A recent drone strike at the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus has escalated the already heightened tensions between Western powers and Iranian forces in the Middle East. The attack occurred around midnight local time, or 22:00 GMT, just hours after the UK government confirmed that the US would be allowed to use British military bases for potential defensive operations against Iranian missile sites. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties from the incident, though initial assessments indicated only minimal damage to the base. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) released a statement confirming the attack and affirmed that investigations are underway to... [Continue Reading]
Two Liberal senators cross the floor to vote for Labor's motion that censured the One Nation leader for "inflammatory and divisive comments" that sought to vilify Muslim Australians. [Continue Reading]
A British RAF base in Cyprus, known as RAF Akrotiri, was targeted by a suspected drone strike recently, as announced by the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD). The attack occurred around midnight local time, approximately 22:00 GMT. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties from the incident. The MoD confirmed that their force protection in the region remains at the highest level and that the base has activated its defensive measures in response to the strike. The drone strike comes shortly after UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared that the UK would permit the United States to utilize British military... [Continue Reading]
It is Hanson’s second censure within four months, this time over comments questioning whether there were ‘good’ MuslimsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPauline Hanson has been censured again by the federal Senate, with two Liberal senators crossing the floor to support a motion calling out the One Nation leader’s “inflammatory and divisive” recent comments about Australian Muslims.Hanson dismissed the motion – her second censure within four months, after her stunt of wearing a hijab in the parliament last year – as a “joke”, theatrically slapping herself on... [Continue Reading]
This blog is now closedPauline Hanson censured over Muslim comments but only two Coalition senators back motionGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastJoyce says petrol prices will increase due to conflictSpeaking with Tanya Plibersek on a Sunrise panel this morning, One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce says Australia should focus on building up fuel supplies under risk due to conflict in the Middle EastIt’s a shame in a crisis like this that we’ve got ourselves down to two oil refineries, so that if there’s a crisis in the production of fuel, we’re in a bad spot.We’ve got... [Continue Reading]
In a dramatic escalation of military operations, US and Israeli forces conducted strikes on Iranian targets, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. These strikes began on Saturday, creating significant ripples in regional geopolitics and international relations. This marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations, especially the United States and Israel. Reports indicate that the attacks incorporated advanced technology, with the US military utilizing Anthropic's AI model, Claude, to assist in operational decisions. Despite former President Donald Trump's recent orders to limit the use of such AI tools due to his... [Continue Reading]
Senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham defend attack, Democrats say administration must answer vital questionsUS-Israel war on Iran – latest updatesDonald Trump administration allies reinforced on Sunday the administration’s messaging on the Israel-US strikes on Iran, while Democratsdecried it as a “war of choice” that required congressional approval.On Sunday talk shows, Arkansas senator Tom Cotton, who serves on the Armed Services Committee, and South Carolina senator Lindsey Graham defended the strikes, while Virginia senator Mark Warner, vice-chairman of the Committee on Intelligence, and other Democrats welcomed the elimination of the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but said the administration must... [Continue Reading]
Jean-Paul Paloméros, Former Air Force Chief of Staff, Supreme Commander of NATO forces, is our guest. [Continue Reading]
No EU or Nato leaders backed the US strike killing Ali Khamenei, except far-right allies of Donald Trump. Most urged de-escalation. Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez condemned Washington, while French president Emmanuel Macron called for UN talks. [Continue Reading]
The Turkish Journalists’ Union (TGS) on Sunday demanded the release of three journalists arrested in connection with footage filmed near a sensitive airbase that hosts US troops in southern Turkey. The footage was shot near the Incirlik airbase for Turkey’s independent Anka news agency as Israel and the US began striking Iran, which retaliated with missile barrages against Gulf states hosting US bases, and against Israel. The Turkish base, which has hosted US troops for decades, is a key Nato... [Continue Reading]
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in a joint Israeli–US strike on Iran, a development that plunges the future of the Islamic Republic into uncertainty and heightens fears of wider regional instability. FRANCE 24 spoke with former NATO vice chief-of-staff Michel Yakovleff about what that could mean for the country's future. [Continue Reading]
