'Justice For Tarun': Delhi's Uttam Nagar Mosque Announcement On Loudspeaker 'A Good Initiative', Says Victim's Lawyer
New Age Islam News Bureau
25 March 2026
· ‘Justice for Tarun’: Delhi's Uttam Nagar mosque announcement on loudspeaker ‘a good initiative’, says victim’s lawyer
· Iran says ‘non-hostile vessels’ can transit Strait of Hormuz: statement to IMO
· Starmer reiterates UK support to Saudi Arabia in call with crown prince
· Reform mayoral candidate suspended after likening Jewish group to ‘Islamists on horseback’
· Trump cites progress with Iran, US proposes plan to end war
· Ghana and EU sign landmark defence deal to combat militant Islamist threat
· Tattoo: Minister urges Muslims to uphold religious boundaries, seek help from experts
· Religious Leaders Call for Extension of Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire Until Eid al-Adha
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India
· India ‘indispensable’ to Indo-Pacific peace and power balance, says Trump administration
· Gujarat passes UCC Bill after 8-hr debate amid Opposition objections
· Kakori martyrs’ statues bulldozed in UP's Shahjahanpur; opposition calls it 'disturbing mindset'
· Lucknow’s Shia community rallies to aid Iran war victims
· 'Wild theory in his head’: Gaurav Gogoi on Himanta's claims linking him and his wife to Pakistan
· Three AIMIM leaders arrested over speech during Eid Milan programme at Meerut
· PDP MLA moves Private Member's Bill proposing two new divisions, 16 districts in J&K
· IAF rolls out ‘Vayu Baan’, India’s first helicopter-dropped drone project
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Mideast
· What cost-effective options do Gulf states have to counter the drone menace?
· How many people have been killed in the US-Israeli war on Iran?
· Lebanon state media says Israeli strikes kill 9 in south
· Drone attack hits fuel tank, sparks fire at Kuwait Airport: aviation agency
· Fictionalized Gaza war on Egyptian TV draws little applause from Palestinians
· Jordan condemns Iranian attack on Bahrain that killed Moroccan contractor
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Arab World
· King Salman receives message from Oman’s sultan on bilateral ties
· Saudi, French defense ministers discuss ties, regional developments
· Saudi Arabia signs $75m development deal with Cameroon
· Pilgrims receive 2.3m awareness services in Makkah
· KSrelief boosts healthcare support in Yemen
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Europe
· Three charged with murder after shooting outside Örebro mosque
· Under NATO’s shadow, Serbia is being targeted again
· EU shelves Russian oil ban as Iran war rattles energy markets
· Hartlepool's mosque receives share of £200,000 grant
· The Firs in Chester helps Chester foodbank with donations
· Police investigate suspicious fire at heritage-listed Kilmore church being converted into a mosque
· German military satellite plan alarms EU – Reuters
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North America
· Hillsboro mosque struck by bullet, police say building not ‘intentionally targeted’
· Glenn Beck to Newsmax: Americans Must Pay Attention to Islamist Ideology
· CAIR Md. Seeks Clarity from Olney Elementary School Following ‘Culture Night’ Controversy, Citing Concerns of Anti-Palestinian Bias in Schools
· CAIR-AL Calls on Alabama Sec. of State to Visit Mosque After Slamming GOP Leader for Attending Interfaith Dinner with Muslims
· CAIR-TX Calls on New Religious Liberty Committee to Protect Religious Freedom for All, Confront Anti-Muslim Hate
· CAIR-Chicago Condemns Racist Vandalism of Black Women-Led Theatre
· Small window open for US-Iran talks, but swift end to war still unlikely
· ICE airport deployment should be ‘test run’ for 2026 election – ex-Trump strategist
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Africa
· US university cancels Mahama honour over LGBTQ bill concerns
· Ramaphosa slams 'corpse theft' at reburial of anti-colonial heroes
· Are You Weak Or Wicked? – Omokri Blasts Peter Obi Over Arrest Claim
· Who Do You Want Me To Call? – Drama As DSS Operative Blocks El-Rufai’s Wife At Court Entrance
· Terrorists Kill Many Soldiers In Fresh Kebbi Attack
· Ghana pushes UN Resolution to recognize Slave Trade as crime against humanity
· IMF plans Mozambique visit as debt pressures deepen
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Southeast Asia
· Etiqa Insurance Singapore and AIA Singapore Join Forces to Expand Accessibility of Takaful for Customers
· President Prabowo holds Eid calls with leaders of Muslim nations
· PM calls for diplomacy, calm amid West Asia crisis
· Malaysia’s private hospitals report no disruption to medicine supply despite West Asia war, says APHM
· On Police Day, IGP says PDRM’s 219-year legacy shows unwavering commitment to national security
· King extends Police Day greetings, honours PDRM personnel for dedication
· Anwar: Malaysia’s local currency trade with China, Thailand and Indonesia surges to RM82b, cutting reliance on US dollar
· Dual citizen loses national service fight after Singapore court shuts down ‘I’m Indonesian’ defence
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South Asia
· UN Calls for Independent Investigation into Kabul Hospital Airstrike
· New Year of Rain and Renewal: Afghanistan Stepping up Towards Growth and Tourism
· The Escalating Water Crisis in Afghanistan & the Path to Sustainability
· The 15th Five-Year Plan: Guiding the Development of China and Bringing Stability and Opportunities to the World
· Afghanistan: When Malnutrition Compounds Paediatric Tuberculosis
· The Hidden Crisis of Oral Health: Why Your Mouth Matters More Than You Think
· Warmongers Must Face Accountability
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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‘Justice for Tarun’: Delhi's Uttam Nagar mosque announcement on loudspeaker ‘a good initiative’, says victim’s lawyer
Mar 25, 2026
NEW DELHI: Victim Tarun’s lawyer Sumit Chauhan on Tuesday said a peace appeal by members of the Muslim community in west Delhi’s Uttam Nagar was a “good initiative” aimed at ensuring justice and preventing communal tension.
“I heard about the announcement made from the Uttam Nagar masjid, and it is a good initiative of the Muslim community. They said that no one would stand with the family responsible for the murder. They said that justice should be served to Tarun’s family. They even offered Namaz for Tarun’s soul and the well-being of his injured family members,” Chauhan said.
He added that community members had also stressed that they did not want any Hindu-Muslim clash in the area.
According to Chauhan, 16 people have so far been arrested in connection with the case, including two juveniles, and more arrests are expected.
The incident took place on Holi, when the 26-year-old died after being injured in a clash between two neighbouring families in the JJ Colony area.
Police said the altercation began after a water balloon thrown by a girl accidentally hit a woman from another community.
Security remains heightened in the area, with police maintaining a high alert ahead of the Navratri festival.
Officials said the situation is currently under control but precautionary deployment continues.
Police said more than 100 people were detained as a preventive measure during Eid to avoid any escalation and later released after verification.
Authorities are also monitoring social media platforms to curb rumours and provocative content. Sources said requests have been sent to block over 200 suspicious accounts, with several already restricted.
Investigators are also examining online fundraising linked to the case, after around Rs 37 lakh was reportedly collected through emotional appeals. The amount has been frozen as part of the probe.
On the ground, barricading and strict checks remain in place, while local markets have seen reduced footfall, with residents stepping out mainly for essential work.
Police said regular meetings with local ‘aman’ committees are being held to maintain coordination and ensure peace in the area.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/justice-for-tarun-delhis-uttam-nagar-masjid-announcement-on-loudspeaker-a-good-initiative-says-victims-lawyer/articleshowprint/129794835.cms
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Iran says ‘non-hostile vessels’ can transit Strait of Hormuz: statement to IMO
March 25, 2026
An Iranian man watches the news on Iranian State TV (IRIB) in Tehran on March 23, 2026. (AFP)
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LONDON: Iran has said “non-hostile vessels” can transit the Strait of Hormuz if they meet safety and security regulations in coordination with the relevant authorities, according to a statement released to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
“Non-hostile vessels... may — provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran — and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations — benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent authorities,” the statement said.
The IMO said Tuesday that the communique, dated Sunday, was issued by Iran’s foreign ministry with the request that it be circulated by the IMO. The IMO had shared it with member states and NGOs, it added.
The statement stressed that “vessels equipment and any assets belonging to the aggressor parties — namely the United States and the Israeli regime — as well as other participants in the aggression do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage.”
It said responsibility for “any disruption, insecurity or escalation of risks in this critical waterway” lay with the United States and Israel, which it accused of waging an “unlawful and destabilising war against Iran.”
Both countries, it said, had “endangered regional peace and stability and exposed international shipping to unprecedented threats.”
Iran has virtually closed the vital strait since the US-Israeli strikes that started the war on February 28, causing global oil and gas prices to soar.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2637556/middle-east
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Starmer reiterates UK support to Saudi Arabia in call with crown prince
March 25, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shared a call with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the ongoing regional situation in the Middle East, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Starmer reiterated the UK’s support to the Kingdom during the crisis which began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.
Since then, Tehran has been attacking its Arab neighbors, as well as Israel and US assets in the region, impacting security and forcing energy prizes to rise sharply.
“Iran’s ongoing attacks, including on critical national infrastructure, were appalling,” Starmer said, according to a readout from the British premier’s office.
The Kingdom has received messages of support from its partners across the world during the crisis.
On Monday, during a call with the crown prince, President Emmanuel Macron expressed France’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, strongly condemning the repeated Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom.
Iran has unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia, mostly in the Eastern Province, where energy assets are concentrated.
At least 44 ballistic and seven cruise missiles and more than 600 drones have been fired toward the Kingdom since the start of the war.
Tehran has also choked off the Strait of Hormuz to ships carrying oil and other essential goods and vows the vital waterway will remain closed until the US and Israel end their war on Iran.
