EU rejects reported US-Russia security deal covering Europe
European leaders have rejected any attempt by the United States and Russia to reshape Europe's security architecture without their involvement, after President Donald Trump suggested Washington could be nearing a broad agreement with Moscow that would extend beyond Ukraine to cover the whole continent. The comments have prompted concern among European allies that the US administration may be moving toward a deal that could accommodate Russian President Vladimir Putin's long-standing demands. The dispute has quickly become a test of how far Washington is prepared to go in talks with Moscow and how much say European governments will have in any... [Continue Reading]
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Day News Recap: Ukraine toll rises as Iran tensions, Europe bomb threats and global stocks slide
Ukraine said the death toll from a Russian strike on an aid distribution centre in the Zaporizhia region has risen to at least 50, with rescue teams still searching the site. The attack has become one of the deadliest recent strikes on civilians and aid workers in the war. đź”—In the Middle East, Iran stepped up diplomacy after Donald Trump suggested the United States could resume major strikes, while the White House weighed whether a new attack could still be avoided amid pressure after Republican election losses. Trump also sharpened his rhetoric, saying Iran would not be able to do... [Continue Reading]
Wave of fake bomb threats disrupts European airline operations
A wave of fake bomb threats has disrupted airline operations across Europe over the past four days, affecting a dozen carriers and forcing emergency responses on multiple flights. The threats, sent by phone and email, have all proved false so far, but they have still triggered full security procedures. Those measures have included diversions, searches after landing and checks carried out in mid-air.According to the confirmed details, there have been 32 bomb threats in total, with some flights escorted by military jets and others rerouted to airports in different countries. One Aer Lingus flight was forced to land at an... [Continue Reading]
Rubio denies exit plans as Trump defends Hegseth after midterm losses
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has again denied reports that he is planning to leave the Trump administration, saying it had "always been my plan" to serve until the end of President Donald Trump's term. He made the comments as speculation continued over his political future after Republican losses in the midterm elections. Rubio also serves as national security adviser, making him one of the most prominent figures in the administration.The denials came after Bloomberg News reported that Rubio was weighing whether to step down and had spoken with White House officials about leaving. The State Department rejected that... [Continue Reading]
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Iran security chief meets Putin in Moscow amid gas pipeline talks
Iran's top security official has met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and delivered a personal message from Iran's supreme leader, according to the latest confirmed details from the visit. The meeting was not announced in advance and took place as the two sides discussed regional security and possible energy cooperation. It adds a new layer to already close ties between Moscow and Tehran at a time of wider conflict in the region.The Iranian official, identified as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said the talks covered what he described as strengthening ties, the post-war situation and regional... [Continue Reading]
US midterm results spark fears in Israel over future of bilateral ties
Israel's political establishment is reacting with concern after the latest US midterm results, with some figures warning that the outcome could mark a generational shift in relations between the two countries. The debate has been sharpened by the fact that Israel's ties with the United States became a campaign issue in races across America. Israeli commentators and opposition politicians are now openly questioning how much support can be assumed in Washington going forward.A prominent columnist in Israel's largest-selling newspaper described the moment as a "generational sea change" and said the Netanyahu government had "sown the wind and reaped the tsunami."... [Continue Reading]
Bomb threats spread to European newsrooms amid passenger flight scare wave
Newsrooms in Ireland, Bulgaria and the United Kingdom have reported bomb threats linked in the messages to a wider wave of hoax alerts disrupting passenger flights across Europe. In Ireland, staff at the national broadcaster were evacuated after receiving a threat, while Bulgaria's Nova TV and the British broadcaster Sky also said they had been targeted. The messages were sent on Friday local time and referred to a broader campaign of attacks on transport across Europe.The emails were reportedly signed by a person calling themselves "Mikhail Andropov" and carried the heading "Message to the West". The wording portrayed the threats... [Continue Reading]
Possible Trump-Xi-Putin meeting on APEC sidelines in Shenzhen draws coordination efforts
China and Russia are working on the possibility of a three-way meeting between Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of this month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen. Chinese officials said they are in communication with relevant parties, while the Kremlin said work is under way to coordinate the encounter. If it happens, it would be the first formal meeting of the three leaders together.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing that China is in communication with relevant parties regarding a meeting between the three heads of state. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said work... [Continue Reading]
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Bomb threats disrupt at least 18 more flights across Europe as media outlets are also targeted
A fresh wave of bomb threats has disrupted air traffic across Europe, with at least 18 flights affected on Friday and no explosives found so far. The latest alerts involved aircraft to or from Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Italy, Hungary, Cyprus, Romania, the United Kingdom and Portugal. Separate threats also disrupted media organisations in Ireland and the UK, widening the impact beyond aviation.The affected flights landed safely, and searches carried out after the alerts did not reveal explosive devices. According to the supplied material, the latest incidents included at least nine flights to and from Prague, four flights over France, two... [Continue Reading]
Iran steps up diplomacy amid Trump threats of renewed US strikes
Iran has stepped up diplomatic efforts after United States President Donald Trump suggested the US could resume major strikes on the country. The developments come as Tehran seeks to widen its contacts through Qatar, Russia and other channels while warning that it will retaliate if larger attacks restart. The immediate focus is on the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have risen sharply alongside military and diplomatic manoeuvring.According to the supplied material, a US official quoted by Axios said US Central Command was preparing for the resumption of major military operations in Iran and was waiting for orders from Washington. Trump... [Continue Reading]
Yemen's Houthi rule leaves a generation of children facing recruitment and indoctrination
Children growing up under Houthi control in Yemen are being drawn into military life, according to the supplied account, which says some are now being recruited to fight. The piece argues that the consequences of this are being felt well beyond Yemen, as the effects of prolonged conflict shape a generation's education, safety and prospects. It says schools and summer camps have been used for indoctrination and military training, exposing young people to recruitment at an early age.The article says these practices were documented by the United Nations Panel of Experts on Yemen and the US Department of Labor. It... [Continue Reading]
Trump says he stopped Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, tying it to Middle East survival
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Israel and, in fact, the entire Middle East, WOULD NOT EXIST TODAY if I did not stop Iran from having a Nuclear Weapon. Nobody wants to say that, but everybody knows it's true!" - "As President, I am 100% in favor of Super Intelligence (SI), and will work with the many States in the U. S. that want to become RICH by having them. They are GOLD, and only foolish leadership will say "NO" to the riches they bring!" - "The Stock Market suffered one of... [Continue Reading]
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Russia-Iran defence ties deepen with reported rocket launcher deal
Russia is reported to have agreed in 2024 to supply Iran with 90 advanced missile launchers, in a development that points to closer military cooperation between the two countries. The reported deal comes as senior Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei was in Moscow discussing the expansion of a strategic cooperation treaty. The arrangement has not been independently confirmed as delivered, according to the supplied material.The launchers are said to be designed to carry Russia's LMUR, also known as Izdeliye 305, a precision-guided missile that entered military service in 2022. The weapon is described as capable of striking moving targets and... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: Hormuz tensions, Ukraine aid delays and global stocks slide on AI fears
A senior Iranian lawmaker has said the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz is not sustainable, as Tehran and Washington continue what he described as concurrent pressure and talks, keeping one of the world’s most sensitive shipping routes under strain. 🔗In Europe, Poland warned allies not to negotiate with Russia over Eastern Europe’s head, saying any settlement on the war in Ukraine must take account of regional security interests. Finland’s defence minister, Antti Häkkänen, meanwhile said political reluctance in Washington is delaying Patriot interceptor deliveries to Ukraine, even as the need for air defences remains acute. 🔗 🔗The European Union... [Continue Reading]
Macao sentences pro-democracy ex-politician to 12.5 years in jail
A Macao court has sentenced former pro-democracy politician Au Kam-san to 12 years and six months in prison after a closed-door national security trial. The ruling was delivered on Friday and found the 69-year-old guilty of subversion. The court said the case centred on alleged efforts to spread false information and disrupt Macao's 2024 leadership election.According to the court statement, Au was accused of spreading false information in 2023 and 2024 and of working with hostile organisations abroad. The court also said he leaked confidential information to groups overseas. It said he had admitted to a considerable portion of the... [Continue Reading]
Hormuz standoff deepens as senior Iranian lawmaker says blockade is 'not sustainable'
A senior Iranian lawmaker has said the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz is not sustainable, as Iran and the United States continue what he described as concurrent blockades in the strategic waterway. Manouchehr Mottaki, a member of parliament and a former foreign minister, said cargo ships are being immobilised or stranded there on a daily basis. He said the closure of Hormuz has become the root of the wider regional crisis.Mottaki said the immediate obstacle to moving beyond the current situation is what he called an illegal American blockade, which he said violates international law. He also said Tehran... [Continue Reading]
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EU struggles to block Russian war veterans from entering Europe amid database limits
European Union countries are struggling to keep Russian soldiers and war veterans out of Europe because of legal and bureaucratic obstacles that have slowed the addition of names to the bloc's shared security database. Ukraine has supplied European authorities with the identities of more than half a million Russian soldiers, but EU states have entered fewer than 1% of those names into the Schengen Information System after almost a year of work. The issue has become a practical test of how the bloc handles security risks linked to the war in Ukraine.The information is being compiled by Ukraine and shared... [Continue Reading]
China denounces new US sanctions on Cuba that include two Chinese firms
China has condemned the latest United States sanctions on Cuba, calling the move sabotage after Washington added two Chinese companies to its sanctions list. The measures, announced on Thursday and denounced by Beijing on Friday, focus on Cuba's oil and technology sectors. The dispute adds a new layer to an already tense pressure campaign on the island and to wider US-China friction.According to the supplied report, the companies named are CEIEC and Beijing H&C Technologies. Washington accuses them of selling defence material and security systems to Cuba. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, identified in the report as Jiakun, said China... [Continue Reading]
