Misleading party name approved ahead of Victorian election after registration dispute
A dispute over party registration has emerged ahead of Victoria's November state election after the Victorian Electoral Commission approved a party called "Free Palestine" and rejected an application for "Free Palestine Party". The commission said the newer name was too similar to the existing registration and could not be accepted under state law. The case has raised concerns about whether voters could be confused by the names on the ballot.Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said the commission was legally required to register a party once it met the criteria set out in law. He said the rules did not allow him... [Continue Reading]
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Iran accuses Trump of 'theatre diplomacy on loop' as Hormuz talks continue
Iran's parliament speaker has accused Donald Trump of using what he called "theatre diplomacy on loop" after the US president said planned strikes on Iran were cancelled and claimed a deal was close. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made the remarks in a social media post on Thursday, saying Washington was switching between military threats and negotiation offers as a pressure tactic. He urged the US to acknowledge the facts and honour its commitments.Trump said on Saturday that he had called off a planned large-scale military attack on Iran, claiming that Tehran and other countries in the region had asked for the... [Continue Reading]
UK Conservatives pledge to ban foreign nationals from new social housing tenancies in England
The Conservatives have announced a proposal to end new social housing tenancies for foreign nationals in England if they win the next general election. The party also said some current tenants would be required to leave, in a move it says would free up homes for British families. The announcement comes amid a wider political argument over immigration and housing in the UK.Under the plan, new tenancies would be restricted to UK nationals and people with EU settled status. The party said current tenants who are foreign nationals would be affected in some cases, including single people who are not... [Continue Reading]
Trump signals ongoing U.S. action against Venezuela and Iran, while backing Hegseth
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The Fake News, as usual, is spreading false and completely unfounded rumors. I am extremely happy with the job that Pete Hegseth is doing. Everything has been extraordinary, including our attack on Venezuela, where the result was accomplished in less than one day, allowing us to bring one of the worst criminals anywhere in the World, Nicolas Maduro, to Justice! Likewise, Iran, where the country has been decimated for the purpose of NOT ALLOWING IT TO EVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON, is going very well! Pete... [Continue Reading]
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US Senate committee votes to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt over Covid-19 testimony
A Republican-led US Senate committee has voted to hold Dr Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he refused to answer questions about his handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. The vote was approved by the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, following a hearing last week in which Dr Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times. The referral was pushed by Republican chair Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has long been one of Fauci's most prominent critics.Dr Fauci, 85, retired in 2022 after leading the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for 38 years. He became the... [Continue Reading]
Sheikh Hasina vows to return to Bangladesh amid extradition pressure and death sentence row
Sheikh Hasina has renewed her pledge to return to Bangladesh, saying she is prepared to face arrest, prison or even death if she goes back. Speaking by audio from New Delhi at an event marking the second anniversary of the end of her 15-year rule, the former prime minister said fear would not determine her duty to her supporters. Her remarks come as Bangladesh continues to press India for her extradition and as anger over her case remains visible on the streets of Dhaka.Hasina, 78, said she knew she might be detained and sent to prison, but insisted she could... [Continue Reading]
Trump amplifies Michigan race claims and attacks alleged anti-Israel candidate
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Michael Moore, the failed political "pundit" who has been losing to me for years, was ranting that, "We lost in 2024, and just can't take it anymore." No Michael, just get used to more losing! You've been a Loser all your life, and nothing's going to change. Abdul, your new Communist Comrade, will not be able to save you. He knows you are a failed LOWLIFE, and he wants to pick up where you have left. For thousands of years, the concept of Communist Policies have... [Continue Reading]
Republican confidence in Pete Hegseth wanes amid Iran war frustrations and Army nomination dispute