US President Donald Trump has signaled that diplomatic overtures to end the war are ongoing and the “people” that Washington is speaking to “want to make a deal so badly.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2637550/saudi-arabia
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Reform mayoral candidate suspended after likening Jewish group to ‘Islamists on horseback’
24 March 2026
Reform UK mayoral candidate Chris Parry has previously had to apologise to David Lammy for offensive remarks (Reform UK)
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Reform UK has suspended its Hampshire mayoral candidate after he appeared to liken a Jewish neighbourhood watch group to “Islamists on horseback” following an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances.
Chris Parry has been suspended pending investigation following the remarks about Shomrim, a voluntary patrol service, in a series of social media posts on Monday.
He also reportedly described the members of the group as “cosplayers”, according to The Guardian, in a post which has since been deleted.
Shomrim works alongside Hatzola, the Jewish-led charity ambulance service that was targeted by arsonists early on Monday morning and provides free emergency medical response and transportation to hospitals.
Mr Parry reportedly shared a post from former Brexit party leader Catherine Blaiklock, who had posted a picture of Shomrim vehicles with the caption: “Can Christian’s [sic] in Britain set up their own police and patrol certain neighbourhoods?”
Resharing the post, Mr Parry added: “Remember that these cosplayers have no more jurisdiction or legal authority than ordinary citizens.”
Referring to Shomrim, he later posted: “They are a community organisation, not a legal entity. It’s the same with Islamists on horseback. But if it offends you, I’ll remove it.”
Mr Parry had been due to stand as Reform’s mayoral candidate in Hampshire and the Solent in 2028.
Contacted by The Guardian, which first reported the posts, Mr Parry responded: “Most people on X commenting seem to be confusing various community action groups with the real police. Keen that people understand that.”
Shomrim president Rabbi Herschel Gluck accused Mr Parry of being “ignorant” of the work the group carries out.
He said: “It shows a level of bias and ignorance which I’m surprised at given that this is a politician who aspires to be a mayor. These types of comments are deeply strange, to put it mildly.
“We work on a voluntary basis with all sections of the community and have a very close relationship with the police, who are very appreciative of our role.”
The remarks on Monday are not the first by Mr Parry to have drawn controversy, with the mayoral candidate having previously urged deputy prime minister David Lammy to “go home to the Caribbean”.
In a post in January regarding speculation that the government could be considering talks about reparations for slavery, he wrote: “Lammy must go home to the Caribbean where his loyalty lies.”
He later apologised “for any distress or offence” caused by that comment, which was condemned as racist by Labour and described by party leader Nigel Farage as “over the top” at the time.
A Reform party spokesman said on Tuesday: “Chris Parry has been suspended by Reform UK, pending investigation.”
His candidacy has also been suspended, it is understood.
Mr Parry’s latest remarks come after four Jewish community ambulances were set on fire in the early hours of Monday morning.
The incident in Golders Green, northwest London, is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime by the Metropolitan Police but not as terrorism at this stage, the force said.
Sir Keir Starmer called for communities to “all stand together” in the face of the “horrific antisemitic attack”, while Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said the targeting of the volunteer service was “particularly sickening”.
It came just months after two worshippers were killed in a deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester in October 2025, while in a separate investigation earlier this month two men were charged with allegedly spying on Jewish people and locations for Iran.
The latest official figures on hate crime recorded by police in England and Wales showed Jewish people had the highest rate of religious hate crimes targeted towards them of any faith group.
The Liberal Democrats said Mr Parry’s latest remarks were “deeply insensitive, insulting and not befitting of someone who wants to hold public office.”
Following his suspension, the Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson said Reform had questions to answer over his initial vetting.
“This is a good start, but Farage has some way to go,” he said.
“There are serious questions to answer as to how this candidate got approved in the first place.
“Farage must now ensure he takes firmer action every time a Reform politician or candidate makes racially offensive comments – which is more frequently than most right-minded people would want.”
Source: independent.co.uk
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/reform-mayoral-candidate-chris-parry-b2944790.html
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Trump cites progress with Iran, US proposes plan to end war
March 25, 2026
US President Donald Trump (C-R) watches as members of the 82nd Airborne Division march past during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade from the Ellipse in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. (AFP)
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ISLAMABAD/JERUSALEM: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the US was making progress in its efforts to negotiate an end to war with Iran, including winning an important concession from Tehran, while a source confirmed that Washington had sent Iran a 15-point settlement proposal.
Trump told reporters at the White House the US was talking to “the right people” in Iran in order to reach a deal to end hostilities, adding the Iranians wanted to reach a deal very badly.
“We’re in negotiations right now,” he said.
Tehran has denied that direct talks have taken place. Iran’s powerful parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Monday dismissed such reports as “fake news.”
However, an Iranian military spokesman said the United States is negotiating with itself, according to state media on Wednesday.
“Has the level of your inner struggle reached the stage of you negotiating with yourself?” Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperon for the unified command of Iran's armed forces, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, taunted the US leadership.
“People like us can never get along with people like you,” Zolfaqari said, adding that US investments and pre-war energy prices would not return as long as Washington does not accept that regional stability is guaranteed by Iranian armed forces.
The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Washington sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war in the Middle East. Israel’s Channel 12, quoting three sources, said the US was seeking a month-long ceasefire to discuss the 15-point plan.
A source familiar with the matter confirmed that the US had sent a plan to Iran but provided no further details.
The Israeli media outlet said the plan would include the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, ceasing support for proxy groups, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump told reporters at the White House that Iran had made a valuable concession related to non-nuclear energy and the Strait of Hormuz, although he did not elaborate.
Iran has told the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that “non-hostile vessels” may transit the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, according to a note seen by Reuters on Tuesday.
Iran has effectively shut the waterway, where 20 percent of the world’s oil normally transits, since the US and Israel launched attacks four weeks ago, creating the worst energy supply shock in history and sending fuel prices soaring. “It was a very big present, worth a tremendous amount of money,” Trump said in his comments on Iran, adding: “It was a very nice thing they did.”
But US, Israeli and Iranian strikes continued and sources said Washington was preparing to send more troops to the region. Two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday that the US was expected to send thousands of soldiers from the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.
The forces will add to the 50,000 US troops already in the region and accelerate Washington’s massive US military buildup there, fueling fears of a longer conflict. Pakistan’s prime minister said on Tuesday that he was willing to host talks between the US and Iran on ending the war, a day after Trump postponed threats to bomb Iranian power plants, saying there had been “productive” talks.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan fully supported ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue and was ready to host “meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement.” A Pakistani government source said discussions on a meeting were at an advanced stage and if it did happen, “a big ‘if’,” it would take place within a week. Pakistan has long-standing ties to neighboring Iran’s Islamic Republic and has been building a relationship with Trump.
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28 after saying they had failed to make enough headway in talks aimed at ending Iran’s nuclear program, although mediator Oman said significant progress had been made.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2637551/middle-east
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Ghana and EU sign landmark defence deal to combat militant Islamist threat
Wedaeli Chibelushi
25 Mar, 2026
Ghana has signed a defence agreement with the European Union (EU) as Islamist militants continue to wreak havoc in neighbouring countries.
The agreement, signed in Accra by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Ghanaian Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, strenghtens cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
Ghana is the first African country to make such a deal with the EU, Opoku-Agyemang said.
Though Ghana has so far remained largely untouched by militant violence, the surrounding West African region has become a hotbed of activity by affiliates of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group.
Tuesday's agreement "signals the EU's determination to support Ghana's efforts at tackling emerging threats both at the national and at the regional levels", Osman Abdul Razak, Ghana's national security coordinator, said at a joint press conference on Tuesday.
In her address, Kallas said the EU supports West African countries like Ghana to "counter terrorism, strengthen border security and enhance maritime security".
During the visit to Accra, EU representatives delivered drones, anti-drone systems, bomb disposal vehicles, and motorcycles to the Ghanaian military.
In recent years, al-Qaeda and IS affiliates have gained territory in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. They have also carried out attacks in Ivory Coast, Benin and Togo.
Aid agencies say that over the last decade some two million people have been displaced by the insurgency in Burkina Faso, which lies to the north of Ghana.
Militants often cross over from Burkina Faso to Ghana in regroup when under pressure from Burkina Faso's military, according to several reports. They also use the country to smuggle weapons, food and fuel.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87w80xe1jro
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Tattoo: Minister urges Muslims to uphold religious boundaries, seek help from experts
25 Mar 2026
Minister Zulkifli Hasan advises Muslims to avoid tattooing and seek expert help for personal issues, highlighting Jakim’s free counselling services.
PUTRAJAYA: Muslims have been advised to uphold religious boundaries and personal dignity by avoiding practices like tattooing.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan issued the reminder in a statement today.
He stressed that acts contradicting Islamic teachings, such as tattooing, should not be normalised in society. Zulkifli urged Muslims to preserve their faith and honour.
The minister also cautioned against exposing personal shortcomings on social media when facing difficulties. He advised seeking appropriate help from qualified experts instead.
For such purposes, the Department of Islamic Development provides free advisory services through its KSKCareCentre. The centre offers syarie counselling and therapy at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque here.
Members of the public may also contact MyCareJAKIM via its hotline for assistance. The statement follows a viral video involving a Muslim social media influencer.
The content creator drew public attention after confessing to having a tattoo on his left arm.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/tattoo-minister-urges-muslims-to-uphold-religious-boundaries-seek-help-from-experts/
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Religious Leaders Call for Extension of Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire Until Eid al-Adha
By Fidel Rahmati
March 25, 2026
Religious scholars from Pakistan and Afghanistan have jointly called on authorities in both countries to extend the temporary ceasefire, originally announced for Eid al-Fitr, until Eid al-Adha.
On Tuesday, 24 March, 22 prominent clerics issued a statement emphasizing that their goal is to foster sustainable peace and resolve ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
The scholars urged both the Pakistani government and Taliban authorities to maintain the pause in hostilities, ensuring that citizens can perform Hajj rituals in a safe and peaceful environment.
According to the statement, their appeal goes beyond a simple call for a ceasefire, encompassing broader diplomatic and social efforts aimed at reaching a fair and mutually acceptable resolution to long-standing disputes between the two countries.