Poland warns allies not to negotiate with Russia over Eastern Europe's head
Poland has warned its Western allies against reaching any settlement on Russia's war in Ukraine without taking account of Eastern Europe's security interests. The warning came from Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski during a discussion with journalists in Warsaw on Thursday. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also urged caution, saying European leaders should be careful about President Vladimir Putin's intentions and realistic about the US-led diplomatic process.Sikorski said the region could not be left out of any talks, arguing that Eastern Europe and Scandinavia must be included in the conversation. He pointed to the scale of the area directly affected, saying that... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Trump hardens Iran stance as shipping fears grow and global tech shares slide
The White House is weighing whether a new US strike on Iran can still be avoided as post election pressure builds in Washington, while Donald Trump sharpened his rhetoric by saying Iran will not be able to do anything on its nuclear programme without US approval. đź”— đź”—At the same time, Iranian forces reported five oil tankers and a tugboat on fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz, deepening shipping security fears, even as Tehran said ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar would be exempt from restrictions in the waterway. đź”— đź”—Trump also said a Russia Ukraine agreement... [Continue Reading]
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Somalia top court rejects president's term extension amid constitutional standoff
Somalia's Supreme Court has ruled that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud unlawfully extended his term, deepening a constitutional standoff between the presidency and the judiciary. The decision was announced on Thursday and came as tensions rose over the president's dismissal of Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed. The court said the removal was invalid and that the president did not have the authority to carry it out.The ruling said the constitutional changes used to extend Mohamud's mandate could not be applied retrospectively to his current term. Mohamud's four-year mandate expired in May, but his administration extended it by one year through law... [Continue Reading]
Lebanese residents pack bags amid fears of renewed Israeli escalation
Residents in southern Lebanon are preparing for the possibility of renewed Israeli attacks, as fears rise again after months of relative calm punctuated by drone activity and detonations. In Abbasiyeh, in southern Lebanon, one resident said she had stayed at home during Israel's intensification of its war on Lebanon in March, even after a neighbour's house was hit. She said the situation now feels uncertain again, with many people in the south living in limbo.The immediate concern is not a single new strike, but the prospect of another escalation after an ostensible ceasefire was announced in April. Residents described hearing... [Continue Reading]
Satellite images suggest new construction near Iranian missile bases and repairs at damaged military sites
Satellite images taken in November suggest Iran is carrying out new construction near at least two of its major missile sites while also repairing military facilities damaged by months of US and Israeli air strikes. Analysts who reviewed the images said digging and new buildings are visible at the Garmdareh military base in Karaj, near Tehran, and at the Shahroud base in northern Iran. The imagery also appears to show repairs at a wider network of military sites across the country.According to the analysis, at least 12 other military sites, including missile complexes and air bases, show signs of repair... [Continue Reading]
Trump weighs possible new strikes on Iran amid post-election pressure in Washington
The White House is weighing whether a new US attack on Iran can still be avoided, as the fallout from Republican election losses intensifies pressure inside Donald Trump's administration. Reporting from the region says Gulf states are watching closely for signs of the next move, while the political debate in Washington is increasingly tied to the war with Iran. The issue has become both a foreign policy test and a domestic political problem for the Trump team.According to the supplied reporting, the discussion comes after midterm losses that are being linked by some Republicans to the Iran war. The White... [Continue Reading]
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Trump's planned Washington arch wins federal approval amid protest threats
Construction of President Donald Trump's planned triumphal arch in Washington has won federal approval, despite public opposition and the prospect of legal challenges. The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 on Thursday to allow the 250-foot, 72-metre structure to go ahead. The project is intended to stand near Arlington National Cemetery and has already drawn criticism from opponents who say it would affect views of the cemetery.The commission's approval came after nearly nine hours of public comment. Trump administration officials have said construction could begin as early as this week, although the timing remains uncertain because several lawsuits are seeking... [Continue Reading]
EU and Western Balkans forum in Budva focuses on cybercrime, migration and sanctions
EU and Western Balkan ministers met on 5-6 November 2026 in Budva, Montenegro, for the annual EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs. Ireland's Minister for Justice, Migration and Home Affairs Jim O'Callaghan represented the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, alongside European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath. Representatives of the incoming Lithuanian and Greek presidencies, as well as the European External Action Service, also attended. The meeting highlighted a shared commitment on justice and home affairs and focused heavily on the online dimension of internal security. Participants discussed preventing and combating online child sexual abuse,... [Continue Reading]
Turkiye ratifies Saudi-Pakistan defence pact as collective defence clause takes effect
Turkiye's parliament has ratified the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, formally bringing the pact into force on the Turkish side. The agreement includes a collective defence clause and language committing the signatories to use "all necessary means" if one of them is attacked. The vote adds a new security dimension to Turkiye's regional role at a time of continuing tensions in the Middle East.Lawmakers approved the pact on Thursday after a divided vote in the 592-seat chamber, with 279 in favour and 119 against, while 398 members took part. The parliament had already adopted Article 1... [Continue Reading]
UN warns of new drone threat after deadly strikes in Abyei
Drone strikes in Abyei last month killed at least 30 people, according to the UN's peacekeeping chief, who briefed the Security Council on Thursday. He said the attacks have added "a new and concerning dimension" to security in the disputed area. The source identifies Abyei as a disputed area but does not name the perpetrators, the targets, or any specific damage beyond the deaths reported. No additional casualty figures or timing details are provided beyond "last month." The warning places the drone attacks at the center of the current security picture in Abyei, with the UN describing the situation as... [Continue Reading]
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Trump escalates Iran nuclear rhetoric after midterm fallout
Trump said on Thursday that Iran will not be able to do anything on its nuclear programme without US approval, sharpening his language a day after linking the war with Iran to Republican losses in the midterm elections. Speaking in the Oval Office, he said he would prefer not to "destroy the rest of the country" but added that he might have to do so, and told reporters they would know more soon. The remarks came after he was asked about proposals from mediators on the future of Iran's nuclear programme.The president also repeated his view that the conflict was... [Continue Reading]
Houthi missile intercepted near Medina as Saudi warning issued around Yanbu
Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a ballistic missile launched toward the Medina region on Thursday, in the latest cross-border attack attributed to Yemen's Houthi movement. The announcement came shortly after civil defence authorities issued a warning about potential danger near Yanbu, on the Red Sea coast. Officials did not say whether the two alerts were directly connected.Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said in a post on X that air defence had "intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the Medina region." The warning in Yanbu was issued by the National Early Warning... [Continue Reading]
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Israel president poised to give Eisenkot first coalition mandate amid protests
President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce on Sunday whether former military chief Gadi Eisenkot will get the first chance to try to form Israel's next government. The decision follows last week's inconclusive election, which left neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition with a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Herzog has already held consultations with party leaders as part of the post-election process.The latest round of recommendations split along familiar lines. Eisenkot's Yashar party, together with the Together, Yisrael Beiteinu and Democrats parties, backed him for the mandate, while Likud, Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionism and Shas supported Netanyahu. United... [Continue Reading]
Five oil tankers and a tugboat reported on fire in Strait of Hormuz amid shipping security fears
Iranian forces say five oil tankers and a tugboat have caught fire in a series of incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The reports point to fresh disruption in one of the world's most sensitive shipping lanes, where traffic is already under heavy strain. The incidents were described as taking place in unsafe waters east of the strait and near its southern approaches.According to statements carried by Iranian state-linked outlets, one large oil tanker attempting to pass through what Tehran called an illegal passageway south of the strait struck a mine and was brought to a halt. The... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Democrats seize Congress as Iran tensions, Ukraine diplomacy and markets swing
Democrats have taken control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm result, a major setback for Donald Trump and Republicans that party leaders said would let them rein in the president. Trump said he may work with Democrats, while Republicans began a reckoning over the losses and JD Vance blamed the outcome on Iran war politics and ties to Israel. đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”—The result also reshaped the race for the White House and Congress in several states, with Democrats claiming a broader mandate and one of their gains coming in California's 22nd district, where... [Continue Reading]
Iran's new supreme leader consolidates power through private consultations
Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is being described as exercising authority through private consultations rather than public appearances, according to a fresh opinion analysis on the country's post-succession politics. The piece says a series of meetings in October with senior officials and military commanders points to a new decision-making system taking shape in Tehran. It adds that the consultations come as Iran weighs whether to pursue negotiations or renewed confrontation with the United States and Israel.The analysis says Khamenei has governed since succeeding his father in March through written statements and decrees, while avoiding public appearances and audio recordings.... [Continue Reading]
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Lyon strike march turns tense with clashes and tear gas
Tens of thousands of people marched through Lyon on Thursday as France's fourth nationwide strike day of the autumn continued to draw large crowds over pay and public services. The demonstration moved through the eastern centre of the city in a slow, noisy column, with banners and flares at the front. Tensions rose later near Pont Gallieni, where police said a group of around 500 black-clad demonstrators threw projectiles and fired fireworks.Authorities said 30,500 people took part in the march, while the CGT union put the figure at 55,000. Local officials had already restricted demonstrations across much of central Lyon... [Continue Reading]
South Korea seeks to expand Cheonghae naval mission closer to Hormuz Strait amid piracy rise
