Hong Kong, Shanghai sign pact on digital trade finance, cross-border data link
Hong Kong and Shanghai have signed an accord deepening their collaboration in promoting digitised cargo trade finance and strengthening mainland China’s connection to the global data ecosystem. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Shanghai Data Bureau and the National Technology Innovation Centre for Blockchain, according to a statement from Hong Kong’s de facto central bank. “This marks an important milestone in the collaboration... [Continue Reading]
Iran, Israel and US settle into possibility of a long conflict
Following an exchange of airstrikes between Israel and Hezbollah, Tel Aviv said there was no reason for now for a ground invasion of Lebanon. Although this seems like a break in the country, there is little talk for peace or negotiations in the region since the start of the conflict. FRANCE 24's Shirli Sitbon has more for us. [Continue Reading]
He gave me the ick — then I married him
It's one thing getting grossed out, but once you've got the ick, is the relationship doomed? [Continue Reading]
What is Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps?
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is now the most powerful organisation in Iran. Created in the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, they are the regime's armed wing, charged with defending the Iranian regime. A major economic player, it also plays a central role in repressing demonstrations. But who exactly are they? [Continue Reading]
Lebanon: Dozens dead after Israeli strikes
Israel carried out heavy airstrikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday, after the Iran-backed group launched missiles and drones towards Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. [Continue Reading]
Donald Trump urges Iranian military forces to surrender
US President Donald Trump says he sees three 'choices' of who could lead Iran in an interview with the New York Times. There are still no concrete plans in place and both sides are continuing strikes and counter strikes against each other, with the US promising retribution for the three US military members killed so far. [Continue Reading]
Who will lead Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?
The death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei sets in motion a formal succession process that could have significant implications for the country's political stability, its sanctions and already strained economy. State television reported that President Massoud Pezeshkian and two other top officials would lead Iran in the transitional period, including the head of Iran's judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and a lawyer from the Guardian Council of the Constitution. [Continue Reading]
At least 31 killed as Israel launches strikes on Beirut after Hezbollah rocket fire
Israeli strikes hit Beirut and other parts of Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets and drones toward Israel, with Lebanon’s Health Ministry reporting at least 31 deaths. [Continue Reading]
Oil prices surge as tanker traffic in Strait of Hormuz grinds to a halt
As war escalates in the Middle East and Iran's security forces order ships not to cross the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices have surged this Monday, putting pressure on global markets. In this edition, we speak to Jorge León of Rystad Energy to better understand the forces that are bringing benchmark energy prices higher. [Continue Reading]
Watch: Military plane plummets from sky in Kuwait
Footage circulating today shows a military aircraft falling from the sky in Kuwait's Al Jahra area and a pilot parachuting from the aircraft, as conflict escalated across the region following Iranian strikes. [Continue Reading]
New God Of War franchise has you playing as the last character you’d expect
The creators behind God Of War are developing a new franchise within the same universe, which will apparently be revealed this year. [Continue Reading]
The rise in war bets
Al Jazeera's Linh Nguyen explains the rise in betting on war. [Continue Reading]
Middle East tensions highlight Hong Kong’s stability, opportunities: labour minister
Conflicts in the Middle East highlight Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a talent hub promising safety and stability, the city’s labour chief has said. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han on Monday said that while Hong Kong already drew global talent because of its status as an international city, its safety and security were “equally important” factors that the escalating tensions in the Middle East had thrown into relief. The joint United States-Israel strikes on Iran entered a... [Continue Reading]
Hollyoaks legend to die in devastating cancer story as star quits after 16 years
A heartbreaking way to go. [Continue Reading]
Islam scholar Tariq Ramadan goes on trial in Paris accused of raping three women
Former Oxford University professor and UK government adviser faces up to 20 years in prison if convictedThe prominent Swiss academic and Islam scholar Tariq Ramadan will go trial in Paris on Monday on charges of raping three women in France between 2009 and 2016.Ramadan, who advised previous British governments on Islam and society, denies all the charges in a case that has been seen as one of the biggest repercussions of the #MeToo movement in France. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Drones hit Saudi Ras Tanura refinery as Iran strikes targets across region