They emphasized that extending the ceasefire could build trust, reduce civilian casualties, and pave the way for stronger regional cooperation and dialogue.
Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have periodically escalated due to cross-border attacks and accusations from both sides. Past short-term ceasefires during religious holidays have often been violated, highlighting the need for longer-term agreements.
International organizations, including the United Nations and regional mediators, have repeatedly urged Islamabad and Kabul to prioritize diplomacy and avoid civilian harm, especially during major religious observances.
Religious leaders hope that extending the ceasefire will not only protect civilians but also create a framework for sustained dialogue, reduce regional tensions, and strengthen peace initiatives in South Asia.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/religious-leaders-call-for-extension-of-pakistan-afghanistan-ceasefire-until-eid-al-adha/
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India
India ‘indispensable’ to Indo-Pacific peace and power balance, says Trump administration
24 Mar 2026
India's role is indispensable for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific as well as to ensure a "favourable" balance of power in Asia, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday, laying out a broader vision for deeper defence ties between the two sides in the face of "tectonic" shift in geopolitics.
Elbridge Colby, the US Under Secretary of War for Policy, in an address at the Ananta Centre listed four key points highlighting the significance of the India-US strategic engagement, asserting that "no single power" should dominate the Indo-Pacific, remarks seen as an oblique reference to China.
"The United States believes that India will play a central role in ensuring a favourable balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, a strong, confident India is not only good for the Indian people. It is good for Americans as well," he said.
Colby's two-day visit to New Delhi assumes significance as it comes amid the escalating crisis in West Asia as well as mounting concerns over China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the Indo-Pacific.
"First, the United States and India do not need to agree on everything to cooperate effectively. What matters is that our interests and objectives increasingly converge on the most fundamental issues," he said.
"Differences and even disputes are fully compatible with deepening alignment and cooperation on strategic matters. The roots of our partnership are deeper than optics and more durable than superficial comity; they are, rather, thickly embedded in lasting strategic mutual self-interest," he said.
"Both of our countries benefit from an Indo-Pacific in which no power can dominate the region. Both benefit from open trade and national autonomy.
"These are the concrete, shared interests that form the foundation of our enduring strategic partnership," he argued.
Explaining his second point, Colby said both India and the US recognise the strategic centrality of military power for a stable balance in the region, and thus the defence cooperation should enhance "real capability rather than be merely totemic or driven by inertia".
"In this light, one of the most encouraging developments in recent years has been the steady expansion of defence cooperation between the United States and India".
Colby quoted US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to assert that the defence ties between the two sides have never been stronger, adding that defence industrial and technology collaboration is gaining "new momentum".
In this context, he also referred to the sealing of the 'Major Defence Partnership' framework that was firmed up in October last.
"Our goals should be practical: to ensure that our forces can operate effectively together when our interests align, and in any case to see that India possesses the capabilities necessary to defend its sovereignty and contribute to a favourable regional balance of power," he said.
Colby said the US is committed to working with India to hasten and "augment cooperation in areas including but not limited to long-range precision fires, resilient logistics, maritime domain awareness, anti-submarine warfare, and advanced technologies."
In his third point, the US under secretary emphasised the importance of potential co-production and co-development of military hardware. At the same time, he listed "regulatory barriers, bureaucratic inertia, and differences in procurement systems" as the real challenges.
"But they are not insurmountable and we should overcome them," he added.
Colvy said even as the US is seeking to expand American military sales to India, it also recognises New Delhi's ambition to expand its indigenous defence industry.
"A strong domestic industrial base enhances sovereignty and resilience. The United States supports that objective. And India is well on its way," he said.
"India already boasts an impressive defence industrial base and India's leadership in cutting-edge technologies only further helps broaden our defence cooperation."
Colby, in his fourth point, noted that the US and India will not agree on every issue, but at the same time argued that any disagreement need not pose any hindrance to the cooperation.
"Strong partnerships benefit from honesty, respect, and strategic clarity. The truth is that the United States and India will not agree on every issue."
"Indeed, in precisely that spirit, we can say without embarrassment that India and America have not always been partners or even friendly. Our histories and strategic cultures are different, and our interests will of course at times diverge," he said.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Mar/24/india-indispensable-to-indo-pacific-peace-and-power-balance-says-trump-administration
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Gujarat passes UCC Bill after 8-hr debate amid Opposition objections
Parimal A Dabhi
Mar 25, 2026
THE GUJARAT Assembly on Tuesday passed the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill by a majority vote, to bring an uniform civil code in the state.
The Bill was passed in the state Assembly amid protests by Opposition parties even as the members of the main opposition party Congress staged a walkout from the House before its passage. As many as 16 members of the Gujarat Assembly spoke on the Bill that was passed after a marathon discussion that lasted nearly eight hours.
The lone Muslim MLA from the Congress, Imran Khedawala, in the house of 182 members, opposed it saying it would distance Muslims from Shariat Law and make them “atheists”.
With this, Gujarat has become the second state in the country, after Uttarakhand, to have passed a Bill to bring in an uniform civil code.
The Bill, largely based on the Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand, seeks to regulate personal civil matters of the residents of Gujarat such as marriage, divorce, succession, adoption and related civil affairs including live-in relationships. It has been brought in by the state government after a committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai submitted a report recently.
Apart from the landmark Shah Bano case and other laws related to marriages and divorce of Muslims, Christians and Parsis, the Committee under Justice (retd) Desai also studied the civil codes of France, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Germany and Turkey, according to a statement by the state government.
Presenting the Bill, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “Now, the implementation of the UCC will reject any policy or custom of division or discrimination among citizens based on their religion or caste. This Uniform Civil Code will apply to everyone, regardless of religion or specific individual identity… In other aspects of the UCC as well, the principles of equality and equitable justice have been adopted. In that sense, this is a Bill that reflects the expectations, aspirations, and desires of the citizens of Gujarat for equal justice.”
“In this draft, special priority has been given to the equal rights and security of women. This demonstrates how deeply concerned this government is regarding the protection of women’s rights and entitlements,” CM Patel added.
Presenting the Bill, the CM also highlighted some of the penal provisions in it for violation that includes imprisonment of various periods. He said that if a case pertains to a live-in relationship with a minor girl, there is a provision under POCSO Act.
The CM also said, “In changing times, to save our girls from cases such as Shradhha Walkar is part of our duty and the provision for live-in relationships is not for taking away anybody’s freedom, but for legal security of daughters. For those who do marriages while concealing their identity or do fraud, there is no place in Gujarat.”
He also sought to clarify certain “misunderstandings” prevailing in some communities about the Bill and said, “Marriage with a cousin is an accepted tradition within the minority community, and it is clear in the Bill that if a community’s tradition allows such marriages, they will be considered legal.”
He also highlighted that the Bill will not be applicable to members of all the tribal communities falling within the constitutional provisions.
“This law is only to remove discrimination and not to remove cultures,” the CM said.
He added that the Bill has been drafted while considering the suggestions and opinions given by people across the state, various decisions of the high courts and the Supreme Court, and model laws of other countries of the world.
The Opposition Congress put forth strong objections to the Bill.
Senior Congress legislator Amit Chavda alleged that the state government brought the Bill “in a hurry, with political intentions while keeping in mind coming elections in the state.”
He said, “When certain communities have been excluded from this Bill, how can it be called a common civil code?”
Chavda also said that before bringing the Bill, the government should have made the Ranjana Desai Committee’s report public.
Congress MLA Imran Khedawala strongly opposed the Bill and said, “I oppose the Bill on behalf of the entire Muslim community of Gujarat.”
He said that with this Bill, Muslims could be separated from Shariat Law and this would make them “atheist”.
Congress leader Shailesh Parmar too opposed the Bill, and all the Congress MLAs demanded to send it to a select committee before passage.
Speaking on the Bill, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi too strongly defended it, while calling it “historic”. Sanghavi said the UCC was part of the BJP’s promise and they have fulfilled it. He said countries such as France, Germany, Turkey, Nepal and Azerbaijan etc also have common civil codes. He added that the Ranjana Desai committee had received over 20 lakh suggestions before drafting the Bill.
As the Bill was put to vote, Congress MLAs demanded that it be sent to a select committee. As the demand was not approved, the three Congress MLAs present – Tushar Chaudhary, Shailesh Parmar and Anant Patel – walked out.
AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava “thanked’ the government, noting that people of Scheduled Tribe communities have been excluded from the Bill .
Source: indianexpress.com
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Kakori martyrs’ statues bulldozed in UP's Shahjahanpur; opposition calls it 'disturbing mindset'
24.03.26
Statues of Kakori train action martyrs were demolished using a bulldozer allegedly during a road construction work in Shahjahanpur, sparking outrage with opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party (SP), on Tuesday demanding action against those responsible for it.
The statues of freedom fighters Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan and Roshan Singh were installed along a road outside the Shahjahanpur Municipal Corporation office and were regularly garlanded by visiting public representatives. They were allegedly demolished on Sunday night.
A video purportedly showing the statues being razed and their debris dumped at a garbage site was posted on social media, drawing sharp reactions.
Municipal sources said the demolition was carried out by a contractor engaged in road construction and beautification work. After being dismantled, the remains of the statues were reportedly dumped at a waste disposal site, and the plaques installed at the site were also removed using a bulldozer.
Attempts by PTI to contact the municipal commissioner and the district magistrate for comments remained unsuccessful.
Samajwadi Party (SP) district president Tanveer Khan alleged that the statues were demolished to remove a plaque bearing his name that had been installed during his tenure as municipal chairman.
He termed the act an "insult to the martyrs" and accused the administration of acting arbitrarily.
Reacting to the incident, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said that beautification can never take precedence over respect for martyrs.
Sharing a news report on social media platform X, he condemned the demolition, calling it a reflection of a "disturbing mindset".
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai demanded strict action against those responsible for the demolition.
