Israel president gives Eisenkot first chance to form new government after deadlocked election
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has chosen former military chief Gadi Eisenkot to try to form the country's next government after the October 27 election failed to produce a majority. Herzog informed Eisenkot on Saturday evening and is due to formally hand over the mandate at a ceremony on Sunday at the presidential residence in Jerusalem. The move gives Eisenkot the first opportunity to assemble a coalition and potentially end Benjamin Netanyahu's long tenure as prime minister.According to the president's office, parties representing 67 lawmakers recommended Eisenkot, compared with 46 for Netanyahu's bloc. Eisenkot will have 28 days to build a... [Continue Reading]
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Paraguay ex-president charged after Ueno Bank collapse sparks protests
Paraguay's former president Santiago Pena has been charged after questioning at the attorney general's office in Asuncion over an alleged banking scandal linked to the collapse of Ueno Bank. The case has triggered days of protests across the country, with thousands of people demanding access to their savings. Some demonstrations have turned violent, with clashes reported between protesters and police.Prosecutors said Pena was charged after spending the morning at the attorney general's office, a day after he was impeached over the affair. According to the supporting material, he was charged with breach of trust and administration for personal gain. Pena... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Ukraine power grid battered, Gaza floods worsen, and US steps up pressure on Iran
Russia intensified its campaign against Ukraine’s energy system, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles were launched overnight, damaging power infrastructure, causing blackouts and disrupting water supplies in several areas, including Kyiv. 🔗 Separate reports said Russian strikes hit energy facilities around the capital and elsewhere, while civilians south of Zaporizhzhia described daily drone attacks that are forcing families to leave villages they had hoped to keep. 🔗 🔗On the diplomatic front, the European Union rejected any reported US and Russian deal on European security that would bypass European governments, after President Donald Trump and President... [Continue Reading]
US offers $20 million reward over Iran's nuclear programme as Centcom forms new task force
The United States has announced a reward of up to $20 million for information about Iran's nuclear programme, while also offering the possibility of relocating the person who provides the details. The State Department's Rewards for Justice programme said the offer covers information on facilities, equipment and associated personnel linked to the programme. The announcement comes as Washington steps up pressure on Tehran over both nuclear activity and the movement of sanctioned material.US Central Command said it is creating Task Force Iron Gate, based in Tampa, Florida, to work with other US government agencies. Centcom said the new unit will... [Continue Reading]
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US voters deliver rebuke to Trump in midterm elections as Democrats gain ground
Voters in the United States have delivered a sharp rebuke to Donald Trump in the midterm elections, according to the supplied report, signalling a break from a president who has dominated American politics for the past decade. The result was described as a once-in-a-century political moment in the year the country marked its 250th birthday. Democrats are celebrating the outcome, but the report says the wider battle over the country's political future is only beginning.The article says the election result came after a campaign in which Trump sought to frame his presidency as a "golden age" and staged a highly... [Continue Reading]
France probes bogus bomb threats against airlines for possible foreign-power links
French prosecutors have opened an investigation into a series of fake bomb threats targeting commercial flights in Europe over the past week. The probe is examining whether foreign powers may have been involved in sending the threats, according to the Paris prosecutor's office. Several of the incidents concerned flights passing over French territory, adding a cross-border security dimension to the case.The investigation is focused on identifying the authors of the emails that spread the false claims and on determining whether they have any potential links to foreign powers. The French government has also said it is looking into the origin... [Continue Reading]
Iran's IRGC says underground missile and drone production is expanding amid ongoing war damage
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has said it is moving missile and drone production lines underground and building new subterranean military complexes that can keep operating under heavy bombardment. The announcement was made at a news conference in Tehran on Saturday by IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi, according to Iranian media. Among the projects described was an "underground missile city" that the semi-official Tasnim news agency said is set to be unveiled.Mohebbi said the transfer of production from the surface to underground facilities was intended to allow Iran to keep manufacturing missiles even if adversaries believed its stockpiles were running low.... [Continue Reading]
Jeffries poised for House speaker role amid Democratic internal pushback
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is on the verge of becoming the first Black Speaker of the US House of Representatives after Democrats won a decisive midterm victory. The New York congressman would take on one of the most powerful roles in Washington if he secures the post, placing him at the centre of his party's effort to confront President Donald Trump over the next two years. But the path to the speakership is not fully settled, with some Democrats questioning whether he best represents the party's direction.The immediate dispute is being driven by a split inside the Democratic caucus... [Continue Reading]
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Russian drone and glide-bomb attacks intensify around Zaporizhzhia as civilians flee villages south of the city
Residents in villages south of Zaporizhzhia say Russian drone attacks are making daily life increasingly dangerous, with some people leaving homes they had hoped would remain a refuge. One displaced resident described sheltering in a cellar when drones began striking, saying he was badly burned before fleeing to the regional capital. The account points to a widening threat around Zaporizhzhia, where civilians say the pattern of attacks is changing the security situation on the ground.The supplied material says the villages south of the city have been coming under escalating Russian attacks, including FPV drones and glide bombs. It says that... [Continue Reading]
Russian diesel tankers divert as Trump-Putin deal fails to deliver US cargoes
At least three tankers carrying Russian diesel have changed course after a deal between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to deliver cargoes to the United States. The shipments were meant to reach the American market under an October agreement, but none has arrived so far. The latest vessel-tracking data suggests the plan is now under strain.The supplied report says buyers are worried about legal exposure because Congress's ban on Russian energy imports remains in place. It adds that Russia has sent out four diesel tankers since the deal was agreed, with the Talisman and the... [Continue Reading]
Dozens killed in Yemen market strike as offensive intensifies in Taiz
Dozens of people were killed on Friday when a missile struck a market in Yemen's Taiz governorate, in an incident that has deepened concern over the country's widening conflict. The attack took place as fighting intensified around areas contested between Yemen's internationally recognised government and the Houthi rebel movement. Both sides have blamed each other for the strike, and the exact circumstances remain unverified.The latest reporting places the attack within the government's month-long "Dawn of Yemen" offensive, launched on October 5 by Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council. The stated aim of the operation is to recapture Houthi-held... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine's power network suffers further damage after fresh Russian strikes as blackouts spread
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia used 172 drones and 36 ballistic missiles in an overnight attack that again hit Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving Kyiv with serious disruption to electricity, water and heat supplies. He said the capital was among the hardest-hit areas after strikes on substations and a bridge over the Dnipro River. The attack also injured five people, including a 14-year-old girl.Zelenskyy said the strikes were part of a wider assault on energy facilities in five regions, including substations that help connect two nuclear power plants to Kyiv. He said the city's Northern Bridge was closed while workers repaired... [Continue Reading]
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Qeshm island and Hormuz hit as attacks raise escalation risk
Two projectiles hit Iran's Qeshm island on Friday night, adding to a series of strikes on the southern island in recent weeks. The latest incident comes as more ships have been attacked in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the United States has continued bombing Iran. Mediators are still trying to prevent the confrontation from widening further.The supplied material says the strikes on Qeshm targeted Iranian air defences and launchers, and that the island has been hit repeatedly over recent weeks. It also says Iran's army claimed in the early hours of Saturday that it destroyed a US-made MQ-9... [Continue Reading]
Russian barrage hits Kyiv energy infrastructure as death toll rises ahead of peace talks
Russian forces launched multiple waves of missiles and drones overnight, hitting energy infrastructure around Kyiv and worsening disruption to the capital's power, water and heating systems. The attack also damaged the Northern Bridge across the Dnipro River, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Officials said the strikes came as temperatures were falling towards zero, adding pressure on residents and emergency services.Ukraine's energy ministry said facilities outside Kyiv were damaged, including systems that send power from two nuclear plants to the capital and to central regions. President Volodymyr Zelensky said substations in five other regions were also hit, and described the... [Continue Reading]
US carries out new targeted strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island amid ongoing talks
US military carried out what it described as limited new airstrikes in southern Iran on Friday night, with the latest action focused on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said the strike targeted Iranian air defence systems and described it as a minor operation that was completed quickly. He also said the United States was still making progress in negotiations with Tehran through Qatar, even as military activity continued.Trump said the strike hit a small anti-aircraft installation and claimed it was knocked out in minutes. Iranian state-run media reported that two missiles struck the Suza... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan astronaut selected for China's next space station mission
China's Manned Space Agency has selected a Pakistani astronaut to serve as a payload specialist on an upcoming Shenzhou mission to the country's space station. If the flight goes ahead as planned, the astronaut would become the first foreign national to visit China's orbital outpost. Chinese state media said the mission is expected by the end of the year, although no departure date has been announced.The astronaut has not been publicly named. China has also not said which of the Pakistani candidates will fly, but the selection follows months of training in Beijing. Two Pakistani pilots, Zeeshan Ali and Khurram... [Continue Reading]
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Breakfast News Recap: Trump confirms Iran strikes as Kyiv is hit and Europe warns on security
President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces carried out strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, describing them as minor attacks on air defence systems, as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remained high. 🔗Washington also stepped up pressure on Tehran with a $20 million reward for information on Iran's nuclear programme, while the Treasury sanctioned eight Canadian money exchange firms it says helped Iranian entities evade financial restrictions. 🔗 🔗In Ukraine, Russian overnight strikes on Kyiv injured five people and damaged a major bridge and energy infrastructure in the capital and nearby regions, while a separate missile attack hit residential buildings... [Continue Reading]
Poland says Europe needs Cold War-style deterrence for AI warfare
Poland has called for Europe to develop a deterrence model similar to the Cold War doctrine of mutually assured destruction in response to AI-powered warfare. Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said the technology is becoming a force multiplier that could force a major rethink of the continent's shared security. He argued that the threat is no longer limited to ordinary cybercrime, but increasingly involves state-backed adversaries.Gawkowski, who also oversees Poland's Ministry for Digital Affairs, said the number of cyberattacks in the country could rise tenfold in 2027 as frontier large language models become more capable and more widely available. He... [Continue Reading]
New Zealand election early results show governing National Party ahead as count continues
Early results from New Zealand's general election show the governing centre-right National Party ahead of the opposition centre-left Labour Party, with the count still under way after polling closed on Saturday. The Electoral Commission said the centrist Opportunity Party is expected to clear the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament. The result points to a potentially fragmented parliament, with coalition talks likely to shape the next government.With 31.19% of the vote counted so far, National is ahead of Labour on 28.35%, according to the early tally. Polling stations opened at 9am on Saturday local time and closed at 7pm, and... [Continue Reading]
UAE says oil exports and energy services held through regional crisis amid strike fears
Speaking at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates said its oil exports continued throughout the regional crisis and that energy services remained uninterrupted. Undersecretary of Energy and Petroleum Affairs Sharif Al Olama said the country had "proven ourselves during this crisis" and was using the experience to strengthen its energy infrastructure. He also said the sector had faced heavy pressure in the first months of the crisis, while senior officials at the event were focused on the risk of renewed military strikes in the region.Al Olama said the UAE's long-term decision to diversify its energy mix had helped... [Continue Reading]
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US Treasury sanctions eight Canadian money exchange firms over Iran ties
The United States has imposed sanctions on eight Canadian currency-exchange businesses, saying they helped Iranian entities evade financial restrictions and move funds through digital assets. The action was announced on Friday as part of what the Treasury Department called Operation Economic Outcast. The firms are based in Ontario and British Columbia, according to the Treasury.The department said the businesses included Million Exchange, Amin Exchange and Cryptoyal. It said some of the firms converted Iranian rials and other currencies into digital assets such as cryptocurrency, and that some also helped an alleged head of a drug trafficking ring. Treasury Secretary Scott... [Continue Reading]
Paraguay crisis deepens as Santiago Pena is impeached, arrested and Pedro Alliana takes over
Paraguay's political and financial crisis deepened on Friday after Congress impeached President Santiago Pena and authorities placed him under house arrest. Senators then appointed Pedro Alliana, the former vice president, as president shortly after the vote, marking a rapid transfer of power in the capital. The move followed the collapse of Uneo Bank, which left almost half the country unable to access their accounts and triggered public anger across the country.Senate President Basilio Nunez said Mr Pena was found guilty of poor performance in his duties after 44 of 45 senators voted for impeachment, with one absent. Prosecutor Silvia Margarita... [Continue Reading]
Trump replaces White House chief of staff with Stephen Miller after Republican midterm defeats
US President Donald Trump has announced that Stephen Miller will become his new White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles in one of the most powerful jobs in the administration. The change was announced on Friday and marks a significant personnel shift at the centre of the US government. Wiles will move to the Trump political operation outside the White House, according to the announcement.Miller has been serving as deputy chief of staff and is widely identified with some of the most hardline immigration measures from Trump's first term. Those policies included the push to build a wall on... [Continue Reading]
EU rejects reported US-Russia security deal covering Europe
