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Natural · Natural

Six years after COVID-19 killed millions, battered health systems, disrupted lives and brought the global economy to a virtual standstill, the world is still grappling with how we can prepare better for the next pandemic.

Military · Geopolitical

Houthis claim attacks on Riyadh, Aramco facilities in Yanbu Yemen's Houthi movement says it fired ballistic missiles and drones at what it called "sensitive sites" in Riyadh, along with Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu. "In response to the Saudi enemy's criminal attempts to target the capital Sana'a... the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out two successful military operations using a large number of ballistic and cruise missiles and drones," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said, in a statement on Telegram. "The first targeted sensitive sites in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and the second targeted Aramco facilities in Yanbu. " The Houthi statement came after firefighters extinguished a blaze on a fuel tank emblazoned with the logo of the Saudi oil giant Aramco at a fuel depot near Riyadh's international airport on Saturday. Saudi authorities have not yet confirmed the Houthis' claims.

Social-demographic · Culture

Sheeran may perform solo after musicians dropped out of tour over expulsion of Macklemore for supporting Palestine.

Geopolitical · Geopolitical

On Friday, the president threatened to ban CNN, MS Now, and Politico from the White House. It could have just been another one of his Truth Social fever dreams, but it turns out it's very real. ] All three publications were turned away from the White House this morning, NPR reports, marking an escalation in the […

Military · Geopolitical

Iran says it conveyed conditions to re-engage in talks, end war with US Iran has conveyed its conditions to mediators for re-engaging in negotiations aimed at ending the war with the US, Iran's Security Chief Mohsen Rezaei said on Saturday in an interview with Al Jazeera. The conditions, which include ending the war on all fronts, unfreezing Iranian funds and ending the naval blockade, had been communicated to the US via mediator Qatar, Rezaei stated, adding that a response from President Trump is awaited. Iran has become convinced of the need to change its strategy toward Washington following the US withdrawal from the memorandum of understanding, Rezaei stated. He said Iran knows the US military’s vulnerabilities and is more prepared than ever to counter its air strikes, adding that it recently tested an anti-ship missile near a US aircraft carrier. The security chief also said Iran seeks an end to the war between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis. He believes the Houthis, too, seek an agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Geopolitical · Geopolitical

Yemeni army says it stopped Houthi attack, killing 12 The armed forces of Yemen's Riyadh-backed government say fighters thwarted a Houthi infiltration attempt in the al-Fuliahan sector, in southern Marib, killing 12 Houthi fighters and injuring others. The remaining Houthi fighters fled the scene, the army said in an official statement posted on X. Escalating fighting between the Houthi group and government forces has forced many Yemenis to flee their homes, according to a Reuters report.

Geopolitical · Geopolitical

⁠Flames and plumes of smoke ‌were ⁠seen ‌rising near ⁠Riyadh airport this afternoon with flights cancelled and delayed. This as fighting between Saudi-backed government forces and Iran-backed Houthi rebels has killed 48 people in recent hours. The rebels staged a lightning offensive this month, seizing swathes of territory in Yemen and launching a barrage of missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia. Details and analysis by FRANCE 24 international affairs editor, Jamie Smith-Maillet.

Geopolitical · Geopolitical

A shopping centre called Novyi Kontynent caught fire following a Russian attack on the city of Dnipro on Saturday. Two people are reported injured.

Geopolitical · Geopolitical

A Russian FPV drone attack on a car in the Shostka district in Sumy Oblast has killed four people, including a married couple.

Geopolitical · Geopolitical

This is Russia's first election since it invaded Ukraine, and is expected to gauge public support for the ongoing war.

Military · Geopolitical

Denmark’s government was cautiously optimistic on Saturday following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a deal on Greenland to bolster US military presence there but keep the island under Danish control after months of threats by the US president to seize the semi-autonomous territory of a Nato ally. The Arctic island’s top leaders echoed that stance and said the deal, which has not yet been made public, was long in coming. US, Greenlandic and Danish officials had quietly negotiated for...

