Australia and US investigate diverted F-35 parts shipment to Hong Kong
Australia and the United States are investigating how a shipment of F-35 fighter jet components was rerouted to Hong Kong after leaving Australia. The incident has raised questions about the handling of sensitive military supply chains, although officials have not said there is evidence that the technology was accessed or deliberately diverted by China. The parts were reportedly part of the global spare-parts system used to support the stealth aircraft.The Pentagon's F-35 Joint Programme Office said it was aware of a shipment issue involving components from the programme and was working with US authorities and industry partners to recover them.... [Continue Reading]
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Hurricane Polo remains powerful off Mexico as Tropical Storm Nolo prompts Hawaii watch
Hurricane Polo is continuing to bring heavy rain and strong surf to Mexico's Pacific coast, while Tropical Storm Nolo is prompting preparations in Hawaii. The US National Hurricane Center said Polo was about 130 miles south-southwest of Zihuatanejo early on Thursday, moving northwest at 7 mph before a later turn west-northwest and then northwest again over the weekend. Forecasters said the storm was expected to keep Category 5 strength as it tracks along the coast over the next few days.The main concern in Mexico is not a direct landfall but the rainfall and coastal impacts associated with the storm's outer... [Continue Reading]
Trump hosts Xi Jinping at the White House as talks turn to AI, tariffs and Taiwan
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are meeting at the White House in Washington on Thursday, with the agenda now confirmed to include artificial intelligence, tariffs, rare earths, agriculture, Iran and Taiwan. Xi arrived in Washington on Wednesday and was received by Trump, according to the supplied material. The meeting comes as the two leaders hold direct talks at a time of continuing strategic and economic rivalry between the United States and China.Trump said in a post on Thursday morning that artificial intelligence would be a major topic in the meeting, adding to the list of issues... [Continue Reading]
arbitrateAD and ADFBC hold session on family business dispute resolution
ABU DHABI, 24th September, 2026 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre (arbitrateAD), in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council (ADFBC), has held an awareness session highlighting the role of adjudicator appointments, mediation and arbitration in helping family businesses manage disputes, preserve family relationships and ensure business continuity across generations.Held at the Abu Dhabi School of Management, the session brought together family business leaders, governance experts and representatives of family-owned enterprises from Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.Discussions addressed practical approaches to preventing and resolving disputes, including incorporating dispute-resolution mechanisms into family charters, governance frameworks and shareholder... [Continue Reading]
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Trump signals upcoming Xi talks with AI and DOJ as guardrails
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The Ford's Theatre Lie is just another example of how the Fake News Media and the Dumocrats conspire together to make up false stories about "President Donald J. Trump." Shouldn't be allowed to happen. Our Country is desperately seeking a Free and Fair Press!" - "A big day with President Xi of China. Super Intelligence (SI) will be a big topic of discussion, but I want to leave it exactly where it is. Our guardrail is the DOJ!" - "The story that the White House, or... [Continue Reading]
Switzerland to host OSCE conference in Zug on cyber de-escalation
Switzerland will host an international OSCE conference in Zug on 29 and 30 September on the theme "Deeskalation im Cyberraum: Mediation und präventive Diplomatie." The meeting will examine how to prevent cyber incidents from escalating into international crises and conflicts, or from intensifying existing tensions. The conference is being organised as the final thematic event under Switzerland's chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. It comes ahead of the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting, scheduled for 3 and 4 December 2026 in Lugano. Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, head of the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, will... [Continue Reading]
Oil and fuel markets under pressure as key energy routes strain
Pressure on major energy shipping routes is testing the resilience of the global oil market, with disruption stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea and the Black Sea. The strain is affecting the movement of crude and fuel at a time when markets are already tight. Shuttle tankers are helping keep oil flowing through Hormuz, but at a much higher cost.The wider result is a market shock that is feeding through to transport and fuel prices. The immediate concern is not a complete halt in supply, but the rising cost and complexity of moving energy. The supplied... [Continue Reading]
Iran threatens retaliation as regional airports suspend flights amid US sanctions pressure
Iran has threatened retaliation against neighbouring countries after several regional airports and carriers suspended Iranian flights in response to new United States sanctions pressure. The disruption has affected routes to the United Arab Emirates, Baghdad, Muscat, Turkiye and China, while Azerbaijan and Georgia have confirmed suspending Iranian flights. The latest cancellations add to a widening aviation dispute that is now spilling across multiple countries in the region.Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned that countries cooperating with Washington's measures would face consequences. He said Iran would retaliate if neighbouring states joined what he described as a United... [Continue Reading]
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Noontime News Recap: Pakistan strikes Afghanistan as UN diplomacy, regional tensions and security alerts mount