South Korea is moving ahead with a plan to extend its Cheonghae anti-piracy patrols from the Gulf of Aden toward waters near Oman, after officials said piracy off Somalia has increased this year. The defence ministry said the patrol area would reach waters near the port of Duqm, about 650 kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz, while remaining outside the strait itself. The proposal is part of a wider effort to protect shipping routes linked to South Korea's energy imports and merchant fleet.The ministry said 36 piracy incidents had been reported off Somalia so far this year, compared with 11... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: US, Europe and Middle East tensions rise as Iran war split deepens and Ukraine aid lands
Vice President JD Vance has blamed the Iran war for the Republican Party's midterm defeat, exposing a public split inside Donald Trump's camp as allies move to distance themselves from the conflict. The row underscores growing unease over the political cost of the war after the election setback. đź”—In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at the Medina region, while authorities also issued a warning around Yanbu after the latest cross border attack attributed to Yemen's Houthi movement. Separately, the war in Yemen has settled into a grinding war of attrition a... [Continue Reading]
Security officer killed in stabbing attack near Sri Lankan Embassy in Amman
A Jordanian security officer was killed and another was wounded in a stabbing attack in the capital, Amman, according to state security officials. The incident took place near the Sri Lankan Embassy, and authorities said the assailant was arrested after the attack. The Public Security Directorate described the killing as a terrorist attack and said the case is under investigation.Officials said the attacker used a sharp object and tried to seize the weapon of the officer who was killed. A second security officer intervened, and both the assailant and the second officer were injured, according to state-run television. The injured... [Continue Reading]
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China warns of retaliation as EU weighs new trade defence tool
China's ambassador to the European Union has warned that Beijing would retaliate if Brussels adopts restrictive measures against Chinese interests. The warning comes as the European Commission considers a new trade defence instrument designed to respond more quickly to market disruption linked to imports. The proposal has been described as a fast-response mechanism that could limit access to the EU market in certain circumstances.Cai Run said China opposes what he called the politicisation of economic and trade issues, the stretching of security concepts, and the use of unilateral pressure. He added that if the EU insists on restrictive and discriminatory... [Continue Reading]
Serbia detains 10 police officers over alleged abuse of protesters as case widens
Serbian authorities have arrested nine active police officers and one former officer over allegations that they abused and tortured protesters in Belgrade last year. The arrests were announced by the interior ministry and relate to claims of excessive force used during anti-corruption demonstrations. The case adds a new accountability step in a protest movement that has already reshaped Serbia's political landscape.According to the ministry, the suspects served in an elite unit and are accused of mistreating several people detained in the garage of a government compound in downtown Belgrade on 14 and 15 August 2025. The statement said the officers... [Continue Reading]
A month after Yemen government offensive began, war of attrition takes hold
A month after Yemen's internationally recognised government launched a new offensive against Houthi fighters, the conflict appears to have settled into a war of attrition. The operation, announced on 5 October, was presented as an effort to retake territory held by the Houthis, including the capital, Sanaa. But the city has remained largely calm, apart from recurring air strikes, even as fighting continues in other parts of the country.The offensive, called Operation Dawn of Yemen, was launched by government forces backed by a Saudi Arabia-led coalition. According to the supporting report, the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have suffered... [Continue Reading]
China rejects UK cyber claims after NCSC report
At a Foreign Ministry regular press conference on November 4, 2026, spokesperson Mao Ning responded to a question about Britain's National Cyber Security Centre and its annual cybersecurity report. The report, issued on November 3, said China is a leading developer of AI-cyber capability and assessed that by 2028 it is "highly likely" China will routinely use AI-cyber to carry out hacking activities. Mao said China had noted the report and expressed grave concern over what she called a wanton speculative accusation by the UK despite the absence of evidence. She framed AI-generated cybersecurity risks as a global challenge that... [Continue Reading]
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Breakfast News Recap: Democrats seize Congress as Ukraine diplomacy and Iran tensions intensify
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm result, a major setback for President Donald Trump and Republicans. Party leaders said they would use their new strength to restrain Trump, while the result also handed Democrats a series of key wins in swing states and districts. đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”—In California, Democrat Randy Villegas defeated Republican incumbent David Valadao in the 22nd congressional district, adding to the party's gains in the House. The broader result also prompted Trump to say he may work with Democrats, even as he renewed his push... [Continue Reading]
Israel opposition blames Netanyahu after Democrats win control of US Congress
Israeli opposition politicians have blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for weakening support for Israel in the United States after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. The comments came on Wednesday, a day after the US midterm vote, and followed a separate election in Israel a week earlier in which Netanyahu's right-wing coalition lost its parliamentary majority. The opposition says the result shows Israel cannot afford to keep Netanyahu in office.Yair Lapid, a former prime minister whose party is part of the bloc seeking to unseat Netanyahu, said the US outcome showed that Israel "cannot afford" for the prime... [Continue Reading]
Ireland supermarket fridge cyberattacks resolved after 13 SuperValu stores were affected
In Ireland, 13 SuperValu stores were affected by cyberattacks that disrupted supermarket fridges and freezers across Europe, forcing chilled and frozen food to be removed from sale. The company behind the chain, Musgrave, said the incident was resolved on Monday evening. Temperatures in some units reportedly rose as high as 50C, creating an immediate food-safety and stock-loss problem for the affected stores.The Irish National Cyber Security Centre said the latest cyber incident may be related to a known vulnerability. Reporting on the case said some of the affected stores used refrigeration controls supplied by Danish company Danfoss, which allow engineers... [Continue Reading]
Zelensky says 90-minute talks with US envoys as Abu Dhabi diplomacy advances
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a detailed 90-minute conversation with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as preparations intensified for a new round of diplomacy involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States. The talks are due to take place in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November, and are being described as the first three-sided meetings since February. Zelensky made the comments while in Madrid, saying the negotiations must move forward quickly to end the war.The latest contacts also include a planned meeting at the White House involving representatives of Russia and Ukraine, to be hosted by... [Continue Reading]
Joshua Wong sentenced to 10 more years in Hong Kong national security case
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been sentenced to 10 more years in prison after pleading guilty to colluding with foreign powers under the city's national security law. The sentence was handed down on Thursday by a Hong Kong court, according to a court summary, and extends a prison term he was already serving. Wong, one of the best-known figures from Hong Kong's democracy movement, appeared in court wearing a dark blue shirt and black-rimmed glasses, and supporters gathered outside the building as the hearing took place.The court said Wong, 30, had pleaded guilty in September to seeking foreign... [Continue Reading]
Sudan and Ethiopia trade diplomatic expulsions amid border tensions
Ethiopia has ordered six Sudanese diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours and closed Sudan's consulate in the border town of Assosa, according to reports cited in the supplied material. The move marks a sharp escalation in the diplomatic dispute between the two neighbours. It comes after Sudan lodged official complaints against Ethiopia over accusations that Addis Ababa is backing the Rapid Support Forces.The reports say Ethiopian authorities summoned Sudan's ambassador on Sunday to announce the consulate closure, and that the staff left on Tuesday evening. A senior Ethiopian official was cited as saying the six consulate staff had... [Continue Reading]
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Trump renews push for permanent daylight saving time, urging Senate action
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Too bad the Senate has not yet approved the Sunshine Protection Act or, the I Don't Want to Change My Clocks Anymore Act. It's so dark outside, so early (Sunset was 5:06 P. Just a few days ago it was so nice and sunny at this same time. In addition, everyone's been running around changing their clocks all over the place. I didn't want to make a big deal out of this prior to the Election because I didn't want to have certain Senators lose their... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win control of both chambers as Trump says he may work with them
Democrats have won control of both the House and the Senate in the latest U.S. midterm count, according to the supplied report from Washington. The result marks a major shift in the balance of power in Congress and comes as President Donald Trump publicly responded to the outcome. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, he said he would "probably get along" with Democrats.Trump also repeated his view that he would have won if his name had been on the ballot. In the same remarks, he again linked the election result to the war involving Iran and to gasoline prices. He said... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Democrats seize Congress in sweeping US midterm upset
Democrats have won control of both the House and the Senate in a sweeping midterm result that marks a major setback for President Donald Trump and leaves Republicans blaming him for the scale of the defeat. The party also picked up a string of surprise Senate wins, including Texas, Kansas, Maine, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, turning the night into one of the most significant election reversals in years. đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”— đź”—The result gives Democrats control of Congress for the first time in this cycle and is being described as a historic sweep, with several... [Continue Reading]
France pushes to strengthen Europe's naval power amid maritime threats
France is using this week's Euronaval defence exhibition near Paris to press for stronger European naval capabilities as attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and strikes on vessels in the Black Sea keep key maritime corridors under pressure. The event, held from 3 to 6 November, has drawn international delegations to what is described as the world's largest marine and naval defence trade show. French officials are presenting the gathering as part of a wider effort to reinforce strategic autonomy at sea.At the opening of the event, Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said France was renewing its attack submarines, frigates... [Continue Reading]
Armenia says South Caucasus has a 'totally new global role' amid trade route push
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said the South Caucasus is taking on a "totally new global role" as regional leaders look to deepen connectivity and cooperation. Speaking during an interview at an enlargement summit on Tuesday, he said the region's countries have common interests despite their differences. He linked that shift to peace efforts, infrastructure links and a wider effort to position the region as a trade corridor.Pashinyan said Armenia's strategy is to diversify and balance its foreign relations in order to pursue national interests. He said the South Caucasus could develop common views and strategies that would open... [Continue Reading]
Trump weakened after US midterms, raising concern over more erratic foreign policy