Military · Geopolitical

Baking for the front lines: Yemeni women revive wartime support for fighters Submitted by MEE correspondent on Tue, 09/15/2026 - 13:00 As fighting escalates, women deliver baked goods to boost morale at the front 'I feel that baking these biscuits and preparing preserved food is the least I can do for fighters,' says Naseem al-Odaini (MEE) Off Early in the morning, with a large bowl at the ready and the oven heating up, Naseem al-Odaini and her friends begin kneading dough to bake date-filled pastries and biscuits. The baked goods will be sent to the front lines, carrying a message of solidarity from the women who made them: "Women stand beside you. " For years, Yemeni women have gathered in kitchens to support government forces during periods of intense conflict. "We started this initiative in 2015, but it was halted for more than four years when the fighting subsided. Today, we are reviving it following the new escalation in Taiz governorate," Odaini told Middle East Eye. On 3 September, Houthi forces launched a major offensive against government positions in Hodeidah and Taiz governorates, seizing control of the remaining districts of Hodeidah, the city of Mocha, as well as the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Mayyun Island. Fierce clashes continue across western Taiz governorate, where Houthi forces have made minor advances, while sporadic fighting persists along the eastern front of Taiz city. Naseem believes women in the city have a duty to support fighters by providing food, essential medical supplies, and whatever else they can to boost morale. She bakes large quantities of pastries, funded not only by her own savings, but also through donations from personal acquaintances and social media supporters. "The support base has grown significantly compared to previous years, with many women from both inside and outside Taiz eager to participate," she said. "I did not expect this level of support, especially after being inactive for more than four years. I was truly surprised. " To ensure safety, she noted that they do not accept prepared food from unknown sources. Instead, they ask donors to purchase ingredients, such as flour and cooking oil, from trusted vendors and provide the receipt. Women reach the front lines Many women support fighters by sending supplies through reliable channels, while others, like Naseem, prefer to visit the front lines in person. "Since 2015, my colleagues in the initiative and I have gone to the front lines ourselves to deliver food directly to the fighters. Three of my colleagues were killed on the front lines, but I continued delivering the food myself," she said. Naseem added that Moamen, Osama, and Reham were active members of the food-support initiative before they were killed while delivering supplies to the front. "When I reach the front lines and see the fighters enduring the scorching sun and freezing cold, I feel that baking these biscuits and preparing preserved food is the least I can do for them," she said. The initiative to support the front lines was launched in 2015 and paused for more than four years as fighting subsided (MEE) Rather than deterring Naseem, the loss of her colleagues deepened her commitment to carrying on their mission. Describing the fighters' reactions when she reached them last week, Naseem said: "They were overjoyed when I arrived, telling me, 'We don't care as much about the biscuits as we do about your presence among us, it gives us immense psychological support. '" While active in providing front-line meals, Naseem stressed that this is not the only role women play in the conflict. "Women have played a central role in the war," she said. "Many have lost their primary breadwinners and were forced to enter the workforce to support their families. " 'A city behind them' Israa al-Tayeb’s mother, Tufahah, was killed during the 2011 revolution against former president Ali Abdullah Saleh amid protests at Taiz’s Freedom Square. Like Naseem, Tayeb began baking for fighters in 2015 before halting operations in 2022. Now, following the latest escalation, she is back at work, with her initiative operating on a larger scale than ever before. "Women from everywhere have been supporting us, and we have provided fighters with biscuits, milk, water, and other essentials," Tayeb told Middle East Eye. "Today is our sixth day of almost non-stop work, but we do not feel tired because we know this food is reaching those who deserve it. " 'When I see a car loaded with food arrive at the front line, I feel... that we are not alone' - Ahmed, fighter Unlike Naseem, Tayeb does not travel to the front lines herself; instead, she sends supplies through trusted intermediaries, noting that high demand requires her team to operate systematically. "Some members are responsible for collecting cash donations and buying ingredients from the market, others handle the baking and packaging, while a separate group delivers the supplies to the front," she said. Tayeb added that many women who are unable to bake contribute financially instead. Using these donations, Tayeb and her team operate out of a small kitchen. "We didn't realise we could provide this much support, but with the donations coming in, we have managed to scale up," she said. Beyond her desire to help, feedback from the front lines drives Tayeb to keep going. "These biscuits, milk, and water make the fighters feel that the entire city stands behind them, so we will continue," she said. Baking for fighters is not unique to Taiz governorate; it is widespread across Yemen, with women in Houthi-controlled areas also preparing food for fighters, particularly during major religious observances. Psychological boost Men have also supported frontline fighters with food, essential medical supplies, blankets, water, milk and other basic necessities as an expression of solidarity. Ahmed*, a pseudonym for a fighter in western Taiz city, said that front-line units are happy with this support. He added that lightweight, non-perishable food plays a key role in sustaining them, while providing a significant psychological boost. Why the Mecca defence pact hasn’t triggered action against the Houthis Read More » "When I see a car loaded with food arrive at the front line, I feel as though the entire governorate is fighting alongside us and that we are not alone," Ahmed told MEE. He noted that while civilians typically flee combat zones to seek safety, some insist on staying behind to support the troops with meals and supplies. "We all belong to this governorate, and everyone has a role to play," Ahmed added. "While we fight on the front, others contribute financially, and women refuse to sit idly by – they bake for us. " Psychological expert Hail al-Fakeeh believes that home-baked goods carry a deeper emotional weight than purchasing ready-made food or providing financial aid, because the food is prepared directly in the homes the soldiers are fighting to protect. "These biscuits connect the fighter on the front line emotionally to home, sending a powerful message that the people back in the city stand with them," Fakeeh told MEE. "It goes far beyond basic material support. " He added that this practice is a long-standing Yemeni tradition passed down through generations, with women across the country historically preparing home-baked goods for fighters to raise their morale during combat. Yemen War Taiz, Yemen News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

