German lawmakers are set to discuss legislation that attempts to increase the size of the country's armed forces. The debate has exposed divisions within the government coalition of center-right conservatives and center-left social democrats.

Berlin

Germany is currently engaged in a significant debate over the potential reinstatement of compulsory military service. The government remains divided on the issue, with the centre-left Social Democrats supporting a voluntary model and the conservative CDU-CSU advocating for a possible return to conscription. Starting next year, men aged 18 will receive questionnaires to gauge their interest in joining the military, with hopes that voluntary enlistment will meet staffing needs.

While conscription remains suspended since 2011, it could be reactivated by a parliamentary majority, but currently only applies to men. Any move to include women would require a constitutional amendment. The Bundeswehr is offering incentives such as good pay and educational benefits to attract volunteers, but the ongoing security situation in Europe ensures that the debate over military service will continue.

Will Germany reinstate compulsory military service?

Is Germany going to bring back compulsory military service? The short answer to that is, probably not right away. There's a big debate happening in the country right now about this, the new Military Service Act. And right now, as it stands, not even the government can agree on how to ensure Germany's defence capability going forward. The German army must grow. The national security situation demands this, particularly due to Russia's military aggression. Not only do we need a well-equipped military force, we've been working on this for the past two and a half years, we also need a fully staffed military. That's Boris Pistorius, Germany's defence minister. He's part of the centre-left Social Democrats. They're the junior coalition partner in the governing coalition government here in Germany. His party favours a voluntary model, whereas the conservative CDU-CSU, that's Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party, they're of a different view. It will be voluntary for now, but I suspect it won't remain voluntary. What he means is that if the situation demands it, Germans who are willing to fight could expect to be called up. What's already been decided is that starting next year, men aged 18 will get a questionnaire to gauge their interest in joining the military. There are around 350,000 men who are going to get a survey, and it's hoped that around 5,000 will join the military this way. What's being debated right now is that if not enough men join voluntarily, when will conscription kick in? Germany suspended conscription back in 2011, so that would be a big change for men growing up today. But what about women? They can fill out the form if they want to, but would they even get called up? So it is still in the constitution, just for men. It was suspended by a simple act by the majority of the members of the parliament, so it can be activated again by a simple majority of the members of the parliament, but just for men. So if we want men and women to have the obligation to do a military service, we have to change the constitution, and there we need a higher majority. So what would make the army a more attractive option? Well, for one thing, it pays well. The Bundeswehr is also offering perks for young people, like credits towards further study courses and even help getting your driver's licence. This is all voluntary, at least for now. But with war not far away in Ukraine, and Germany's increased role in contributing towards Europe's defence, it's unlikely that the debate here is going to die down.

At least one person was killed and dozens of police officers injured in widespread protests overnight in Peru against President Jose Jeri, who assumed power just days ago. The government will declare a state of emergency in Lima within hours and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.

Lima

Peru to impose state of emergency after violent clashes

The espionage case against Christopher Berry and Christopher Cash collapsed after government officials refused to testify under oath that China posed a threat to national security.

London

MI5 chief warns China a ‘daily threat’ after spy case collapse

NATO is increasing its capabilities on its eastern flank after recent Russian drone incursions. At the same time the EU has announced a major defence policy roadmap aimed at deterring threats from Russia.

Šiauliai

NATO, EU step up defences to deter Russia

U.S. President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser John Bolton, who became a public critic of the president, has been indicted on charges related to the handing of national defence documents after a raid of his house in August. Bolton is the latest in a recent string of Trump foes who have faced indictments.

Washington

John Bolton, Trump critic and former adviser, indicted

The U.S. military flew three B-52 bombers on missions near the coast of Venezuela, according to a Global Strike Command spokesperson and a U.S. official, as the Trump administration continues to exert pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government.

Caracas

U.S. flies B-52 bombers off the coast of Venezuela

President Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton was indicted in Maryland on charges of mishandling classified information.

Ex-U.S. national security adviser Bolton indicted over classified info

A federal judge overturned a Homeland Security decision to cut anti-terrorism funding for New York City. The ruling comes as the Trump administration faces lawsuits from Democratic governors over similar cuts.

New York

Judge blocks Trump cuts to New York City's anti-terrorism funds

China has accused the U.S. of stoking panic over its rare earth controls and said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had made "grossly distorted" remarks about a top Chinese trade negotiator, rejecting a White House call to roll back the curbs.

Beijing

Global Tariffs

China blames U.S. for global panic over rare earths controls

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said he had a "productive" phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and announced plans for a meeting with Putin in Hungary.