Democrats have swept the 2026 US midterm elections, taking control of both chambers of Congress and winning governorships across the country. The result is a major domestic setback for President Donald Trump and leaves him facing the final two years of his term with a weakened political position. The immediate question in Washington and European capitals is whether that loss of authority will make his foreign policy more unpredictable.The supporting material says the president was not on the ballot, but voters delivered a strong rebuke to his administration. It also says Trump now faces a hostile Congress, with Democrats gaining... [Continue Reading]
Yemeni government claims gains in al-Jawf offensive as missile strike kills recruits in al-Dhalea
Yemeni government forces say they have advanced further into the al-Dahida mountain range in eastern al-Jawf province as fighting intensifies across several fronts in the country's north and south. The claim comes amid Operation Dawn of Yemen, a campaign now in its second month against Houthi positions. In a separate development, a ballistic missile reportedly struck a military training camp in northern al-Dhalea, killing eight people and wounding more than 15.According to a statement from the armed forces, troops backed by fighter jets and drones stormed Houthi fortifications and barracks in the al-Dahida area and seized weapons and military equipment.... [Continue Reading]
UK Supreme Court hears appeal over Palestine Action proscription in London
The United Kingdom's Supreme Court has begun hearing an appeal challenging the government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The two-day hearing opened in London on Wednesday, drawing protesters outside the court as the case got under way. Police arrested demonstrators who gathered to oppose the ban.The appeal centres on the government's July decision last year to proscribe the direct action group under then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, has said she will argue that the ban has a disproportionate effect on freedom of speech and the right to protest. The group's... [Continue Reading]
Cyberattack targets French blood bank refrigeration systems, but no products are lost
A cyberattack targeted refrigeration equipment linked to three cold-storage sites used by the French Blood Establishment, according to officials in France. The incident affected systems used to store plasma, but the organisation said no blood products or samples were compromised. Operations for blood collection and distribution continued without interruption.The establishment said temperature and defrosting thresholds were raised to extremely high levels on Monday at the three sites. It said monitoring and alarm systems detected the anomalies quickly, allowing staff to respond before any damage was done. The affected products were bags of plasma intended for transfusions and plasma used to... [Continue Reading]
Germany weighs 2027 ice hockey championship exit as federations refuse to face Russia
Germany is considering withdrawing as host of the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship after several European federations said they would refuse to play Russia. The dispute follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling on 30 October that ordered the International Ice Hockey Federation to allow Russian national teams back into international competition, including the tournament scheduled for May in Germany. The German Ice Hockey Federation said the ruling "fundamentally changes the situation" for the event.Its chair, Frank H. Lutz, said the federation's position remained unchanged and that it rejected the return of Russian national teams to international ice hockey... [Continue Reading]
EU defence readiness at risk despite record spending, leaked draft warns
The European Union's ambition to be militarily ready by 2030 is at risk, according to a leaked draft of the European Commission's work programme. The document says Europe faces growing pressure on its external borders and critical infrastructure, with hybrid threats singled out as a major concern. It is expected to be endorsed and published by the Commission on Wednesday, setting out priorities for 2027.The eight-page draft says there is unprecedented political will and a surge in defence spending, but argues that this has not yet produced forces that are deployable, sustainable and interoperable. It says the bloc must do... [Continue Reading]
Iranian lawmakers threaten missile strikes on Europe over US bases
Iranian lawmakers and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have issued fresh threats against European countries that host US military bases, warning that they could be targeted if those facilities are used in any renewed confrontation with Washington. The warnings were made on Wednesday, the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the US embassy in Tehran, a date marked in Iran as the day of fighting global arrogance. The comments pointed specifically to Italy and Germany as examples of countries that could be affected.Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of parliament's National Security Committee, said that if America uses its bases in... [Continue Reading]
EU to lead urgent Brussels talks on Ukraine support as winter pressure grows
The European Commission is set to hold talks in Brussels with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, NATO and the World Bank on support for Ukraine. The discussions are focused on how to help Kyiv through the winter and how to back the US-led peace process, with upcoming negotiations due in Abu Dhabi. The meeting comes as European officials seek to keep diplomatic momentum moving while the war continues to place pressure on Ukraine's energy system and transport routes.According to the supplied report, US negotiators are expected to meet their European partners in Brussels, with the talks linked to the... [Continue Reading]
Democrats sweep US midterm elections as gains widen in Congress
The Democratic Party has widened its midterm election gains in the United States, with new reporting indicating it is on course to control both chambers of Congress. An election expert said the party could secure the largest House majority in nearly two decades, adding that the Senate tally may reach 55 or 56 seats. The result marks a major shift in Washington and follows a night of unexpectedly strong Democratic performance across the country.The latest reporting highlights historic breakthroughs in states long considered difficult for Democrats, including Texas and Kansas, where the party won its first Senate victories in decades.... [Continue Reading]
Israeli forces withdraw from Hebron after 10-day siege, leaving widespread destruction
Israeli forces have withdrawn from neighbourhoods in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron after a 10-day siege, allowing thousands of displaced Palestinians to return home. Residents arriving back in Ein Deir Bahha, al-Jalda and other affected areas found extensive damage to homes and streets after the operation ended. Local officials said the withdrawal began on Monday morning, ending a period in which families had been barred from returning.Hebron Governor Khaled Dodin said families could finally access their properties after the soldiers left. About 3,300 Palestinians have now returned to their homes, according to the latest figures in the incident.... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: US midterms flip Congress as Hormuz tensions and Ukraine war escalate
Democrats have seized control of both chambers of the US Congress in a sweeping midterm result that marks a major rebuke to President Donald Trump, with projections showing wins in the Senate and House and a string of surprise state level gains. The party’s haul includes flips in Texas, Georgia, Maine, Kansas, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina, while Republicans held Florida and other key races. 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗The Senate picture was transformed by several high profile contests, including James Talarico’s victory in Texas, Troy Jackson’s win in... [Continue Reading]
Former US contractor pleads guilty to leaking classified intelligence to Ethiopia
An Ethiopian-born American citizen has pleaded guilty to passing highly classified intelligence to Ethiopian officials, including material prosecutors said he hoped would help target fighters during the country's civil war. Abraham Teklu Lemma, a former US contractor, admitted sharing dozens of classified documents and photographs over more than two years. The case centres on information taken from secure US government facilities and sent to senior figures in Ethiopia's political, military and intelligence establishments.According to the US Department of Justice, the 54-year-old worked as a contractor at the State Department, the Justice Department and the National Reconnaissance Office, which operates US... [Continue Reading]
North Korea fires missiles as it denies role in Binance crypto theft
South Korea said North Korea fired several missiles into the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, in a fresh weapons launch from the Sondok area on the country's eastern coast. The launch came hours after Pyongyang rejected allegations that it was behind the theft of more than $6bn in crypto assets from Binance. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had detected the missiles and that South Korean and US authorities were analysing the details.The missile launch was the fourth such weapons test by North Korea in a month, according to the South Korean military. It followed a statement from... [Continue Reading]
South Carolina elects Democratic senator for first time in almost three decades
Democrat Annie Andrews is projected to have won South Carolina's Senate race, in what would be the party's first victory in the state in 28 years. The former paediatrician was on course to defeat Republican candidate Darline Graham in Tuesday's midterm elections, according to projections cited by the BBC's US partner CBS. If confirmed, the result would mark a significant political shift in a state that has been firmly Republican in recent federal elections.Graham was appointed to the seat in July after the sudden death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, and entered the race with the backing of President... [Continue Reading]
UN elects five judges to International Court of Justice amid record caseload
The United Nations has elected five judges to the International Court of Justice after several rounds of voting at UN headquarters in New York. The election filled all five available seats on the 15-member bench, with the final post decided only after additional ballots. The judges will serve nine-year terms at the world court, which is based in The Hague.Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, Francois Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan, Rena Lee of Singapore and Phoebe Okowa of Kenya were chosen by the General Assembly and the Security Council. Candidates needed an absolute majority in both... [Continue Reading]
US Justice Department expands Alaska Senate election probe as target letters are sent
The US Justice Department has expanded its investigation into allegations tied to Alaska's US Senate race, sending target letters to several people, including attorney Marc Elias. The move marks a new stage in a politically charged probe that has focused on claims that Democrats backed a spoiler candidate to confuse voters. The investigation is unfolding as the state's Senate contest remains pivotal in the fight for control of the chamber.Elias said in a statement that he was being targeted on Election Day and rejected the inquiry as a sham investigation. Federal prosecutors have told recipients of the letters that they... [Continue Reading]
Freed Hong Kong activists face punishment with no end date after protest convictions
A former Hong Kong protester says the consequences of a conviction linked to the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations have continued long after release from prison. The person, identified only as Kris, said they were jailed for nearly three years after taking part in a mass protest over an extradition bill that later became a wider pro-democracy movement. Kris said the experience has left them struggling to rebuild a normal life.Kris was among people charged over participation in what authorities described as a riot during the protests. The original bill would have allowed Hong Kong to hand over criminal suspects to places... [Continue Reading]
Second Northern Territory teenager charged in terrorism-material investigation
Police in Australia's Northern Territory have arrested a second teenager as part of an ongoing counterterrorism investigation into alleged terrorism-related documents and online discussions. A Joint Counter Terrorism Team spokesperson said material seized from a home in the Top End yesterday allegedly included content showing a mixed ideological motivation, including glorification of mass casualty attacks at schools. The teenager has been charged and is due to appear before the NT Youth Justice Court today.The case follows an earlier arrest last week involving another Top End teenager, who was charged with collecting documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act and possessing... [Continue Reading]
US House midterm races tighten as Democrats target narrow Republican majority