European leaders have rejected any attempt by the United States and Russia to reshape Europe's security architecture without their involvement, after President Donald Trump suggested Washington could be nearing a broad agreement with Moscow that would extend beyond Ukraine to cover the whole continent. The comments have prompted concern among European allies that the US administration may be moving toward a deal that could accommodate Russian President Vladimir Putin's long-standing demands. The dispute has quickly become a test of how far Washington is prepared to go in talks with Moscow and how much say European governments will have in any... [Continue Reading]
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Day News Recap: Ukraine toll rises as Iran tensions, Europe bomb threats and global stocks slide
Ukraine said the death toll from a Russian strike on an aid distribution centre in the Zaporizhia region has risen to at least 50, with rescue teams still searching the site. The attack has become one of the deadliest recent strikes on civilians and aid workers in the war. 🔗In the Middle East, Iran stepped up diplomacy after Donald Trump suggested the United States could resume major strikes, while the White House weighed whether a new attack could still be avoided amid pressure after Republican election losses. Trump also sharpened his rhetoric, saying Iran would not be able to do... [Continue Reading]
Top Florida federal prosecutor resigns amid fallout from election probe
A top federal prosecutor in Florida has resigned from the United States Department of Justice as the administration faces the prospect of Democrat-led investigations after the midterm elections. Jason Reding Quinones, the US attorney for the Southern District of Florida, submitted his resignation on Friday, according to Attorney General Todd Blanche. The departure adds to signs of turnover inside the department at a politically sensitive moment.Quinones had overseen and expanded a federal probe into Russia's alleged support for Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign. The report says he was a Trump loyalist and that the investigation formed part of a wider... [Continue Reading]
Europe closes mixed as energy shock, precious metals rally and autos lag
Executive summary: European markets ended the session mixed, with the FTSE 100 and major continental benchmarks under pressure while CAC 40 outperformed. The sharpest move came in Brent crude, which fell more than 6.7%, while gold, silver, platinum and palladium all advanced strongly. FX was comparatively calm, with the euro and pound little changed against the dollar. The cross-asset picture points to a market still balancing growth concerns, commodity volatility and a rotation toward defensive and hard-asset exposure. [Continue Reading]
Wave of fake bomb threats disrupts European airline operations
A wave of fake bomb threats has disrupted airline operations across Europe over the past four days, affecting a dozen carriers and forcing emergency responses on multiple flights. The threats, sent by phone and email, have all proved false so far, but they have still triggered full security procedures. Those measures have included diversions, searches after landing and checks carried out in mid-air.According to the confirmed details, there have been 32 bomb threats in total, with some flights escorted by military jets and others rerouted to airports in different countries. One Aer Lingus flight was forced to land at an... [Continue Reading]
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Rubio denies exit plans as Trump defends Hegseth after midterm losses
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has again denied reports that he is planning to leave the Trump administration, saying it had "always been my plan" to serve until the end of President Donald Trump's term. He made the comments as speculation continued over his political future after Republican losses in the midterm elections. Rubio also serves as national security adviser, making him one of the most prominent figures in the administration.The denials came after Bloomberg News reported that Rubio was weighing whether to step down and had spoken with White House officials about leaving. The State Department rejected that... [Continue Reading]
Iran security chief meets Putin in Moscow amid gas pipeline talks
Iran's top security official has met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and delivered a personal message from Iran's supreme leader, according to the latest confirmed details from the visit. The meeting was not announced in advance and took place as the two sides discussed regional security and possible energy cooperation. It adds a new layer to already close ties between Moscow and Tehran at a time of wider conflict in the region.The Iranian official, identified as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said the talks covered what he described as strengthening ties, the post-war situation and regional... [Continue Reading]
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US midterm results spark fears in Israel over future of bilateral ties
Israel's political establishment is reacting with concern after the latest US midterm results, with some figures warning that the outcome could mark a generational shift in relations between the two countries. The debate has been sharpened by the fact that Israel's ties with the United States became a campaign issue in races across America. Israeli commentators and opposition politicians are now openly questioning how much support can be assumed in Washington going forward.A prominent columnist in Israel's largest-selling newspaper described the moment as a "generational sea change" and said the Netanyahu government had "sown the wind and reaped the tsunami."... [Continue Reading]
Bomb threats spread to European newsrooms amid passenger flight scare wave
Newsrooms in Ireland, Bulgaria and the United Kingdom have reported bomb threats linked in the messages to a wider wave of hoax alerts disrupting passenger flights across Europe. In Ireland, staff at the national broadcaster were evacuated after receiving a threat, while Bulgaria's Nova TV and the British broadcaster Sky also said they had been targeted. The messages were sent on Friday local time and referred to a broader campaign of attacks on transport across Europe.The emails were reportedly signed by a person calling themselves "Mikhail Andropov" and carried the heading "Message to the West". The wording portrayed the threats... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street Opens Deep in the Red as AI Chips, Tech and Energy Lead a Broad Risk-Off Move
Executive summary: U.S. equities opened sharply lower, with the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 under pressure as a steep selloff in AI and chip shares rippled across sectors. Gold, silver and some industrial metals gained as investors rotated toward defensive assets, while crude oil, banks and bitcoin also moved lower in a risk-off start to the session. [Continue Reading]
Possible Trump-Xi-Putin meeting on APEC sidelines in Shenzhen draws coordination efforts
China and Russia are working on the possibility of a three-way meeting between Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of this month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen. Chinese officials said they are in communication with relevant parties, while the Kremlin said work is under way to coordinate the encounter. If it happens, it would be the first formal meeting of the three leaders together.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing that China is in communication with relevant parties regarding a meeting between the three heads of state. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said work... [Continue Reading]
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Azerbaijan and Ukraine sign expanded energy, defence and trade agreements in Uzhhorod
Azerbaijan and Ukraine have signed a new package of cooperation agreements covering energy, defence, trade, transport and technology after talks in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod. The meeting marked the 14th session of their Joint Intergovernmental Commission and was the first time the body has convened on Ukrainian territory since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Officials said the agreements are intended to strengthen economic ties while also supporting Ukraine's wartime energy resilience.The talks were co-chaired by Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal. The two sides adopted a formal... [Continue Reading]
Bomb threats disrupt at least 18 more flights across Europe as media outlets are also targeted
A fresh wave of bomb threats has disrupted air traffic across Europe, with at least 18 flights affected on Friday and no explosives found so far. The latest alerts involved aircraft to or from Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Italy, Hungary, Cyprus, Romania, the United Kingdom and Portugal. Separate threats also disrupted media organisations in Ireland and the UK, widening the impact beyond aviation.The affected flights landed safely, and searches carried out after the alerts did not reveal explosive devices. According to the supplied material, the latest incidents included at least nine flights to and from Prague, four flights over France, two... [Continue Reading]
South Africa ANC faces sharper local election losses as coalition talks begin
With more than 80% of ballots counted, South Africa's African National Congress is on course for a sharper-than-expected setback in the local elections, falling to 31.8% of the national vote. The result would leave the former liberation movement well below its 2021 showing and deepen concerns about its long-term electoral decline. Coalition negotiations have already begun behind closed doors as parties position themselves for control of municipalities and major cities.The Democratic Alliance is on 24.1%, while uMkhonto weSizwe, the party led by former president Jacob Zuma, is on 9.3%, according to the latest figures cited in the reporting. Turnout has... [Continue Reading]
Yemen's Houthi rule leaves a generation of children facing recruitment and indoctrination
Children growing up under Houthi control in Yemen are being drawn into military life, according to the supplied account, which says some are now being recruited to fight. The piece argues that the consequences of this are being felt well beyond Yemen, as the effects of prolonged conflict shape a generation's education, safety and prospects. It says schools and summer camps have been used for indoctrination and military training, exposing young people to recruitment at an early age.The article says these practices were documented by the United Nations Panel of Experts on Yemen and the US Department of Labor. It... [Continue Reading]
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Trump says he stopped Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, tying it to Middle East survival
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "Israel and, in fact, the entire Middle East, WOULD NOT EXIST TODAY if I did not stop Iran from having a Nuclear Weapon. Nobody wants to say that, but everybody knows it's true!" - "As President, I am 100% in favor of Super Intelligence (SI), and will work with the many States in the U. S. that want to become RICH by having them. They are GOLD, and only foolish leadership will say "NO" to the riches they bring!" - "The Stock Market suffered one of... [Continue Reading]
Russia-Iran defence ties deepen with reported rocket launcher deal
Russia is reported to have agreed in 2024 to supply Iran with 90 advanced missile launchers, in a development that points to closer military cooperation between the two countries. The reported deal comes as senior Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei was in Moscow discussing the expansion of a strategic cooperation treaty. The arrangement has not been independently confirmed as delivered, according to the supplied material.The launchers are said to be designed to carry Russia's LMUR, also known as Izdeliye 305, a precision-guided missile that entered military service in 2022. The weapon is described as capable of striking moving targets and... [Continue Reading]
Macao sentences pro-democracy ex-politician to 12.5 years in jail
A Macao court has sentenced former pro-democracy politician Au Kam-san to 12 years and six months in prison after a closed-door national security trial. The ruling was delivered on Friday and found the 69-year-old guilty of subversion. The court said the case centred on alleged efforts to spread false information and disrupt Macao's 2024 leadership election.According to the court statement, Au was accused of spreading false information in 2023 and 2024 and of working with hostile organisations abroad. The court also said he leaked confidential information to groups overseas. It said he had admitted to a considerable portion of the... [Continue Reading]
EU struggles to block Russian war veterans from entering Europe amid database limits
European Union countries are struggling to keep Russian soldiers and war veterans out of Europe because of legal and bureaucratic obstacles that have slowed the addition of names to the bloc's shared security database. Ukraine has supplied European authorities with the identities of more than half a million Russian soldiers, but EU states have entered fewer than 1% of those names into the Schengen Information System after almost a year of work. The issue has become a practical test of how the bloc handles security risks linked to the war in Ukraine.The information is being compiled by Ukraine and shared... [Continue Reading]
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Finnish minister says US delay is holding up Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine
Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has said political reluctance in Washington is delaying the transfer of Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine, even though European allies have already paid for the weapons. Speaking in Helsinki, he said the funding is in place but the missiles still need to be released from US-controlled stocks before they can be sent. His comments add to a growing dispute over how quickly Ukraine can receive air-defence systems as Russia prepares further attacks.Häkkänen said Europe has already financed the interceptors through the NATO-led Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List mechanism, but that final approval from the US Defence... [Continue Reading]
China denounces new US sanctions on Cuba that include two Chinese firms
China has condemned the latest United States sanctions on Cuba, calling the move sabotage after Washington added two Chinese companies to its sanctions list. The measures, announced on Thursday and denounced by Beijing on Friday, focus on Cuba's oil and technology sectors. The dispute adds a new layer to an already tense pressure campaign on the island and to wider US-China friction.According to the supplied report, the companies named are CEIEC and Beijing H&C Technologies. Washington accuses them of selling defence material and security systems to Cuba. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, identified in the report as Jiakun, said China... [Continue Reading]
Tanzanian opposition leader convicted of incitement in Dar es Salaam
Tanzania's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has been found guilty of incitement by the High Court in Dar es Salaam. A panel of three judges acquitted the Chadema leader of the more serious charge of treason. The ruling marks a major development in a case that has drawn attention to political freedoms in the country.Lissu, 58, has been detained since April last year and represented himself during the trial. The court heard that the case stemmed from remarks he made while campaigning for electoral reforms ahead of the disputed 2025 general election. Prosecutors said his statements were intended to incite... [Continue Reading]
Global stocks plunge for a second day as AI slowdown fears spread
Asian and European markets fell sharply on Friday as a Wall Street tech rout spread across global trading, with investors reacting to fears that spending on artificial intelligence and data centres could slow after the Democrats' midterm victory. The FTSE 100 opened down 1.5%, while Germany's Dax, France's Cac 40 and Spain's Ibex also moved lower. The declines followed a severe sell-off in US technology shares on Thursday and extended the pressure into the next trading session.The Nasdaq had its worst day in 19 months, falling 5.5%, while chip and storage stocks led the losses. SanDisk dropped 22% and Western... [Continue Reading]
Poland warns allies not to negotiate with Russia over Eastern Europe's head
Poland has warned its Western allies against reaching any settlement on Russia's war in Ukraine without taking account of Eastern Europe's security interests. The warning came from Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski during a discussion with journalists in Warsaw on Thursday. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also urged caution, saying European leaders should be careful about President Vladimir Putin's intentions and realistic about the US-led diplomatic process.Sikorski said the region could not be left out of any talks, arguing that Eastern Europe and Scandinavia must be included in the conversation. He pointed to the scale of the area directly affected, saying that... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Trump hardens Iran stance as shipping fears grow and global tech shares slide
The White House is weighing whether a new US strike on Iran can still be avoided as post election pressure builds in Washington, while Donald Trump sharpened his rhetoric by saying Iran will not be able to do anything on its nuclear programme without US approval. 🔗 🔗At the same time, Iranian forces reported five oil tankers and a tugboat on fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz, deepening shipping security fears, even as Tehran said ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar would be exempt from restrictions in the waterway. 🔗 🔗Trump also said a Russia Ukraine agreement... [Continue Reading]
