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Article snippet: (Want to get this briefing by email? Here’s the sign-up.) Good morning. Here’s what you need to know: • Robert Mugabe — who once proclaimed that “Only God will remove me!” — resigned as president of Zimbabwe shortly after lawmakers started impeachment proceedings. Jubilant residents poured into the streets at what seemed to be an abrupt capitulation from the world’s longest-serving head of state. Mr. Mugabe, 93, said he was stepping down for “the welfare of the people.” A new leader could be sworn in as early as today, the state broadcaster said. _____ • For the European Union, the only thing worse than a strong Germany may be a weak one. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s failure to form a coalition government has further delayed serious decisions the bloc faces on the eurozone, migration, asylum and defense, as well as Britain’s exit. German support is especially important for President Emmanuel Macron of France, who has laid out a striking agenda of European reform. “Macron can’t do it on his own,” one analyst said. For more on German politics, here are six of our favorite recent stories. _____ • President Bashar al-Assad made a rare trip out of war-ravaged Syria, visiting Russia and thanking President Vladimir Putin for military intervention he credited with “saving” the country. Both are taking part in a summit meeting today for the leaders of Iran, Turkey and Russia that is aimed at ending Syria’s six-year civil war. Our reporter recently traveled to Damascus, the ... Link to the full article to read more