP |  She may have spent 40 days in jail for demonstrating against president Omar al-Bashir who has since been toppled but activist Amani Osmane says the battle for women’s rights in Sudan is far from over. Women have been at the forefront of the revolt which …

Harare, Zimbabwe | AFP |  Blessing Chingwaru could barely walk without support when he arrived at the specialist Rutsanana clinic in Harare complaining of chest pains and fatigue. Weighing a skeletal 37 kilogrammes (5.8 stone), the HIV-positive motor mechanic knew something was wrong. He was immediately given a number of …

Washington, United States | AFP |  Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar branded Donald Trump a “fascist” on Thursday as the president sought to distance himself from mocking chants of “Send her back!” directed at the Somali-born lawmaker by his supporters. “We have said this president is racist, we have condemned his racist …