"If justice is not served, every single Congress worker will take to the streets and fiercely oppose this dictatorship," he said in a post on X.
Rai said that the "BJP government's municipal corporation ran bulldozers over the statues of great sacrificers like Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaq Ullah Khan, and Thakur Roshan Singh.
"This is a direct assault on every brave hero who laid down their life for the country's freedom and on the sentiments of 145 crore Indians. The Yogi government must immediately take strict action against the responsible officials." Meanwhile, a descendant of Ashfaqulla Khan said the act was condemnable and vowed to protest against it.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Lucknow’s Shia community rallies to aid Iran war victims
Mar 25, 2026
LUCKNOW: Carrying forward the humanitarian momentum that began in Srinagar and spread across the country, members of the Shia community in Lucknow have stepped forward to support people in Iran affected by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
On Tuesday, scores of people—including children, elderly residents, and women—gathered at Dargah Hazrat Abbas to contribute donations in cash for humanitarian relief. The atmosphere reflected a strong sense of solidarity, with families arriving together to offer whatever help they could.
Among the donors were sisters Monisha Zehera, aged 10, and Sakina, aged 7, who brought their piggy bank savings to contribute. “We want to help the people of Iran. We saw in the news that children there are suffering because of the war, so we decided to help them,” said Monisha.
To ensure transparency and direct assistance, the dargah displayed a QR code provided by the Iranian Embassy, enabling donors to transfer funds directly to the embassy’s humanitarian aid account instead of depositing cash on the premises.
Meesam Rizvi, caretaker of Dargah Hazrat Abbas, said the initiative was taken in response to community demand.
“People wanted a trustworthy and direct way to donate for humanitarian aid. That’s why we displayed the QR code shared by the Iranian embassy,” he said, adding that at least 25 people had already made donations through the digital payment system.
He added, "No cash or jewellery is being accepted, as dargah has no mechanism to transfer the donation collected physically to the Iranian embassy."
Source: indiatimes.com
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'Wild theory in his head’: Gaurav Gogoi on Himanta's claims linking him and his wife to Pakistan
25 Mar 2026
Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday strongly rejected allegations by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma linking him and his wife to Pakistan, calling the claims a “wild theory existing only in his head”.
In an interview with PTI, the Jorhat MP said the accusations were baseless and undermined the seriousness of national security issues.
"There is a difference between what Sarma is saying and what I am saying against him, his is a 'wild theory' which exists only in his head, and it relates to something very serious as national security," Gogoi said.
"What we are saying about his family, his wealth, corruption, and the benefit that the government machinery is giving to his wife's company, that is for everybody to see," he claimed.
It is well documented, many stories have been published, people are fighting cases in courts on these allegations, and there is a whole list of publicly documented and media-reported evidence, he said.
In contrast, Sarma's allegations are "fiction", and he is "peddling national security as a wild theory to fulfil his larger scheme of things", Gogoi alleged.
“National security should be above politics. A chief minister should show gravitas and not make such serious allegations lightly,” he said.
The remarks come amid continued attacks by Sarma, who has alleged links between Gogoi, his British wife Elizabeth Clare Gogoi, and Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI, and has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the matter.
Calling the accusations politically motivated, Gogoi said they reveal the chief minister’s “insecurities” and the extent to which he is willing to go against political opponents. “It shows how far he can go to malign others over such a serious issue,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Gogoi said his family has remained resilient. “These attacks have only made us stronger. My wife has handled them with courage, and it has reinforced our shared values,” he added.
The Congress leader also accused the state government of avoiding questions on alleged misuse of public funds. He claimed the ruling dispensation promotes “politics of fear and intimidation”, alleging that critics are targeted through legal and administrative means.
“This is not democratic politics. People who question the government face consequences. The people of Assam deserve better,” he said.
Gogoi said voters would judge parties based on “moral courage”. He also invoked the legacy of his father, former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, saying people remember a period of stability and peace under his leadership.
Gogoi said the Congress aims to offer a “constructive and action-oriented government” and address issues such as industrial growth and governance.
On the opposition front, he welcomed the formation of a six-party alliance comprising Congress, Raijor Dal, Assam Jatiya Parishad, CPI(M), All Party Hill Leaders Conference, and CPI(ML). While he noted that discussions took time due to seat-sharing and organisational considerations, he said he was satisfied with the outcome.
“Never before has Congress been part of such a rainbow coalition. The response from people has been very encouraging,” he said, adding that the alliance brings together national, regional and Left political streams.
Gogoi said voters are showing enthusiasm for the coalition and are looking for an alternative to the current government.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Three AIMIM leaders arrested over speech during Eid Milan programme at Meerut
25 Mar 2026
Meerut Police has arrested three AIMIM leaders on charges of disturbing communal harmony after their speeches during an Eid Milan programme went viral on social media, reported PTI.
According to police, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul's (AIMIM) western Uttar Pradesh president Mahtab Chauhan, metropolitan president Imran Ansari and metropolitan secretary Raji Siddiqui were arrested following late-night raids.
In the purported video of the Eid Milan programme --held at a farmhouse in Hajipur village on March 23-- AIMIM state president Shaukat Ali is heard saying, "You gave 111 seats to those who remain silent. Give me just 11 MLAs, and I promise that if a Muslim is killed in an encounter in Uttar Pradesh, those who are responsible for the encounter will also face an encounter."
Assistant Superintendent of Police (Meerut) Antriksh Jain said police took cognisance of the video and registered a case at Lohiyanagar police station against six named individuals, including Ali, and several unidentified others.
"The speeches were intended to create enmity between different religions and communities and affect law and order," Jain claimed, adding that efforts are on to arrest the other accused.
Strict action will be taken against anyone found engaging in activities that disrupt social harmony and legal statutes, he said.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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PDP MLA moves Private Member's Bill proposing two new divisions, 16 districts in J&K
Fayaz Wani
25 Mar 2026
SRINAGAR: The opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) MLA is all set to move a Private Member’s Bill in the upcoming second leg of the Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, commencing from March 27. The bill proposes a major overhaul of Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative structure by adding two more divisions and 16 new districts.
However, the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has termed it a “mockery of the august House.”
The Private Member’s Bill to be introduced by PDP MLA Waheed Para is titled “The Jammu and Kashmir Territorial Administrative Reorganisation Bill, 2026,” and proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the Union Territory’s administrative setup.
The second leg of the Budget session of the J&K Assembly will begin on March 27 and conclude on April 4.
The bill proposes the creation of two new administrative divisions - Chenab division headquartered at Doda and Pir Panjal division headquartered at Rajouri. These would function alongside the existing Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
It also proposes the creation of 16 new districts across Jammu and Kashmir.
In the Valley, the bill suggests eight new districts, including four hill districts - Tral–Awantipora Hill district, Ashmuqam-Pahalgam Hill district, Beerwah, Sopore, Handwara, Gurez, Tangdhar–Karnah Hill district, and Norabad Hill district.
In the Jammu region, it proposes eight new hill districts in geographically challenging areas, including Nowshera, Bhadarwah, Banihal, Thatri, Akhnoor, Billawar, Kotranka, and Mendhar.
“Prior to issuing any notification under this Act, the government shall consult the concerned District Development Councils (DDCs), invite objections and suggestions from the public in the prescribed manner, and a statement of reasons shall be placed before the Legislative Assembly,” the bill states.
According to the bill, large geographical areas, mountainous terrain, and regional imbalance have adversely affected administrative efficiency and public service delivery in the Union Territory.
“The absence of a comprehensive statutory framework has resulted in ad-hoc executive reorganisation,” it notes.
“This Private Member’s Bill seeks to provide a transparent, consultative, and legislative mechanism for the creation of new administrative units, including the establishment of Chenab and Pir Panjal divisions, to ensure decentralised governance, equitable development, and accessible administration,” it adds.
According to Para, the bill does not involve the appropriation of any money from the Consolidated Fund of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The creation of new administrative divisions, districts, sub-divisions, and tehsils under the Bill is enabling in nature and shall be operationalised only through notifications issued by the government from time to time. Any expenditure arising out of such notifications, including infrastructure, personnel, or administrative arrangements, shall be met from existing budgetary provisions or future allocations approved by the Legislative Assembly. Accordingly, the Bill does not entail any immediate or direct financial liability,” he states.
However, the ruling National Conference has strongly criticised the move.
“This is nothing but a mockery of the august House. As always, PDP MLAs are trying to mislead the people of J&K in the name of Private Member Bills. You need 46 MLAs to pass a Bill, not 3 or 4,” NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said in a post on X.
“Also, this bill, which falls somewhere at Serial No. 58, won’t come up before 2028, let alone pass. Unfortunately, PDP’s drama-obsessed MLAs have turned the House into a social media stage. They never have, and never will, contribute anything good to the people of J&K,” Dar claimed.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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IAF rolls out ‘Vayu Baan’, India’s first helicopter-dropped drone project
25 Mar 2026
NEW DELHI: With warfare moving beyond visual range, drones taking centre stage and helicopter survivability under scrutiny, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has set in motion ‘Vayu Baan’, its first helicopter-dropped drone project, it is learnt.
Sources in the defence establishment said the homegrown project is being led by the IAF’s Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) which
issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) earlier this month, inviting bids from domestic vendors for the system’s design and development.
At its core, Vayu Baan will be a small drone deployed from helicopters to navigate autonomously towards its target. Once airborne, it will transmit real-time video to operators and, if required, carry out a precision strike using a small onboard warhead.
“The aim is to let helicopters engage targets from stand-off ranges while reducing risk to aircrew,” a source said. “It will also support both ground and airborne control for flexible mission execution.”
According to sources, the drone is expected to have a range of over 50 km and an endurance of around 30 minutes. Equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors, it will be capable of surveillance as well as target identification. Importantly, it will continue to operate even if enemy forces jam or disable GPS signals.
The project is on a fast track, with the IAF hoping to complete development, testing and delivery of an initial batch within a year. This will involve helicopter drop trials, payload integration and high-altitude testing before the system is cleared for operational use.