Iranian drones hit Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery on Monday morning, while Kuwait reported intercepted attacks on day three of Iran's retaliatory strikes on countries in the region. [Continue Reading]
Tearful Harrison Ford leaves fans in shock: ‘This is the first time I’ve ever seen him this way’
The actor was honoured with a major award overnight. [Continue Reading]
Iranian cities and military assets hit by new strikes
Iran's security chief has vowed to not negotiate with the US as Tehran came under heavy attack overnight on March 1st. Israel launched new air strikes targeting the capital before expanding its military campaign to Lebanon, while US President Donald Trump warned he would avenge the death of three US servicemen. [Continue Reading]
US-Israel war on Iran: everything you need to know from China’s reaction to what’s next
We have put together stories from our coverage of US and Israel’s war on Iran. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. 5 takeaways from the first 2 days of US-Israel war against Iran Amid escalating US-Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation, casualties emerge, oil spikes and global geopolitics face major shocks. 2. Why China’s ties with Iran will endure despite death of Khamenei China has strongly condemned the killing of the Iranian supreme leader,... [Continue Reading]
Emmerdale’s Bradley Riches blasts vile homophobia after trolls respond to Lewis kissing scene
He has spoken out. [Continue Reading]
Dozens dead in Lebanon as Israel and Hezbollah trade fire
At least 31 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon and around 150 people have been injured. Israel and Hezbollah have been trading tit for tat strikes, began by the militant group in response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. [Continue Reading]
West African regional army: Why thousands of soldiers are deploying
How will strained ties between ECOWAS and neighbours Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso affect the fight against armed groups? [Continue Reading]
Arne Slot stunned by decision in Manchester United win over Crystal Palace
The Reds boss was left confused [Continue Reading]
I’m a mortgage expert — this is what buyers should financially plan for when they move
'Rent overlap, stamp duty, removals, council tax, furnishings and set-up costs can all land at once.' [Continue Reading]
'Trump seeks Nobel War Prize': Papers react to new conflict in the Middle East
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, March 2: We look at reactions from across the Middle East to the killing of Iran's supreme leader and ahead to what might be next for the region. Meanwhile in the Western press, US President Donald Trump is slammed as seeking a "Nobel War Prize". [Continue Reading]
Windows rattled as missiles flew - Irish woman in Doha
An Irish woman who watched Iranian missiles streak past her Doha home said the uncertainty of the conflict in the Middle East has left her petrified and anxious. [Continue Reading]
Czech Republic initiates evacuation flights for nationals amid escalating tensions in the Middle East
The recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran have escalated tensions in the Middle East, prompting rapid evacuation plans for nationals from several countries. The Czech Republic is leading the charge among European Union members in mobilizing evacuations, with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš confirming the initiation of flights for citizens trapped in the region as the situation unfolds. This marks a significant step in what appears to be a response to intensifying military engagement and rising geopolitical instability. The Czech government has announced three planned evacuation flights, with two scheduled to depart from Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt,... [Continue Reading]
Yet more bad news for soap fans as ITV pulls Coronation Street and Emmerdale again
Another disruption. [Continue Reading]
Middle East geopolitical landscape shifts after reported killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has dramatically shifted following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The incident ignited a series of military operations led by the United States and Israel against Iranian assets, aiming not only to destabilize Iran's government but also to prevent its missile and nuclear capabilities. US President Donald Trump, in a public address, called on Iranians to reclaim their nation, underscoring ambitious objectives accompanying military efforts. The killing of Khamenei has left Iranian officials scrambling to manage repercussions. Reports indicate that many US intelligence officials harbor doubts regarding the likelihood... [Continue Reading]
Replay: French Foreign Affairs Minister addresses escalating conflict in the Middle East
Rewatch as French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot addresses the escalating conflict in the Middle East. [Continue Reading]
How to Think About Trump’s War With Iran
Ending the Islamic Republic’s regime will be long and arduous, but perhaps a softer version will emerge. [Continue Reading]
Trump Wants You to Get Used to This. Don’t.