Pakistan said it carried out air strikes on 10 sites in Afghanistan early on Thursday, saying the action was retaliation for drone attacks on a border post, while Afghan officials reported civilian deaths. The strikes sharply escalated already tense cross border relations. đź”—In Pakistan, authorities also blocked major highways into Islamabad and set up container barriers ahead of a planned Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf march demanding the release of Imran Khan, underlining the political pressure facing the government. đź”—At the United Nations in New York, Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez used her General Assembly speech to thank Donald Trump after years of... [Continue Reading]
Italy reviews NRRP progress ahead of final EUR 28.4 billion instalment request
NRRP steering committee meeting held on 8th progress report to Parliament and fulfilment of objectives for the 10th instalment A steering committee meeting for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) was held at Palazzo Chigi today to examine the eighth NRRP progress report to Parliament and to verify fulfilment of the 156 objectives linked to the payment request for the tenth and final instalment, worth a total of EUR 28.4 billion. The meeting, called and chaired by Minister for European Affairs, the NRRP and Cohesion Policy Tommaso Foti, was attended by the Ministers and Undersecretaries in charge as well... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez thanks Trump at UN after years of confrontation
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez used her address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to thank United States President Donald Trump for resuming diplomatic relations and cooperation with Venezuela. The remarks marked a sharp contrast with her speech at the same forum in 2019, when she accused Washington of economic warfare and regime-change efforts. The shift in tone came as Venezuela remains at the centre of a wider political dispute involving its leadership and relations with the United States.According to the supplied material, Rodriguez spoke at the UN stage in New York on Tuesday and later appeared... [Continue Reading]
Yemen government forces claim to repel Houthi attacks in Taiz as fighting continues
Yemen's government-aligned forces say they have repelled coordinated Houthi attacks on several fronts in the southwestern governorate of Taiz. The fighting was reported on Thursday and follows renewed clashes in an area that has become increasingly important for control of roads and high ground. According to the reported account, the battles are continuing in the country's southwest, where both sides are competing for strategic positions.Colonel Majid al-Nuzaili, spokesman for the Saudi Arabia-backed government forces, said the Houthis launched the attacks on Wednesday night in an attempt to reach positions on a key road linking the Aden, Lahj and Taiz governorates.... [Continue Reading]
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China warns US on Taiwan as Trump-Xi summit continues in Washington
China has urged the United States to show "extreme caution" over Taiwan and any arms sales to the island, issuing the warning hours before President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping were due to hold bilateral talks in Washington. The statement came from Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Jiang Bin at a regular briefing in Beijing, according to the supplied reporting. It adds a sharper diplomatic edge to a visit already marked by ceremony, speeches, gift exchanges and a state dinner at the Kennedy Center.Jiang said the military relationship between the United States and China should remain stable, healthy and sustainable.... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: UN tensions deepen as Russia strikes Kyiv and leaders clash over Gaza, Ukraine and Iran
Russia launched fresh ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv early on Wednesday, killing two people and injuring six, in another attack that damaged buildings across the capital and underlined the continuing pressure on Ukraine as leaders gathered at the United Nations in New York. đź”—Volodymyr Zelenskyy used his UN address to urge sustained economic pressure on Moscow, saying Russia is using fighters from 47 countries in the war, while Ukraine and Russia also intensified their long range drone war over occupied Luhansk far from the front line. đź”— đź”— đź”—The UN General Assembly has become a focal point for the wider... [Continue Reading]
Europe opens mixed as energy jumps, metals slip and the dollar firms
Executive summary: European markets opened with a split tone, as the FTSE 100 and DAX fell while the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 held gains. The biggest early move was in natural gas, which surged more than 12%, while Brent crude eased, gold and silver slipped, and the dollar strengthened against both the euro and sterling. The pattern points to a market balancing higher energy costs, softer precious metals and a firmer U.S. currency, with autos and broader European equities showing relative resilience. [Continue Reading]
Israeli bulldozers uproot Palestinian olive groves near Ramallah in occupied West Bank
Israeli bulldozers have uprooted olive groves near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, according to residents and Palestinian officials, in an incident that began on Monday and continued into Tuesday. The destruction took place in the village of Deir Nidham, where farmers said the work came just weeks before the annual olive harvest. Residents said the bulldozing affected land owned by Palestinian families and also damaged vegetation near homes.A Palestinian farmer and landowner, Abd Alfattah Tamimi, said the bulldozers destroyed olive trees planted on his family's land as well as on neighbouring plots. Another farmer, Nather Tamimi, said the timing... [Continue Reading]
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Israel moves to bar main Arab lists from October election