Former NATO vice chief-of-staff Michel Yakovleff weighs in on US President Donald Trump's call for the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow the battered government following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. [Continue Reading]
The United States and Israel have initiated military strikes against Iran, marking a significant escalation in tensions in the Middle East. Targeting the Iranian leadership, these strikes have incited a rapid and aggressive Iranian response, wherein Tehran has launched missiles directed at US military bases and Israeli interests in adjacent Gulf states. This development is pivotal in the ongoing conflict dynamics within the region. Iran's retaliation involves a series of drone and missile attacks aimed at American military installations across the Middle East. Notably, bases in the Gulf Arab states have been heavily targeted, escalating the situation further. The US... [Continue Reading]
In a significant legal action, two transgender men in Kansas have filed a lawsuit against the state over a controversial law that invalidated drivers' licenses issued to individuals whose gender identities do not align with their sex assigned at birth. This law, which went into effect recently, has affected approximately 1,700 transgender residents in the state, rendering their identification documents invalid and raising concerns about privacy and personal rights. The plaintiffs initiated their case on the same day the law was enacted, arguing that it violates several constitutional rights as enshrined in the Kansas Constitution. Their primary contentions focus on... [Continue Reading]
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen recently announced a snap election set for March 24, aiming to capitalize on rising domestic concerns over the Arctic territory of Greenland. This move comes just seven months before a constitutional deadline, reflecting both political urgency and strategic calculation as Frederiksen seeks to secure a third term in office. In her recent address to parliament, Frederiksen characterized the upcoming election as "decisive" for Denmark's future, emphasizing the need for the nation to "define our relationship with the United States" and to "stand on our own feet" as both Danes and Europeans. Her statements underline the... [Continue Reading]
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia has launched a coordinated drone and missile strike against Ukraine's energy sector and railway infrastructure. This attack has resulted in numerous injuries, damage to residential buildings, and triggered several fires across affected areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on social media that the assault involved an extensive arsenal, including 420 drones and 39 missiles, among which were 11 ballistic missiles. This incident exemplifies a continuing trend of targeted assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aimed at crippling power supply and prolonging blackouts throughout the nation. The assault unfolded as tensions escalated ahead of crucial... [Continue Reading]
In a significant escalation of military aggression, Russia has launched hundreds of drones in a recent overnight attack, targeting several regions in Ukraine. This marked the latest incorporation of unmanned aerial vehicles as a primary assault tool in the ongoing conflict. As negotiations between the US and Ukrainian representatives convene in Geneva, this attack adds urgency to discussions surrounding military aid and strategic support for Ukraine. The drone strikes are part of a broader pattern of Russian operations aimed at destabilizing Ukrainian infrastructure and undermining its defensive capabilities. Confirmed reports indicate that the drone assaults have resulted in civilian casualties,... [Continue Reading]
Russia has escalated its military offensive against Ukraine, launching missile and drone strikes that resulted in approximately 20 injuries, as confirmed by local authorities. The attacks occurred overnight, targeting residential areas in eastern and southern Ukraine. This incident comes just ahead of a new round of diplomatic talks scheduled to take place in Geneva, with Ukraine and the United States initiating discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Key figures in the negotiations include Ukraine's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, and representatives from the previous Trump administration, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These talks are seen as crucial in the context... [Continue Reading]
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized a willingness to foster better relations with the United States, contingent on Washington's acknowledgment of Pyongyang as a nuclear power. During recent statements, Kim insisted that "there is no reason not to get along" if the U.S. recognizes North Korea's nuclear status. This declaration highlights the ongoing tension between the two nations, as Kim also warned that any continued confrontational posture from the U.S. would trigger a "proportional" response from North Korea, signaling the potential for escalating hostilities. Kim's remarks come amid an evolving geopolitical landscape where international relations are increasingly tested. North... [Continue Reading]