Republican confidence in US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appears to be weakening, according to a report published on Wednesday, as frustration grows over the war with Iran and a separate fight over military leadership appointments. The dispute has emerged inside the Pentagon and on Capitol Hill, where several Republicans are said to be questioning Hegseth's judgment and management style. The concerns come as the conflict with Iran continues with no clear end in sight.Senator Thom Tillis said he no longer has confidence in Hegseth, describing him as inconsistent and overly controlling. He also said he had heard of a loss... [Continue Reading]
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Trump attacks Mamdani-style result as a threat to Republicans and Israel politics
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "I was 28-1 last night on Endorsements, and numerous of them were outliers, but if you studied the Fake News, you would think it was just the opposite, 1-28. All they talked about was the one, and that's why they call it the FAKE NEWS!" - "Great news for the Republican Party. El-Sayed, a Communist loser who hates Jews and Israel, is the projected winner in his race with the Socialist. As usual, the Polls were way off on this one. She was not expected to... [Continue Reading]
Russian drone manufacturer founder critically injured in car bomb near Ekaterinburg
The founder of a Russian drone manufacturer has been critically injured after a car bomb exploded near Ekaterinburg, in what appears to be a targeted attack. Vladimir Tkachuk was rushed to intensive care after a bomb planted beneath his Mercedes detonated on Wednesday, according to Russian state media citing emergency services. His bodyguard was killed in the blast.Russian media reported that Tkachuk was in a critical condition and that doctors were fighting to save his life. Images circulating on social media showed the charred remains of the vehicle and blood stains on the pavement nearby. The attack took place near... [Continue Reading]
France disputes Reform UK navy plan to return Channel asylum seekers
France has rejected a Reform UK proposal to use the Royal Navy to intercept and return asylum seekers crossing the English Channel, as the party set out a plan it calls "Operation Fortress". The proposal was presented by Nigel Farage as a future policy if Reform UK wins power, and he described it as a "rescue and return" mission rather than pushbacks. The row has quickly become a dispute between the party and French officials over sovereignty, maritime law and the practicality of carrying out returns at sea.Reform UK said the plan would involve deploying naval assets to stop small... [Continue Reading]
Israel election pressure fuels settlement push as West Bank violence surges
Settlement activity in the occupied West Bank has intensified as Israel moves toward elections expected in October, according to the supplied report. The article says the surge has raised concern that the settler movement is trying to deepen its hold on the territory. It also says the increase comes alongside a rise in settler attacks and new outposts.The report cites a warning from the United Nations last week that attacks by Israeli settlers, often carried out alongside Israeli forces, and the creation of illegal settlements and outposts had reached an all-time high. It says the trend has accelerated during the... [Continue Reading]
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India Denies Role in Sheikh Hasina Virtual Speech Amid Bangladesh Protest
India has denied any involvement in a planned virtual address by former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, after Dhaka protested the event and warned it could affect bilateral ties. The speech is due to take place in New Delhi and is being presented as Hasina's first public appearance by videolink since she fled Bangladesh. The dispute has added a new point of friction between the two neighbours as relations remain strained after the political upheaval that removed her from power in 2024.India's foreign ministry said it had no role in organising the event and did not endorse any views that... [Continue Reading]
US vow to dismantle the International Criminal Court draws global criticism
The United States is facing international criticism after senior leaders vowed to dismantle the International Criminal Court, describing the tribunal as a threat to US sovereignty. The comments have intensified a long-running dispute between Washington and the court, which was created to prosecute genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression. Amnesty International has condemned the campaign as reprehensible, while other observers have warned that the rhetoric could further strain relations between the US and international institutions.According to the supplied report, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in mid-July that the US would wage a campaign to systematically disable... [Continue Reading]
Trump approval falls to 35% in Reuters/Ipsos poll as economic ratings weaken
Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to 35%, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey released on Monday, while 63% of respondents said they disapproved of his performance. The poll places his approval close to the lowest level recorded in his current term. It also shows that dissatisfaction extends beyond the overall rating, with approval of his handling of the economy at 28%.The survey questioned 4,505 adults in the United States online between 29 July and 3 August and has a margin of error of two percentage points. Trump's approval slipped from 37% in the previous Reuters/Ipsos poll, while disapproval rose from... [Continue Reading]
