Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid and Italian President Sergio Mattarella discussed the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East during a phone conversation on March 14. The Iraqi leader called for intensified international action to stem escalating tensions, highlighting Iraq’s firm position against breaches of its sovereignty and the use of its land or airspace in armed conflicts. Both presidents expressed concern over the recent volatility and its potential to undermine regional stability. Mattarella reaffirmed Italy's commitment to backing Iraq in protecting its territorial integrity and underlined the importance of dialogue among regional actors to avoid further conflict. The... [Continue Reading]
On March 14, a rocket launched by an unidentified drone struck the US Embassy compound in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone. The attack directly destroyed a satellite communications system, which is vital for secure data exchanges and communications among diplomatic staff and employees. Despite the presence of the US C-RAM air defense system, the drone was not intercepted, allowing the strike to succeed. The helicopter landing pad inside the embassy was also hit, signaling the audacity and precision of the attack. The incident underscores increased risks to US diplomatic personnel and infrastructure in Iraq, a region experiencing heightened military tensions.... [Continue Reading]
Israeli warplanes and artillery conducted a series of strikes across southern Lebanon overnight, killing seven people, including a young man who recently died of injuries from a Nabatieh airstrike. Residential and commercial buildings were destroyed in Nabatieh, Jebchit, and Abba, and additional shelling targeted Arnoun and Yahmar al-Shaqif. The attacks extended to towns including Bint Jbeil, Ainatha, Aitaroun, and Maroun al-Ras. Violent clashes broke out between Lebanese forces and the Israeli military along multiple border points, including Maroun al-Ras and Bint Jbeil, intensifying the precarious security situation. Civilians in these towns face immediate danger from the bombardments and disruptions to... [Continue Reading]
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, held a phone call to address the ongoing conflict affecting several Arab countries. Both condemned recent attacks that have intensified regional instability and agreed on the critical need to stop the violence immediately. They stressed the importance of joint regional and global efforts to formulate a clear, actionable plan aimed at ending the war and preventing further escalation. The conversation underlined the strategic partnership between Egypt and the EU to maintain diplomatic momentum and advance peaceful resolutions. This joint call signals... [Continue Reading]
Since hostilities escalated on October 7, 2023, Gaza’s health ministry reports that Israeli military operations have killed more than 72,000 Palestinians and injured nearly 172,000. The violence has pushed Gaza's healthcare system to its limits, with emergency rooms overwhelmed and rescue teams struggling to reach those trapped under rubble. In the 48 hours preceding the report, hospitals received 7 fatalities and 13 injuries, underscoring that the violence continues despite a partial ceasefire. Efforts to recover bodies remain perilous and incomplete, with 756 victims still being extracted from debris since mid-October. The ongoing death toll and injuries represent one of the... [Continue Reading]
She said she'd been living with it 'probably forever'. [Continue Reading]
Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Saturday called on Iran to refrain from targeting neighbouring countries, while affirming Tehran’s right to defend itself against Israel and the United States. In a rare appeal, Hamas also urged the international community to take steps to end the war that has gripped the Middle East since it began on February 28. “While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international... [Continue Reading]
Emergency services were called to the school in the Buitenveldert district. [Continue Reading]
Two monks have clashed during a religious ceremony at a historical Buddhist monastery in Hong Kong, leaving one injured and the other in police custody. Police officers were called to Chuk Lam Sim Yuen in Tsuen Wan at around 9.40am on Saturday after a report about a fight involving two monks, a force spokesman said. Preliminary investigations revealed the two monks, aged 51 and 57, were attending a ceremony at the monastery when they got into a quarrel over queuing, which escalated into a... [Continue Reading]
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to address the escalating Israeli military aggression against Lebanon. Abdelatty strongly condemned the Israeli attacks, describing them as breaches of Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, violating international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The minister expressed Egypt's unwavering support for Lebanon's efforts to assert control over its national territory. The call highlighted the urgency of halting Israeli violations and attacks to create a stable environment conducive to meaningful negotiations. These hostilities have heightened regional tensions, impacting civilian populations in Lebanon and complicating peace... [Continue Reading]
