The quiet financier: Islamic State’s elusive strongman

Artemis Ghasemzadeh, a 27-year-old Iranian woman, converted from Islam to Christianity, facing the risk of death in Iran due to blasphemy laws. After being detained in a migrant camp in Panama with other Iranian Christian converts, she expressed a desire for asylum in the United States. Despite facing deportation and challenges in the asylum process, she remains hopeful for help and a chance to live freely without fear of persecution for her religious beliefs. Full...

A massive turnout is expected for the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, following his death in an Israeli strike, with tens of thousands of mourners gathering in Beirut. The ceremony, delayed for security reasons, will honor Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine, both killed in Israeli attacks. Hezbollah is organizing the event with tight security measures, including deploying thousands of stewards and security personnel, as well as inviting top officials and representatives from Iran...

Hamas released six hostages on Saturday as part of a cease-fire deal with Israel in Gaza, fulfilling their commitment to free at least 33 captives. Among those released were Omer Wenkert and Eliya Cohen, who were kidnapped during the Oct. 7 attacks, and Hisham al-Sayed, an Israeli Bedouin minority member held by Hamas for years. Avera Mengistu, the longest-held living Israeli hostage in Gaza, remains in captivity as negotiations for an extended truce continue. Full...

The family of Israeli hostage Tal Shoham, among six captives released by Hamas in Gaza, watched tearfully as he walked free in a hostage-prisoner swap. Avera Mengistu, held captive for over a decade, was also released, sparking celebrations in Israel. Three more Israeli hostages were paraded by Hamas before being handed over to the Red Cross, marking a significant moment in the ongoing truce between Israel and Palestinian militants. Full Article

Bank of Singapore's CIO Summit in Dubai explored key investment themes and unveiled the "2025 Supertrends Report," highlighting insights from the Global Advisory Council. The report identifies five key investment themes, including the changing world order, asset allocation strategies, AI applications in real-world scenarios, and the impact of AI on the energy sector. With a focus on strategic foresight and diverse perspectives, the report aims to help investors navigate the evolving global economy and construct...

The seventh hostage-prisoner exchange under a fragile Gaza ceasefire proceeded despite Israel's grief and anger after Hamas returned the remains of two child hostages without their mother. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas as "monsters" for the killings of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, promising retribution. Hamas admitted to a possible mix-up of bodies but affirmed commitment to the ceasefire, with more prisoners and bodies to be exchanged, as the Bibas family and Israel mourn the...