Republicans are defending a narrow majority in the US House of Representatives as the midterm election contest tightens in several closely watched districts. Democrats need to net four seats to take control of the chamber, and the balance of power is being shaped by a series of toss-up races. The contest is also being influenced by a broader redistricting fight that has altered the map in several states.One of the most vulnerable Republican-held seats is in New York, where Representative Mike Lawler is running in a district won by Kamala Harris in 2024. His Democratic challenger, Cait Conley, is a... [Continue Reading]
Yemen accuses IRGC and Hezbollah of sending 21 experts to aid Houthis
Yemen's internationally recognised government has accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Lebanon's Hezbollah of sending 21 experts to help the Houthis plan and direct military operations. The allegation was made by Interior Minister Major-General Ibrahim Haidan in a statement on Tuesday. He said the foreign personnel are helping build the group's military capabilities.According to the ministry, 14 of the experts are from the IRGC and seven are from Hezbollah. The statement said they are deployed across Hodeidah, Sanaa, Saada, Hajjah, Amran and the coastal city of Khokha. It described their roles as including command and control, ballistic missiles, drones,... [Continue Reading]
US midterms as state officials brace for possible federal interference
State election officials across the United States are preparing for possible intervention by the Trump administration in Tuesday's midterms, amid fears of disruption to voting and challenges to ballot counts. The concerns centre on a series of legal and administrative moves by federal authorities that critics say could affect how votes are handled in several states. The White House says it is focused on election security, while many of the scenarios being discussed remain hypothetical.The Justice Department has sued 30 states and the District of Columbia over access to voter registration lists, saying it needs the records to identify non-citizens.... [Continue Reading]
Greenland parliament approves trilateral security deal with the United States and Denmark
Greenland's parliament has approved a trilateral security agreement with Denmark and the United States, formalising a deal signed in September by the three leaders. Lawmakers passed the measure 16-0 on Tuesday, with seven abstentions, in a vote that underscores the island's growing strategic role in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The agreement comes after months of negotiations and follows a period of heightened tension over Greenland's future and its resource potential.The deal was signed in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly by US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine investigates unrest outside National Guard-linked building near Kyiv
Ukraine's Security Service says it has identified around 100 people who took part in unrest outside a building used by the National Guard near Kyiv. Investigators believe the gathering may have been organised to abduct a serviceman who had left his unit without authorisation. The incident began on Monday in Petropavlivska Borshchahivka, a suburb west of the capital, and escalated into clashes with law enforcement.Deputy Security Service chief Ivan Rudnytskyi said on Tuesday that searches were under way at some of the participants' homes and that investigators were considering detentions and criminal charges. At least one woman has been detained.... [Continue Reading]
Syria says it foiled plot against Homs oil refinery
Syrian security forces say they have foiled a plot targeting the Homs oil refinery in central Syria and arrested two people they link to Hezbollah. The General Intelligence Service said the operation was carried out with the Internal Security Forces. It said explosive devices were seized during what it described as a pre-emptive security operation.The service identified the two detainees only by their initials, M S and B Sh. It did not give the exact time or location of the arrests. It said the devices found in their possession had been prepared to carry out the alleged plot.Hezbollah denied the... [Continue Reading]
Black Sea drone attacks on commercial shipping raise food security concerns
Commercial shipping in the Black Sea has faced a sharp escalation in drone attacks, with at least nine vessels targeted off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria in October. The incidents have added a maritime security dimension to the wider war between Russia and Ukraine and have raised concern about the safety of grain and other cargoes moving through the region. The attacks have also drawn attention because they took place close to the waters of two NATO members.The supporting material says most of the vessels hit were commercial ships rather than military targets. Those vessels were carrying goods such... [Continue Reading]
Rama warns Serbia's new leaders are unlikely to recognise Kosovo
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has said Serbia's new leadership is unlikely to change its refusal to recognise Kosovo, keeping one of the Balkans' most persistent disputes at the centre of the region's EU path. He made the remarks at the Enlargement Summit in Brussels, where he said the Student List, which won Serbia's recent election, remained unwilling to discuss recognition. Rama said that meant the position in Belgrade would not change.Rama described recognition of Kosovo as the "dearest subject" for Albanians and said the Serbian student movement, like most political forces in the country, still views Kosovo as an... [Continue Reading]
Moldova suspects state actor behind major cyberattack on government databases
Moldova says a major cyberattack has hit government databases, with authorities suspecting a state actor was behind the breach. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the attacks targeted civic registration systems and forced him to cancel a planned trip to Brussels. He joined the Enlargement Summit by video link instead, as officials dealt with the fallout from the incident.Tofan said hackers gained access to citizens' personal identification numbers and that about 750,000 data sets were extracted from the databases. He said authorities had received early warnings about the attacks, but stopped short of naming any suspect. The prime minister said the... [Continue Reading]
Poland says it foiled attempted provocation near Russian border as security operation continues
Poland says it prevented an attempted provocation overnight near its border with Russia's Kaliningrad exclave, after security forces reported suspicious movement shortly after midnight. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said individuals carrying flashlights were seen in the border area, but no incident was allowed to develop. He said the authorities acted quickly once the Border Guard passed on the alert.Tusk said police, the military, border guards and intelligence services have been carrying out additional security activity in Poland's north-east, including the Warmia-Masuria and Podlaskie regions. He also said extra police and other troops, including counter-terrorism units, had recently been sent to... [Continue Reading]
China steps up Gulf diplomacy as Trump-Xi meeting approaches
China has stepped up its diplomatic engagement with Gulf and regional leaders, with senior officials holding a series of meetings in Beijing. President Xi Jinping hosted Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on a state visit, while Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Saudi Arabia's national security adviser, Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban, and Iran's deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani. The activity comes as Beijing seeks to project influence in the Middle East ahead of a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Shenzhen later this month.According to a Chinese... [Continue Reading]
UK cyber chief warns AI-boosted attacks on critical infrastructure could emerge within two years
Britain could face AI-boosted attacks on critical national infrastructure within the next two years, according to a warning from the National Cyber Security Centre. The warning comes as the agency says hostile states and ransomware actors are increasingly likely to use artificial intelligence to scale their operations. Dr Richard Horne, the centre's chief executive, is due to set out the assessment as part of the organisation's annual report.The report says hackers demanding ransom payments are highly likely to weaponise AI in the UK. It also names hostile states including Russia and China as actors expected to use the technology to... [Continue Reading]
EU ministers deadlock over gas tax plan as affordability warning grows
European Union energy ministers have failed to agree on new measures to shield consumers from rising gas costs, after a meeting ended in deadlock over a European Commission proposal to raise gas taxes. The dispute comes as EU officials warn that nearly 50 million Europeans cannot adequately heat their homes. The row has sharpened concern over how the bloc will balance climate policy, consumer protection and energy security.EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said the main risk is not an immediate shortage of oil or gas, but an economic shock that could make basic utilities unaffordable. According to the information provided,... [Continue Reading]
Britain and France lead Poland exercise rehearsing Ukraine deployment as details firm up
The first major exercise of the Multinational Force Ukraine is due to run in Poland from November 9 to 22, with Britain and France leading the drill. The exercise, called Koalicja, will bring together 2,800 personnel from 11 nations and is intended to test how a multinational force could support Ukraine after the war ends. It is being presented as a practical rehearsal for logistics, air support and wider security guarantees rather than a combat mission.About 300 British troops will take part, including soldiers from the Army's 7 Brigade, known as the Desert Rats. RAF Typhoons and a Voyager refuelling... [Continue Reading]
Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia postponed until December amid regional security concerns
The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, moving the tournament from January to December 2027 because of regional conflict and disruption linked to attacks on the host country. The 24-team competition, which had been due to begin in Riyadh on 7 January 2027, will now start on 23 December 2027 and finish on 21 January 2028. The decision affects one of Asia's biggest football tournaments and comes after weeks of uncertainty over whether the event could proceed as planned.The AFC said the change followed extensive discussions with the Local Organising Committee for the AFC... [Continue Reading]
Papua New Guinea police investigate artillery projectile found at Port Moresby wharf
Police in Papua New Guinea are investigating after a large shell-shaped object was found in a commercial shipping container at a major wharf in Port Moresby. Officers and military explosives specialists secured the item and removed it for analysis after it was identified as a suspected artillery projectile. Four Chinese nationals were arrested and taken into custody on Friday in connection with the discovery.A police report seen by investigators identified the object as an undetonated 130mm Chinese Type 59 artillery projectile containing chemical explosives and a fuse. The report said the device weighed 32 kilograms and was examined using an... [Continue Reading]
North Korea rebuts Binance hack allegations amid missile launch
North Korea has publicly rejected allegations that it was behind a reported $6 billion theft from the cryptocurrency platform Binance, while also carrying out a test launch of strategic cruise missiles. The denial came from Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, who described the FBI's claim as a grave political provocation. The missile test was reported separately as part of a new display of the country's weapons capabilities.The FBI said on Saturday that a North Korea-affiliated hacking group called TraderTraitor was responsible for the Binance theft. Kim Yo Jong dismissed the allegation as absurd rhetoric and... [Continue Reading]
HRW warns of post-election crackdown in Zambia after disputed August vote
Human Rights Watch has called on Zambia's authorities to halt what it described as an intensifying crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, lawyers and government critics after the disputed August election. The rights group said the post-election climate has included arrests, disappearances, beatings and threats, with the pressure continuing in recent months. It said the pattern has created a chilling effect on civic and political activity.In a report released on Sunday, the organisation said Zambian police and military forces had forcibly disappeared, arbitrarily detained, beaten and threatened opposition members and supporters, as well as lawyers, journalists and critics, in the days... [Continue Reading]
Trump moves to remove South Africa and Rwanda from Agoa trade programme