In a significant escalation of military tensions, the US Embassy in Iraq has been targeted in a missile attack. This incident comes as President Trump has threatened to retaliate against Iran's oil infrastructure unless Iran ceases its aggressive actions against vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The embassy, located in Baghdad, serves as a central diplomatic presence in Iraq, with heightened security protocols in place due to ongoing regional instability. The attack on the embassy is emblematic of the rising hostilities in the region, particularly amid the broader conflict involving Iranian influence in Iraq and its implications for US-led military... [Continue Reading]
In a significant escalation of military operations in the Persian Gulf, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that American forces have conducted airstrikes on military facilities located on Kharg Island, an essential hub for Iran's oil exports. The operation, according to Trump's announcement, targeted the island's military infrastructure while sparing its vital oil facilities for the time being. The President described the bombing as a powerful strike, characterizing it as "one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East. Kharg Island, situated approximately 30 kilometers from the Iranian mainland, plays a crucial role in... [Continue Reading]
The ex-Oldham MP Phil Woolas battled brain cancer for more than a year, his family says. [Continue Reading]
Yara’s Svein Tore Holsether says it would be ‘catastrophic’ if the strait of Hormuz was closed for a year The boss of one of the world’s largest fertiliser companies has said global food supplies could be badly damaged this year if the Iran war becomes an extended conflict.Svein Tore Holsether, the chief executive of Norway’s Yara International, has called on global leaders to consider the impact that soaring food prices will have in some of the world’s poorest countries “before it is too late”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
The Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson joins E.J. Dionne Jr. and Robert Siegel to discuss Trump’s falling approval rating and what it portends for November. [Continue Reading]
“Love Story” is restoring Camelot’s sheen, tarnished by R.F.K. Jr. [Continue Reading]
Isabella Brown has played Lexi since 2019. [Continue Reading]
There are very few certainties and bound to be surprises in store! [Continue Reading]
This Saturday marks two weeks since the US and Israel launched their first attacks on Iran. Where are we at in this conflict, what has it taught us, and where does it go from here? Scott Lucas, a Professor of US and International Politics at University College Dublin's Clinton Institute helps us tackle some of those questions. [Continue Reading]
China’s national flag carrier is set to run direct passenger flights to North Korea for the first time in six years later this month, the latest sign of warming ties between the two neighbours. The official app of Air China, one of the country’s largest state-owned airlines, shows bookings have opened for direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang starting on March 30. The service appears to be weekly for now, with bookings available only on Mondays. Based on current listings, initial economy... [Continue Reading]
Some Hong Kong residents displaced by the deadly Tai Po fire remain in limbo as they complained of rude or unhelpful officers on a government outreach team who failed to answer their questions about authorities’ long-term resettlement plan. The 100-strong engagement team, which started operations on March 2 along with an inquiry hotline, was tasked with contacting nearly 2,000 Wang Fuk Court homeowners to address questions arising from the government’s rehousing plan, which includes a... [Continue Reading]
Jeff Goldblum, Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Saunders and Tom Allen starred in the inaugural episode. [Continue Reading]
The tiny island is home to one of the most critical pieces of Iran's energy infrastructure. [Continue Reading]
The Queensland Reds have continued their winning run in Super Rugby, defeating arch-rival NSW Waratahs in a contest that lacked quality for an hour, then produced exhilarating play for the final 20 minutes. [Continue Reading]
Inside the growing scientific quest to understand what creatures with the extraordinary ability to defy the ravages of time can teach us about making human aging better. [Continue Reading]
Good news must always be followed by 'disaster' [Continue Reading]
The UK government has raised a security alert for Kuwait, advising against travel amid heightened regional tensions linked to ongoing Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure. Key targets of these assaults include hotels, energy and oil production sites, bridges, water systems, and airports, escalating safety concerns throughout the Gulf region. This advisory could affect British nationals planning to visit Kuwait by potentially invalidating their travel insurance if ignored. It also signals the broader impact of the Iranian campaign on regional stability and international travel. Visitors and residents are warned to avoid proximity to military and US government sites, which may be... [Continue Reading]