Israel's Central Elections Committee has voted to bar the country's two main Arab electoral lists from next month's election, in a move that could leave Palestinian citizens of Israel without major Knesset representation options if upheld. The decision affects the United Arab List, known as Ra'am, and the Joint List, an alliance of Arab-led parties. The committee also voted separately to disqualify Hadash lawmaker Ofer Cassif and Balad leader Sami Abu Shehadeh.The election is scheduled for October 27, and the bans are not yet final. Decisions against individual candidates require approval from the Supreme Court, while the lists themselves can... [Continue Reading]
Trump flags AI as a key topic for talks with Xi, with DOJ as the guardrail
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "A big day with President Xi of China. Super Intelligence (SI) will be a big topic of discussion, but I want to leave it exactly where it is. Our guardrail is the DOJ!" - "The story that the White House, or me, want to affix my name to Ford's Theatre, in Washington, D. C., where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, is a ridiculous lie. Who would possibly want a name on such a tragic place? The Dumocrats suffer from serious Trump Derangement Syndrome. They are Degenerates and... [Continue Reading]
US invites Putin to G20 in Miami as Russia weighs response
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to a December G20 meeting in Miami, Florida, where he could potentially meet President Donald Trump and other world leaders. The Kremlin said it would consider the invitation, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov describing it as a request Russia was grateful to receive. Rubio made the comments after meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.Rubio said the invitation was intended to create an opportunity for Putin to engage not only with the US president... [Continue Reading]
US and Iran resume backchannel diplomacy at UN amid war and threats
Iran and the United States have resumed contacts through mediators on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, as the war between the two countries continues. The renewed messaging comes alongside sharply contrasting public speeches from President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The talks are taking place in a highly charged setting, with both sides using the UN stage to press their case.According to the supplied material, Iran has exchanged messages with US officials via Qatari mediators, although it has not confirmed Trump's claim that the two sides held a direct meeting at the... [Continue Reading]
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Australia warns China and the US the Indo-Pacific is not their 'chessboard' as Albanese deepens Ukraine support
In a major foreign policy speech in New York, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to say the post-1945 world order is no longer fit for purpose. He will also warn China and the United States that the Indo-Pacific is not a chessboard for global superpowers. The remarks come as he has launched Australia's campaign for a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council.The speech follows Albanese's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where the two leaders signed a decade-long security agreement. Australia also announced an additional $60 million in support for Ukraine, adding to its existing assistance... [Continue Reading]
US, Denmark and Greenland security deal deepens Arctic shift as Trump claims permanent control
The United States, Denmark and Greenland have reached a security deal that Washington says gives it permanent control over the island's security, while authority remains with Denmark. The agreement follows months of tension over Greenland's strategic role in the Arctic and repeated threats by US President Donald Trump to seize the island by force if he could not acquire it. The arrangement is being presented as a way to reduce the dispute while formalising a new security framework.According to the supplied material, Greenlanders have protections written into the agreement and NATO will remain involved. The deal is described as trilateral,... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: UN diplomacy intensifies as Iran, Gaza and Xi talks dominate a crowded global agenda
Iran dominated the United Nations General Assembly as President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the world body, defended Tehran and pushed back against accusations over the war fallout, while Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric and said he faced a big decision on whether to strike Iran. đź”— đź”—Diplomacy continued in parallel, with Iran's foreign minister meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff in the first reported talks between the two sides since the June ceasefire unravelled, and later shuttle talks in New York described as productive and a possible opening. đź”— đź”—The wider UN week also brought warnings about the risks of artificial intelligence,... [Continue Reading]
Europe closes mixed as oil retreats, sterling softens and energy markets swing
Executive summary: European equities finished mixed, with the FTSE 100 edging higher while the DAX, CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 slipped. The biggest cross-asset moves came in commodities and FX, Brent crude fell more than 5%, natural gas jumped nearly 9%, and the dollar strengthened against the yen while the euro and pound weakened. The moves point to a market still being driven by energy price volatility, rate expectations and currency shifts rather than a broad risk-on or risk-off break. [Continue Reading]
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Wall Street Opens Higher as AI Chips Surge, Oil Slumps and Bitcoin Extends Rally
Executive summary: U.S. equities opened broadly higher, led by a sharp jump in AI and chip stocks, while crude oil sold off hard and gold eased. The move points to a market leaning into growth, lower energy costs and a stronger risk appetite, with Nasdaq-linked assets and crypto outperforming early. Banks, energy and precious metals lagged, suggesting the opening tone favored technology over defensive and commodity-linked exposure. [Continue Reading]
OpenAI to give Ukraine free access to cyber defence tools