Deadly Ethiopia-Tigray border clashes send refugees into Sudan as fighting eases
Hundreds of Tigrayans, including wounded fighters, have fled into Sudan after weekend clashes between Ethiopia's federal army and Tigray People's Liberation Front rebels in Shererina. The fighting, which began early on Saturday, involved heavy artillery and drones and was reported to have subsided by Sunday afternoon. The latest violence has deepened fears that a three-year-old peace deal could unravel and trigger another round of conflict.A TPLF member said on Sunday that there was "de-escalation" by 5pm local time, while the rebels accused the Ethiopian army of launching the attack and intensifying what they called destructive actions. They described the assault... [Continue Reading]
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Myanmar's Suu Kyi meets Red Cross representative for first time in years
The meeting between detained former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross has added a rare humanitarian development to a case that has drawn sustained international concern. A government spokesperson said Suu Kyi met Arnaud de Baecque in the capital, Naypyitaw, on Monday. It was the first publicised visit by a foreign official since she was removed from power in the 2021 military coup.The ICRC said the visit followed its standards and procedures for people deprived of liberty, and that it included the opportunity to speak with Suu Kyi in... [Continue Reading]
Brazil's Lula formally launches fourth-term presidential bid amid sovereignty message
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has formally launched his candidacy for October's presidential election, saying he is "in great shape" as he seeks a fourth and final term. The announcement was made at a Workers' Party convention in Sao Paulo, where the campaign focused on sovereignty, defence and resistance to outside pressure. The move sets up another high-stakes contest in a country where Lula remains one of the most polarising political figures.Lula, 80, framed his bid around experience and stability at a time of trade and diplomatic tensions with Washington. Although Donald Trump was not mentioned by name... [Continue Reading]
India's Modi says he forgives students after Cockroach protests
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he forgives students who shouted abuse at him during last month's Cockroach protests, describing them as "misled children" who should be guided rather than punished. He made the remarks in a video posted on social media late on Friday, according to the supplied report. The comments come after weeks of unrest linked to a youth-led movement that began over an exam scandal and spread across several Indian cities.The protests emerged in May after a crucial exam was voided when the questions were leaked, forcing more than two million students to retake it the... [Continue Reading]
Iranian Kurdish parties in Iraq say bases have been hit amid war with Israel
Iranian Kurdish opposition parties based in Iraq say their military and political assets have come under heavy attack since the war between Iran and Israel began on 28 February. The groups say bases in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as positions inside Iran, have been pushed onto the front lines of the conflict. The development has placed the parties in a delicate position as they face pressure from Tehran while discussion continues over whether outside powers could arm them.The groups say Iranian drones and missiles have repeatedly struck their facilities, although the row does not provide an... [Continue Reading]
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Labour retains Greater Manchester mayoralty as Bev Craig wins low-turnout vote
Labour has retained the Greater Manchester mayoralty after Bev Craig won the contest following a two-round count. Craig, who leads Manchester City Council, secured 47.15% of first-round votes before second preferences were added. The result keeps the post in Labour hands after a vote triggered by Andy Burnham's return to parliament.According to the published results, Craig finished ahead of Reform UK candidate Sian Astley, who took 21% in the first round. Because no candidate reached the 50% threshold needed for an outright win, the count moved to a second round. Labour then gained more than 58,000 additional votes from second... [Continue Reading]
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind America’s War Narrative
“When fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.” A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [Continue Reading]
The Proving Ground, When “Decent” Reporting Meets High-Tech Warfare
For two decades I have watched wars unfold not only on battlefields, but on screens. Today’s incident over Kuwait, involving the downing of a U.S. F-15 Strike Eagle, is not just another headline in the Iran conflict. It may be a signal that something larger is unfolding behind the noise. Iranian state outlets rapidly circulated imagery of an ejected pilot. Washington responded cautiously. But beneath the spectacle lies a deeper question, whose technology was truly being tested? The Gulf as a live-fire laboratory For years, China has refined export-ready variants of its air defense systems, particularly the HQ-9 family and... [Continue Reading]



