Lebanon’s army to prepare plan for state arms monopoly by year-end, premier says – Middle East Monitor

The United States has implemented higher tariffs on goods from various countries, significantly escalating trade tensions under President Trump's administration, with Indian tariffs doubling to 50% and a 100% levy on many semiconductor imports. This move, aimed at countering unfair trade practices and addressing geopolitical issues, risks increasing inflation and impacting smaller American businesses as negotiations with trading partners remain contentious. Want More Context? 🔎

In a surprising move, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's Brazilian government has rebuffed Israel's diplomatic overture aimed at easing tensions and facilitating the appointment of a new ambassador in Brasília. The lack of response from Brazil's Foreign Ministry suggests a reluctance to improve relations, amid ongoing criticism of Israeli policies towards Palestinians. Want More Context? 🔎

Pensioner Marji Mansfield, arrested for protesting the UK ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, expressed shock at being accused of terrorism. The ban, enacted after activists damaged military aircraft, has led to over 200 arrests, with demonstrators like Mansfield and others asserting their right to protest and challenge government actions amidst the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Want More Context? 🔎

An EU official reported that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire despite some improvements in fuel delivery and routes, as well as increased aid truck entries and infrastructure repairs. However, significant obstacles persist, primarily the lack of a safe environment for large-scale aid distribution. Want More Context? 🔎

Habiba, a 31-year-old Afghan woman, was deported from Iran just before completing her master's in engineering, part of a wave of nearly 700,000 Afghans forced to return amid heightened expulsions linked to accusations of espionage. The situation has left many returnees, including Rahela and Rahim, grappling with the Taliban's restrictive policies and a dire economic landscape in Afghanistan, complicating their reintegration and futures. Want More Context? 🔎

In July 2023, Earth's average surface temperature reached 16.68°C, marking it the third warmest July on record, with Turkey recording a national high of 50.5°C. Despite a pause in breaking global temperature records, climate change continues to manifest through extreme weather events, with the 12-month period from August 2024 to July 2025 exceeding the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. Want More Context? 🔎