OpenAI will provide Ukraine with free access to its Daybreak cyber defence system to help protect civilian infrastructure from cyber-attacks. The company said the tools are intended to support the defence of hospitals, power plants and other essential services. The move comes as Ukraine continues to face sustained cyber pressure alongside the wider war.According to Ukraine's Computer Emergency Response Team, known as CERT-UA, the country recorded nearly 6,000 cyber attacks in 2025. OpenAI said Daybreak can quickly identify weaknesses in digital systems and help develop fixes, while Ukraine will also receive access to the GPT 5.6 Sol model. George Osborne,... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: UN week opens with Iran, Ukraine and AI crises, as UK and Morocco face domestic tests
World leaders gathering at the United Nations in New York are confronting two fast moving crises at once, the fallout from the Iran war and the risks posed by artificial intelligence, with the Security Council due to hear an emergency AI briefing during the week. đź”—Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian is due to address the General Assembly on Wednesday in his first speech to the world body, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will also speak as Kyiv presses its case for an energy ceasefire and seeks wider support. đź”— đź”—Turkey's President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄźan used the opening days of the General... [Continue Reading]
Pezeshkian to address UN as Iran war fallout deepens at General Assembly
Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian is due to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, marking his first speech to the world body since the US and Israel launched war on Iran. The appearance comes at a moment when the conflict is dominating the second day of the annual gathering of world leaders. It also follows a sharply worded address by US President Donald Trump, who told the assembly he could "annihilate the Islamic Republic" and "drive them into hell." The Iranian delegation's response to Trump's remarks underlined the tension surrounding the session.According to the report, all... [Continue Reading]
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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on September 23, 2026
CCTV: The 48th WorldSkills Competition is being held in Shanghai. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the event. This morning, Premier Li Qiang attended and addressed the opening ceremony of the WorldSkills Conference. The WorldSkills Expo is also being held at the same time. Can you provide more information on these events? Guo Jiakun: The 48th WorldSkills Competition has kicked off in Shanghai, bringing together a record number of nearly 1,400 competitors from 68 countries and regions. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the WorldSkills Competition. He noted that a new round of scientific and technological... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Trump Iran talks dominate UN week as storms, conflicts and markets move
US and Iranian officials held their first reported talks since the June ceasefire unravelled, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The discussions came as Washington and Tehran kept diplomacy alive despite rising tensions over sanctions, regional security and the risk of wider conflict. 🔗Donald Trump sharpened the pressure on Tehran at the UN, saying he faced a big decision on whether to strike Iran and warning he could “annihilate” the country if it moved against US interests. He also said American officials had held... [Continue Reading]
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Trump pushes Shield of the Americas coalition to target 24 cartel groups at UNGA meeting
United States President Donald Trump has urged members of the Shield of the Americas coalition to step up action against drug cartels during a meeting in New York City on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly. He told leaders and foreign ministers from the anti-cartel alliance that he wanted them to join the United States in targeting 24 criminal organisations and to treat them as common threats to stability. The meeting brought together governments already aligned on anti-cartel measures, with the coalition later issuing a joint statement on its next steps.Trump said he was asking all nations... [Continue Reading]
Canada pledges aid for Palestinians and signals trade restrictions over West Bank settlements at UNGA
Canada has announced C$100 million in new assistance for Palestinians and said it is considering trade restrictions on goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The announcement came on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where several Western leaders have used their speeches to press for action on Gaza and the wider conflict. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the funding is intended to help preserve the possibility of a two-state solution.Carney said 80% of the money will go to direct humanitarian aid, while the remaining 20% will support peace and security,... [Continue Reading]
Costa, Lula, Ruto and Carney unveil P4M multilateralism initiative ahead of UN week
As world leaders head to the UN General Assembly in New York this week, we confront a paradox. The global community is more interdependent than ever, even as it becomes more fragmented and polarized. Our economies are deeply intertwined. Technology links billions of people across borders, while capital, goods, data and ideas move at speeds that would have been unimaginable when the United Nations was founded in 1945. Global trade reached a record $35 trillion last year and six billion people -almost three-quarters of humanity- are connected to the internet. However, geopolitics is moving the other way. 2025 saw 65... [Continue Reading]
EU raises support for Djibouti Armed Forces to EUR 20 million
The Council has agreed to strengthen EU support for the Djibouti Armed Forces under an existing assistance measure adopted in 2025 through the European Peace Facility. The financial reference amount will increase from EUR 10 million to EUR 20 million. According to the Council, the amendment reflects a deeper EU-Djibouti partnership in security and defence. The support is tied to Djibouti's efforts to enhance maritime security in the region and is intended to reinforce the operational readiness of the Djiboutian Navy. The Council said the decision also forms part of broader EU efforts to respond to the deteriorating security situation... [Continue Reading]