India, with ‘Vayu Baan’, is set to join a select group of countries working on air-launched unmanned systems, which globally remain largely at the demonstration stage.
China, for instance, has showcased air-deployed drone swarms from platforms such as the Xi’an H-6 bomber, but these are yet to see operational deployment.
Similarly, in the United States, the DARPA-led Gremlins programme has demonstrated the launch and mid-air recovery of drone swarms from transport aircraft, while the U.S. Army’s “air-launched effects” effort is progressing towards integration on platforms like the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Mideast
What cost-effective options do Gulf states have to counter the drone menace?
ANAN TELLO
March 25, 2026
LONDON: Just days into the joint US-Israeli war on Iran, the Trump administration flagged Tehran’s Shahed one-way attack drones as a major battlefield threat, even as Gulf militaries intercepted the vast majority launched toward them.
After the conflict erupted on Feb. 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, Tehran responded with waves of Shahed drones and volleys of ballistic missiles aimed at Israel and Arab states hosting American bases.
Since then, residents across the Gulf have watched missiles and drones streak across the sky, often ending in bursts of fire as air defenses intercept them.
Iran insists it is targeting American assets in retaliation for the offensive, which, according to the Iranian health ministry, has killed at least 1,444 people in Iran, among them Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and much of Tehran’s senior leadership.
As of March 23, the UAE had intercepted 367 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,789 drones, according to its Defense Ministry, yet several still struck targets, killing eight people and injuring 161 others.
In Bahrain, the Defense Force said its air defenses had downed 147 projectiles and 282 drones, though interceptions were similarly imperfect.
Saudi Arabia has also recorded repeated successes against Iranian barrages since late February, with the Defense Ministry logging hundreds of interceptions.
The attacks on neighboring states have continued despite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s public apology on March 7, in which he pledged Tehran would halt strikes unless attacks on Iran originated from Gulf territory.
Even as Gulf forces demonstrate high interception rates, the effort is proving extraordinarily expensive.
Shahed drones can be mass-produced for roughly $20,000 to $50,000 per unit, while the interceptor missiles used to destroy them cost millions — an asymmetry that strongly favors Tehran.
Intercepting a single drone can require a Lockheed Martin Patriot PAC-3 missile costing more than $4 million. When the logistical strain of rearming and the years needed to replenish stockpiles are factored in, the disparity becomes starker.
Iran’s ability to produce these drones cheaply stems from its use of aluminium, composites and commercial off-the-shelf components, with manufacturing that more closely resembles a car assembly line than traditional aerospace production.
Despite years of sanctions, Iran’s automotive and mechanical sectors remain resilient, with domestic firms producing engines, airframes and guidance systems at a fraction of Western costs.
“It’s a money game,” Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Texas-based drone manufacturer Hylio, told The New York Times on March 4, estimating the cost ratio per interception could reach 10-to-1 or even 60- or 70-to-1 in Iran’s favor.
That imbalance is already showing up in US defense spending.
The New York Times reported that officials told a closed-door Capitol Hill briefing on March 10 that war costs had exceeded $11.3 billion in the first six days alone, excluding pre-conflict deployment costs.
Separately, The Washington Post reported that roughly $5.6 billion worth of munitions were expended in just the first two days — far higher than publicly disclosed figures.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies had earlier estimated the first 100 hours of operations cost $3.7 billion, or about $891 million per day.
The Shahed threat was highlighted in another closed-door briefing on March 3, where officials warned that US air defenses cannot intercept every incoming drone, according to CNN.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine said the drones’ low cost, small size and ability to operate in large swarms allow them to saturate and overwhelm air-defense systems.
Shaheds — small, delta-winged munitions roughly 3.5 meters long — carry explosive warheads and emit a distinctive buzzing sound as they descend on targets. Launched from trucks, they are difficult to track and easy to deploy.
The long-range Shahed-136 variant can travel up to 2,000 kilometers, placing virtually any target in the Middle East within reach.
Economist Adam Tooze underscored the problem on the “Ones & Tooze” podcast on March 6, noting that modern warfare is increasingly defined not by offensive weapons but by defensive interceptors and their scarcity.
“The Gulf states, Israel itself and Ukraine are all desperately dependent on one of these tight supply chains for interceptors,” he said.
“They’re fiendishly expensive — millions and millions of dollars per shot.”
He noted that a single Patriot battery costs about $1.5 billion, while each THAAD interceptor costs around $15 million, with multiple interceptors often required per incoming missile.
By some estimates, more than 800 US-made interceptors were used in just three days of fighting, underscoring the intensity of the burn rate.
With the cost gap widening, attention is increasingly turning to emerging technologies that could rebalance the equation.
“I believe the directed-energy ecosystem that integrates AI-driven software with portable platforms offers the cheapest and most transformative options,” Joze Pelayo, a Middle East security analyst with the Atlantic Council, told Arab News.
Among the most closely watched systems is Israel’s Iron Beam, which can reportedly intercept drones for around $3.50 per shot, though its operational use remains unclear.
The US is also advancing laser-based defenses. In a recent deployment, the US Navy destroyer USS Preble used the HELIOS system, short for High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance, to shoot down multiple drones.
Developed by Lockheed Martin, HELIOS is a 60-kilowatt laser weapon designed to counter drones, aircraft and missiles. It can disable targets either by “dazzling” their sensors, confusing guidance systems, or by delivering a higher-energy beam that physically destroys them through intense heat.
The system also doubles as a surveillance platform, using thermal imaging and high-resolution sensors to detect and track targets at distances of up to 8 kilometers.
Crucially, laser weapons dramatically reduce the cost per interception, potentially from millions of dollars to just a few cents per shot, offering a possible solution to the current economic imbalance.
However, the technology has limitations. Laser effectiveness can be degraded by rain, fog, dust and smoke, which scatter the beam, while power requirements and range constraints also remain challenges.
Other systems are in development. The US Navy’s planned 400-kilowatt “Songbow” laser is expected by 2027, while smaller non-kinetic systems such as Lyocon aim to disrupt drone sensors.
For now, analysts say these technologies will complement, rather than replace, existing layered air defenses.
Amid the search for solutions, Ukraine has emerged as a potential source of expertise, having faced sustained drone warfare.
Since September 2024, Ukraine has endured near-nightly swarm attacks from Geran-2 drones, the Russian model derived from Iran’s Shahed-136 as part of a technology transfer between the two countries.
In January 2026 alone, Russia launched more than 4,400 Shahed-type drones against Ukrainian targets, averaging about 140 per day, according to the Institute for Science and International Security.
Ukraine could offer battle-tested expertise in the use of US-manufactured interceptor drones Merops, at around $10,000-$15,000 each.
Analysts say Kyiv can offer interceptor drones at costs that narrow the economic gap with Shahed munitions. Ukraine’s Sting interceptor, developed in early 2024 by Wild Hornets as Kyiv faced mounting financial strain, costs between $2,000 and $4,000 per unit.
Small, fast and highly maneuverable, some Sting variants can reach altitudes of about 11.3 kilometers, carrying payloads of up to 1.8 kilograms, with interception rates reportedly exceeding 85 percent.
Almost 1,000 can be produced daily by a dozen manufacturers, and their designs are continuously updated to counter shifting drone tactics, The Telegraph reported on March 5.
AI-enabled interceptor drones, capable of autonomous targeting and swarm coordination, are becoming an increasingly important part of that defense.
Yet transferring that expertise is not straightforward.
“Ukraine itself has not fully overcome Russia’s drone attacks,” Arman Mahmoudian of the University of South Florida told Arab News.
“Implementing these measures requires training, operational familiarity and real battlefield experience.”
While Ukrainian news media have reported interest from Gulf states, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense has not issued any statement in this regard.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s national oil company, Aramco, recently pushed back against claims that it is in talks with Ukrainian firms to purchase interceptor drones, calling them “inaccurate.”
“Aramco is aware of recent media reports regarding the company being in discussions with Ukrainian companies regarding the procurement of interceptor drones. These claims are inaccurate,” the company told Reuters.
Nevertheless, for Gulf states, the lesson is clear: even with advanced defenses, the economics of modern warfare are shifting, and the cost of protection may prove as decisive as firepower itself.
Source: arabnews.com
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How many people have been killed in the US-Israeli war on Iran?
March 25, 2026
TEHRAN: Thousands of people have been killed across the Middle East since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28 and Iran launched strikes against Israel, US bases and Gulf states.
Here are the latest death tolls reported, which Reuters has not independently verified.
IRAN
US-based rights group HRANA said on Monday that 3,268 people have been killed since the war erupted. It said 1,443 of those were civilians, including at least 217 children.
The group says its data comes from field reports, local contacts, medical and emergency sources, civil society networks, open source materials and official statements.
The latest figures reported by state media put the toll at 1,270 people. Iran’s ambassador to the UN said on March 6 that at least 1,332 people had been killed since the war began. There has been no clarification of the discrepancy.
It was not clear if those figures included at least 104 people who the Iranian military said were killed in a US attack on an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka on March 4.
LEBANON
Lebanese authorities say 1,072 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since March 2. The World Health Organization and Lebanese health authorities said more than 100 of those killed were children.
IRAQ
At least 81 people have been killed, according to Iraqi authorities. Most of those were members of the Shiite Popular Mobilization Forces. One foreign crew member was killed in an attack on tankers near an Iraqi port, according to port security officials.
ISRAEL
Iranian missile attacks have killed 16 people in Israel, according to Israel’s ambulance service. The Israeli military said two of its soldiers were also killed in southern Lebanon.
Separately, an Israeli was killed by the Israeli military in his car on March 22 near the border with Lebanon. Israel said a day later that its own forces had misfired artillery that killed a farmer near the Lebanese frontier.
Israel’s ambulance service said on March 24 that a woman had been killed following missile fire toward northern Israel.