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European markets open firmer as metals rally, energy eases and autos lag sharply
Executive summary: European equities opened higher, led by gains in Germany and France, while gold, platinum, palladium and natural gas advanced. Brent crude slipped, the euro and sterling edged up against the dollar, and global autos underperformed sharply. The move set points to a market that is rotating toward defensives and commodities linked to inflation hedging, while energy and cyclical auto exposure face pressure. [Continue Reading]
US judge pauses Trump arch construction in Washington, DC for 14 days
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered a 14-day pause on construction of President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch in Washington, DC. The ruling came after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the project by an 8-4 vote following a nine-hour hearing. The decision means work cannot begin immediately, despite the administration saying construction could start as soon as Thursday.The project has already faced several legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed in February by a group of Vietnam War veterans. They have argued that the planned site near Arlington National Cemetery would interfere with the historic line of sight between... [Continue Reading]
Lebanese residents pack bags amid fears of renewed Israeli escalation
Residents in southern Lebanon are preparing for the possibility of renewed Israeli attacks, as fears rise again after months of relative calm punctuated by drone activity and detonations. In Abbasiyeh, in southern Lebanon, one resident said she had stayed at home during Israel's intensification of its war on Lebanon in March, even after a neighbour's house was hit. She said the situation now feels uncertain again, with many people in the south living in limbo.The immediate concern is not a single new strike, but the prospect of another escalation after an ostensible ceasefire was announced in April. Residents described hearing... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific close mixed as Nikkei and Kospi slump, gold and Hang Seng rally
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific trading ended sharply mixed, with Japan and South Korea suffering heavy losses while Hong Kong, Australia and precious metals advanced. The Nikkei 225 fell -9.3% and the Kospi dropped -11.7%, while the Hang Seng gained +5.0% and gold rose +2.1% above $4,050. The move points to a broad risk reset across regional equities, with currency and commodity moves adding to the cross-asset volatility. [Continue Reading]
Trump weighs possible new strikes on Iran amid post-election pressure in Washington
The White House is weighing whether a new US attack on Iran can still be avoided, as the fallout from Republican election losses intensifies pressure inside Donald Trump's administration. Reporting from the region says Gulf states are watching closely for signs of the next move, while the political debate in Washington is increasingly tied to the war with Iran. The issue has become both a foreign policy test and a domestic political problem for the Trump team.According to the supplied reporting, the discussion comes after midterm losses that are being linked by some Republicans to the Iran war. The White... [Continue Reading]
Trump's planned Washington arch wins federal approval amid protest threats
Construction of President Donald Trump's planned triumphal arch in Washington has won federal approval, despite public opposition and the prospect of legal challenges. The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 on Thursday to allow the 250-foot, 72-metre structure to go ahead. The project is intended to stand near Arlington National Cemetery and has already drawn criticism from opponents who say it would affect views of the cemetery.The commission's approval came after nearly nine hours of public comment. Trump administration officials have said construction could begin as early as this week, although the timing remains uncertain because several lawsuits are seeking... [Continue Reading]
California governor commutes all 548 death sentences amid ongoing debate over capital punishment
California Governor Gavin Newsom has commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on death row in the state, replacing them with life in prison without the possibility of parole. The announcement is being described as the largest mass clemency in United States history. It effectively clears California's death row, although the state has not executed a prisoner for 20 years.Newsom said he took the action because he believes state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values and undermines the legal system. In an open letter, he cited moral concerns, the high cost of capital punishment and the risk of human... [Continue Reading]
White House denies shake-up rumours as Hegseth faces backlash after Republican losses
The White House has denied reports that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio may leave their posts after Republican election losses. The denials came as speculation grew over whether the Trump administration could face a wider post-election shake-up. The row has centred on Hegseth in particular, amid criticism over his handling of the Iran war.US media reports said there were calls to replace Hegseth, with some Republicans blaming the conflict for heavy losses at the ballot box. One outgoing congressional Republican has threatened to force an impeachment vote against him as early as next week. Hegseth... [Continue Reading]
Turkiye ratifies Saudi-Pakistan defence pact as collective defence clause takes effect
Turkiye's parliament has ratified the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, formally bringing the pact into force on the Turkish side. The agreement includes a collective defence clause and language committing the signatories to use "all necessary means" if one of them is attacked. The vote adds a new security dimension to Turkiye's regional role at a time of continuing tensions in the Middle East.Lawmakers approved the pact on Thursday after a divided vote in the 592-seat chamber, with 279 in favour and 119 against, while 398 members took part. The parliament had already adopted Article 1... [Continue Reading]
Trump says Russia-Ukraine deal is close as Abu Dhabi talks approach
US President Donald Trump said a Russia-Ukraine agreement could be close after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, at the White House. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he believed the sides were "very close" to settling the war, but he declined to give details of his conversation. He also said any agreement could involve "more than Ukraine" and might extend to "all of Europe".The comments came after a diplomatic gathering hosted by First Lady Melania Trump that brought Russian and Ukrainian representatives together in Washington. That event was linked to a six-day local truce in... [Continue Reading]
Trump frames election reaction as a market shock and promises a stronger rebound
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The Stock Market suffered one of the Worst Days in History based on the results of the Election. It took so much work to get us to a level that no one has ever seen before, and then this. Your 401(k)s have, therefore, dropped. Remember, it wasn't Republicans, it was Dumocrats. Do not fear, however, we will soon, one way or the other, be BIGGER AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE. - "The vote totals for the Fake Dan Sullivan, plus the other "slug" that the Dems... [Continue Reading]
Trump Proclaims the Oval Office as a U.S. National Monument
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OVAL OFFICE NATIONAL MONUMENT Search Select Category All News Briefings & Statements All Presidential Actions Executive Orders Nominations & Appointments Presidential Memoranda Proclamations Fact Sheets Releases Remarks Research All Briefings & Statements Presidential Actions All Executive Orders Nominations & Appointments Presidential Memoranda Proclamations Fact Sheets Releases Remarks Research BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION The Oval Office stands as one of the most recognizable and historically significant spaces in the United States. Since its establishment in its present location and form during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it has served... [Continue Reading]
Tech and AI stocks plunge as Nasdaq loses $2.5tn after election-driven regulatory fears
Shares in major technology and artificial intelligence companies fell sharply on Thursday, deepening a market rout that wiped an estimated $2.5tn from the Nasdaq Composite. The selloff came as investors reacted to Democratic wins in key data-centre states and the prospect of tougher regulation on data centres and AI infrastructure. The losses also dragged down other major US indexes, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both closing lower.Nvidia fell more than 9%, while AMD and Micron each dropped by more than 17%. Intel was down 10.3%, and SanDisk plunged by more than 22%, underscoring how heavily exposed... [Continue Reading]
Trump escalates Iran nuclear rhetoric after midterm fallout
Trump said on Thursday that Iran will not be able to do anything on its nuclear programme without US approval, sharpening his language a day after linking the war with Iran to Republican losses in the midterm elections. Speaking in the Oval Office, he said he would prefer not to "destroy the rest of the country" but added that he might have to do so, and told reporters they would know more soon. The remarks came after he was asked about proposals from mediators on the future of Iran's nuclear programme.The president also repeated his view that the conflict was... [Continue Reading]
Houthi missile intercepted near Medina as Saudi warning issued around Yanbu
Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a ballistic missile launched toward the Medina region on Thursday, in the latest cross-border attack attributed to Yemen's Houthi movement. The announcement came shortly after civil defence authorities issued a warning about potential danger near Yanbu, on the Red Sea coast. Officials did not say whether the two alerts were directly connected.Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said in a post on X that air defence had "intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the Medina region." The warning in Yanbu was issued by the National Early Warning... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street closes sharply lower as AI, tech and cyclicals unwind, while gold and silver catch a safe-haven bid
Executive summary: U.S. equities ended the session under heavy pressure, led by a steep selloff in Nasdaq-linked technology and chip names. The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Russell 2000 all fell sharply, while gold, silver and palladium advanced as investors rotated toward defensive assets. The move was broad, with energy, autos, defence and crypto also under strain, even as a few pockets such as Amazon, Microsoft and banks held up better than the wider market. [Continue Reading]
Top US Justice Department civil rights official resigns as Congress prepares probes
The top official in charge of the United States Justice Department's civil rights division has resigned as Democrats prepare a new round of congressional investigations. Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on Thursday that Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon had stepped down. The departure comes just days after Democrats won both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.Blanche said in a social media post that he had accepted Dhillon's resignation. He described her as someone who had defended the civil liberties of Americans and enforced the law without fear or favor. Dhillon was confirmed to the post in April 2025 and... [Continue Reading]
Israel president poised to give Eisenkot first coalition mandate amid protests
President Isaac Herzog is expected to announce on Sunday whether former military chief Gadi Eisenkot will get the first chance to try to form Israel's next government. The decision follows last week's inconclusive election, which left neither Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition with a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Herzog has already held consultations with party leaders as part of the post-election process.The latest round of recommendations split along familiar lines. Eisenkot's Yashar party, together with the Together, Yisrael Beiteinu and Democrats parties, backed him for the mandate, while Likud, Otzma Yehudit, Religious Zionism and Shas supported Netanyahu. United... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Democrats seize Congress as Iran tensions, Ukraine diplomacy and markets swing
Democrats have taken control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm result, a major setback for Donald Trump and Republicans that party leaders said would let them rein in the president. Trump said he may work with Democrats, while Republicans began a reckoning over the losses and JD Vance blamed the outcome on Iran war politics and ties to Israel. 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗The result also reshaped the race for the White House and Congress in several states, with Democrats claiming a broader mandate and one of their gains coming in California's 22nd district, where... [Continue Reading]
British Ebola patient repatriated from DR Congo to UK hospital
A British health worker who tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now arrived in the United Kingdom for specialist treatment. The patient landed at RAF Northolt before being taken to the Royal Free Hospital in north London, according to the supplied report. It is the first confirmed case of a UK national infected in the current outbreak.The transfer took place under established procedures for high-risk infectious diseases, with a UK government spokesperson saying the risk to the public remains low. The patient has not been identified, but the report says he is a health worker.... [Continue Reading]
European Markets Close Higher as Metals Surge, Brent Slumps and Autos Lag
Executive summary: European equities finished higher across the board, led by France’s CAC 40 and supported by a sharp rally in precious metals. Gold pushed above $4,120 an ounce, silver also advanced, and platinum and palladium posted outsized gains. Brent crude fell sharply, while global autos underperformed, suggesting a market rotation that favored miners and defensive commodity exposure over energy-sensitive and cyclical names. [Continue Reading]
Russia places Japan Tobacco International's Russian operations under state control
Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed Japan Tobacco International's operations in Russia under state control, ordering their transfer by decree to a state-linked holding company. The move affects one of the country's largest cigarette producers and covers factories in St Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, the Lipetsk region and the Leningrad region. It marks a significant seizure of foreign corporate assets in Russia at a time of continuing tensions with countries that have imposed sanctions over the war in Ukraine.The decree transfers the business to AO Promyshlennye aktivy, according to the supporting material. JTI employs around 4,000 people in Russia and holds roughly... [Continue Reading]
Iran's new supreme leader consolidates power through private consultations
Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is being described as exercising authority through private consultations rather than public appearances, according to a fresh opinion analysis on the country's post-succession politics. The piece says a series of meetings in October with senior officials and military commanders points to a new decision-making system taking shape in Tehran. It adds that the consultations come as Iran weighs whether to pursue negotiations or renewed confrontation with the United States and Israel.The analysis says Khamenei has governed since succeeding his father in March through written statements and decrees, while avoiding public appearances and audio recordings.... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street Opens Mixed as Tech Slumps, Banks Rally and Gold Surges on Risk Rotation
Executive summary: U.S. markets opened with a sharp split between cyclicals and growth, as the Dow Jones rose +1.6% while the Nasdaq Composite fell -4.1% and the S&P 500 slipped -1.7%. The move was led by a steep drop in tech and chip proxies, a strong bid for banks, and a powerful rally in gold and silver, suggesting investors are rotating away from high-duration growth exposure and toward financials and hard assets. [Continue Reading]
Lyon strike march turns tense with clashes and tear gas
Tens of thousands of people marched through Lyon on Thursday as France's fourth nationwide strike day of the autumn continued to draw large crowds over pay and public services. The demonstration moved through the eastern centre of the city in a slow, noisy column, with banners and flares at the front. Tensions rose later near Pont Gallieni, where police said a group of around 500 black-clad demonstrators threw projectiles and fired fireworks.Authorities said 30,500 people took part in the march, while the CGT union put the figure at 55,000. Local officials had already restricted demonstrations across much of central Lyon... [Continue Reading]