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Finland's Stubb urges UN reform and cooperation in General Assembly speech
Finnish President Alexander Stubb used his General Debate speech at the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York on 22 September 2026 to argue that the world is facing a choice between cooperation and conflict. He opened by citing Kofi Annan's warning that "whatever our differences, we stand or fall together," and said disorder follows when that lesson is forgotten. Stubb said foreign policy rests on values, interests, and power, but said this year he wanted to focus on a simpler choice: cooperation or conflict. Stubb said co-operation is being undermined by a lack of trust, disregard... [Continue Reading]
EU budget talks intensify in Brussels as ministers split over spending priorities
European affairs ministers met in Brussels on Tuesday as negotiations over the European Union's next seven-year budget gathered pace under Ireland's rotating Council presidency. The talks are focused on the bloc's spending framework for 2028 to 2034, with member states divided over how large the budget should be and which priorities should be protected. Agriculture and regional support are at the centre of the dispute, alongside wider questions about the EU's expanding responsibilities.Speaking as he arrived at the meeting, Ireland's Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne said many member states wanted to safeguard Common Agricultural Policy funding despite pressure from... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: UN gathers as wars, sanctions and Asia markets dominate a crowded global briefing
The United Nations General Assembly has opened in New York with nearly 130 heads of state and government due to speak, as the annual gathering begins against a backdrop of war, diplomatic strain and a push for new global rules on artificial intelligence. đź”—UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the world is getting worse as conflicts multiply and the Security Council remains paralysed, warning that divisions among major powers are weakening the international response to crises. đź”— Twenty two world leaders have also called for urgent AI guardrails, while twenty countries and the European Union backed stronger global oversight and... [Continue Reading]
Australia extends ADF post-service call-up obligation to ten years
Australia's Defence Force will require new recruits to remain available for call-up for ten years after leaving service, doubling the previous post-service commitment period. The change takes effect on October 1 and applies automatically to new recruits, while existing members will be able to opt in. The policy is intended to expand the pool of personnel available in a crisis and comes after a 2024 review said the reserve system could be asked to do more.Under the revised arrangement, former personnel will remain on the books in what is described as service category two, an unpaid contingency reserve with no... [Continue Reading]
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Europe opens firmer as oil slumps, dollar strengthens and crypto-led risk appetite lifts cyclicals
Executive summary: European equities opened mostly higher, with the FTSE 100, DAX and Euro Stoxx 50 all in the green while the CAC 40 was little changed. The sharpest cross-asset move was in Brent crude, which fell almost 6.9%, easing an important inflation and energy-cost pressure point. The dollar also firmed against the euro and sterling, while gold slipped and Ether rallied, a mix that points to a market balancing lower oil with a stronger U.S. currency and selective risk-taking. [Continue Reading]
Russian voters abroad back New People over United Russia by wide margin
Russian citizens voting at embassies and consulates abroad have backed the liberal New People party over United Russia by a wide margin in exit polls conducted during the weekend State Duma elections. The overseas results sharply diverge from the official domestic tally reported inside Russia, where United Russia won nearly 58% of the vote. The polling covered stations in multiple countries and suggests a markedly different political picture among voters outside the country.Two independent exit polls produced similar findings. The Vote Abroad project said it surveyed almost 15,700 voters at 27 polling stations across 22 countries and found New People... [Continue Reading]
Twenty countries and EU call for global AI oversight body ahead of UN talks
Twenty countries and the European Union have called for stronger international oversight of artificial intelligence, including the possible creation of a global body to set and enforce standards. The joint statement was released on Monday as world leaders prepare to discuss AI risks at the annual gathering of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. It says governments and industry should act immediately to ensure AI remains under human direction, oversight and control.The declaration was issued from the office of Finnish President Alexander Stubb and says countries should develop common standards, share reports of serious safety incidents and consider... [Continue Reading]
Trump seeks Belarus potash deal amid Canada trade dispute
US President Donald Trump said Washington is working on a "massive" deal to buy potash from Belarus, signalling a possible shift in supply away from Canada as his administration intensifies a trade dispute with its northern neighbour. He said the price would be "substantially less" than what the United States is currently paying to Canada, describing the move as good news for American farmers and ranchers. The comments were made on his social media account and did not include any deal terms or a timeline.The announcement comes as Washington continues a quiet thaw with Minsk under Trump's second administration. Last... [Continue Reading]
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UN says US strikes on alleged drug boats may amount to crimes against humanity as death toll rises