WEST BANK
Four Palestinian women were killed in an Iranian missile attack in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
UNITED STATES
Thirteen service members have been killed. Six were confirmed dead after a US military refueling aircraft crashed over Iraq, the US military said, while seven others have been killed in action during operations against Iran.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Eight people have been killed in Iranian attacks, including two army soldiers, according to the UAE defense ministry.
QATAR
Seven people were killed on March 22 in a deadly helicopter crash in Qatar’s territorial waters after a technical malfunction during “routine duty,” according to Qatar’s defense ministry. No further details were provided.
Four of those killed were Qatari armed forces personnel, one Turkish serviceman from the Qatar-Turkiye joint forces and two technicians working for Turkiye’s defense giant ASELSAN.
KUWAIT
Authorities have reported six deaths, including two people killed in Iranian attacks, two interior ministry officers and two army soldiers.
SYRIA
Four people were killed when an Iranian missile struck a building in the southern city of Sweida on February 28, state news agency SANA said.
OMAN
Two people were reported killed on March 13 in a drone strike on an industrial zone in Sohar province, marking the first fatalities inside the country, which had been hosting mediation talks between the US and Iran. One person died earlier when a projectile hit a tanker off the coast of Muscat, the vessel’s manager said.
SAUDI ARABIA
Two people were killed when a projectile fell on a residential location in Al-Kharj city, southeast of the capital Riyadh.
BAHRAIN
Two people were killed in two separate Iranian attacks, with the most recent hitting a residential building in the capital Manama, according to the interior ministry.
The UAE’s defense ministry said on March 24 that one of its civilian contractors was killed in an Iranian attack on Bahrain. It identified the contractor as a Moroccan national.
FRANCE
One French soldier was killed and six others were wounded after a drone attack in northern Iraq, where they were providing counterterrorism training.
Source: arabnews.com
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Lebanon state media says Israeli strikes kill 9 in south
March 25, 2026
BEIRUT, Lebanon: Lebanese state media reported on Wednesday that Israeli strikes killed at least six people in a town and a Palestinian refugee camp in the southern Sidon area, and three more in another town.
Israel has stepped up its campaign against Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah, whose rocket attacks on March 2 pulled Lebanon into the regional war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Citing the health ministry, Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA) said four people were killed in an “Israeli enemy raid” on the town of Adloun, and another two in a strike on an apartment in the Mieh Mieh refugee camp that left four others wounded.
In another area of southern Lebanon, the NNA earlier said an Israeli raid on the town of Habboush killed at least three people and wounded 18 others.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which earlier warned of an imminent attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold that has been targeted multiple times during the war.
Military spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a statement posted online that Israeli forces were targeting Hezbollah’s “military infrastructure... throughout the suburb with increasing force.”
“For your safety, you must evacuate immediately,” Adraee told residents.
Israel, which occupied southern Lebanon for nearly two decades until 2000, has said its military would take control of the border area up to the Litani river, around 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the frontier.
The Israeli campaign has killed at least 1,072 people in Lebanon, with more than one million people displaced, according to Lebanese authorities.
In northern Israel, where repeated air raid sirens have sent residents to shelters, a woman was killed on Tuesday following rocket fire from Lebanon, Israeli authorities said.
Source: arabnews.com
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Drone attack hits fuel tank, sparks fire at Kuwait Airport: aviation agency
March 25, 2026
KUWAIT CITY: Drones hit a fuel tank and sparked a fire at Kuwait’s international airport, the civil aviation authority said on Wednesday.
“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced on Wednesday that drones targeted a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a fire at the site,” the aviation agency posted on X, adding that firefighting teams were at the scene and there were no reports of casualties.
Source: arabnews.com
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Fictionalized Gaza war on Egyptian TV draws little applause from Palestinians
March 25, 2026
CAIRO: As real explosions shook the Gaza Strip, a fictionalized version was being beamed into Egyptian homes in prime time — drawing more criticism than praise from those still under the bombs.
Buildings reduced to rubble, hospitals-turned-battlefields and the incessant buzz of quadcopters: the creators of TV series “Sohab Al-Ard,” or “Owners of the Land,” set out to recreate the war in the Palestinian territory with elaborate set design.
But for those living in the real-life ruins, the line between entertainment and fiction was horrifically blurred.
“Watching an actor cry over a plastic dummy, soon after I’ve had to bury my sister with my bare hands, it’s more than I can bear,” said 21-year-old Yasser Al-Najjar, originally from northern Gaza but now living in a tent in the southern city of Rafah.
Since the start of the war in October 2023, more than 71,000 people have been killed in the territory.
The show follows an Egyptian doctor, played by Menna Shalabi, and a Palestinian father separated from his children, Eyad Nassar, as they encounter horrors including hospitals being bombed.
Bisan Saife, a 30-year-old mother who has been displaced 10 times, told AFP: “When you’ve lived through something that terrifying, you don’t want to watch it on TV.”
The 15-episode drama — aired with English subtitles — is “not for us Palestinians,” said Hatem Abu Armana, a member of the Palestinian national committee for amputee football who watched most of the episodes with his family.
“The sound of explosions and the smell of war are already etched in our chests. But the world needs to see what happened to us and what we’ve gone through,” he told AFP.
Reported extensively by both local journalists and regular Palestinians on social media, the war in Gaza has been described as a uniquely “live-streamed” conflict.
“But we wanted to show what was behind the headlines, the human element the news can’t portray,” Jordanian star Nassar said in an interview with the US TV show Entertainment Tonight.
- ‘Before the blood has even dried’ -
The series was produced by United Media Services — a media conglomerate linked to Egyptian intelligence — and directed by Peter Mimi, who previously helmed the three-season drama “El-Ikhtiyar,” or “The Choice,” dramatising Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s 2013 ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood.
True to form, his most recent work was accused of adopting Egypt’s political agenda, obfuscating what some see as Cairo’s complicity in Israel’s siege on Gaza.
On the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, the Palestinian side of which Israel seized and forced shut last May, the series shows Israel denying the entry of life-saving medical supplies.
Ella Waweya, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, immediately lashed out at the production, which she described as “brainwashing” and “a falsification of the facts.”
In one scene, an Egyptian truck driver blocked from delivering aid honks a coded obscenity at Israelis — a scene received on social media as a symbol of the impotent state of Arab solidarity.
The series, released during the high-viewership month of Ramadan, airs on TV and streams on online platforms at a time of widespread Arab frustration that a long history of championing the Palestinian cause did little to stop the killing.
For some, the entire endeavour is grotesque.
One X user accused it of “turning an ongoing genocide into entertainment before the blood has even dried.”
Despite a ceasefire coming into force in October, Israeli fire has killed at least 677 Palestinians since then, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Source: arabnews.com
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Jordan condemns Iranian attack on Bahrain that killed Moroccan contractor
March 25, 2026
LONDON: Jordan condemned an Iranian attack on Bahrain that resulted in the death of a Moroccan civilian contractor with the UAE Armed Forces and injuries to several personnel from the Emirati and Bahraini forces.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Tuesday condemned Iran’s “heinous” attacks, which “violate Bahrain’s sovereignty and escalate threats to regional security and stability,” according to the Petra news agency.
Jordan expressed full support for Bahrain and the UAE in confronting Iranian attacks, backing their measures to protect sovereignty, security and citizen safety.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said the contractor was killed during a routine mission and added that five of its personnel were also injured in what it described as the “brazen” attack. A statement expressed condolences to the contractor’s family and wished the wounded a speedy recovery.
Jordan, Bahrain and the UAE were among 10 countries that Iran attacked after the US and Israel targeted the country’s military capabilities and killed its top leaders.
King Abdullah of Jordan reiterated that Arab states did not take part in any US-led attacks against Iran, nor did they initiate the current conflict, which began on Feb. 28.
Source: arabnews.com
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Arab World
King Salman receives message from Oman’s sultan on bilateral ties
March 24, 2026
RIYADH: King Salman has received a written message from Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq concerning relations between Saudi Arabia and Oman, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The message was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji during a meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh with Oman’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Sayyid Najib bin Hilal Al-Busaidi.
The two parties looked at relations and discussed ways to enhance cooperation across various fields, the SPA said. Regional developments were also addressed.
The exchange came amid continued communication between the leaderships of the two countries.
The king and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent cables of condolence on Tuesday to Sultan Haitham regarding the victims of adverse weather conditions which have recently impacted Oman.
At least five people died in the sultanate this week after vehicles were swept away by floodwaters, authorities said on Monday.
Oman’s Civil Defense and Ambulance Authority said seven people were rescued after a vehicle carrying 10 people was swept away in a wadi in the Wilayat of Barka. The other three were later found dead.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi, French defense ministers discuss ties, regional developments
March 24, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, to discuss defense cooperation and regional developments on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed Franco-Saudi relations in the defense sector and explored ways to strengthen them.
In a post on X, Prince Khalid said the talks also addressed developments in the region and their wider implications, adding that both sides condemned repeated Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom.
The meeting comes amid continued expressions of French support for Saudi Arabia’s security.
It also comes a day after French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France’s solidarity with the Kingdom during a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Macron affirmed France’s backing for measures taken by Saudi Arabia to preserve its sovereignty and security, and reiterated Paris’ condemnation of repeated Iranian attacks against the Kingdom.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2637521/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia signs $75m development deal with Cameroon
March 24, 2026
RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development’s CEO Sultan Al-Marshad has signed a development agreement in Cameroon with the country’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development Alamine Ousmane Mey.
The agreement will finance the restoration of the Sorawel–Dourbey Road Project with a concessional loan of $75 million. It was signed in the presence of the Saudi Ambassador to Cameroon Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi, the Saudi fund said in a post on X on Tuesday.
The post added: “The project aims to reduce isolation and strengthen domestic and cross-border connectivity by upgrading road infrastructure and facilitating trade between Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria.”
It includes the construction of a dual carriageway extending over 77 km to enhance road safety and transport efficiency.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2637526/saudi-arabia
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Pilgrims receive 2.3m awareness services in Makkah
March 24, 2026
RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs provided about 2.3 million awareness services to pilgrims and Umrah performers in Makkah during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency recently reported.
