Jean-Marc Rickli

Switzerland, after five centuries of neutrality, is contemplating a major shift in its defense policy due to growing threats from Russia, as outlined in a recent report covered by Politico. The report suggests that Switzerland should strengthen its cooperation with the European Union and NATO, which would mark a significant departure from its long-standing stance.

Isis has been driven out of the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra for a second time under three months after jihadis retook their former stronghold.

The Russian defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, claimed the Syrian army had fully recaptured the militant stronghold on Thursday, although monitors said air strikes and clashes were ongoing.