Trump urges immediate transfer of Alaska vote totals to Republican candidate, effectively calling election over
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The vote totals for the Fake Dan Sullivan, plus the other "slug" that the Dems put on the Ballot, should be immediately given to the REAL Dan Sullivan, and the Election is over - He easily wins. There is no other fair solution!" - "Too bad the Senate has not yet approved the Sunshine Protection Act or, the I Don't Want to Change My Clocks Anymore Act. It's so dark outside, so early (Sunset was 5:06 P. Just a few days ago it was so nice... [Continue Reading]
South Korea seeks to expand Cheonghae naval mission closer to Hormuz Strait amid piracy rise
South Korea is moving ahead with a plan to extend its Cheonghae anti-piracy patrols from the Gulf of Aden toward waters near Oman, after officials said piracy off Somalia has increased this year. The defence ministry said the patrol area would reach waters near the port of Duqm, about 650 kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz, while remaining outside the strait itself. The proposal is part of a wider effort to protect shipping routes linked to South Korea's energy imports and merchant fleet.The ministry said 36 piracy incidents had been reported off Somalia so far this year, compared with 11... [Continue Reading]
Security officer killed in stabbing attack near Sri Lankan Embassy in Amman
A Jordanian security officer was killed and another was wounded in a stabbing attack in the capital, Amman, according to state security officials. The incident took place near the Sri Lankan Embassy, and authorities said the assailant was arrested after the attack. The Public Security Directorate described the killing as a terrorist attack and said the case is under investigation.Officials said the attacker used a sharp object and tried to seize the weapon of the officer who was killed. A second security officer intervened, and both the assailant and the second officer were injured, according to state-run television. The injured... [Continue Reading]
Oil falls below $100 as markets bet on possible Iran war de-escalation after U.S. midterm shift
Oil prices fell below $100 a barrel after Brent and West Texas Intermediate both dropped more than 8% in the previous session, as traders reacted to the Republican Party losing control of Congress in the U.S. midterm elections. The move reflected a growing market view that the political shift in Washington could increase the chances of a negotiated end to the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Brent closed at $94.62 a barrel and WTI at $88.12, both their lowest levels since 31 August.The decline came after the Republican defeat, which left President Donald Trump facing a Congress... [Continue Reading]
China warns of retaliation as EU weighs new trade defence tool
China's ambassador to the European Union has warned that Beijing would retaliate if Brussels adopts restrictive measures against Chinese interests. The warning comes as the European Commission considers a new trade defence instrument designed to respond more quickly to market disruption linked to imports. The proposal has been described as a fast-response mechanism that could limit access to the EU market in certain circumstances.Cai Run said China opposes what he called the politicisation of economic and trade issues, the stretching of security concepts, and the use of unilateral pressure. He added that if the EU insists on restrictive and discriminatory... [Continue Reading]
North Korea tells EU to 'mind its own business' over draft UN human rights resolution
North Korea has criticised the European Union after the bloc submitted a draft United Nations resolution on human rights in the country, according to state media reports on Thursday. Pyongyang told the EU to "mind its own business" and described the move as a politically motivated provocation. The dispute comes as the annual UN process on North Korea's rights record moves through the General Assembly system.The North Korean mission to the UN said the EU had again submitted a draft resolution that it said "flagrantly distorts" the human rights policy and situation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The... [Continue Reading]
A month after Yemen government offensive began, war of attrition takes hold
A month after Yemen's internationally recognised government launched a new offensive against Houthi fighters, the conflict appears to have settled into a war of attrition. The operation, announced on 5 October, was presented as an effort to retake territory held by the Houthis, including the capital, Sanaa. But the city has remained largely calm, apart from recurring air strikes, even as fighting continues in other parts of the country.The offensive, called Operation Dawn of Yemen, was launched by government forces backed by a Saudi Arabia-led coalition. According to the supporting report, the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have suffered... [Continue Reading]
US sanctions Indian and Turkish firms accused of aiding Iran's oil and airline networks
The United States has imposed sanctions on companies and individuals in India and Turkiye that it says helped Iran evade restrictions on its oil exports and airline operations. The Treasury Department announced the measures on Wednesday, saying the network used fake ship registries, false flags and other documentation to keep sanctioned tankers moving. It also said a Turkiye-based ground services company provided support to Iranian airlines that remain under US restrictions.According to the Treasury, the alleged network was run by Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid, who are based in Chandigarh in northern India. The department said... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Democrats seize Congress as Ukraine diplomacy and Iran tensions intensify
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the United States Congress after a sweeping midterm result, a major setback for President Donald Trump and Republicans. Party leaders said they would use their new strength to restrain Trump, while the result also handed Democrats a series of key wins in swing states and districts. 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗In California, Democrat Randy Villegas defeated Republican incumbent David Valadao in the 22nd congressional district, adding to the party's gains in the House. The broader result also prompted Trump to say he may work with Democrats, even as he renewed his push... [Continue Reading]
Europe Opens Higher as Oil Slumps, Gold Surges and Rate-Sensitive Assets Reprice
Executive summary: European equities opened firmly higher, led by France and broad gains across the region, as a sharp drop in Brent crude, a weaker dollar and a powerful rally in gold and other metals shaped early trading. The move points to a market that is pricing lower energy costs, stronger safe-haven demand and a softer macro backdrop for cyclicals, while autos lagged after the oil shock. [Continue Reading]
Tokyo Close: Nikkei Slides as Asia Splinters, Hong Kong Surges, Gold and Oil Swing Hard
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific trading ended with a sharp split, as Japan and South Korea sold off while Hong Kong and Australia advanced. The Nikkei 225 fell -5.5% and the Kospi dropped -9.3%, while the Hang Seng jumped +7.8% and the ASX 200 rose +1.9%. Commodities were equally active, with gold up +3.9% and WTI crude down -8.9%, a combination that points to a major rotation in risk appetite and sector leadership. [Continue Reading]
Israel opposition blames Netanyahu after Democrats win control of US Congress
Israeli opposition politicians have blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for weakening support for Israel in the United States after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. The comments came on Wednesday, a day after the US midterm vote, and followed a separate election in Israel a week earlier in which Netanyahu's right-wing coalition lost its parliamentary majority. The opposition says the result shows Israel cannot afford to keep Netanyahu in office.Yair Lapid, a former prime minister whose party is part of the bloc seeking to unseat Netanyahu, said the US outcome showed that Israel "cannot afford" for the prime... [Continue Reading]
Ireland supermarket fridge cyberattacks resolved after 13 SuperValu stores were affected
In Ireland, 13 SuperValu stores were affected by cyberattacks that disrupted supermarket fridges and freezers across Europe, forcing chilled and frozen food to be removed from sale. The company behind the chain, Musgrave, said the incident was resolved on Monday evening. Temperatures in some units reportedly rose as high as 50C, creating an immediate food-safety and stock-loss problem for the affected stores.The Irish National Cyber Security Centre said the latest cyber incident may be related to a known vulnerability. Reporting on the case said some of the affected stores used refrigeration controls supplied by Danish company Danfoss, which allow engineers... [Continue Reading]
Zelensky says 90-minute talks with US envoys as Abu Dhabi diplomacy advances
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he held a detailed 90-minute conversation with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as preparations intensified for a new round of diplomacy involving Ukraine, Russia and the United States. The talks are due to take place in Abu Dhabi on 10 and 11 November, and are being described as the first three-sided meetings since February. Zelensky made the comments while in Madrid, saying the negotiations must move forward quickly to end the war.The latest contacts also include a planned meeting at the White House involving representatives of Russia and Ukraine, to be hosted by... [Continue Reading]
Joshua Wong sentenced to 10 more years in Hong Kong national security case
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been sentenced to 10 more years in prison after pleading guilty to colluding with foreign powers under the city's national security law. The sentence was handed down on Thursday by a Hong Kong court, according to a court summary, and extends a prison term he was already serving. Wong, one of the best-known figures from Hong Kong's democracy movement, appeared in court wearing a dark blue shirt and black-rimmed glasses, and supporters gathered outside the building as the hearing took place.The court said Wong, 30, had pleaded guilty in September to seeking foreign... [Continue Reading]
Five Republican election deniers lose governor races in key US swing states
Five Republican candidates who questioned or tried to overturn the 2020 US presidential election have lost gubernatorial races in key battleground states. The defeats came in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Georgia, according to the reported results from Tuesday's vote. The losses are being seen as part of a broader Democratic surge in the midterm elections.The candidates included Congressman Andy Biggs in Arizona, Congressman John James in Michigan, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in Pennsylvania, Congressman Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin and billionaire Rick Jackson in Georgia. All five had previously cast doubt on, or taken steps against, Joe Biden's 2020 victory... [Continue Reading]
German politician Hubert Aiwanger found dead in Berlin hotel, police open investigation
Police in Berlin have opened an investigation after Hubert Aiwanger, the 55-year-old head of the Free Voters and Bavarian economy minister, was found dead in a hotel room in the Berlin-Mitte district. Authorities said the cause of death was not immediately clear and that they were examining the circumstances surrounding the discovery. They also said the inquiry would seek to rule out any possible third-party involvement.According to the police statement, Aiwanger was found dead in his hotel room on Wednesday. Police and prosecutors said they had opened a probe to determine the specific cause and circumstances of death. No further... [Continue Reading]
US midterm election results deliver major setback to Trump and Republicans
Democrats have won majorities in both chambers of the US Congress after a midterm election that delivered a sharp setback to President Donald Trump and his Republican Party. The results mean Republicans will lose control of Congress, according to the supplied reporting, marking a major shift in the balance of power in Washington. The outcome was described as a broad rebuke to Trump, with Democrats making gains in several states.The confirmed results cited so far show Democrats taking control of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The reporting also says the Republican defeat was heavy, with Vice President JD... [Continue Reading]
Bank of England expected to raise rates for first time in more than three years
The Bank of England is expected to raise interest rates on Thursday, in what would be the first increase in the benchmark rate for more than three years. Most analysts are forecasting a rise from 3.75% to 4%, a move that would increase borrowing costs for households and businesses while improving returns for savers. The announcement is due at 12:00 GMT, with markets also watching closely for any guidance on the future path of policy.The expected decision comes after the Monetary Policy Committee left rates unchanged at its last six meetings. The Bank rate has fallen from its 2023-24 peak... [Continue Reading]
Sudan and Ethiopia trade diplomatic expulsions amid border tensions
Ethiopia has ordered six Sudanese diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours and closed Sudan's consulate in the border town of Assosa, according to reports cited in the supplied material. The move marks a sharp escalation in the diplomatic dispute between the two neighbours. It comes after Sudan lodged official complaints against Ethiopia over accusations that Addis Ababa is backing the Rapid Support Forces.The reports say Ethiopian authorities summoned Sudan's ambassador on Sunday to announce the consulate closure, and that the staff left on Tuesday evening. A senior Ethiopian official was cited as saying the six consulate staff had... [Continue Reading]
Progressive Democrat Randy Villegas defeats Republican incumbent in California's 22nd district
Democratic candidate Randy Villegas has defeated Republican incumbent David Valadao in California's 22nd congressional district, in one of the state's closely watched House races. The result marks a notable win for the Democratic Party's progressive wing in the Central Valley. Villegas addressed supporters in Bakersfield on Tuesday evening after the race was called.Villegas, an educator who grew up in the Central Valley as the son of Mexican immigrants, framed his victory as a collective effort and called it a historic win for the region. His campaign focused heavily on the rising cost of living, healthcare cuts and immigration raids, themes... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win control of both chambers as Trump says he may work with them
Democrats have won control of both the House and the Senate in the latest U.S. midterm count, according to the supplied report from Washington. The result marks a major shift in the balance of power in Congress and comes as President Donald Trump publicly responded to the outcome. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, he said he would "probably get along" with Democrats.Trump also repeated his view that he would have won if his name had been on the ballot. In the same remarks, he again linked the election result to the war involving Iran and to gasoline prices. He said... [Continue Reading]
France pushes to strengthen Europe's naval power amid maritime threats
France is using this week's Euronaval defence exhibition near Paris to press for stronger European naval capabilities as attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and strikes on vessels in the Black Sea keep key maritime corridors under pressure. The event, held from 3 to 6 November, has drawn international delegations to what is described as the world's largest marine and naval defence trade show. French officials are presenting the gathering as part of a wider effort to reinforce strategic autonomy at sea.At the opening of the event, Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said France was renewing its attack submarines, frigates... [Continue Reading]
WHO approves trials for two new Ebola vaccines amid deadly outbreak in DR Congo
The World Health Organization has approved clinical trials for two additional Ebola vaccine candidates as health workers try to contain an outbreak in Africa that has killed more than 5,300 people. The new trials are being added to an existing study that began last month using the Ervebo vaccine, which is approved for Ebola virus but not for the Bundibugyo virus driving the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said expert groups recommended the new candidates after reviewing the situation.The two vaccines are ChAdOx1 BDBV, developed by the University of Oxford with the... [Continue Reading]
Democrats sweep U.S. midterms as markets open higher on hopes of policy shift
Democrats have swept the U.S. midterm elections, taking control of both chambers of Congress, according to the supplied reports. The result marks a clear political shift in Washington and comes as investors began reacting to the prospect of a different policy balance in the months ahead. U.S. markets opened higher after President Donald Trump said he would accept the outcome, easing some of the uncertainty that had surrounded the vote.The immediate market response was broad, with major indexes moving up at the open as traders assessed what the new congressional balance could mean for taxes, regulation and spending. The supplied... [Continue Reading]