Trump said US forces had "totally obliterated" all military targets on Kharg Island oil export hub, describing it in a social media post as "one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East." [Continue Reading]
British authorities have issued a travel advisory for Oman due to recent reports of limited missile and drone strikes in the commercial and industrial areas of Duqm, Salalah, and Sohar. The activity appears concentrated on key economic hubs, raising concerns for the safety of foreign nationals and trade operations in the country. British citizens currently in Oman are urged to take extra precautions and adhere closely to local emergency guidance when threats arise. The attacks mark an escalation of regional security tensions affecting the Gulf area’s strategic shipping and industrial infrastructure. While commercial flights operate normally from Muscat to the... [Continue Reading]
The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a strong travel advisory against visiting Bahrain amid heightened security risks linked to regional tensions. Iran has reportedly carried out multiple strikes targeting civilian infrastructure such as hotels, roads, bridges, energy plants, oil production sites, water systems, and airports. These attacks pose significant safety threats for travelers and residents within Bahrain and neighboring countries. This advisory highlights the potential invalidation of travel insurance for those traveling against official warnings. UK citizens in Bahrain are urged to register their presence with government authorities to receive timely updates. The advisory specifically... [Continue Reading]
Stranded for two weeks at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas as drones and missiles set ships ablaze nearby, 26-year-old seafarer Ambuj says he has not been home for six months and cannot wait to see his family. Ambuj, who asked Reuters not to use his second name for security reasons, is one of about 23,000 Indians working on merchant, harbour and offshore vessels across the wider Gulf region, which is bearing the brunt of the war between Iran and the United States and Israel. Hundreds of tankers... [Continue Reading]
The UK government has issued a strong travel warning against visiting the United Arab Emirates amid rising security risks linked to regional conflicts. Iran’s ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, airports, and financial institutions, have heightened dangers for residents and visitors. The advisory specifically highlights threats near military and US or Israeli government installations, which remain potential targets. This guidance affects tourists, businesspeople, and expatriates currently in or planning to travel to the UAE, a major international hub. The instability has caused significant travel disruptions, prompting the UK to offer repatriation flights for its citizens. Authorities emphasize staying... [Continue Reading]
The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has warned its citizens about heightened security risks in Qatar amid regional tensions. The advisory highlights ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure such as hotels, roads, energy facilities, and airports attributed to Iranian actions. This creates significant dangers for residents and visitors alike. Travelers are urged to avoid all but essential trips to Qatar and to steer clear of sensitive areas around military and US government installations. The UK government also recommends that nationals in the country register their presence for timely updates. This travel warning underscores the potential for further escalation... [Continue Reading]
The US Embassy in Iraq has been struck in a missile attack as US President Trump threatened to strike the oil infrastructure of Iran's Kharg Island hub unless Tehran stopped attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. [Continue Reading]
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel advisory warning against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia's Eastern and Riyadh provinces. This follows multiple reports of missile and drone attacks in these areas, which pose significant risks to residents and visitors. British nationals currently in the region are being urged to remain indoors and exercise heightened caution. The advisory highlights the dangers from intercepted missiles and drones, including the potential for falling debris and shrapnel that could cause injuries or property damage. The ongoing missile and drone activity indicates escalating security concerns that affect both... [Continue Reading]
Introducing The Good List, a new weekly newsletter by Melissa Kirsch designed to bring joy and meaning to your days. [Continue Reading]
An explosion occurred overnight at a Jewish school in the Buitenveldert district of Amsterdam, causing damage to the exterior wall but resulting in no injuries. The incident has been condemned as a deliberate act against the Jewish community in the Netherlands. Amsterdam's mayor, Femke Halsema, characterized the act as a "cowardly act of aggression" and underscored the growing concerns about safety within the Jewish community in the city. The explosion was reported to police and firefighters, who responded promptly to ensure the safety of the area. According to initial reports, the blast caused limited damage and no casualties were recorded.... [Continue Reading]