A United Nations human rights expert has said US attacks on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean may violate international law and could plausibly amount to crimes against humanity. The assessment focuses on a campaign of strikes carried out outside US territorial waters and comes amid continuing questions over the legal basis for the operation. The report says the strikes have killed at least 223 people in 68 attacks since September 2025.The report, published by Ben Saul, the UN special rapporteur on human rights and counterterrorism, says the US struck 68 vessels in international waters... [Continue Reading]
UK to support Saudi jets as Houthi attacks intensify and Mokha strike kills at least six
The United Kingdom has agreed to provide limited defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi jets after a request from Riyadh, as the conflict involving Yemen's Houthis and Saudi Arabia intensifies. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Royal Air Force would support Saudi aircraft on defensive missions only, and that the arrangement would be time-limited and kept under review. The move comes as the Houthis continue missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and as fighting in Yemen has widened along the Red Sea coast.Burnham said the decision was taken after advice from the defence secretary and foreign secretary, and that... [Continue Reading]
Paramount settles with US states, clearing path for Warner Bros. merger
Paramount has reached a settlement with California and 11 other US states, removing a major legal obstacle to its planned $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The agreement clears the way for one of the largest media mergers in years, after months of legal and political scrutiny.The deal would bring together major film, television and news assets under a single company. Officials said the settlement includes commitments on film production, jobs and editorial independence at CNN and CBS News. The transaction had already been approved by the Trump administration in June without changes to the business terms, but 12... [Continue Reading]
Former Junglers leader Sanna Manjang appears in military trial in The Gambia
Sanna Manjang has appeared before a military court in Banjul on charges of desertion, in a case linked to The Gambia's efforts to address abuses committed under former president Yahya Jammeh. Manjang, who once led the paramilitary unit known as the Junglers, is accused of leaving the armed forces in 2017 after Jammeh lost power and went into exile. The hearing marks another step in a long-running accountability process that has continued since the end of Jammeh's 20-year rule.The court case centres on an allegation that Manjang was absent for a continuous period of nine years with the intention of... [Continue Reading]
China expels two senior military officers as anti-corruption purge deepens
China has expelled two senior military officers from the ruling Communist Party in a further escalation of a long-running anti-corruption drive inside the armed forces. The move affects Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, both of whom held senior roles in the Central Military Commission, the body at the centre of China's defence command structure. State media said the pair were accused of corruption, political disloyalty and serious misconduct.According to the official account, the two men "seriously violated political discipline and political rules, formed cliques and factions, and were disloyal and dishonest to the party". Investigations into them were announced in... [Continue Reading]
US and China discuss AI incident channel as Trump-Xi summit nears
US and Chinese officials have discussed a proposed artificial intelligence notification mechanism that would allow the two sides to warn each other if an AI incident became serious enough to threaten national security. The idea was raised during talks in New York on Sunday between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, ahead of a planned meeting this week between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The proposal has been described as an AI hotline, although details of how it would work have not been made public.Bessent said Washington wanted a broader US-China... [Continue Reading]
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Merz meets CDU leaders in Berlin after fresh election defeats deepen pressure
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held an early meeting in Berlin with senior Christian Democratic Union leaders on Monday as he tried to steady his party after a series of damaging state-election defeats. The talks came after the CDU suffered losses in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, adding to pressure on Merz's leadership and the standing of his coalition government. The results have intensified debate inside the party over strategy, direction and how to respond to the rise of rivals on both the far right and the left.The most severe setback came in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where the CDU was ousted from the... [Continue Reading]
Russia election results show United Russia set to keep control amid wartime pressure
Preliminary results from Russia's parliamentary election suggest that United Russia, the party backed by President Vladimir Putin, will keep its grip on the State Duma. The outcome was described as unsurprising by a BBC Russia editor following the vote from Moscow. The election took place as Russia continued its war against Ukraine and faced economic hardship at home.The supplied report says the anti-war Yabloko party was removed from the ballot before polling day, although some of its candidates remained in a number of constituencies. That left the ruling party facing a field with limited opposition, reinforcing expectations that it would... [Continue Reading]
Powerful explosions at Syrian army site near Aleppo injure at least four
Powerful explosions at a Syrian army weapons depot near the town of al-Eis, south of Aleppo, have injured at least four people, according to state media. The blasts were reported early on Monday at a military site in northern Syria, and officials said the cause was not immediately clear. Emergency crews were unable to reach the area at first because explosions were continuing at the site.Faisal Mohammad Ali, head of civil defence operations in Aleppo, said rescuers evacuated four injured people from the scene. He said the continuing blasts were preventing emergency services from getting closer and urged civilians to... [Continue Reading]