Armenia says South Caucasus has a 'totally new global role' amid trade route push
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said the South Caucasus is taking on a "totally new global role" as regional leaders look to deepen connectivity and cooperation. Speaking during an interview at an enlargement summit on Tuesday, he said the region's countries have common interests despite their differences. He linked that shift to peace efforts, infrastructure links and a wider effort to position the region as a trade corridor.Pashinyan said Armenia's strategy is to diversify and balance its foreign relations in order to pursue national interests. He said the South Caucasus could develop common views and strategies that would open... [Continue Reading]
EU to discuss new measures against Georgia in January, Kallas says
EU foreign ministers will hold a deep-dive discussion in January on possible new measures against Georgia, according to the bloc's foreign policy chief. The planned review comes as the European Commission has published its annual progress reports on candidate countries, including a sharply critical assessment of Georgia. The report points to further democratic backsliding, new restrictions on civic space and a deterioration in fundamental rights.Kaja Kallas said the Georgian government was on a collision course with the European Union over democratic backsliding. She said the steps taken by the authorities were not moving in the right direction. Asked whether she... [Continue Reading]
Trump weakened after US midterms, raising concern over more erratic foreign policy
Democrats have swept the 2026 US midterm elections, taking control of both chambers of Congress and winning governorships across the country. The result is a major domestic setback for President Donald Trump and leaves him facing the final two years of his term with a weakened political position. The immediate question in Washington and European capitals is whether that loss of authority will make his foreign policy more unpredictable.The supporting material says the president was not on the ballot, but voters delivered a strong rebuke to his administration. It also says Trump now faces a hostile Congress, with Democrats gaining... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win US Congress in midterm upset as Republicans blame Trump
A new wave of reporting has added detail to the Democratic takeover of both chambers of the US Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. The result is being described as a historic setback for President Donald Trump and a sharp rebuke to Republicans after a campaign that ended with Democrats controlling the Senate and the House. The latest coverage also shows the political fallout beginning immediately inside the Republican Party.One of the clearest signs of that backlash came in the reaction to a magazine cover showing Trump with his mouth covered after the defeat. The image was published after Democrats... [Continue Reading]
UK Supreme Court hears appeal over Palestine Action proscription in London
The United Kingdom's Supreme Court has begun hearing an appeal challenging the government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The two-day hearing opened in London on Wednesday, drawing protesters outside the court as the case got under way. Police arrested demonstrators who gathered to oppose the ban.The appeal centres on the government's July decision last year to proscribe the direct action group under then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, has said she will argue that the ban has a disproportionate effect on freedom of speech and the right to protest. The group's... [Continue Reading]
World reacts as Democrats take control of both chambers of US Congress
Democrats have won control of both chambers of Congress in the United States midterm elections, triggering immediate reaction from foreign leaders and officials who are watching for possible changes in Washington. The result is being described as a major rebuke of President Donald Trump and his Republican Party. It also raises questions about how the new balance of power could affect US policy on Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war and trade.Iranian officials were among the first to respond, framing the result as a rejection of conflict. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament and chief negotiator in talks with the... [Continue Reading]
Spanish police arrest three in Seville province over suspected war weapons trafficking
Spanish police have arrested three people in Seville province over their alleged involvement in trafficking military-grade weapons. Officers seized an AK-47 assault rifle and an M80 anti-tank rocket launcher during the operation, both described as working order. Investigators said the weapons were allegedly intended for criminal groups linked to drug trafficking.According to the official account, the investigation began last June after officers identified a possible network involved in marketing this type of weaponry. The inquiry led police to several people based in Dos Hermanas, who were allegedly acting as intermediaries between suppliers and potential buyers. One of the main suspects... [Continue Reading]
US midterms deliver historic firsts as Democrats win control of Congress
The 2026 US midterm elections have produced a series of historic firsts alongside a major shift in control of Congress. Democrats won both the House of Representatives and the Senate, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump and his party. The result also opened the way for what would likely be the first Black speaker of the House.The election night tally brought several barrier-breaking victories into focus as results were confirmed across multiple states. Voters elected the country's first Black female governor, the first Native American female governor, the first Native female senator and the first openly gay male... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win control of both chambers in US midterms after key Republican seat flips
Democrats have won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the US midterm elections, according to results reported on Wednesday. The party secured a series of gains in Republican-held seats across Texas, South Carolina, Iowa, Michigan and Kansas, marking a significant setback for President Donald Trump and his party. Counting was still continuing in some races, but the outcome has already shifted control of Congress.The reported results show Democrats winning 228 seats in the House so far, with leads in 34 more races, according to the tally cited in the supplied material. In the Senate, Democrats... [Continue Reading]
Democrats gain ground in U.S. midterms as Texas Senate race is projected
James Talarico's victory in the Texas Senate race has been projected, adding to a broader Democratic showing in the U.S. midterm elections. Supporters reacted with cheers as the result was announced at an election-night gathering, where the mood was described as jubilant. If confirmed, it would make Talarico the first Democrat elected to the US Senate from Texas since 1988.The projection comes as Democrats are reported to have taken control of both chambers of Congress, marking a significant shift in Washington. In the Texas contest, supporters celebrated what they saw as a historic breakthrough in a state long dominated by... [Continue Reading]
Democrats sweep US midterm elections as gains widen in Congress
The Democratic Party has widened its midterm election gains in the United States, with new reporting indicating it is on course to control both chambers of Congress. An election expert said the party could secure the largest House majority in nearly two decades, adding that the Senate tally may reach 55 or 56 seats. The result marks a major shift in Washington and follows a night of unexpectedly strong Democratic performance across the country.The latest reporting highlights historic breakthroughs in states long considered difficult for Democrats, including Texas and Kansas, where the party won its first Senate victories in decades.... [Continue Reading]
Israeli forces withdraw from Hebron after 10-day siege, leaving widespread destruction
Israeli forces have withdrawn from neighbourhoods in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron after a 10-day siege, allowing thousands of displaced Palestinians to return home. Residents arriving back in Ein Deir Bahha, al-Jalda and other affected areas found extensive damage to homes and streets after the operation ended. Local officials said the withdrawal began on Monday morning, ending a period in which families had been barred from returning.Hebron Governor Khaled Dodin said families could finally access their properties after the soldiers left. About 3,300 Palestinians have now returned to their homes, according to the latest figures in the incident.... [Continue Reading]
Democrats retake US House and Senate in historic midterm sweep
Democrats have won control of both chambers of the US Congress in a sweeping midterm result that marks a major setback for President Donald Trump. The party retook the House of Representatives and flipped enough Senate seats to secure full legislative control in Washington, DC. The outcome was described in the supplied material as a historic rebuke of Trump and a shift that could shape the rest of his presidency.The result includes a breakthrough in South Carolina, where a Democrat will represent the state in the Senate for the first time in nearly 30 years. Democrats also flipped at least... [Continue Reading]
Florida Republicans fend off Democrats as state elects first black governor
Republicans in Florida have held off several high-profile Democratic challenges in a set of closely watched election results. The state also elected its first black governor, with Republican Byron Donalds projected to win the governorship. In a separate race, Republican Ashley Moody was projected to keep her Senate seat in the special election for the post once held by Marco Rubio.Donalds, who has served in Congress since 2021, was running to replace term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis. He had the backing of President Donald Trump and was at one point on the shortlist to be Trump's running mate in 2024. Moody,... [Continue Reading]
Troy Jackson wins Maine Senate seat as Susan Collins concedes after nearly three decades
Democrat Troy Jackson has won Maine's US Senate race, flipping a seat that Republicans had held for 30 years. Susan Collins conceded the contest early on Wednesday, bringing an end to nearly three decades in the chamber for the longtime Republican senator. The result marks one of the most closely watched races in the country and a notable shift in a state that has often been competitive at the federal level.Jackson, a former Maine Senate president and labour organiser, entered the race in July and built his campaign around economic concerns and government accountability. Collins, who has served in the... [Continue Reading]
Historic statewide wins mark breakthrough night for minority representation in US midterms
The US midterm vote delivered a series of historic statewide victories that marked a notable shift in representation across several states. Among the most significant outcomes, Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governor's race in Georgia, Chris Pappas won in New Hampshire, and Deb Haaland won in New Mexico. The results were part of a broader night of strong Democratic gains and several firsts for minority candidates.In Georgia, Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor of any US state, according to the reported result. She defeated billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson and returned the governor's office to Democrats after... [Continue Reading]
Democrats score historic statewide upset in Texas as Talarico and Hinojosa win
Democrat James Talarico has won a US Senate seat in Texas, defeating state attorney general Ken Paxton in a result described as a historic blow to Republicans. In a separate statewide contest, Democrat Gina Hinojosa unseated incumbent Governor Greg Abbott, according to the supplied report. The twin victories mark a major political shift in a state long regarded as a Republican stronghold.Talarico, a former schoolteacher, told supporters at a victory rally in Austin that his campaign had "defeated Goliath". He said the race had pitted his side against "the richest man in the world, the most powerful man in the... [Continue Reading]
North Korea fires missiles as it denies role in Binance crypto theft
South Korea said North Korea fired several missiles into the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, in a fresh weapons launch from the Sondok area on the country's eastern coast. The launch came hours after Pyongyang rejected allegations that it was behind the theft of more than $6bn in crypto assets from Binance. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had detected the missiles and that South Korean and US authorities were analysing the details.The missile launch was the fourth such weapons test by North Korea in a month, according to the South Korean military. It followed a statement from... [Continue Reading]
Democrats regain control of the US Senate as Texas delivers major upset
Democrats have regained control of the US Senate after projected wins in a series of closely fought midterm races across several states. The latest and most striking result came in Texas, where James Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton in what was described as a major upset. The outcome adds to a broader Democratic sweep that has shifted control of Congress.Talarico's victory is the first time a Democrat has won a US Senate seat in Texas since 1988. He campaigned on the rising cost of living and emerged from relative obscurity to become a central figure in the race. The contest... [Continue Reading]
Kansas elects Democrat Adam Hamilton to Senate seat in historic upset
Democrat Adam Hamilton has won a US Senate seat in Kansas, according to media projections, unseating Republican incumbent Roger Marshall in a race that marks the first Democratic Senate victory in the state since 1932. The result is a significant political upset in a state long regarded as a Republican stronghold. It also comes after Donald Trump campaigned in Kansas for Marshall shortly before the vote.Hamilton, a Methodist pastor and founder of a large United Methodist church, ran as a moderate and kept his distance from national party leaders. He had previously been registered as a Republican and at one... [Continue Reading]
South Carolina elects Democratic senator for first time in almost three decades
Democrat Annie Andrews is projected to have won South Carolina's Senate race, in what would be the party's first victory in the state in 28 years. The former paediatrician was on course to defeat Republican candidate Darline Graham in Tuesday's midterm elections, according to projections cited by the BBC's US partner CBS. If confirmed, the result would mark a significant political shift in a state that has been firmly Republican in recent federal elections.Graham was appointed to the seat in July after the sudden death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, and entered the race with the backing of President... [Continue Reading]
Ohio elects Amy Acton governor as Sherrod Brown returns to the Senate
Democrat Amy Acton has been elected governor of Ohio, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in a race that drew national attention. The result makes her the first woman ever elected to the office and the first Democrat to become governor of the state since 2006. In a separate statewide contest, Democrat Sherrod Brown defeated Republican Jon Husted to return to the US Senate.The governor's race was one of the most expensive of the cycle, with spending topping an unprecedented $100m. Acton, a physician who served as outgoing Republican Governor Mike DeWine's top health official, faced repeated criticism over her handling of... [Continue Reading]
Democrats win surprise Senate pickups in North and South Carolina
Democrats have won surprise Senate races in North Carolina and South Carolina, according to projections from multiple outlets, in a result that strengthens their path to control of the chamber in the US midterm elections. The two victories came as Republicans went into Tuesday holding a 53-47 majority and needing to defend several seats across the country. The results were described as a setback for President Donald Trump and his party in a contest that remains close overall.In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper was projected to defeat Trump-backed Republican Michael Whatley, giving Democrats a crucial pickup in a state that... [Continue Reading]
Keisha Lance Bottoms elected Georgia governor, making US history
Keisha Lance Bottoms has won the Georgia governor's race, becoming the first Black woman elected governor in the United States. The Democrat defeated Republican Rick Jackson in a contest that drew national attention because of its scale, its spending and its historic outcome. Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor and adviser to former US President Joe Biden, will succeed outgoing Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is leaving office in January because of term limits.The result was reported after a campaign in which Jackson spent more than $200m of his personal fortune in an effort to win the state. Bottoms was helped... [Continue Reading]
Ossoff projected to hold Georgia Senate seat as midterm picture takes shape