Geopolitical · Geopolitical

Death toll from Israeli strike on Gaza City vehicle rises to three Gaza's Civil Defence says an Israeli strike on a vehicle in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, north of Gaza City, killed three people. This updates initial reports that noted one fatality and several wounded in the attack. Despite an ongoing "ceasefire," Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip have killed at least six Palestinians, including a young girl, so far today.

Natural · Natural

Unai Emery's side get first league win of season with goals from Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendia.

Military · Geopolitical

US military says Strait of Hormuz shipping volumes hit six-month high The US Central Command (Centcom) has announced that the flow of crude oil, cargo, and liquefied natural gas through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has reached its highest level in six months over the past fortnight. In a statement shared on X, Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that US forces have facilitated the transport of over one billion barrels of oil through the waterway in the last two months alone, providing protection for more than 2,000 commercial vessels. "We’re also working with every partner in the region, enhancing their air defence, forming a new coalition attack drone unit and keeping the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters open and clear," said Cooper. Cooper also noted that the primary transit lanes in the strait have been successfully cleared of mines.

Military · Geopolitical

Russia was added in May to the UN Secretary-General's list of countries credibly suspected of committing sexual violence in conflict — codified into international law decades ago as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Military · Geopolitical

Tehran split into two worlds: unveiled women ran openly in a city marathon while state forces paraded machine guns nearby. The striking contrast exposes a deeply divided capital, caught between defiance and regime mobilisation amid rising warfare.

Social-demographic · Sports

Spurs have a remarkable ability to find new ways of inflicting pain on their fanbase and they did it again here, petering out from a strong start into humiliating defeat. On the upside, they did get two goals. They were both late consolations, but beggars can’t be choosers. Aston Villa, meanwhile, were ruthless after capitalising in first half added time to take the lead while Spurs were temporarily down to 10 men. In the second half Unai Emery’s men were robust in defence and clinical on the counter, with supreme strikes from both Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendía. With Johan Manzambi the other goalscorer, these were pleasing signs for the Spaniard’s turbo-charged refit of his team. Continue reading...

Social-demographic · Culture

Crowds gather as the 191st edition of the world’s biggest beer festival kicks off in Munich, Germany Continue reading...

Geopolitical · Geopolitical

For more than a decade, China has deployed warships to the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia. For much of that time, piracy in the region has been in sharp decline. Now, however, with attacks at their highest reported level since 2013 and other naval forces engaged in crises elsewhere, Beijing’s long-running escort mission is being tested. The renewed attacks and hijacking for ransom come as the US Navy focuses on operations connected to the war on Iran, and India sends ships towards the...

Economic · Economic

The Federal Reserve unanimously raised its benchmark rate by a quarter point as policymakers confront inflation that remains above target and uncertainty tied to geopolitical developments. Merrill and Bank of America Head of CIO Market Strategy Joe Quinlan tells Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura and Christina Ruffini that elevated diesel prices are a particular concern for businesses and could keep pressure on the Fed to raise rates further. (Source: Bloomberg)