North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea, prompting protest
North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area into the East Sea on Sunday, according to South Korean and Japanese authorities. The launches came in two waves, with the first detected at about 3pm local time and the second at around 5:50pm. Japan said it lodged a stern protest over the tests, while South Korea said it was tracking the launches with the United States and Japan.South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the first missile travelled about 450 kilometres, while the second flew more than 600 kilometres. The military said the exact specifications of the second... [Continue Reading]
AfD surges in German state elections as Merz faces pressure after exit polls
Exit polls from Sunday's state elections in Germany have strengthened the far-right Alternative for Germany, with the party projected to win 37% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and to make gains in Berlin. The results, if confirmed, would mark a major setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his Christian Democratic Union, which is facing what would be its worst state-election result since 1949. Merz described the outcome as a "disaster" and said he would continue as chancellor despite speculation that the poor showing could force him to resign.The latest figures also underline the scale of the AfD's advance in eastern Germany and... [Continue Reading]
Trump says planned Washington arch will also serve as a military complex
US President Donald Trump has said his proposed triumphal arch in Washington, DC, will also function as a military complex. In a social media post on Sunday, he said the structure would be a "top grade military complex" able to house drones, snipers and ammunition storage. The project is planned for a site between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from the capital.Trump said the change was made at the "strong request" of the military and for "national security purposes". He said the facility would "house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large... [Continue Reading]
Trump signs Russia sanctions package into law as pressure on energy revenues intensifies
US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping sanctions package into law targeting Russian officials, banks and a shadow tanker fleet used to move energy exports. The measure is intended to increase pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine and to reduce the revenues that support Russia's military effort. It was signed on Friday, according to the supplied material, after clearing Congress with large bipartisan majorities.The legislation had been in development for more than a year and was described as a legacy effort linked to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who co-led the push with Senator Richard Blumenthal. It... [Continue Reading]
Russian drones threaten Kyiv-bound officials as border incidents spread near Poland and Moldova
Russian drone activity near Ukraine's western border has intensified concerns for officials travelling to and from Kyiv, after fresh incidents were reported close to Poland and Moldova. The latest developments include a drone strike on a train locomotive near the Polish border, damage to vehicles at a petrol station nearby, and a separate drone entering Moldovan airspace. Together, the incidents underline how the war is spilling beyond the front line and into routes used by diplomats and other international visitors.According to the supplied reports, the train locomotive was hit on 13 September about 5 kilometres from the Polish border, while... [Continue Reading]
Sheinbaum says she spoke with Trump as Mexico seeks tariff relief
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she had a "very good" phone call with United States President Donald Trump as the two countries continue negotiations on a bilateral trade deal. She said the call took place on Wednesday and that progress is being made toward an agreement between Mexico and the United States. The talks are focused on reducing tariffs on Mexican exports, according to her remarks.Speaking at her morning news conference on Friday, Sheinbaum said she did not give further details about the conversation. She said Mexico hopes to secure tariff relief for industries including steel, aluminium and cars. She... [Continue Reading]
JP Morgan says it cannot model oil-price endgame from US-Iran war
JP Morgan has said it is struggling to forecast how oil prices will move as the US-Iran war continues, telling investors that it "simply don't know how to model the endgame". The bank said it had initially assumed the conflict would be constrained by economic limits and that a deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane by June. Instead, it said the conflict has extended beyond those expectations, leaving its baseline view uncertain.In its note, the bank pointed to a set of thresholds it had expected would act as red lines for the Trump administration. Those included oil... [Continue Reading]
Russia votes for a second day in tightly controlled State Duma election amid war and political crackdown
Voting is continuing in Russia's three-day election for the State Duma and regional offices, with the ballot expected to reinforce President Vladimir Putin's political control. The vote runs from 18 to 20 September and comes as Russia's war in Ukraine continues into its fifth year. Only parties that back Putin and the war are on the ballot, while Yabloko, the country's only publicly anti-war party still operating inside Russia, has been barred.The election will fill all 450 seats in the State Duma, along with governorships in 11 federal regions and seats in regional legislatures across 39 federal subjects. Voters are... [Continue Reading]
Kremlin intensifies pre-election crackdown ahead of Duma vote, report says