The Orion-26 military exercise, a significant joint operation involving approximately 1,500 paratroopers from France and the United Kingdom, is currently underway at Base 123 in Orléans Bricy, France. This operation marks France's largest military drill since the Cold War and represents an ambitious effort to enhance collaborative military capabilities among European allies. The exercise features airborne manoeuvres with troops being deployed at the Coëtquidan base in Brittany, further emphasizing the significance of this military partnership. Colonel Colomban de Poncharra, the commanding officer of the French 3rd Marine Corps parachute regiment, remarked on the operation, calling it a "bold operation." The... [Continue Reading]
Amid ongoing tensions stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a meeting between Ukrainian negotiators and U.S. representatives is set for Thursday. This gathering is designed to pave the way for trilateral discussions with Russia, anticipated to occur in early March. These talks represent a critical step in efforts to negotiate a peace settlement following prolonged hostilities in the region. Ukrainian lead negotiator Rustem Umerov, joined by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will discuss key issues, including potential prisoner-of-war exchanges and a proposed "prosperity package" aimed at the reconstruction of Ukraine. Zelensky highlighted that... [Continue Reading]
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing mounting pressure to "urgently rescind" the appointment of David Connolly as the incoming administrator of the Northern Territory. This call, articulated in an open letter signed by 22 individuals, including a mix of politicians and community representatives, highlights growing concerns about Connolly's ability to effectively represent the region. The letter emphasizes the apprehensions surrounding Connolly's past behaviour, notably a series of now-deleted social media posts that have provoked significant public outrage. Connolly's formal swearing-in is scheduled for Friday. Leading up to this event, Albanese has expressed reservations regarding Connolly's suitability for the role. The... [Continue Reading]
As Ukraine commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated that Russian President Vladimir Putin's aspirations to dominate Ukraine have proven futile. In a powerful video address, Zelensky called for a "lasting peace," emphasizing that any truce agreement must resonate with the Ukrainian people and not simply be an imposed resolution. This period of reflection coincides with growing calls from global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, for increased support and sanctions against Russia. In his address, Zelensky highlighted the stark reality that "hundreds of thousands" of lives have been lost since the conflict erupted... [Continue Reading]
In a recent incident that has raised serious concerns regarding broadcasting standards, Labour MP Dawn Butler has demanded an “urgent explanation” from the BBC following the airing of a racist slur during the Bafta Film Awards. The incident occurred on a Sunday, when John Davidson, a guest with Tourette syndrome and the inspiration behind the film I Swear, shouted out the offensive term while two black actors, Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan, were on stage. The BBC later acknowledged that the slur had not been edited out prior to the program’s broadcast. Following the incident, the BBC issued a... [Continue Reading]
Recent events mark the four-year anniversary since Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an operation anticipated by Moscow to conclude rapidly. As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the European Parliament, the Kremlin reiterated its ongoing commitment to its military objectives, despite facing significant resistance and mounting losses. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that the initial goals of the invasion have not been realized and emphasized that military operations would persist. He claimed that the conflict has inadvertently unified Russian society against perceived Western aggression. On this anniversary, independent journalists have reported a staggering figure: approximately 200,000 Russian soldiers have... [Continue Reading]
This week marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has transformed the geopolitical landscape of Europe and led to unprecedented humanitarian and military consequences. On February 24, Russia initiated military operations that have since sparked the most intense conventional warfare in Europe since World War II. This invasion has not only resulted in catastrophic human losses but has also redefined the security dynamics in the region. According to reports, approximately 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been confirmed dead due to the ongoing conflict. In addition to civilian casualties, the war has imposed severe tolls on... [Continue Reading]
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]
Navigating the Perils of Information in a Global Age In today’s world, where information flows ceaselessly and unchecked, the stakes for migrants have never been higher. Critical thinking is not just a skill, it’s a lifeline. The ability to sift fact from fiction, especially in matters as consequential as migration, is essential for individuals, communities, and the institutions that serve them. The migration landscape is uniquely vulnerable to the hazards of mis-, dis-, and mal-information, collectively known as MDM. The consequences of inaccurate or misleading information can ripple far beyond the individual, affecting entire communities and the systems that govern... [Continue Reading]