Jon Ossoff is projected to hold Georgia's US Senate seat, defeating Republican challenger Mike Collins in one of the first major midterm calls of the night. The result keeps the closely watched swing state in Democratic hands and adds to the early picture emerging from the election. Georgia remains one of the most politically important battlegrounds in the country, and the race was being watched for its possible effect on control of Congress.According to the supplied reporting, Ossoff made the rising cost of living a central issue in his campaign, while Collins blamed inflation on former President Joe Biden and... [Continue Reading]
UN elects five judges to International Court of Justice amid record caseload
The United Nations has elected five judges to the International Court of Justice after several rounds of voting at UN headquarters in New York. The election filled all five available seats on the 15-member bench, with the final post decided only after additional ballots. The judges will serve nine-year terms at the world court, which is based in The Hague.Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, Francois Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan, Rena Lee of Singapore and Phoebe Okowa of Kenya were chosen by the General Assembly and the Security Council. Candidates needed an absolute majority in both... [Continue Reading]
Jon Ossoff wins Georgia US Senate race, securing second term
Democratic US Senator Jon Ossoff has won re-election in Georgia, securing a second term in one of the most closely watched contests of the midterm cycle. He defeated Republican Congressman Mike Collins in a race that carried major significance for control of the Senate. The result gives Democrats a key seat as they try to retake the chamber.Ossoff, who has served in the Senate since 2021, campaigned on affordability, healthcare and government accountability. Collins focused on the president's agenda, immigration enforcement and reducing the size of government. With 38% of votes counted, Ossoff was ahead with 63% and Collins had... [Continue Reading]
US Justice Department expands Alaska Senate election probe as target letters are sent
The US Justice Department has expanded its investigation into allegations tied to Alaska's US Senate race, sending target letters to several people, including attorney Marc Elias. The move marks a new stage in a politically charged probe that has focused on claims that Democrats backed a spoiler candidate to confuse voters. The investigation is unfolding as the state's Senate contest remains pivotal in the fight for control of the chamber.Elias said in a statement that he was being targeted on Election Day and rejected the inquiry as a sham investigation. Federal prosecutors have told recipients of the letters that they... [Continue Reading]
Second Northern Territory teenager charged in terrorism-material investigation
Police in Australia's Northern Territory have arrested a second teenager as part of an ongoing counterterrorism investigation into alleged terrorism-related documents and online discussions. A Joint Counter Terrorism Team spokesperson said material seized from a home in the Top End yesterday allegedly included content showing a mixed ideological motivation, including glorification of mass casualty attacks at schools. The teenager has been charged and is due to appear before the NT Youth Justice Court today.The case follows an earlier arrest last week involving another Top End teenager, who was charged with collecting documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act and possessing... [Continue Reading]
US midterm elections enter key vote-count phase as polls close in six states
Another round of polls closed at 7pm ET in six states, including Florida, Georgia, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia, as the US midterm elections moved deeper into the vote-count phase. Voters are deciding the balance of power in Congress for President Donald Trump's final two years in office. The results will determine which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate.The latest round of closures adds to a contest in which 35 Senate seats and all 435 House seats are on the ballot. Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats to the Democrats' 45, with two independents, while... [Continue Reading]
First polls close in US midterm elections as results begin to come in
The first polls have now closed in the 2026 US midterm elections, marking the start of the count in a contest that will decide control of Congress. Results are beginning to come in from Kentucky, including the state's 6th congressional district, one of the first closely watched races to report. The vote is being followed closely because all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats are on the ballot.In Kentucky's 6th district, polls closed at 6pm local time, or 23:00 GMT, after a day of voting across the country. The district includes Lexington, the state's second-largest city, and is being... [Continue Reading]
Yemen accuses IRGC and Hezbollah of sending 21 experts to aid Houthis
Yemen's internationally recognised government has accused Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Lebanon's Hezbollah of sending 21 experts to help the Houthis plan and direct military operations. The allegation was made by Interior Minister Major-General Ibrahim Haidan in a statement on Tuesday. He said the foreign personnel are helping build the group's military capabilities.According to the ministry, 14 of the experts are from the IRGC and seven are from Hezbollah. The statement said they are deployed across Hodeidah, Sanaa, Saada, Hajjah, Amran and the coastal city of Khokha. It described their roles as including command and control, ballistic missiles, drones,... [Continue Reading]
Greenland parliament approves trilateral security deal with the United States and Denmark
Greenland's parliament has approved a trilateral security agreement with Denmark and the United States, formalising a deal signed in September by the three leaders. Lawmakers passed the measure 16-0 on Tuesday, with seven abstentions, in a vote that underscores the island's growing strategic role in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The agreement comes after months of negotiations and follows a period of heightened tension over Greenland's future and its resource potential.The deal was signed in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly by US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister... [Continue Reading]
Montenegro rejects 'second-class' EU membership as it eyes 2028 accession
Montenegro's EU minister has rejected any model of "second-class" membership in the European Union, saying the country wants full accession rather than a prolonged transition arrangement. Maida Gorčević made the comments at the Euronews Enlargement Summit in Brussels, where she said Montenegro still aims to join the bloc by 2028. She also said the government believes all negotiating chapters can be closed this year.Gorčević said Montenegro was open to additional safeguards for new members if they strengthen the EU and future membership rules. But she drew a clear line against a system that would leave a new member with fewer... [Continue Reading]
Trump says US will stop $4 billion in aid to Israel after year-end, amid questions over funding stream
US President Donald Trump said the United States will stop $4 billion in funding to Israel after the end of this year, saying the arrangement was agreed months ago with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He made the remarks in a television interview and said Israel no longer needed the money. Trump also said Washington would still help Israel if needed, but did not explain what form that support would take.The comments add a new detail to an already significant policy statement, but key questions remain unresolved. Trump said the deal was made with Netanyahu, yet there was no immediate... [Continue Reading]
Syria says it foiled plot against Homs oil refinery
Syrian security forces say they have foiled a plot targeting the Homs oil refinery in central Syria and arrested two people they link to Hezbollah. The General Intelligence Service said the operation was carried out with the Internal Security Forces. It said explosive devices were seized during what it described as a pre-emptive security operation.The service identified the two detainees only by their initials, M S and B Sh. It did not give the exact time or location of the arrests. It said the devices found in their possession had been prepared to carry out the alleged plot.Hezbollah denied the... [Continue Reading]
Rama warns Serbia's new leaders are unlikely to recognise Kosovo
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has said Serbia's new leadership is unlikely to change its refusal to recognise Kosovo, keeping one of the Balkans' most persistent disputes at the centre of the region's EU path. He made the remarks at the Enlargement Summit in Brussels, where he said the Student List, which won Serbia's recent election, remained unwilling to discuss recognition. Rama said that meant the position in Belgrade would not change.Rama described recognition of Kosovo as the "dearest subject" for Albanians and said the Serbian student movement, like most political forces in the country, still views Kosovo as an... [Continue Reading]
Moldova suspects state actor behind major cyberattack on government databases
Moldova says a major cyberattack has hit government databases, with authorities suspecting a state actor was behind the breach. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the attacks targeted civic registration systems and forced him to cancel a planned trip to Brussels. He joined the Enlargement Summit by video link instead, as officials dealt with the fallout from the incident.Tofan said hackers gained access to citizens' personal identification numbers and that about 750,000 data sets were extracted from the databases. He said authorities had received early warnings about the attacks, but stopped short of naming any suspect. The prime minister said the... [Continue Reading]
Poland says it foiled attempted provocation near Russian border as security operation continues
Poland says it prevented an attempted provocation overnight near its border with Russia's Kaliningrad exclave, after security forces reported suspicious movement shortly after midnight. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said individuals carrying flashlights were seen in the border area, but no incident was allowed to develop. He said the authorities acted quickly once the Border Guard passed on the alert.Tusk said police, the military, border guards and intelligence services have been carrying out additional security activity in Poland's north-east, including the Warmia-Masuria and Podlaskie regions. He also said extra police and other troops, including counter-terrorism units, had recently been sent to... [Continue Reading]
China steps up Gulf diplomacy as Trump-Xi meeting approaches
China has stepped up its diplomatic engagement with Gulf and regional leaders, with senior officials holding a series of meetings in Beijing. President Xi Jinping hosted Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on a state visit, while Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Saudi Arabia's national security adviser, Musaad bin Mohammed Al Aiban, and Iran's deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Bagheri Kani. The activity comes as Beijing seeks to project influence in the Middle East ahead of a planned meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Shenzhen later this month.According to a Chinese... [Continue Reading]
Florida Learjet crash as investigators say jet may have broken apart before impact
Investigators in Florida say parts of a private jet may have broken off before it crashed and killed all nine people on board. The Learjet 60 came down on Military Trail in Palm Beach, a six-lane road lined with businesses and restaurants, after departing Austin, Texas and heading for the Bahamas. The aircraft nosedived into the roadway and exploded on impact, leaving a large crater and scattering debris across the surrounding area.The National Transportation Safety Board said weather conditions will be a major focus of the inquiry, and officials said severe storms complicated access to the wreckage. Heavy rainfall and... [Continue Reading]
UK cyber chief warns AI-boosted attacks on critical infrastructure could emerge within two years
Britain could face AI-boosted attacks on critical national infrastructure within the next two years, according to a warning from the National Cyber Security Centre. The warning comes as the agency says hostile states and ransomware actors are increasingly likely to use artificial intelligence to scale their operations. Dr Richard Horne, the centre's chief executive, is due to set out the assessment as part of the organisation's annual report.The report says hackers demanding ransom payments are highly likely to weaponise AI in the UK. It also names hostile states including Russia and China as actors expected to use the technology to... [Continue Reading]
UK and EU reach draft food trade agreement ahead of November summit
Britain and the European Union are reported to have reached a draft agreement on food and agriculture trade, in a move that could ease checks on exports across the Channel. The reported deal would replace current post-Brexit arrangements if it is finalised at the planned UK-EU summit on 20 November. It is expected to be closely watched in Northern Ireland and Ireland, where trade arrangements have remained politically sensitive since Brexit.According to the report, the draft would cover sanitary and phytosanitary rules, the standards used to regulate food, plants and animal products. Under the proposed arrangement, the EU would drop... [Continue Reading]
Britain and France lead Poland exercise rehearsing Ukraine deployment as details firm up
The first major exercise of the Multinational Force Ukraine is due to run in Poland from November 9 to 22, with Britain and France leading the drill. The exercise, called Koalicja, will bring together 2,800 personnel from 11 nations and is intended to test how a multinational force could support Ukraine after the war ends. It is being presented as a practical rehearsal for logistics, air support and wider security guarantees rather than a combat mission.About 300 British troops will take part, including soldiers from the Army's 7 Brigade, known as the Desert Rats. RAF Typhoons and a Voyager refuelling... [Continue Reading]
Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia postponed until December amid regional security concerns
The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, moving the tournament from January to December 2027 because of regional conflict and disruption linked to attacks on the host country. The 24-team competition, which had been due to begin in Riyadh on 7 January 2027, will now start on 23 December 2027 and finish on 21 January 2028. The decision affects one of Asia's biggest football tournaments and comes after weeks of uncertainty over whether the event could proceed as planned.The AFC said the change followed extensive discussions with the Local Organising Committee for the AFC... [Continue Reading]
Papua New Guinea police investigate artillery projectile found at Port Moresby wharf
Police in Papua New Guinea are investigating after a large shell-shaped object was found in a commercial shipping container at a major wharf in Port Moresby. Officers and military explosives specialists secured the item and removed it for analysis after it was identified as a suspected artillery projectile. Four Chinese nationals were arrested and taken into custody on Friday in connection with the discovery.A police report seen by investigators identified the object as an undetonated 130mm Chinese Type 59 artillery projectile containing chemical explosives and a fuse. The report said the device weighed 32 kilograms and was examined using an... [Continue Reading]
North Korea rebuts Binance hack allegations amid missile launch
North Korea has publicly rejected allegations that it was behind a reported $6 billion theft from the cryptocurrency platform Binance, while also carrying out a test launch of strategic cruise missiles. The denial came from Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, who described the FBI's claim as a grave political provocation. The missile test was reported separately as part of a new display of the country's weapons capabilities.The FBI said on Saturday that a North Korea-affiliated hacking group called TraderTraitor was responsible for the Binance theft. Kim Yo Jong dismissed the allegation as absurd rhetoric and... [Continue Reading]
US urges Venezuela to continue phased democratic transition plan after Rubio-Blanco meeting
The United States has urged Venezuela to continue a phased plan covering economic recovery, political reconciliation and a democratic transition, following talks in Washington between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco. The meeting took place on Monday and focused on Venezuela's political future. Neither Rubio nor Blanco spoke publicly after the talks.According to a State Department readout, Washington reaffirmed President Donald Trump's three-phase plan for Venezuela: stabilization, economic recovery and political reconciliation, and democratic transition. The readout said the approach is intended to move the country toward democratic elections. The discussion came as the US... [Continue Reading]
HRW warns of post-election crackdown in Zambia after disputed August vote
Human Rights Watch has called on Zambia's authorities to halt what it described as an intensifying crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, lawyers and government critics after the disputed August election. The rights group said the post-election climate has included arrests, disappearances, beatings and threats, with the pressure continuing in recent months. It said the pattern has created a chilling effect on civic and political activity.In a report released on Sunday, the organisation said Zambian police and military forces had forcibly disappeared, arbitrarily detained, beaten and threatened opposition members and supporters, as well as lawyers, journalists and critics, in the days... [Continue Reading]