The activities included daily lessons and awareness lectures in hotel prayer halls, several mosques in the central area and field locations operating around the clock in multiple international languages.
Pilgrims were provided with detailed explanations of Umrah rituals, the rules and virtues of fasting, and the principles of moderation and balance, in addition to answers to religious inquiries related to acts of worship and explanations of the virtues and sanctity of Makkah.
The ministry also distributed booklets and guidance publications in multiple languages and operated digital screens with QR codes, enabling visitors to access the electronic library and download religious materials via smartphones.
It also activated video-call and toll-free phone services in more than 40 international languages, the SPA reported.
These efforts reflect the integration of field services and modern technologies to improve organization and smooth movement within the Grand Mosque and its surroundings, promote the tolerant values of Islam, and highlight the Kingdom’s role in serving Islam and Muslims.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2637505/saudi-arabia
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KSrelief boosts healthcare support in Yemen
March 24, 2026
RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continued its efforts throughout last year to support the Yemeni people through the sixth phase of its prosthetics and rehabilitation project in Hadramout governorate.
The project provides free medical and humanitarian services for people who have lost limbs, and includes prosthetic fitting, rehabilitation, and training of local medical staff.
KSrelief delivered 22,705 services during 2025, benefiting 7,025 individuals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Separately, KSrelief’s mobile clinics recently treated 118 beneficiaries in one week in Hajjah governorate across several clinics. The facilities dealt with epidemiology issues, emergency, internal medicine, and reproductive health.
The KSrelief-supported dialysis center in Al-Mahrah governorate also continued its services, treating 138 patients in a month. Of these, 52 patients underwent 451 dialysis sessions, while 86 received examinations and medical tests at the nephrology clinic.
These efforts form part of ongoing Saudi humanitarian projects aimed at strengthening Yemen’s health sector while alleviating suffering.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2637481/saudi-arabia
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Europe
Three charged with murder after shooting outside Örebro mosque
24 Mar 2026
Three people have been charged with the murder of a 25-year-old man who was shot outside the Örebro mosque in Vivalla this summer.
A 16-year-old is charged with shooting the man several times during Friday prayers on August 15. The indictment states that the 16-year-old admits to the murder, which is described as an "execution."
He is also charged with attempted murder of another man outside the mosque, who was hit in the arm.
A 25-year-old and a 23-year-old man are also charged with murder. The 23-year-old was on a video call with the 25-year-old outside the mosque. According to the indictment, the 25-year-old is said to have pointed out to the 16-year-old the man who was to be shot.
Nine others are charged with aiding and abetting for participating in the planning.
Several people are also being charged with other crimes. These include preparing to murder a person in Örebro in October and aggravated assault. The incidents are linked to a gang conflict.
Source: swedenherald.com
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https://swedenherald.com/article/three-charged-with-murder-outside-orebro-mosque-in-vivalla
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Under NATO’s shadow, Serbia is being targeted again
24 Mar, 2026
This Tuesday marks 27 years since the start of the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, and the Western Balkans today is drifting toward a dangerously familiar pattern: polarization, militarization, and the construction of rival blocs. At the center of this unfolding story stands Serbia – once again cast not as a partner in regional security, but as a problem to be contained.
For years, Belgrade has pursued a policy of military neutrality, positioning itself as a stabilizing force in a region still haunted by the unresolved legacies of the 1990s. Serbia has balanced East and West, maintained open channels with Brussels, Washington, Moscow, and Beijing alike, and avoided the kind of rigid alignment that historically turned the Balkans into a geopolitical battlefield.
That neutrality, however, is now under mounting pressure – not because it has failed, but because others are abandoning restraint.
The making of an anti-Serbian bloc
The March 2025 Joint Declaration on Defense Cooperation between Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo should be understood for what it is: the foundation of a bloc explicitly designed to shift the balance of power against Serbia once again.
Its language speaks of a “shared vision for a secure future,” of alliances forged through “sacrifices for freedom.” Yet behind the rhetoric lies a hard strategic core: mutual military assistance, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, coordinated responses to “hybrid threats,” and – perhaps most provocatively – support for Kosovo’s deeper integration into Western military and political structures.
By anchoring itself in NATO’s Strategic Concept and the EU’s Strategic Compass, the trilateral initiative effectively imports great-power competition into one of Europe’s most fragile regions. The push to expand defense budgets under NATO’s Industrial Expansion Pledge and the EU’s ‘ReArm Europe’ plan only accelerates this process. What is being built is not a confidence-building mechanism, but a forward-leaning security architecture that excludes – and implicitly targets – Belgrade.
The prospect of Bulgaria joining this arrangement would only deepen the sense of encirclement. One does not need to indulge in paranoia to recognize the emerging geometry: a tightening ring of militarily aligned states, increasingly interoperable, increasingly coordinated, and increasingly willing to define Serbia as the ‘other’.
Kosovo: From dispute to military factor
Nowhere is this shift more dangerous than in Kosovo. For Serbia, Kosovo is not merely a political dispute; it is a question of sovereignty, identity, and international law. Yet under the umbrella of this new alliance, Pristina is being steadily transformed from a lightly armed security actor into a de facto military force.
The plan to convert the Kosovo Security Forces into a full-fledged army by 2028 is not occurring in a vacuum. With Albania and Croatia acting as conduits, Kosovo gains indirect access to NATO standards, training, and potentially even material support. This creates a reality in which an entity that five EU states and numerous countries worldwide, including Russia and China, do not recognize as sovereign is nevertheless being equipped and legitimized as a military actor.
That is a recipe for escalation. It also sends a deeply destabilizing message: that political disputes in the Balkans can be “resolved” not through dialogue, but through the gradual accumulation of force under the protection of larger alliances.
The consequences are already visible. What the architects of this trilateral alignment present as defensive cooperation has, in practice, triggered a regional arms dynamic. Serbia cannot – and will not – ignore a coordinated military buildup on its borders, particularly one that includes a disputed territory. This is how arms races begin – with mutual suspicion and incremental steps that, taken together, create a spiral of insecurity.
The Western Balkans is uniquely ill-suited to absorb such a spiral. Political institutions remain fragile, ethnic tensions unresolved, and external actors all too willing to exploit divisions. Increased militarization injects even more volatility into such an environment.
Serbia’s response: Reluctant but resolute
In Belgrade, there is no illusion about what is unfolding. President Aleksandar Vučić has been unusually blunt in his assessment: the global order is eroding, international law is selectively applied, and the guarantees that once underpinned stability are losing their credibility. To remain passive in this environment means to increase your vulnerability.
Serbia’s response, therefore, has been measured but unmistakable. Plans to significantly expand military capabilities over the next 18 months reflect a shift toward deterrence. The reintroduction of mandatory military service, short in duration but symbolically powerful, signals a broader mobilization of national resilience.
At the same time, Serbia is deepening strategic partnerships that can offset the rising external threat. The strengthening of defense ties with Hungary is particularly notable. Since 2023, the two countries have developed a dense network of military cooperation, from joint exercises to coordinated procurement.
Hungary’s role is not incidental. As both an EU and NATO member, it provides Serbia with a crucial bridge into Western structures – one that is not conditioned on abandoning its core interests. The historical memory of 1999, when Budapest’s position – under the leadership of Viktor Orbán, who was in his first term as prime minister back then – helped prevent an even more devastating escalation, still resonates. Today, that legacy is being translated into practical cooperation.
China and the rebalancing of power
Yet it is Serbia’s partnership with China that has most dramatically altered the regional equation.
In recent years, Beijing has become Belgrade’s primary defense supplier, accounting for the majority of its major arms imports. This is not simply a matter of cost or availability; it reflects a strategic choice to diversify away from traditional suppliers and secure capabilities that might otherwise be politically constrained.
The results are tangible. Serbia now fields Chinese-made drones, advanced air defense systems, and – most strikingly – the CM-400AKG air-to-surface ballistic missile. By integrating this system onto its MiG-29 fighters, Serbia has achieved something that would have been unthinkable a decade ago: transforming a modest air force into one capable of long-range precision strikes.
This is a qualitative leap. With a range of up to 400 kilometers and the ability to target high-value assets, the CM-400AKG fundamentally enhances Serbia’s deterrent posture. It allows Belgrade to hold at risk threats that previously lay beyond its reach, narrowing the gap with better-equipped neighbors.
Critics will inevitably label this escalation. But that argument ignores the sequence of events. Serbia did not initiate the current wave of militarization – it is responding to it. In a region where others are aligning, rearming, and integrating into larger military frameworks, standing still is not an option.
The joint ‘Peacekeeper 2025’ exercise with China further underscores this shift. For the first time, Serbian and Chinese forces trained together on Chinese soil – a signal that the partnership is evolving beyond procurement into operational cooperation.
A warning ignored
What is unfolding in the Balkans today is not inevitable. It is the result of choices – choices to prioritize bloc-building over inclusivity, to arm rather than reassure, to sideline rather than engage.
Serbia, for all the criticism it attracts, has been one of the few actors attempting to maintain a balance. Its neutrality has acted as a buffer, preventing the region from splitting cleanly into opposing camps. Undermining that neutrality – by surrounding it with alliances that treat it as an adversary – risks removing one of the last stabilizing pillars in the region.
The irony is stark. In the name of security, new insecurities are being created. In the pursuit of integration, new divisions are being entrenched.
If this trajectory continues, the Western Balkans may once again become what it has too often been: a stage for confrontation rather than cooperation.
And if that happens, it will not be because Serbia sought conflict – but because the space for neutrality, for balance, and for genuine regional dialogue was deliberately closed.
Source: rt.com
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EU shelves Russian oil ban as Iran war rattles energy markets
24 Mar, 2026
The EU has put plans on hold for a complete ban on Russian oil imports, news outlets have reported. The move comes amid renewed turbulence in energy markets driven by the war in the Middle East.