The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is rapidly deteriorating as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, leading to massive displacement of civilians. Recent reports indicate that over 800,000 people have been displaced, marking a critical spike in humanitarian needs. The Norwegian Refugee Council has stated that about one in every seven people in Lebanon has been forced from their homes amid fears of continued violence. Aid workers are struggling to keep pace with the overwhelming demand for assistance. As families flee, many have sought refuge in overcrowded shelters or makeshift accommodations. For instance, Fatima Nazha, who uses a wheelchair, has... [Continue Reading]
Summer holidaymakers opting for ‘more familiar, easy-to-reach locations’ as travel industry counts cost of Middle East conflictHolidaymakers who had planned to visit the eastern Mediterranean this summer are moving their trips to the west and the Caribbean because of the US-Israel war on Iran, travel companies have said.Travellers from the UK and mainland Europe are increasingly swapping their holiday destinations away from Cyprus, Turkey and Greece towards Italy, Spain, Malta and Croatia, as the region around the Middle East grapples with flight cancellations and airspace closures. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Defending champions China secure a semifinal against hosts Australia and a place at the 2027 World Cup. [Continue Reading]
In a marked escalation of military confrontations in the Middle East, over 110 individuals have been confirmed dead following recent US-Israel attack operations in Iran's Kurdistan province. Local officials report at least 112 fatalities and approximately 969 injuries, with the regional healthcare system strained as 27 individuals remain hospitalized and five are in intensive care. The head of the Kurdistan Provincial Emergency Department disclosed these statistics on Friday, revealing the significant humanitarian impact of these military actions. The attacks coincide with the United States' ongoing support of Iranian Kurdish forces operating from Iraq, further complicating the already volatile dynamics in... [Continue Reading]
The US is sending an amphibious assault ship, the USS Tripoli, and its Marine expeditionary unit to the Middle East according to a report by Axios quoting a senior US official. This includes personnel, F-35 fighter jets and warships. The decision comes as both President Trump and his defense secretary Pete Hegseth say the war is going very well for the United States. Story by Morgan Ayre. [Continue Reading]
Living in container houses under the constant shadow of terrorism, Chinese diplomats in Somalia represent the extreme front line of a new, assertive era in Beijing’s foreign policy. During a video call to staff at the Chinese embassy in Mogadishu, Foreign Minister Wang Yi laid bare the “complex and severe risks of terrorism”, using the situation in the war-torn nation as a stark reminder of why China was overhauling how it protected its citizens and interests overseas. The call was made in... [Continue Reading]
A boxing coach from Iran who worked in China for two years has quit his job and returned to his homeland to be with his family amid US-Israeli air strikes on the country. The trainer’s touching story was revealed by his boss on social media and attracted about one million likes, the Xiaoxiang Morning Herald reported. The 33-year-old Iranian, identified only as Saeed, has worked at a boxing gym in Xiangxi prefecture in Hunan, central China, since 2024. The gym’s owner Huang Zhaoxin met Saeed in... [Continue Reading]
The French officer killed by an Iranian-made drone on Thursday was part of a Western military contingent working to combat potential jihadists in Iraqi Kurdistan. The killing of Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion marks France's first military death in the Middle East war. [Continue Reading]
President Donald Trump said the US destroyed military sites on an island vital to Iran’s oil network and warned that its oil infrastructure could be next if Iran continues to interfere with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Fars news agency, citing sources on Kharg Island, said there had been no damage to oil facilities and that only military targets had been destroyed by the US strikes. Story by Peter O'Brien and Lou Kisiela. [Continue Reading]
With membership soaring, the Green party is grappling with logistics, culture shifts and a flood of new activistsIt is, as one Green activist put it, a never-ending series of “constantly good problems to have”. But how does a party adapt to the sudden trebling of its membership? And when a majority of people in an organisation are new, is it even the same thing anymore?The basic facts alone are startling. Before Zack Polanski took over as leader last September, the Greens in England and Wales had around 66,000 members. They are now at 215,000, and still rising at speed. Continue... [Continue Reading]