The old U.S.-led order is dead; the new one feels unstable and ominous, as if a storm could descend at any moment. [Continue Reading]
UK house prices rise in February as chancellor avoids ‘negative speculation’
Rachel Reeves’ upcoming spring forecast has not led to slowdown, as property tax rumours did in NovemberBusiness live – latest updatesUK politics live – latest updatesHouse prices in the UK increased in February as Rachel Reeves avoided a repeat of the pre-budget “negative speculation” that depressed the market, as she prepares to present the spring forecast on Tuesday.The average price of a home rose to £273,176 last month, up by 0.3% from the month before, Nationwide said. It matched January’s monthly increase, and was above analysts’ forecasts of a 0.2% gain. The annual growth rate remained steady at 1%, the... [Continue Reading]
Eager China parents use apps to find partners for adult children, turn pairing into transactions
Anxious Chinese parents are increasingly turning to “find a daughter-in-law” or “find a son-in-law” platforms online, turning partner seeking into direct negotiations between parents. During the Chinese New Year, as young people fend off probing questions about marriage and relationships from relatives at the dinner table, sharp-eyed businesses have already shifted their strategies. Instead of trying to persuade single young adults who resist matchmaking, they are now directly targeting a... [Continue Reading]
Missing Florida man found over a week later trapped in shoulder-deep mud
Local crews rescued Andrew Giddens, 36, near a borrow pit after he faced freezing weather without food or waterA Florida man who had been missing since Valentine’s Day was found over a week later trapped in mud up to his shoulders, authorities said.Andrew Giddens, 36, had reportedly gone several days without food or water by then, and officials ultimately rescued him in dramatic fashion to end his nightmarish ordeal. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Trump pursues Iranian decapitation without a plan for what comes next
The U.S. has a fraught track record of toppling autocratic regimes and securing peaceful democracies , even when it has vision for the day after. [Continue Reading]
France 'ready' to defend Gulf states against Iran as Middle East conflict widens
France is "ready" to defend Gulf nations and Jordan against possible attacks from Iran, foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Monday, as a conflict which began with Israel and the US launching strikes on Iran on Saturday has rapidly expanded to neighbouring countries in the Middle East. [Continue Reading]
UAE to cover hotel and meal costs for those stranded in country during Iran attacks
Around 20,200 passengers are stuck in the country due to the suspension of flights. [Continue Reading]
Asia’s travel sector rattled by Iran attacks, fears ‘domino effect’ slowdown
Airspace closures across the Middle East have left tens of thousands of travellers stranded and forced airlines to divert routes, threatening to derail the fragile recovery in Asia’s tourism and aviation sectors, as the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran continues to escalate. Major transit hubs, including Dubai and Doha, remain shut or are operating at reduced capacity for a third straight day, upending Europe–Asia connections that depend heavily on Gulf airspace. Airlines are... [Continue Reading]
Martin Short’s co-stars pull out of Actor Awards ‘in solidarity’ after daughter’s death
The trio are very close. [Continue Reading]
More than 100,000 Britons register for help in Middle East
Foreign Office sources say no evacuation was imminent but the government is preparing for potential scenarios. [Continue Reading]
UK competition watchdog investigates hotel groups over alleged data sharing
Regulator looks into claim Hilton, InterContinental Hotels and Marriott could be sharing ‘competitively sensitive’ information via analytics tool Business live – latest updatesThe UK competition watchdog has opened an investigation into three of the world’s biggest hotel chains – Hilton, InterContinental Hotels (IHG) and Marriott – amid suspicions they could be sharing “competitively sensitive” information with each other.The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating allegations that the businesses, which together operate more than 25,000 hotels worldwide, could be sharing information through the data analytics tool STR. CoStar, the real estate data firm that owns STR, is also under investigation.... [Continue Reading]
People of Iran are ready for freedom and democracy, but the regime has not yet been defeated
Following the death of Ali Khamenei, the fall of the regime appears to be a realistic option for the first time in 47 years. But the regime still has a monopoly on the use of force. These are historic times for the people of Iran, Gilda Sahebi writes in an opinion article for Eurones. [Continue Reading]
Video appears to show US F-15 fighter jet crashing in Kuwait
Kuwait's ministry of defence confirmed "several American fighter aircraft came down this morning", with crews "unscathed". [Continue Reading]
RAF airbase in Cyprus hit as Cooper defends decision to allow US to use UK bases for Iran strikes – UK politics live
Foreign secretary confirms strike on Akrotiri base but says it ‘simply not true’ the UK is being dragged into an Iraq-style conflict‘Simply not true’ UK is being dragged into Iraq-style conflict, says foreign secretaryIt was perhaps naive of No 10 ever to position Keir Starmer as a “Donald Trump whisperer” capable of persuading the unpredictable US president to step back from reckless decisions.The “special relationship” has been under severe strain in recent months over the UK’s decision to give up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands and the refusal of European countries to back Trump’s play for Greenland. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
England 'given reassurances' over safety in Turkey
Sarina Wiegman says England have been told there are no safety concerns over their World Cup qualifier in Turkey despite the conflict in the Middle East. [Continue Reading]
Hollywood stars break down in tears as ‘genius’ Catherine O’Hara wins posthumous award
'I was asked to assume the very sad honour of accepting this award.' [Continue Reading]