Economic · Economic

EU presses Washington to reverse visa ban on Palestinian UN delegation Submitted by MEE and agencies on Sat, 09/19/2026 - 11:48 Diplomatic rift deepens as the US extends its visa ban on PA officials, drawing sharp criticism from the EU and UN leadership over glaring double standards Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks during a meeting with Palestinian leaders at the Muqata, the Palestinian Authority headquarters, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, on 20 February 2019 (AFP) Off The European Union has urged the United States to reconsider its refusal to grant visas to Palestinian Authority (PA) officials aiming to attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, marking the second consecutive year Washington has blocked the delegation's travel. The EU's diplomatic service expressed regret over the ongoing ban, pointing to the US's legal responsibilities as the host nation of the United Nations. "In light of its existing headquarters agreements with the UN and its obligations as host state, we urge the United States for this decision to be reconsidered," said EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni on Saturday. The diplomatic friction follows a recent UNGA vote permitting Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the upcoming 81st session via a prerecorded statement. Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed the EU's sentiments, stating he was deeply concerned about how the visa denials impact "the ability of the State of Palestine to participate fully in the work of the United Nations". The US State Department confirmed on Wednesday that it is extending visa sanctions against members of both the PA and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Washington justified the move by accusing the Palestinian leadership of failing to implement reforms and engaging in activities that "undermine the prospects for peace". Specifically, the US condemned the PA for bypassing direct negotiations with Israel to pursue international recognition of Palestinian statehood and for taking its disputes to international courts. The State Department also cited Ramallah's financial stipends to the families of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The travel restrictions highlight a stark diplomatic contrast: no equivalent US travel bans have been imposed on Israeli officials, despite the International Criminal Court pursuing an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip. Abbas to address Gaza and settlements Despite the travel ban, Abbas's video address next week is expected to strongly push for the international recognition of a Palestinian state, aiming to build on the momentum generated by recent formal recognitions from the UK, France, Canada and other western states over the past year. The Palestinian president is expected to spotlight the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, alongside the surge of illegal Israeli settlement expansion and escalating settler pogroms across the occupied West Bank. US bans Palestinian president from speaking at the UN Read More » The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the UN resolution allowing Abbas's virtual address, framing it as a successful pushback against attempts to erase Palestine's presence at the UNGA's annual session. Meanwhile, the US State Department on Thursday indicated that it had approved visas for a small number of Iranian officials to attend the UNGA. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott had only shared a cryptic post on X suggesting some Iranian diplomats may be coming to New York. "While ordinary Iranians endure brutal repression, water and electricity shortages, and soaring inflation, the regime's officials want to go on shopping sprees in New York. Not on our watch," he said. "We will not let the Iranian regime's elites exploit UNGA for a luxury retail splurge paid for by the Iranian people's suffering, all while the regime funnels Iran's wealth to support its terrorist proxies," he added. "The US will continue to ban Iranian UN Mission officials, visiting officials, and their dependents from buying wholesale club memberships or luxury goods here. " The visas issued will limit the scope of the delegation's movements in Manhattan, and the number of visiting officials will be smaller than last year, the New York Times reported. The delegation is expected to include Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Araghchi has been the chief negotiator with the Americans, alongside Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its seventh month. Diplomacy News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0

Economic · Economic

In the first quarter of 2026, China became the leading destination for Rwandan exports, accounting for 26% of the total, compared with less than 5% just one year earlier. A spectacular shift, driven by the removal of Chinese tariffs on almost all Rwandan products. But on the ground, access to this market of 1.4 billion consumers depends less on tariffs than on meeting sanitary standards. Report by Aurore Bayoud.

Military · Geopolitical

A new security agreement between the US, Denmark and Greenland would expand the American military role while preserving Greenlandic sovereignty, shifting attention toward potential US investment in mining, infrastructure and tourism. Former US diplomat Lewis Lukens tells David Gura and Christina Ruffini on Bloomberg This Weekend that Greenland welcomes investment but faces formidable obstacles including limited transportation infrastructure, a small workforce and the high cost of developing projects in the Arctic. (Source: Bloomberg)

Military · Geopolitical

Taiwan has staged live-fire drills with missiles and attack drones as Donald Trump prepares to host China’s Xi Jinping.

Geopolitical · Geopolitical

World leaders head to the UN General Assembly as Gulf states seek renewed diplomacy to reduce attacks, restore more predictable energy flows and move the Iran war away from active conflict. Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution joins David Gura and Christina Ruffini on Bloomberg This Weekend and says disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline and other regional infrastructure are adding urgency to those efforts as Gulf economies face mounting pressure from the conflict. (Source: Bloomberg)

Military · Geopolitical

As the West continues to denounce Russian aggression in Ukraine and to support Kyiv with a host of economic and military measures, Russian President Vladimir Putin says that Nato is expanding its reach and influence with the intention of preparing for war with Russia. Analysis by Dr Alexander Titov, lecturer in Modern European History at Queen's University Belfast in the UK.

Geopolitical · Geopolitical

President Donald Trump says he is banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House over coverage he calls “fake news,” though questions remain about how the restrictions would be enforced and whether they could face legal challenges. Bloomberg News White House Correspondent Jeff Mason joins David Gura and Christina Ruffini on Bloomberg This Weekend and discusses how this move comes as Trump also faces protests over the future of the Kennedy Center and prepares to address the UN General Assembly with the Iran war expected to be a major focus. (Source: Bloomberg)

Military · Geopolitical

The sanctions, introduced during the Biden administration, targeted Eritrea's governing party and the military.

Military · Geopolitical

Israel's Channel 12 and Maariv newspaper claim the military is facing 'severe shortages'.