Ukraine Invasion

Trump says he plans to meet with Putin in Hungary

Israel said it was preparing for the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt but set no date as it traded blame with Hamas over violations of the ceasefire. A row over the return of bodies of hostages from Gaza retains the potential to upend the truce.

Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

Netanyahu says fight with Hamas 'not over yet'

Tumultuous scenes unfolded during the public viewing of late Kenyan Prime Minister Ralia Odinga's body. The 80-year-old's coffin was on its way to a Nairobi stadium when security forces fired tear gas and gunshots into the crowds. At least two people have reportedly been killed.

Nairobi

Kenyan police open fire at mourners at Odinga public viewing

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a temporary ceasefire on Wednesday after airstrikes and ground fighting ramped up tensions between the South Asian neighbors, leaving more than a dozen civilians dead and 100 wounded.

Balochistan

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree temporary truce after fresh fighting

U.S. President Trump confirmed CIA covert operations in Venezuela during a press conference in the Oval Office on Wednesday. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe asked Trump about what that means for Nicolás Maduro.

Trump authorizes CIA covert operations in Venezuela

Israel is still limiting the number of aid trucks allowed to enter Gaza nearly a week after a ceasefire deal was agreed. It’s told the United Nations will only allow 300 per day - that's half the minimum number agreed under the truce.
The UN says even 600 trucks entering daily would not be enough to meet the needs of the population.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Gaza ceasefire fears as Israel limits aid trucks to less than agreed

President Trump confirmed that he has authorised the CIA to go into Venezuela and conduct covert operations.

Trump says he authorised covert CIA operations in Venezuela

Hamas is back on the streets of Gaza in an attempt, it says, to restore law and order -- and to send a message.

Hamas executes Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel

A federal judge in Oregon has extended temporary restraining orders that block the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Portland. Meanwhile, federal agents in Chicago used tear gas to disperse a crowd after a car chase ended in a crash.

Chicago

Federal agents deploy tear gas in Chicago despite court order

A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily ordered the Trump administration to halt the firing of workers during the government shutdown.

Judge temporarily blocks Trump from firing workers during shutdown

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is traveling to the U.S. to meet with President Trump. The two leaders are expected to discuss the possibility of the U.S. supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles.

Trump to meet with Zelenskyy about long-range missiles

The U.S. military struck a fifth apparent Venezuelan boat allegedly carrying drugs, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media Tuesday. CBS News' Natalie Brand has more details.

Trump says U.S. struck another alleged Venezuelan boat

News organizations including The New York Times, The Associated Press and Newsmax as well as ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and Fox News say they will not sign new press rules as laid out in a Defense Department document. This could mean the Trump administration will evict reporters from the Pentagon.

Major U.S. news media outlets refusing to sign new Pentagon rules

Madagascar’s president ousted in a military takeover — Youth-led protests and parliament’s impeachment vote spark political turmoil.

Antananarivo

Madagascar's military seizes power, president ousted

Thousands of messages shared in a group chat of Young Republicans are revealing some racist thoughts that even they worried about being leaked. The exchanges obtained by Politico are part of a Telegram chat among Young Republican leaders in New York, Kansas, Arizona and Vermont. Jason Beeferman, New York state politics reporter for Politico, joins with more.

Politico exposes racist messages sent by Young Republican leaders

The U.S. stock market rebounded on Monday (October 13) after President Trump appeared to walk back imposing new tariffs on Chinese goods.

Markets rebound after Trump softens tone on China tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump is heading back to the U.S. after his whirlwind trip to the Middle East, where he celebrated the first phase of a peace plan between Israel and Hamas.

Sharm El-Sheikh

Trump, world leaders sign Gaza peace plan and discuss next steps

The government shutdown entered its third week on Monday as the Senate is set to reconvene on Tuesday. CBS News' Nikole Killion has more from Capitol Hill.

Shutdown drags into third week as Senate set to reconvene

U.S. President Donald Trump was greeted in Tel Aviv with cheers and a military ceremony as he met families of hostages held in Gaza and addressed Israel's parliament. He now travels to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to join world leaders in discussions on Gaza's future.

Trump meets with Israeli leaders and hostage families

Twenty living hostages were released by Hamas after more than two years in captivity as a ceasefire continues to hold. Families in Israel describe emotional reunions while others continue to await confirmation about missing relatives.

Families reunite as ceasefire brings hostages, prisoners home

Israeli officials have confirmed that all 20 living captives have been released in Gaza.

Israel confirms all 20 living captives in Gaza have been released

The carefully choreographed Israel-Hamas exchange is underway, with Israel set to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners following the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza. Noga Tarnopolsky reports from Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square.

Breakdown