Ahmed al-Shara, Syria’s New Interim President, Travels to Saudi Arabia

Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a potential visit to Lebanon, which would be his first international trip since his election in May, with plans still pending official dates. The visit aims to promote peace and interfaith dialogue in a country known for its religious diversity, echoing previous papal messages of coexistence and addressing regional conflicts, particularly concerning Israel and Palestine. Want More Context? 🔎

On 23 August, Universitas Indonesia controversially invited Peter Berkowitz, a known defender of Israel's actions in Gaza, to speak at a graduate program orientation, provoking outrage for undermining Indonesia’s anti-colonial legacy and Palestinian solidarity. The university's inadequate apology highlighted a troubling complicity in normalizing narratives that justify oppression and genocide, prompting calls for a reevaluation of its commitment to moral integrity in academia. Want More Context? 🔎

Iran may reduce uranium enrichment to avoid UK sanctions The Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Ali Larijani, has indicated a potential decrease in the country's uranium enrichment from 60% to 20% purity to mitigate sanctions imposed by the UK. This move reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program. Want More Context? 🔎

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will lead an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to address the crisis in Gaza, as Türkiye currently holds the OIC presidency. The meeting aims to coordinate member states' responses to the ongoing Israeli military actions, which have resulted in over 62,600 Palestinian deaths since October 2023 and a humanitarian crisis in the region. Want More Context? 🔎

Israeli far-right ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, advocated for extreme measures against Gaza’s population during a Cabinet meeting, leading to a confrontation with military chief Eyal Zamir over the war strategy. As the military campaign continues, over 62,600 Palestinians have been killed, and Israel faces international scrutiny for potential war crimes. Want More Context? 🔎

Despite extensive diplomatic efforts, the ongoing war in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, remains unresolved, with Israel struggling to establish a viable post-war governance framework. Prime Minister Netanyahu's government aims for a complete military occupation of Gaza, driven by a far-right ideology that seeks to eliminate Hamas, but faces political repercussions and a strategic impasse as it fails to achieve its military objectives. Want More Context? 🔎