US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of his intention to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a preferential trade programme that allows eligible African countries to export thousands of products to the United States duty-free. The proposed change would take effect on 1 January 2027, according to the notice. The move affects two countries with already strained relations with Washington and could alter their access to a key trade arrangement.US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said an annual review had found both countries were engaging in practices inconsistent with Agoa's eligibility requirements. He said... [Continue Reading]
IG Metall expands strike wave across German industry over pay dispute
Germany's largest union has expanded strike action across the metal and electrical engineering sector in a dispute affecting about 3.7 million employees. The walkouts began on Monday and hit major manufacturers including Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Tata Steel. The union says the action is part of a push for higher wages, stronger job security and profit-sharing arrangements.IG Metall is seeking a 5 percent pay rise, arguing that workers are under pressure from the cost of living. It also wants measures to protect jobs and production sites in sectors that are performing strongly. Employers have offered a one-off payment equivalent to 1... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine to channel up to €1bn in EU loans into joint defence projects
Ukraine is set to redirect up to €1 billion from its European Union loan funding into joint defence-industrial projects with European partners, according to a confidential European Commission document. The plan would focus on air and missile defence, drones, counter-drone systems and ammunition, and is intended to deepen cooperation between Kyiv's defence sector and manufacturers in Europe. It comes as Ukraine continues to seek ways to strengthen weapons production while managing mounting financing pressures linked to the war effort.The document says the money would go to the European Defence Industry Programme / Ukraine Support Instrument, which is currently worth €300... [Continue Reading]
Northern Ethiopia fighting and drone strikes push health system towards collapse
Renewed fighting in northern Ethiopia is worsening an already fragile humanitarian and health situation, according to the World Health Organization. The violence involves rebels from the northern Tigray region and the government in Addis Ababa, with drone strikes and civilian deaths reported in both Amhara and Tigray. The latest warnings come as the 2022 peace deal between the two sides has effectively broken down.WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement on Monday that the conflict had killed several civilians in recent days and was straining medical facilities. He said at least 15 people, several of them children, died... [Continue Reading]
Israel extends Al Jazeera ban for another 90 days, network says
Al Jazeera Media Network says Israeli authorities have extended a ban on its operations in Israel for another 90 days. The move covers the suspension of its broadcasts, the closure of its offices and restrictions on access to its websites and digital platforms. The network said the decision amounts to an assault on press freedom and the public's right to information.According to the network, a court in Tel Aviv approved the extension last week after the Israeli government decided to prolong the ban. In a statement on Monday, Al Jazeera said it categorically rejected the allegations used to justify the... [Continue Reading]
Wizz Air flight diverted to Budapest after bomb threat
A Wizz Air passenger flight from London Luton to Sofia was diverted to Budapest on Monday after a bomb threat was received mid-air. The aircraft was escorted by a Hungarian fighter jet before making an emergency landing at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Authorities then carried out security checks on the plane and passengers.The airline said the inspection was completed and nothing was found. It added that the aircraft would depart again shortly after the checks were finished. Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendis said Hungary provided the fighter jet escort after the threat was reported, and that police took over... [Continue Reading]
Uganda begins phased troop withdrawal from Somalia amid handover to Somali forces
Uganda has begun withdrawing troops from Somalia after nearly two decades of military involvement, with the first contingent already back home and more departures expected in the coming days. The phased exit is due to continue until the end of 2027, according to Uganda's acting army spokesperson, Chris Magezi. The move affects Uganda's long-running role in Somalia's security effort, where it has been a major troop contributor since 2007.Magezi said the first group of troops deployed through a bilateral arrangement had already returned to Uganda, while other forces would follow. He said all forces, including those under the African Union... [Continue Reading]
UK Royal Navy intercepts Russian vessels in British waters as monitoring continues
Royal Navy ships and helicopters have intercepted and tracked three Russian vessels in British waters, including in the English Channel and around Scottish waters. The operation involved monitoring a Russian intelligence-gathering ship, a frigate and a landing ship as they moved close to UK waters over several weeks. The latest details add clearer timing and attribution to an already developing maritime security operation.According to the supplied report, Merlin helicopters tracked the intelligence ship Viktor Leonov from September 29 to October 8 while it monitored NATO allied training from the outer Hebrides. A Royal Navy destroyer, Dauntless, was also tasked with... [Continue Reading]
Fresh cyberattack wave disrupts supermarket refrigeration across Belgium, Luxembourg and Sweden
Supermarket refrigeration systems in Belgium, Luxembourg and Sweden were disrupted early on Monday in what companies described as an apparent cyberattack. Stores reported sudden temperature spikes in fridges and freezers, raising concerns about food safety and operational continuity. The incidents affected several retail groups at the same time and appeared to target cooling equipment rather than checkout or payment systems.Ahold Delhaize and Colruyt said an overnight IT incident affected dozens of stores in Belgium and Luxembourg. In Sweden, ICA and Coop reported similar temperature spikes, and one store said it had been hit by a cyberattack. Carrefour Belgium also reported... [Continue Reading]
Jordan's King Abdullah II vows to confront terrorism after Karak church attack
Jordan's King Abdullah II has said the country will not be shaken by a deadly attack on a church in the southern city of Karak. Speaking at the opening of a new parliamentary session in Amman on Monday, he said the assault had tested the resilience of the state and the resolve of its people. He also asked lawmakers to observe a minute of silence for the victims, whose relatives attended the session.The attack, which took place about two weeks earlier, killed nine people and wounded dozens. Abdullah described the attackers as people who were "not of us" and said... [Continue Reading]
Iran says Hormuz could reopen in two days if US meets conditions amid ongoing mediation
Iran says it could restore security to the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the United States accepts a set of political and security conditions, in the latest signal that indirect contacts between the two sides are continuing. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the proposal had first been put to Washington through Qatar in September with a seven-day timeline, but that the period could now be shortened. He said the change showed what he described as Iran's good-faith approach.Baghaei said an exchange of messages was still under way through mediators and that any next step depended on Washington... [Continue Reading]
Saudi-led coalition intercepts missile as fighting and airstrikes continue in Yemen
The Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile aimed at Saudi Arabia's southern region, as fighting continues on several fronts in Yemen. The coalition also said it destroyed a drone launched toward the same area earlier in the weekend. At the same time, Houthi-affiliated media reported that seven people were wounded in coalition air strikes in the Red Sea city of Hodeidah.Coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki said the missile was intercepted on Monday, while the drone was destroyed on Sunday evening. Saudi Civil Defence later issued and then lifted alerts for Abha, Khamis Mushait, Taif and... [Continue Reading]
Binance users withdraw $3.6bn after record crypto hack as services resume in phases
Binance said it processed $4.649 billion in withdrawals and $1.01 billion in deposits between 06:00 and 15:30 GMT on 1 November, leaving a net outflow of about $3.64 billion after the exchange reopened. The company said the initial spike in withdrawals later eased and that flows were stabilising as expected. It added that withdrawals of more than two dozen major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, had resumed.The exchange said the hack affected $6.3 billion worth of digital assets and that it had covered around 95% of the stolen funds, with the remainder likely to take longer to source. Binance said... [Continue Reading]
Western Sahara UN mission ends as liquidation phase begins after mandate expiry
The United Nations has confirmed that its peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has ended after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate. The mission, known as MINURSO, entered a liquidation phase on 1 November, with assets being returned to troop-contributing countries. The development marks the close of a 35-year UN presence in a disputed territory where the political process remains unresolved.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he remained concerned about the security situation across the territory and the risk of hostilities escalating. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said Guterres had urged all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine air raid app hacked again as false radiation alerts spread to Kyiv and Lviv region
Ukraine's air raid alert app was apparently hacked on Sunday evening, sending a series of false emergency warnings to users in Kyiv and prompting concern in other parts of the country. The messages briefly told people there was a radiation threat, followed by alerts about a nuclear attack, a chemical attack and street fighting. Officials said the incident appeared to be hostile interference with a system that is normally used to warn civilians about real air raids and other emergencies.The Ukrainian Air Force said the app had probably been subjected to hostile interference and stressed that there was no radiation... [Continue Reading]
Bulgaria runoff exit polls put Iotova ahead amid Black Sea security concerns
Exit polls from Bulgaria's presidential runoff show acting president Iliana Iotova ahead of challenger Andrey Gyurov, with three polls putting her on about 51% against roughly 44% for her rival. If the result is confirmed when official counting is completed on Monday, Iotova would become Bulgaria's first elected female president. The presidency is largely ceremonial, but the result would still carry political significance in a country watching both domestic politics and regional security closely.The vote took place on Sunday, with exit polls indicating turnout of about 27% to 29%, slightly higher than the first round last week, which had a... [Continue Reading]
France opens attempted-murder probe after petrol bomb attacks on police during protests
Prosecutors in France have opened an attempted-murder investigation after petrol bombs and other projectiles were thrown at police and gendarmes during protests in Paris and other cities on Saturday. The case follows video and images showing an officer engulfed in flames after a homemade incendiary device exploded at his feet. Authorities said no arrests had been made at the time of the announcement.The prosecutor's office said the inquiry concerns the attempted murder of persons vested with public authority. It said explosive devices were thrown at around 15 gendarmes and police officers, while the Paris police prefecture said several hundred rioters... [Continue Reading]
Israel opens diplomatic ties with Somaliland in Hargeisa ceremony
Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland has presented his credentials in Hargeisa, in a ceremony that also saw officials lay the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy. The events were formally announced by Israel's Foreign Ministry on Sunday, which said they took place last week. The move marks a visible step in the diplomatic relationship between Israel and the breakaway territory.According to the confirmed details, the ceremony was held in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, and involved President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, and Ambassador Michael Lotem. Cirro described the occasion as a historical day and said it was the first... [Continue Reading]
Russia detains teenager over alleged Moscow park attack plot after US warning