Trump moves to remove South Africa and Rwanda from Agoa trade programme
US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of his intention to remove South Africa and Rwanda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a preferential trade programme that allows eligible African countries to export thousands of products to the United States duty-free. The proposed change would take effect on 1 January 2027, according to the notice. The move affects two countries with already strained relations with Washington and could alter their access to a key trade arrangement.US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said an annual review had found both countries were engaging in practices inconsistent with Agoa's eligibility requirements. He said... [Continue Reading]
US petrol prices dip ahead of midterms as voters eye costs
Petrol prices in the United States have eased ahead of the midterm elections, offering some relief to drivers even as fuel costs remain elevated. The national average for regular petrol stood at $4.17 a gallon on Monday, according to the American Automobile Association, which tracks daily prices. Diesel prices also fell slightly, to $6.29 a gallon, but remain high by recent standards.The latest figures show regular petrol down 12 cents from a week earlier and 23 cents lower than a month ago. A year ago, the average price was $3.04 a gallon, while it was $2.98 on February 28, when... [Continue Reading]
Cyber-attack disables supermarket freezers across several European countries
A cyber-attack has disrupted refrigeration and freezer systems in dozens of supermarkets across several European countries, forcing large amounts of food to be thrown away. The incident has affected stores in Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia and Finland. In Belgium, some of the worst damage was reported at Delhaize stores, including a branch in Hoeilaart, just outside Brussels.The scale of the disruption appears to be significant, with about 40 Delhaize supermarkets affected in Belgium and Luxembourg alone. At the Hoeilaart branch, frozen pizzas and ice cream were among the food items that had to be scrapped after the... [Continue Reading]
US oil firms post more than $130bn in profits as Iran war drives up energy prices
United States oil and gas companies have reported more than $130bn in profits during the war on Iran, according to an estimate cited in the supplied material. The gains come as consumers in the United States and elsewhere face higher prices for petrol, diesel and other energy products. The report links the surge in earnings to tighter global energy supplies and disruption affecting Gulf and Russian flows.The estimate is described as a conservative calculation based on the performance of 51 large US oil and gas companies over the six months from April through September. In the same period in 2025,... [Continue Reading]
Israel extends Al Jazeera ban for another 90 days, network says
Al Jazeera Media Network says Israeli authorities have extended a ban on its operations in Israel for another 90 days. The move covers the suspension of its broadcasts, the closure of its offices and restrictions on access to its websites and digital platforms. The network said the decision amounts to an assault on press freedom and the public's right to information.According to the network, a court in Tel Aviv approved the extension last week after the Israeli government decided to prolong the ban. In a statement on Monday, Al Jazeera said it categorically rejected the allegations used to justify the... [Continue Reading]
Wizz Air flight diverted to Budapest after bomb threat
A Wizz Air passenger flight from London Luton to Sofia was diverted to Budapest on Monday after a bomb threat was received mid-air. The aircraft was escorted by a Hungarian fighter jet before making an emergency landing at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Authorities then carried out security checks on the plane and passengers.The airline said the inspection was completed and nothing was found. It added that the aircraft would depart again shortly after the checks were finished. Hungarian Defence Minister Romulusz Ruszin-Szendis said Hungary provided the fighter jet escort after the threat was reported, and that police took over... [Continue Reading]
UK Royal Navy intercepts Russian vessels in British waters as monitoring continues
Royal Navy ships and helicopters have intercepted and tracked three Russian vessels in British waters, including in the English Channel and around Scottish waters. The operation involved monitoring a Russian intelligence-gathering ship, a frigate and a landing ship as they moved close to UK waters over several weeks. The latest details add clearer timing and attribution to an already developing maritime security operation.According to the supplied report, Merlin helicopters tracked the intelligence ship Viktor Leonov from September 29 to October 8 while it monitored NATO allied training from the outer Hebrides. A Royal Navy destroyer, Dauntless, was also tasked with... [Continue Reading]
Fresh cyberattack wave disrupts supermarket refrigeration across Belgium, Luxembourg and Sweden
Supermarket refrigeration systems in Belgium, Luxembourg and Sweden were disrupted early on Monday in what companies described as an apparent cyberattack. Stores reported sudden temperature spikes in fridges and freezers, raising concerns about food safety and operational continuity. The incidents affected several retail groups at the same time and appeared to target cooling equipment rather than checkout or payment systems.Ahold Delhaize and Colruyt said an overnight IT incident affected dozens of stores in Belgium and Luxembourg. In Sweden, ICA and Coop reported similar temperature spikes, and one store said it had been hit by a cyberattack. Carrefour Belgium also reported... [Continue Reading]
British Airways to resume London Heathrow-Dubai flights after eight-month suspension
British Airways is set to resume its London Heathrow-Dubai service on Tuesday, ending an eight-month suspension linked to regional air-travel disruption after the Iran war. The airline will restart with one daily flight to Dubai International Airport, marking a return to one of its major long-haul routes. The move comes after flights were grounded following US-Israeli strikes in late February.The route is due to reopen on November 3, with one-way fares in November reported as low as £329. British Airways plans to increase capacity further, with frequency expected to rise to two departures a day by summer 2027. The resumption... [Continue Reading]
Yemeni government forces press counteroffensive in al-Jawf amid Operation Dawn of Yemen
Yemeni government forces are pressing a counteroffensive in Al-Jawf Governorate, focusing on strategic heights east of the provincial capital, al-Hazm. The operation is part of Operation Dawn of Yemen, the government campaign launched last month to reverse Houthi territorial gains. The latest movement on the ground underscores how Al-Jawf has become a new focal point in the war.A field commander identified as Colonel Rabie Al-Qurashi said government forces had taken full control of the Huwaishan mountain range east of al-Hazm. He said the area forms the first line of Houthi defence on the eastern axis and that holding the rugged... [Continue Reading]
Severe storms and large hail hit south-east Queensland as warnings remain in place
Dangerous thunderstorms swept across south-east Queensland on Monday night, bringing large hail, heavy rain and the risk of flash flooding to several communities. The storms affected areas from north of Maryborough to northern New South Wales, with hail reported on roads in Maryborough and heavy rainfall recorded further south. Warnings remained in place late on Monday for parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett, and the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.The Bureau of Meteorology said more than 50 millimetres of rain fell in 30 minutes at Cooroy on the Sunshine Coast, underlining the intensity of the... [Continue Reading]
Record early voting tops 53.6 million ahead of U.S. midterm elections
More than 53.6 million Americans had already voted early ahead of Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections, according to figures released on Sunday by the Election Lab at the University of Florida. The total has already surpassed the roughly 46 million early votes recorded across the full 2022 midterm cycle. The final stretch of early voting ended in some states, including New York, as the country moved into the last days before election day.The data showed that about 29.8 million ballots had been cast in person by midday on Sunday, while 23.9 million had been sent by mail. The figures also suggested... [Continue Reading]
Ryanair weighs temporary pay freeze as fuel costs jump after Iran conflict
Ryanair is considering a temporary wage freeze for staff after a sharp rise in fuel costs linked to the US-Israel war with Iran. The airline said the increase has created a significant short-term cost shock and that it expects European airfares to rise as carriers try to recover some of the expense. It said the pressure on fuel prices could continue well into 2027 unless there is a swift resolution to the conflict.The carrier said its fuel bill is forecast to be €2bn higher in the short term, a figure that underlines the scale of the pressure on its operating... [Continue Reading]
Bangladesh garment factory protests disrupt industrial hubs for third day over wages
Workers in Bangladesh's garment sector continued protests for a third day on Monday, disrupting hundreds of factories across several industrial hubs as they demanded higher pay amid rising inflation. The unrest has spread through Mirpur in Dhaka, as well as Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur, with a heavy police presence reported in the capital's industrial areas. About 500 factories were temporarily shuttered after the demonstrations began on Saturday.Police used tear gas and sound grenades as thousands of workers took to the streets, according to the supplied report. The protests are centred on demands for a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka,... [Continue Reading]
Binance users withdraw $3.6bn after record crypto hack as services resume in phases
Binance said it processed $4.649 billion in withdrawals and $1.01 billion in deposits between 06:00 and 15:30 GMT on 1 November, leaving a net outflow of about $3.64 billion after the exchange reopened. The company said the initial spike in withdrawals later eased and that flows were stabilising as expected. It added that withdrawals of more than two dozen major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, had resumed.The exchange said the hack affected $6.3 billion worth of digital assets and that it had covered around 95% of the stolen funds, with the remainder likely to take longer to source. Binance said... [Continue Reading]
Trump closes out campaign rallies in Iowa and Kansas ahead of Tuesday's elections
US President Donald Trump ended his midterm campaign push with rallies in Iowa and Kansas on Sunday, as both parties entered the final stretch before Tuesday's elections. He appeared first in Dubuque, Iowa, and later in Salina, Kansas, where Republicans are facing strong competition from Democratic candidates. The events were presented as the closing stops in a campaign that has taken Trump across the country since the start of October.According to the supplied report, Trump told supporters in Iowa that Republicans were close to sweeping victories and urged them to elect "America first" Republicans across the ballot. In Kansas, Air... [Continue Reading]
Western Sahara UN mission ends as liquidation phase begins after mandate expiry
The United Nations has confirmed that its peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara has ended after the Security Council failed to renew its mandate. The mission, known as MINURSO, entered a liquidation phase on 1 November, with assets being returned to troop-contributing countries. The development marks the close of a 35-year UN presence in a disputed territory where the political process remains unresolved.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he remained concerned about the security situation across the territory and the risk of hostilities escalating. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said Guterres had urged all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that... [Continue Reading]
Israeli strikes in Gaza kill eight as ceasefire violence continues
Medics and the Hamas-run interior ministry said Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip killed eight people in two separate attacks on Sunday, local time. Five police officers were killed in western Khan Younis in the south, while three people died in Gaza City. Local hospitals said they received the bodies and several wounded people after the strikes.The Israeli military said it struck several militants in Khan Younis, but did not immediately provide further details. It did not comment on the Gaza City strike in the material supplied. The reported deaths come as Israel has stepped up strikes in recent weeks,... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine air raid app hacked again as false radiation alerts spread to Kyiv and Lviv region
Ukraine's air raid alert app was apparently hacked on Sunday evening, sending a series of false emergency warnings to users in Kyiv and prompting concern in other parts of the country. The messages briefly told people there was a radiation threat, followed by alerts about a nuclear attack, a chemical attack and street fighting. Officials said the incident appeared to be hostile interference with a system that is normally used to warn civilians about real air raids and other emergencies.The Ukrainian Air Force said the app had probably been subjected to hostile interference and stressed that there was no radiation... [Continue Reading]
Canada and US signal progress on trade deal talks as midterms loom
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said talks with US President Donald Trump made progress toward a future Canada-US trade deal. The announcement came on Sunday, two days before the November 3 US midterm elections, and follows months of strain between the two neighbours over tariffs. Carney said the two sides had held a good conversation about the future of Canada-US trade.According to Carney, teams from both countries will work in the coming weeks to deliver an outcome. He said the latest discussion builds on recent constructive talks on the outlines of a mutually beneficial trade deal. Trump also said... [Continue Reading]
Bulgaria runoff exit polls put Iotova ahead amid Black Sea security concerns
Exit polls from Bulgaria's presidential runoff show acting president Iliana Iotova ahead of challenger Andrey Gyurov, with three polls putting her on about 51% against roughly 44% for her rival. If the result is confirmed when official counting is completed on Monday, Iotova would become Bulgaria's first elected female president. The presidency is largely ceremonial, but the result would still carry political significance in a country watching both domestic politics and regional security closely.The vote took place on Sunday, with exit polls indicating turnout of about 27% to 29%, slightly higher than the first round last week, which had a... [Continue Reading]
Israel opens diplomatic ties with Somaliland in Hargeisa ceremony
Israel's first ambassador to Somaliland has presented his credentials in Hargeisa, in a ceremony that also saw officials lay the cornerstone for an Israeli embassy. The events were formally announced by Israel's Foreign Ministry on Sunday, which said they took place last week. The move marks a visible step in the diplomatic relationship between Israel and the breakaway territory.According to the confirmed details, the ceremony was held in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, and involved President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, and Ambassador Michael Lotem. Cirro described the occasion as a historical day and said it was the first... [Continue Reading]
Russia detains teenager over alleged Moscow park attack plot after US warning
Russian authorities say they have detained a teenager suspected of planning an attack at the Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve in Moscow after receiving a warning from the United States. The case centres on a popular palace and park complex in southern Moscow that was briefly closed after the alert. Russian security services said the detention followed a tip-off and a search of the suspect's home.According to the material provided, the Federal Security Service said the suspect is a Russian citizen and that investigators found clothing and accessories matching images the teenager had posted online. The FSB also said the suspect's phone... [Continue Reading]
Serbia arrests police chief over abuse-of-office allegations
Serbian authorities have arrested the head of the country's criminal police directorate, Marko Kricak, on suspicion of abuse of office and dereliction of duty. A second senior officer, Bosko Sekulovic, who heads the police unit responsible for fighting organised crime, was also detained on Sunday. Prosecutors said the case is being handled in Belgrade and insisted it has no connection to the legislative elections held a week earlier.Belgrade chief prosecutor Nenad Stefanovic said the two men are suspected of abusing their positions and failing to carry out their duties, causing prejudice and serious harm to the rights of former police... [Continue Reading]
Switzerland reopens diplomatic office in North Korea as Cassis visits Pyongyang
