The quiet financier: Islamic State’s elusive strongman

A British doctor, Dr. Tom Potokar, shared footage with the BBC from the European Gaza Hospital in Khan Younis, following an Israeli air strike that killed 28 people and injured many others. He described the hospital's dire conditions, highlighting the severe injuries of patients, including children with traumatic brain injuries and significant nerve damage. Israel claims the strike targeted Hamas, while the hospital has since been evacuated, amid reports of at least 114 Palestinians killed...

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party has proposed a bill to the Knesset that seeks to officially designate Qatar as a “state sponsor of terrorism,” thereby preventing it from mediating negotiations with Israel, particularly with Hamas. The legislation, introduced by Knesset Member Moshe Saada, alleges that Qatar has been a significant supporter of various terrorist organizations and grants the Israeli government authority to label any state as supporting terrorism. Additionally, the bill aims to...

Pakistan's Military Myth: Guardians or Oligarchs?In Pakistan, the myth of the soldier as a selfless protector contrasts sharply with the self-serving motivations of the military high command, who prioritize personal gain over national defense. While the common soldier remains respected and dedicated, the generals have transformed the military into a corporate entity, focusing on wealth accumulation and suppressing dissent rather than genuine statecraft. This disconnect, epitomized by Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, has led...

A photo of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun shaking hands with Israeli Druze leader Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif at the Vatican has sparked controversy, leading Aoun to deny knowing Tarif despite being in attendance for Pope Leo XIV's coronation. The Lebanese president's office claimed Aoun did not recognize Tarif and criticized Israeli media for amplifying the incident, reflecting the deep-seated fears of Lebanese interacting with Israelis amid Iran and Hezbollah's influence. Amid rising visibility of the Druze...

Iran and Russia - strategic partnersIran is strengthening its ties with Russia and other nations while awaiting indirect talks with the US, aiming to create a hedge against potential fallout from any collapse in negotiations. Recent meetings between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Yurevich indicate a deepening cooperation, as both countries, facing Western sanctions, collaborate on military technology and energy agreements. Their evolving partnership reflects a shared ideology opposing...

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized the immediate entry of a limited amount of food into the Gaza Strip to prevent a starvation crisis, following pressure from the United States. This decision, made during a War Cabinet meeting, was reportedly taken without a cabinet vote and against the majority's will. The move is a temporary measure until a US security company can establish distribution centers in designated "humanitarian zones" by May 24, despite criticism...