The Kremlin has intensified a pre-election crackdown ahead of Russia's Duma elections, according to a report published on 18 September. The account says the campaign of pressure was aimed at reducing the risk of a protest vote and preventing any visible display of public dissatisfaction at the ballot box. It describes the effort as a form of "ballot sterilisation" designed to produce an election result that signals unity behind President Vladimir Putin and the governing United Russia party.The report says candidates from so-called managed opposition parties, including the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, have been arrested or barred from... [Continue Reading]
Russia transfers Nestle and three French firms' Russian operations to LEV Management
Russian authorities have transferred the Russian operations of Swiss food group Nestle and three French companies to a firm called LEV Management, according to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin. The move affects the Russian businesses of Auchan, the former Leroy Merlin chain now known as Lemana Pro, and logistics group FM Logistic. It is the latest state action against Western firms that remained in Russia after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.The decree was issued late on Thursday, and the transfer covers the residual businesses and assets of the companies named in the order. The supporting material says Moscow... [Continue Reading]
Houthi-run Yemen raises fuel prices in Sanaa after four years of stability
Fuel prices have risen in Sanaa for the first time in about four years, adding to pressure on families in Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen. The increase was announced this week in the capital and affects petrol and diesel prices in territory under Houthi control. For many residents, the change is expected to feed directly into transport costs and the price of basic goods.The Houthi-run Yemen Petroleum Company said the increase was driven by a global rise in fuel prices and described it as temporary. According to the report, the price of petrol moved from 4,750 Yemeni riyals, or about $8.90,... [Continue Reading]
Western sanctions on Israeli settlements trigger election-season backlash
Israel has reacted angrily after the United Kingdom, France and Canada imposed sanctions over illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. Senior Israeli figures described the move as an attempt to interfere in the country's politics ahead of October's elections. Analysts, however, say the measures are unlikely to shift voter behaviour in a deeply polarised campaign.Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the UK foreign secretary, Ed Miliband, of spreading what he called "outrageous lies" after Miliband accused Israelis of ethnically cleansing the occupied West Bank. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the sanctions, calling them a "gross interference in the... [Continue Reading]
Canada deepens EU ties amid US tariff pressure
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Ottawa wants stronger ties with the European Union as trade pressure from the United States pushes Canada to look for alternative allies and markets. In remarks to the European Parliament, Carney said closer links with the bloc would help ensure that no outside power could control Canada's markets or undermine its sovereignty. The comments add fresh momentum to a debate about whether middle powers can coordinate more closely in response to coercive economic measures.Carney linked the discussion to Canada's wider trade response to US tariffs and threats, saying the country is seeking to... [Continue Reading]
King Charles warns AI leaders of existential dangers at Scotland summit
King Charles has warned artificial intelligence industry leaders about the "existential dangers" of the technology if it is misused, during a summit at Dumfries House in Scotland. He hosted senior figures linked to Nvidia, Google DeepMind, OpenAI and Anthropic at the event, which focused on safety concerns and the future direction of AI development. The monarch said there was urgency in considering how such technologies could be used in "potentially catastrophic ways".The meeting took place on Thursday at his Dumfries House estate, where the king opened the conference by urging those present to help ensure AI is developed with safety... [Continue Reading]
UAE adviser says trust with Iran will take years to rebuild
Trust between the United Arab Emirates and Iran will take years to rebuild, according to a senior UAE presidential adviser who spoke in Dubai on Thursday. Dr Anwar Gargash said the two countries must continue to maintain relations because they are neighbours, but he drew a clear distinction between keeping channels open and restoring confidence. His remarks came against the backdrop of attacks on Gulf states and wider regional security tensions.Gargash made the comments at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai. He said the UAE was managing the current crisis while also assessing the future of its relationship with Tehran.... [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]
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]
The Glass Elevator to Nowhere: A World Trapped in a Chocolate Factory
As a journalist in my mid-fifties, I thought my skin had thickened to the point of being impenetrable. I have covered the rise and fall of regimes, the grinding gears of the Cold War's leftovers, and the digital revolutions that promised to unite us. I thought I had seen every trick in the political playbook. Then came Donald Trump’s 2026 foreign policy, and I realized I was not watching a statesman; I was watching a child play with a chemistry set he does not understand. The Willy Wonka of the West: Rule by Whim Walking into a press briefing lately... [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]
The role of community policing in nurturing acceptance
In a highly polarized world and a highly volatile situation, many wars are perturbing the lives of many, forcing governments to take real measures to protect their citizens. Away from the geopolitical analysis and speculation, I would like to highlight one of many important aspects related to war preparation, which is the protocol of living in community shelters, historically comparable to the use of air raid shelters during major conflicts. During the war in Lebanon in the mid-eighties, I published an article about this protocol, and it seems very relevant to these days. 1- This is not your house: A... [Continue Reading]