Switzerland has formally reopened its diplomatic office in North Korea, adding a new step to a rare channel of contact between Pyongyang and a Western European state. The office resumed operations on 19 October and was formally reopened as Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis became the first Swiss foreign minister to visit North Korea since 2003. Cassis travelled to Pyongyang on 29 and 30 October before continuing on to Seoul.The Swiss foreign ministry said the visit was intended to restore direct political dialogue with North Korea and maintain contact with both sides of the divided peninsula. Cassis met North Korean Foreign... [Continue Reading]
India opposition rallies in New Delhi over voter-roll changes and election chief
Thousands marched through New Delhi on Sunday demanding the resignation of India's chief election commissioner over changes to voter lists that opposition parties say favour Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party. The protest was led by Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress and formed part of more than a month of demonstrations over the revision of electoral rolls. It is the latest flashpoint in a dispute that has put election administration at the centre of national politics.Opposition leaders say the removal of more than 130 million names from draft rolls has disproportionately affected Muslims and other minorities, who are... [Continue Reading]
More than 300 arrested at Palestine Action support protest outside US embassy in London
Police in London arrested 325 people during a protest outside the US embassy in Nine Elms on Saturday, after demonstrators gathered in support of the banned group Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police said the majority of those detained were arrested for expressing support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. Officers continued making arrests into the evening as the crowd remained outside the embassy.The force said 320 of the arrests were linked to support for a proscribed organisation. Protesters held signs reading phrases including: "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." Some demonstrators were carried away by officers after... [Continue Reading]
Iran warns of geographically unrestricted response if US attacks again
Iran's supreme leader has warned that any renewed US or allied attack would be met with an immediate response that would be both impactful and geographically unrestricted. The warning comes as urgent diplomatic efforts continue to prevent another full-scale war involving Iran, with officials and analysts warning of wider consequences for the Middle East and beyond. According to state media, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei met Iran's top military commanders on Saturday and ordered preparations for possible new US-Israeli military action.The reported meeting included the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Ahmad Vahidi, as well as the Iranian army... [Continue Reading]
Qatar LNG carrier struck by unidentified objects in the Gulf
A liquefied natural gas carrier belonging to Qatar Gas Transport Company was struck by unidentified objects while sailing in the Gulf, according to a company statement. The vessel, Al Mayeda, was hit on Friday evening, with the incident later disclosed in a statement published through the Qatar Stock Exchange. The company said the ship remains in a safe and operational condition while the impact is assessed.The statement said none of the crew members was injured and no environmental damage was reported. It did not identify what struck the vessel or say where in the Gulf the incident took place. The... [Continue Reading]
Iran designates RAF and Royal Navy as terrorist organisations amid UK-Iran tensions
Iran has designated the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy as terrorist organisations and warned that the United Kingdom will bear responsibility for the consequences. Tehran also classified MI6 as a hostile group, in a move it said was a response to British actions against the Islamic Republic. The announcement adds a new diplomatic and security flashpoint to already strained relations between the two countries.According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, the decision was taken in response to what it described as hostile British actions over the past year. The ministry linked the move to the UK's July 13, 2026 decision... [Continue Reading]
Rubio says Trump administration did not help Bolsonaro move to the United States after Brazil election loss
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the Trump administration did not help Brazil's defeated presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro leave the country for the United States after his election loss. His comments came as Donald Trump said Bolsonaro could remain in the US "as long as he wants". The remarks add a new diplomatic layer to an already sensitive cross-border political dispute involving Brazil's election aftermath.According to the supplied report, Bolsonaro arrived in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday, one day after the US Department of State said Bolsonaro and his family would be granted visas following his October 25 election... [Continue Reading]
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv as coalition deadlock puts Netanyahu's future in play
Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to press Israel's opposition leaders to reach an agreement with Arab-led parties and form a government that would remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The rally came after Tuesday's election produced no clear majority, leaving coalition negotiations at the centre of the political debate. Supporters of Netanyahu also turned out in counterprotest, underscoring the depth of the divide over who should govern next.According to the reported results, Netanyahu's bloc won 53 seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, while the bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot won 48. That leaves neither side able to govern... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela military bombardment against ELN in Apure border area leaves several dead, NGO says
A military bombardment against the National Liberation Army, known as the ELN, has left several people dead near Venezuela's border with Colombia, according to a human rights group. The incident was reported in rural Apure state in the south-west of Venezuela, an area long affected by armed-group activity. Video seen by reporters showed bodies on the ground, fallen trees and the ruins of what appeared to be a camp.The NGO Fundaredes said one of its coordinators saw the first nine dead after the attack. Its director, Javier Tarazona, said this was the first Venezuelan bombardment against the ELN. The group... [Continue Reading]
Poland court standoff deepens amid crisis talks at presidential palace
President Karol Nawrocki has held urgent consultations with political leaders in Warsaw as Poland's standoff over the Constitutional Tribunal deepened. The talks took place at the presidential palace on Saturday after the sudden suspension of tribunal chief judge Bogdan Swieczkowski triggered a new escalation in the dispute. Representatives of nationalist, far-right and some governing coalition parties attended, while Prime Minister Donald Tusk's Civic Coalition stayed away.Nawrocki said he convened the meeting because of what he described as a threat to Poland's internal security. By Saturday afternoon, no breakthrough had been reported, and the confrontation remained unresolved. Tusk later accused conservative... [Continue Reading]
Tornado-like storm damages roofs and trees near Yass in New South Wales
A violent tornado-like storm has caused significant damage in the Good Hope area near Yass in New South Wales' Southern Tablelands. The system struck on Saturday afternoon, ripping roofs from buildings, toppling trees and leaving residents facing a lengthy clean-up. No injuries have been reported so far.Officials said the storm ripped off six roofs and damaged the roofs of 10 other buildings. Golf-ball-sized hail and strong winds also hit the small rural community, about 12 kilometres outside Yass. Strong winds initially blocked road access to the area, adding to the disruption for residents and emergency crews.The New South Wales State... [Continue Reading]
The Sovereign Shakedown: Trump’s High-Stakes Table, the Russian Mirror, and the Main Street
The veneer of institutional diplomacy has been entirely stripped away, revealing a raw and unvarnished reality. The global order is no longer governed by treaties, norms, or multilateral consensus. It is dictated by the unrestrained exercise of coercive leverage. Under the current doctrine emanating from Washington, the complex machinery of international relations has been reduced to a binary instrument of absolute dominance. We have entered the era of the unilateral ultimatum, where the traditional boundaries of sovereignty are subordinated to the whims of an administration operating less like a representative republic and more like a global syndicate. This is not... [Continue Reading]
THE GROWTH ILLUSION: HOW GDP TRICKERY MASKED THE DEATH OF THE MIDDLE CLASS
We are fed a daily diet of triumphant economic headlines. The S&P 500 hits record highs, corporate earnings smash forecasts, and central bankers beam at GDP charts pointing up and to the right. Politicians line up to remind us how much "wealthier" we are compared to our parents or grandparents. On paper, they are right. The average worker makes vastly more dollars today than at any point in human history. But step outside the spreadsheet and into the street, and the math fails the reality test. If we are so undeniably prosperous, why does buying a modest home feel like... [Continue Reading]
Dubai Property Market Faces Litmus Test as Nakheel Waterfront Investors Await Final Judicial Verdict
Hundreds of international and local investors who purchased land plots in Nakheel’s massive "Waterfront" project nearly two decades ago are holding their breath. Following the official cancellation of the project by the Dubai Land Department and its integration under Dubai Holding, a special judicial committee appointed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been tasked with resolving the liquidation and settling investor claims. Because the decisions of this specialized committee are legally binding and final, with no avenue for appeal, the upcoming rulings are being viewed as a critical turning point for the regulatory reputation of Dubai's... [Continue Reading]
The Ghosn Paradox The Imperial Savior, His Cinematic Escape, and the Desperate Call to Salvage a Crumbling Nissan
The Man Who Defied Corporate Gravity Few corporate sagas in modern history possess the cinematic drama, geopolitical friction, and sheer psychological tension as the rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn. Once lauded as the ultimate transnational executive, a multi-lingual titan capable of bridging disparate business cultures, Ghosn became the absolute center of a global firestorm. His story cuts through the pristine facade of global corporate governance to reveal a messy underbelly of nationalism, legal vulnerability, and strategic failure. Rebuilding an Empire from the Ashes of Bankruptcy The mythos of Carlos Ghosn began in 1999. Nissan, one of Japan's proudest manufacturing... [Continue Reading]
Is the Italian Prime Minister the Visionary Leader Europe Needs? An Analysis of Executive Decisiveness, National Security, and the Contrast in European Integration Policies
A Continent in Institutional Deadlock While the rest of Europe remains entangled in a web of bureaucratic deadlock and human rights litigation, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has quietly established herself as a leader operating far ahead of her continental peers. For years, European leaders have debated how to handle radicalism and unchecked migration, often waiting for institutional consensus that arrives too late. Meloni, conversely, has demonstrated a willingness to prioritize state security over political correctness, offering a blueprint for a continent facing asymmetric threats. The Contrast in European Legislative Approvals The contrast between Italy’s swift, executive decisiveness and the... [Continue Reading]
THE BATTLE FOR ALI AL-TAHER: HOW A SOUTHERN LEBANON AMBUSH SHATTERED TRUMP’S WASHINGTON AGREEMENT
A catastrophic military escalation in Southern Lebanon has successfully disrupted the highest levels of global diplomacy. Just days after the signing of the United States and Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an armoured battlefield clash on the strategic heights of Ali al-Taher has effectively frozen implementation talks scheduled to begin today in Switzerland. The crisis provides an alarming look at how kinetic actions on the ground can instantly sabotage geopolitical blueprints designed in Washington. The Official Statement from Hezbollah Following the midnight clashes, the media wing of Hezbollah issued a formal, comprehensive statement outlining their strategic justification and rejecting accusations... [Continue Reading]
The Unspoken Stats: Who is Raping Europe?
Answering this question requires a direct look at the empirical data so, below is the comprehensive, data-verified draft for my article, formatted to analyse the relationship between immigration demographics and police-recorded sexual offense figures across Europe. Data vs. Perception: An Asymmetric Analysis of Migration and Sexual Offence Statistics in Europe While my primary field of research is rooted in macro-geopolitics, the responsibilities of independent journalism often demand transitioning from international balance-of-power metrics to domestic social realities. A recent high-profile criminal incident in England involving the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl by four Afghani nationals where one of them is... [Continue Reading]
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind America’s War Narrative
“When fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.” A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [Continue Reading]
GAS, GOD, AND GUNS: The Secret Agenda Behind the Washington Talks and the Death of the Maritime Border
The mahogany tables of the U.S. State Department are hosting a ghost today. As official delegations from Israel and Lebanon convene for a third round of high-stakes negotiations this Friday, May 8, 2026, the air in Washington is thick with the scent of a "peace" that looks increasingly like a strategic ambush. While the world watches the diplomatic theatre, the reality on the ground in Southern Lebanon tells a story of a predatory recalibration. Prime Minister Netanyahu isn’t just looking for a ceasefire; he is aiming to hit three birds with one single, devastating stone: the annexation of land, the... [Continue Reading]
The Great Uncoupling: Abu Dhabi’s Sovereign Gambit
The UAE’s decision to cut ties with OPEC is far more than a mere adjustment of energy policy, for it functions as a political telegram written in barrels and sent directly to the heart of the global order. For nearly six decades, Abu Dhabi operated within the rigid architecture of producer discipline, where it accepted the rituals of quotas, the formality of communiqués, and the heavy burden of collective restraint. It played the long game of oil diplomacy with a patient hand, balancing its own massive national ambitions against the gravity of cartel discipline and the delicate logic of Gulf... [Continue Reading]
The Mirage of the Umbrella: The Shifting Sands of the U.S.-Israel-GCC Alliance
As I sat in a recent debate at the historic Carlton Club in London, listening to Faisal Abbas, the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, I felt a tangible shift in the room, not because a new fact had been revealed, but because an old illusion had finally lost its last breath. The old-world order has not merely changed, it has evaporated, leaving the Gulf to realize it is no longer watching a distant fire from the safety of marble towers and air-conditioned ministries, but is instead standing directly inside the smoke. The GCC today is caught in a lethal crossfire between... [Continue Reading]
When Deterrence Becomes Reality
Yesterday the war crossed a line! For years the Sejjil ballistic missile existed mostly as a symbol. A weapon paraded in military videos, discussed in defense briefings, whispered about in strategic circles as one of Iran’s most serious capabilities. A weapon that analysts described as deterrence, not something meant to be used. But on March 15, 2026, that line disappeared. Iran reportedly launched the Sejjil (also known as Ashoura) as part of what Tehran called the 54th wave of Operation True Promise 4, a massive strike package that also included the Fattah hypersonic missile and the Qadr ballistic missile system.... [Continue Reading]
The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
The Proving Ground, When “Decent” Reporting Meets High-Tech Warfare
For two decades I have watched wars unfold not only on battlefields, but on screens. Today’s incident over Kuwait, involving the downing of a U.S. F-15 Strike Eagle, is not just another headline in the Iran conflict. It may be a signal that something larger is unfolding behind the noise. Iranian state outlets rapidly circulated imagery of an ejected pilot. Washington responded cautiously. But beneath the spectacle lies a deeper question, whose technology was truly being tested? The Gulf as a live-fire laboratory For years, China has refined export-ready variants of its air defense systems, particularly the HQ-9 family and... [Continue Reading]
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]
There Is Good in Every Bad
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]