Russian authorities say they have detained a teenager suspected of planning an attack at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve in Moscow after receiving a warning from the United States. The case centres on a popular palace and park complex in southern Moscow that was briefly closed after the alert. Russian security services said the detention followed a tip-off and a search of the suspect's home.According to the material provided, the Federal Security Service said the suspect is a Russian citizen and that investigators found clothing and accessories matching images the teenager had posted online. The FSB also said the suspect's phone... [Continue Reading]
Serbia arrests police chief over abuse-of-office allegations
Serbian authorities have arrested the head of the country's criminal police directorate, Marko Kricak, on suspicion of abuse of office and dereliction of duty. A second senior officer, Bosko Sekulovic, who heads the police unit responsible for fighting organised crime, was also detained on Sunday. Prosecutors said the case is being handled in Belgrade and insisted it has no connection to the legislative elections held a week earlier.Belgrade chief prosecutor Nenad Stefanovic said the two men are suspected of abusing their positions and failing to carry out their duties, causing prejudice and serious harm to the rights of former police... [Continue Reading]
Switzerland reopens diplomatic office in North Korea as Cassis visits Pyongyang
Switzerland has formally reopened its diplomatic office in North Korea, adding a new step to a rare channel of contact between Pyongyang and a Western European state. The office resumed operations on 19 October and was formally reopened as Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis became the first Swiss foreign minister to visit North Korea since 2003. Cassis travelled to Pyongyang on 29 and 30 October before continuing on to Seoul.The Swiss foreign ministry said the visit was intended to restore direct political dialogue with North Korea and maintain contact with both sides of the divided peninsula. Cassis met North Korean Foreign... [Continue Reading]
More than 300 arrested at Palestine Action support protest outside US embassy in London
Police in London arrested 325 people during a protest outside the US embassy in Nine Elms on Saturday, after demonstrators gathered in support of the banned group Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police said the majority of those detained were arrested for expressing support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. Officers continued making arrests into the evening as the crowd remained outside the embassy.The force said 320 of the arrests were linked to support for a proscribed organisation. Protesters held signs reading phrases including: "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." Some demonstrators were carried away by officers after... [Continue Reading]
Iran warns of geographically unrestricted response if US attacks again
Iran's supreme leader has warned that any renewed US or allied attack would be met with an immediate response that would be both impactful and geographically unrestricted. The warning comes as urgent diplomatic efforts continue to prevent another full-scale war involving Iran, with officials and analysts warning of wider consequences for the Middle East and beyond. According to state media, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei met Iran's top military commanders on Saturday and ordered preparations for possible new US-Israeli military action.The reported meeting included the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Ahmad Vahidi, as well as the Iranian army... [Continue Reading]
Qatar LNG carrier struck by unidentified objects in the Gulf
A liquefied natural gas carrier belonging to Qatar Gas Transport Company was struck by unidentified objects while sailing in the Gulf, according to a company statement. The vessel, Al Mayeda, was hit on Friday evening, with the incident later disclosed in a statement published through the Qatar Stock Exchange. The company said the ship remains in a safe and operational condition while the impact is assessed.The statement said none of the crew members was injured and no environmental damage was reported. It did not identify what struck the vessel or say where in the Gulf the incident took place. The... [Continue Reading]
Iran designates RAF and Royal Navy as terrorist organisations amid UK-Iran tensions
Iran has designated the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy as terrorist organisations and warned that the United Kingdom will bear responsibility for the consequences. Tehran also classified MI6 as a hostile group, in a move it said was a response to British actions against the Islamic Republic. The announcement adds a new diplomatic and security flashpoint to already strained relations between the two countries.According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, the decision was taken in response to what it described as hostile British actions over the past year. The ministry linked the move to the UK's July 13, 2026 decision... [Continue Reading]
Oman pushes Gulf non-aggression pact amid fears of renewed Iran-US escalation
Oman is being presented as a possible mediator for a new Gulf security arrangement after a lecture by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi at Cambridge University called for a non-aggression pact among all eight Gulf littoral states. The proposal would bring together the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, plus Iraq and Iran, under a framework intended to reduce the risk of conflict. The argument is being made at a time when another escalation between Iran and the United States is seen as a looming possibility.According to the lecture cited in the supporting material, Albusaidi described the pact as... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela military bombardment against ELN in Apure border area leaves several dead, NGO says
A military bombardment against the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN, has left several people dead near Venezuela's border with Colombia, according to a human rights group. The incident was reported in rural Apure state in the south-west of Venezuela, an area long affected by armed-group activity. Video seen by reporters showed bodies on the ground, fallen trees and the ruins of what appeared to be a camp.The NGO Fundaredes said one of its coordinators saw the first nine dead after the attack. Its director, Javier Tarazona, said this was the first Venezuelan bombardment against the ELN. The group... [Continue Reading]
Poland court standoff deepens amid crisis talks at presidential palace
President Karol Nawrocki has held urgent consultations with political leaders in Warsaw as Poland's standoff over the Constitutional Tribunal deepened. The talks took place at the presidential palace on Saturday after the sudden suspension of tribunal chief judge Bogdan Swieczkowski triggered a new escalation in the dispute. Representatives of nationalist, far-right and some governing coalition parties attended, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk's Civic Coalition stayed away.Nawrocki said he convened the meeting because of what he described as a threat to Poland's internal security. By Saturday afternoon, no breakthrough had been reported, and the confrontation remained unresolved. Tusk later accused conservative... [Continue Reading]
Erdogan and Zelenskyy agree to work on new Black Sea grain corridor after attacks on civilian ships
Turkiye and Ukraine have agreed to work on a new Black Sea grain corridor after talks in Istanbul between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Erdogan used a joint news conference to urge both Russia and Ukraine to stop targeting civilian ships in the Black Sea, saying such attacks were unacceptable whoever carried them out. The talks focused on maritime security at a time when commercial shipping and grain exports remain under pressure.Erdogan said attacks on civilian vessels and actions that escalate tensions in the Black Sea serve no one's interests. He added that Turkiye could not accept... [Continue Reading]
Albanese travels to Antigua and Barbuda for Commonwealth summit amid UN Security Council push
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is travelling to Antigua and Barbuda for the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The summit brings together leaders from 56 countries and is expected to give him a chance to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines. Australia is using the meeting to advance its campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2029-30.Mr Albanese said the gathering offers an opportunity to work with close partners on shared challenges, including climate change, the preservation of oceans, trade and investment, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He also said the summit is an... [Continue Reading]
Turkey nominates Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu for UN secretary-general race
Turkey has officially nominated former foreign minister and long-serving UN diplomat Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu for the next United Nations secretary-general race. The move was reported on Saturday and backed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to the supplied material. Sinirlioglu is currently the secretary-general of the Vienna-based Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.The nomination was formally submitted by Turkey's representative to the United Nations, Ahmet Yildiz, who said it had the president's support. Sinirlioglu is 70 and previously served as Turkey's foreign minister for a few months in 2015, before becoming the country's UN ambassador from 2016 to 2023.... [Continue Reading]
Starmer says UK and Europe must draw closer as US becomes less reliable
Keir Starmer has said the United Kingdom and other European countries must move closer together as the United States becomes a less reliable security partner. In his first major political intervention since leaving office, he argued that Europe has been caught out by changes in the security environment more than once. He said the shift in Washington's approach is not a temporary disruption, but a lasting change that Europe must adapt to.Speaking at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Starmer said Europe had twice failed to prepare for predictable events. He pointed first to Russia's attack on Ukraine,... [Continue Reading]
UN closes Somalia mission after decades of political engagement
The United Nations has closed its political mission in Somalia, ending more than three decades of involvement in the country's post-war recovery. The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia ceased operations on Saturday after completing a two-year transition requested by the Somali government. Its responsibilities have now been transferred to Somali institutions, UN agencies and the UN office that supports African Union troops.The mission said the handover followed a roadmap agreed between Somalia and the United Nations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Somalia's progress, but said continued international support would still be needed because of political, security and humanitarian... [Continue Reading]
Lebanon charges 13 over Hezbollah-linked explosives seizure
A Lebanese military court has charged 13 people it says are linked to Hezbollah over the trafficking of explosives, following a seizure earlier this month at a checkpoint east of Beirut. The case centres on a truck stopped at Dahr al-Baydar checkpoint, which connects the capital to the eastern Bekaa Valley. Lebanese state media reported that the charges were filed on Friday.Judicial officials said the vehicle was carrying 780kg of explosives, including 250kg of TNT and 250kg of C-4 plastic explosives. Two people were arrested during the seizure, while the other 11 charged remain at large. Five of those named... [Continue Reading]
US, South Korea and Japan reaffirm push for North Korea denuclearisation at G20 in Atlanta
The United States, South Korea and Japan have issued a joint statement reaffirming their call for North Korea's complete denuclearisation. The statement was released on the sidelines of the Group of 20 meeting in Atlanta, where the three countries' top diplomats met on Thursday. It comes as speculation grows over whether US President Donald Trump could seek another meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.According to a readout from the US Department of State, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi restated their "resolute commitment" to the complete... [Continue Reading]
US judge blocks Justice Department election ballot directives in California
A federal judge in California has temporarily blocked the Justice Department from threatening state and local election officials over how they process ballots ahead of the 3 November midterm elections. The order, issued by Judge Trina Thompson in the Northern District of California, is the latest setback to efforts by the Trump administration to tighten election procedures in the state. It comes amid a broader legal fight over allegations of federal interference in ballot handling.The temporary restraining order was issued in response to a case brought by a labour union and civil rights groups against the Justice Department and the... [Continue Reading]
US voters in 39 states to decide 145 ballot measures alongside midterm elections
Voters in 39 US states are set to decide on 145 state-level ballot measures on Tuesday, alongside the midterm elections. The proposals cover a wide range of issues, including abortion, firearms, transgender rights, criminal justice, voter identification rules and citizenship requirements for local voting. The measures could change state laws directly, or alter existing policies through referendums and constitutional amendments.The largest number of proposals are in California and Colorado, which each have 14 measures on the ballot. Four states are voting on abortion-related proposals, including Idaho and Nevada. In Massachusetts, voters will decide whether to keep restrictions on firearms, while... [Continue Reading]
US sentences two Chinese nationals to 30 months each in spying case
Two Chinese nationals have been sentenced in the United States after admitting to helping facilitate cash payments and trying to recruit US military personnel to spy for Beijing. Liren Lai, 40, and Yuance Chen, 39, each received 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release, according to the US Department of Justice. The case centres on allegations that the pair worked for China's foreign intelligence arm and carried out espionage-related activity over several years.Prosecutors said the men admitted to facilitating dead-drop cash payments worth at least $30,000 to people in the US. One payment of $10,000 was arranged... [Continue Reading]
Ebola death toll in DR Congo passes 5,000 as outbreak spreads across eight provinces
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has passed a grim new milestone, with government data showing the death toll has risen above 5,000. Authorities say the virus has now infected more than 10,000 people since the outbreak was declared in May. The spread has reached eight of the country's 26 provinces, making this the deadliest Ebola outbreak recorded in the country.Officials say the outbreak is being driven by delayed detection, conflict and strained health services, which have made containment more difficult. The strain involved is Bundibugyo Ebola, for which there are no approved treatments or vaccines.... [Continue Reading]
France braces for Halloween unrest as police deploy 70,000 officers
French authorities are deploying 70,000 police officers nationwide as they prepare for a fresh wave of unrest expected on Halloween. The demonstrations are being driven by anger over living costs, public services and President Emmanuel Macron's government. Officials say the risk of disorder is high after earlier riots and looting damaged shops, public buildings and businesses in cities across the country.Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has said the authorities will not allow a repeat of the previous violence. He told a news conference earlier this week that "everyone is on deck to ensure an extremely firm response to any trouble" and... [Continue Reading]
G20 foreign ministers' photo cancelled in Atlanta amid Russia boycott threats
The United States has cancelled the planned G20 foreign ministers' group photo in Atlanta after several delegations said they would not appear beside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The decision came after Australia, the UK, Canada and European Union members objected to being photographed with Russia's top diplomat. The cancellation removed a ceremonial moment that would normally open the meeting, but it also underscored the depth of disagreement among the world's major economies.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is hosting the talks, opened the meeting by calling for unity on the economic and geopolitical crises affecting international security and... [Continue Reading]
The Sovereign Shakedown: Trump’s High-Stakes Table, the Russian Mirror, and the Main Street
The veneer of institutional diplomacy has been entirely stripped away, revealing a raw and unvarnished reality. The global order is no longer governed by treaties, norms, or multilateral consensus. It is dictated by the unrestrained exercise of coercive leverage. Under the current doctrine emanating from Washington, the complex machinery of international relations has been reduced to a binary instrument of absolute dominance. We have entered the era of the unilateral ultimatum, where the traditional boundaries of sovereignty are subordinated to the whims of an administration operating less like a representative republic and more like a global syndicate. This is not... [Continue Reading]
THE GROWTH ILLUSION: HOW GDP TRICKERY MASKED THE DEATH OF THE MIDDLE CLASS
We are fed a daily diet of triumphant economic headlines. The S&P 500 hits record highs, corporate earnings smash forecasts, and central bankers beam at GDP charts pointing up and to the right. Politicians line up to remind us how much "wealthier" we are compared to our parents or grandparents. On paper, they are right. The average worker makes vastly more dollars today than at any point in human history. But step outside the spreadsheet and into the street, and the math fails the reality test. If we are so undeniably prosperous, why does buying a modest home feel like... [Continue Reading]
Dubai Property Market Faces Litmus Test as Nakheel Waterfront Investors Await Final Judicial Verdict
Hundreds of international and local investors who purchased land plots in Nakheel’s massive "Waterfront" project nearly two decades ago are holding their breath. Following the official cancellation of the project by the Dubai Land Department and its integration under Dubai Holding, a special judicial committee appointed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been tasked with resolving the liquidation and settling investor claims. Because the decisions of this specialized committee are legally binding and final, with no avenue for appeal, the upcoming rulings are being viewed as a critical turning point for the regulatory reputation of Dubai's... [Continue Reading]
The Ghosn Paradox The Imperial Savior, His Cinematic Escape, and the Desperate Call to Salvage a Crumbling Nissan
The Man Who Defied Corporate Gravity Few corporate sagas in modern history possess the cinematic drama, geopolitical friction, and sheer psychological tension as the rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn. Once lauded as the ultimate transnational executive, a multi-lingual titan capable of bridging disparate business cultures, Ghosn became the absolute center of a global firestorm. His story cuts through the pristine facade of global corporate governance to reveal a messy underbelly of nationalism, legal vulnerability, and strategic failure. Rebuilding an Empire from the Ashes of Bankruptcy The mythos of Carlos Ghosn began in 1999. Nissan, one of Japan's proudest manufacturing... [Continue Reading]
Is the Italian Prime Minister the Visionary Leader Europe Needs? An Analysis of Executive Decisiveness, National Security, and the Contrast in European Integration Policies
A Continent in Institutional Deadlock While the rest of Europe remains entangled in a web of bureaucratic deadlock and human rights litigation, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has quietly established herself as a leader operating far ahead of her continental peers. For years, European leaders have debated how to handle radicalism and unchecked migration, often waiting for institutional consensus that arrives too late. Meloni, conversely, has demonstrated a willingness to prioritize state security over political correctness, offering a blueprint for a continent facing asymmetric threats. The Contrast in European Legislative Approvals The contrast between Italy’s swift, executive decisiveness and the... [Continue Reading]
THE BATTLE FOR ALI AL-TAHER: HOW A SOUTHERN LEBANON AMBUSH SHATTERED TRUMP’S WASHINGTON AGREEMENT
A catastrophic military escalation in Southern Lebanon has successfully disrupted the highest levels of global diplomacy. Just days after the signing of the United States and Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an armoured battlefield clash on the strategic heights of Ali al-Taher has effectively frozen implementation talks scheduled to begin today in Switzerland. The crisis provides an alarming look at how kinetic actions on the ground can instantly sabotage geopolitical blueprints designed in Washington. The Official Statement from Hezbollah Following the midnight clashes, the media wing of Hezbollah issued a formal, comprehensive statement outlining their strategic justification and rejecting accusations... [Continue Reading]
The Unspoken Stats: Who is Raping Europe?
Answering this question requires a direct look at the empirical data so, below is the comprehensive, data-verified draft for my article, formatted to analyse the relationship between immigration demographics and police-recorded sexual offense figures across Europe. Data vs. Perception: An Asymmetric Analysis of Migration and Sexual Offence Statistics in Europe While my primary field of research is rooted in macro-geopolitics, the responsibilities of independent journalism often demand transitioning from international balance-of-power metrics to domestic social realities. A recent high-profile criminal incident in England involving the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl by four Afghani nationals where one of them is... [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]
GAS, GOD, AND GUNS: The Secret Agenda Behind the Washington Talks and the Death of the Maritime Border
The mahogany tables of the U.S. State Department are hosting a ghost today. As official delegations from Israel and Lebanon convene for a third round of high-stakes negotiations this Friday, May 8, 2026, the air in Washington is thick with the scent of a "peace" that looks increasingly like a strategic ambush. While the world watches the diplomatic theatre, the reality on the ground in Southern Lebanon tells a story of a predatory recalibration. Prime Minister Netanyahu isn’t just looking for a ceasefire; he is aiming to hit three birds with one single, devastating stone: the annexation of land, the... [Continue Reading]
The Great Uncoupling: Abu Dhabi’s Sovereign Gambit
The UAE’s decision to cut ties with OPEC is far more than a mere adjustment of energy policy, for it functions as a political telegram written in barrels and sent directly to the heart of the global order. For nearly six decades, Abu Dhabi operated within the rigid architecture of producer discipline, where it accepted the rituals of quotas, the formality of communiqués, and the heavy burden of collective restraint. It played the long game of oil diplomacy with a patient hand, balancing its own massive national ambitions against the gravity of cartel discipline and the delicate logic of Gulf... [Continue Reading]
The Mirage of the Umbrella: The Shifting Sands of the U.S.-Israel-GCC Alliance
As I sat in a recent debate at the historic Carlton Club in London, listening to Faisal Abbas, the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, I felt a tangible shift in the room, not because a new fact had been revealed, but because an old illusion had finally lost its last breath. The old-world order has not merely changed, it has evaporated, leaving the Gulf to realize it is no longer watching a distant fire from the safety of marble towers and air-conditioned ministries, but is instead standing directly inside the smoke. The GCC today is caught in a lethal crossfire between... [Continue Reading]
When Deterrence Becomes Reality
Yesterday the war crossed a line! For years the Sejjil ballistic missile existed mostly as a symbol. A weapon paraded in military videos, discussed in defense briefings, whispered about in strategic circles as one of Iran’s most serious capabilities. A weapon that analysts described as deterrence, not something meant to be used. But on March 15, 2026, that line disappeared. Iran reportedly launched the Sejjil (also known as Ashoura) as part of what Tehran called the 54th wave of Operation True Promise 4, a massive strike package that also included the Fattah hypersonic missile and the Qadr ballistic missile system.... [Continue Reading]
The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
WAR CRIMES OR HUMANITY ON LIFE SUPPORT?
The Thin, Bloody Line Between Justice and Jungle Rule IS KILLING WITHOUT MERCY NOW LEGAL? By Anthony Sterling In September 2025, the United States military launched what became known as Operation Southern Spear, a lethal campaign targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels in international waters. The stated objective was to combat narco trafficking networks operating beyond territorial jurisdiction. The ethical shock came on 2 September 2025, when a double strike in the Caribbean left survivors clinging to wreckage for nearly an hour. Drone footage reportedly showed two individuals waving from debris after the first impact. Instead of rescue, three additional munitions... [Continue Reading]
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
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]
There Is Good in Every Bad
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]