The draft law, part of the REPowerEU roadmap to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, had been tentatively scheduled for April 15 but has now been removed from the European Commission’s published work calendar, Euronews and Reuters reported on Tuesday.
An unnamed EU official was quoted as saying the delay was because of “current geopolitical developments.” Commission energy spokesperson Anna‑Kaisa Itkonen said she had “no new date to give.”
Coordinated US‑Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks across the region have led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to Western shipping, triggering a rally in oil and gas prices. Benchmark Brent has climbed to around $120 per barrel. The chokepoint normally carries around a fifth of the world’s daily oil supply. The IEA has warned that disruptions could potentially last months or years.
The EU was already grappling with the fallout from its decision to cut energy ties with Russia following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, as well as the costs of its green transition policies. Consumers across the bloc have since faced higher fuel and power bills, adding to broader cost‑of‑living pressures.
The price rally has prompted Washington to ease sanctions on Russian oil. Some European leaders have begun hinting at a rethink of their own. The “oil blockade” of the Druzhba pipeline by Ukraine, which had halted Russian supplies to heavily dependent Hungary and Slovakia, has exacerbated tensions within the bloc.
The EU’s energy policies have repeatedly come under fire. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has described the REPowerEU scheme as “suicide.” Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has warned that unless the bloc lifts sanctions on Russian energy, it will “deal an extremely deep blow to the European economy.”
Russian officials say the latest turmoil exposes deeper flaws in EU policy. Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev told RT that the Iran war has revealed “decades” of mistaken decisions and an “oversimplified” approach to the energy transition. Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev has warned of an “oil and gas price tsunami” for the EU after it rejected Russian supplies.
Source: rt.com
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Hartlepool's mosque receives share of £200,000 grant
24TH MARCH
A mosque is among 15 community organisations awarded funding to improve vital neighbourhood buildings.
The Salaam Centre (Hartlepool Jamia Masjid) is one of the recipients of a share of £200,000 through the Hartlepool Community Asset Capital Improvement Grant programme.
The centre will use the funding to install a new boiler and upgrade its alarm and CCTV systems.
The funding programme, which was launched earlier this year, aims to refurbish and modernise community spaces to ensure they remain safe and accessible.
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "Hartlepool’s community organisations have been holding this town together through sheer determination, even as some of the buildings they rely on have required improvement.
"They’ve stretched every pound, patched every leak, and kept their doors open when it hasn’t always been easy."
Nancy Pout, manager of The Salaam Centre, welcomed the grant.
She said: "We are delighted to receive this funding to continue providing our services to the community, including our warm space during the winter months."
Abrar Hussain, a committee member of the mosque, also thanked the council for its support.
He said: "We appreciate this recognition of the great community work that happens in the building and this investment in a key asset in the town."
Funded through the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, the scheme supports improvements to the community buildings that residents rely on for social connection, services, and support.
Other recipients include Six8Nine in Stockton Road, which has been awarded funding to refurbish two rooms as spaces for the community.
Sue Hutchinson, community missions worker at Six8Nine, said: "We are really pleased to get this funding, recognising Six8Nine for the work it is doing in the community.
"The money will be spent on transforming two key rooms for existing and future groups for a host of community uses."
Malcolm Walker, independent chair of the Hartlepool Board, highlighted the value of the scheme.
Mr Walker said: "These organisations are at the heart of our neighbourhoods, and this investment gives them the support they need to keep doing what they do best - bringing people together, providing vital services and strengthening the fabric of our communities."
Source: thenorthernecho.co.uk
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The Firs in Chester helps Chester foodbank with donations
24TH MARCH
By Barrie White
A CHESTER school has joined forces with a city foodbank to help collect more than a 1,000kg worth of donations.
The First School, in Newton Lane, continued its established support for the Chester Muslim Sisters’ Association (CMSA) and its local foodbank initiative.
The CMSA has collected an incredible 1,090 kg of food, about the same weight as two grand pianos or two adult cows, according to pupils.
This week, pupils had the opportunity to revisit the CMSA team and deliver their latest food bank collection.
As they learned during previous visits, donations are sorted and distributed by the charity to the West Cheshire Foodbank and to families in need across the community.
Headteacher David Girvan admitted his delight at how well his pupils have worked to help the CMSA collect the donations.
He said: “I am immensely proud of the dedication our pupils have shown in preparing for this year’s donations.
“Engaging with this initiative allows them to see the real impact of their work and reinforces the importance of supporting our wider community.”
Speaking during the visit, head organiser Zeba shared her appreciation for the ongoing partnership with The Firs, recognising both the school’s contributions and pupils’ enthusiasm to learn more about the Islamic faith and wider community.
A school spokesman added: “With the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, it is especially important to recognise the vital work of CMSA.
“Over the past four years, the charity has collected and distributed essential items such as long-life milk, cereals, pasta, lentils and pulses to a number of food banks across Chester.
“This year alone, more than 65 crates were filled and distributed in the final days of Ramadan with the support of volunteers and the wider community.”
Later in the week, the Lord Mayor of Chester attended the Chester Mosque to acknowledge the donations, highlighting the efforts of The Firs pupils in supporting such a meaningful cause.
Source: chesterstandard.co.uk
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https://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/news/25962177.firs-chester-helps-chester-foodbank-donations/
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Police investigate suspicious fire at heritage-listed Kilmore church being converted into a mosque
25 Mar 2026
Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a heritage-listed former church which was being converted into a mosque at Kilmore, north of Melbourne.
CFA crews were called to the blaze at the 160-year-old building in Powlett Street, Kilmore shortly before 2pm on Tuesday.
The CFA said the fire was brought under control within 20 minutes but the building sustained significant damage.
Victoria Police said the fire was deemed suspicious and a crime scene was set up.
The heritage listed building was formerly the Wesleyan Methodist Church and was built in 1858, according to Heritage Victoria.
The Kilmore Islamic and Community Centre was in the process of converting the church into a mosque.
Nobody was in the building at the time of the fire.
Victoria Police said on Wednesday morning that the fire was not being linked to any other fires and was not believed to be targeted.
A police spokesperson said the "derelict building is often frequented by trespassers".
However, Ekrem Fuldagli from the Kilmore Islamic and Community Centre, which now owns the building, said he believes it was a targeted attack.
"It's a deliberate arson attack but the police, I must make this known, are still conducting their investigation," he told ABC Radio Melbourne.
Mr Fuldagli said Kilmore was a welcoming community but that he had experienced rising Islamophobia from some people.
"The fear and the hate is on the rise and people feel emboldened to act dangerously," he said.
He said the fire had put plans to renovate the building on hold.
"Our dreams have been put back now," he said.
Mr Fuldagli said a business operated by a member of the Muslim community in Kilmore was targeted by an arson attack the previous night.
Victoria Police said a blaze was extinguished at a property in Sydney Street, Kilmore and an investigation into the fire was ongoing.
A police spokesperson said the exact circumstances surrounding the blaze were yet to be established.
Source: abc.net.au
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-25/suspicious-fire-at-proposed-kilmore-mosque/106494320
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German military satellite plan alarms EU – Reuters
24 Mar, 2026
Germany’s push for a standalone military satellite network, independent of a parallel EU program, has alarmed some lawmakers in Brussels, who warn that the move risks weakening the bloc, according to Reuters.
The plan comes amid a broader militarization drive by Germany and the EU, framed by Western officials as a response to an alleged threat from Russia, a claim Moscow has dismissed as “nonsense.”
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in September that Berlin would invest €35 billion (over $41 billion) in military space technologies over the next five years, citing various risks, including in orbit.
Under a proposal first reported in January, weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall, satellite maker OHB, and Airbus are collaborating on a constellation of around 100 low-Earth-orbit satellites dedicated exclusively to military communications. The system would use technology similar to SpaceX’s Starshield, a government network integrated with Starlink.
The EU, meanwhile, is developing IRIS2, a bloc-wide constellation of roughly 290 satellites designed to provide connectivity for governments, militaries, and commercial users. The initiative has been presented as a European alternative to Starlink and Starshield, aimed at reducing reliance on non-European providers.
“If Germany now builds a purely national architecture that is not integrated into IRIS2, there is a risk of weakening European structures,” Reuters quoted Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the chair of the European Parliament’s security and defense committee, as saying.
A German government spokesperson told Reuters, however, that Berlin views IRIS2 as potentially “complementing” national initiatives, adding that the proposed system is tailored to the specific needs of the country’s military.
The development comes as divisions persist within the EU over defense, trade, and relations with Washington. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, initially seen as a pro-European figure, has increasingly emphasized national interests following shifts in US policy under President Donald Trump.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged member states to adopt a “wartime mindset” and boost military spending. Moscow has repeatedly warned that the militarization of space risks turning it into a new arena of confrontation.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/636068-german-military-satellite-plan/
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North America
Hillsboro mosque struck by bullet, police say building not ‘intentionally targeted’
Mar. 25, 2026
HILLSBORO Ore. (KPTV) - Police say that there is currently no evidence suggesting a mosque was intentionally targeted after a stray bullet hit the building this weekend.
According to the Hillsboro Police Department, officers were called to the Islamic Community Center on Saturday in response to a bullet being found inside the mosque.
Police say the building was unoccupied at the time, and that no injuries have been reported from the incident.
Following a “comprehensive” investigation, detectives believe the bullet was an errant round fired from about a mile away where individuals were lawfully target shooting, potentially ricocheting before eventually hitting the mosque.
Hillsboro PD says the individuals target shooting have fully cooperated with the investigation, and that there is no evidence at this time that the building was “intentionally targeted” or that a crime occurred.
“While the findings indicate this was not an intentional act, we understand the fear it caused in our community, and we support those affected,” said Police Chief Jim Coleman of the incident. “From the start, our detectives conducted a detailed and careful investigation to identify the facts. I am proud of their dedication and professionalism. We remain committed to keeping everyone in Hillsboro safe.”
Source: kptv.com
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https://www.kptv.com/2026/03/25/hillsboro-mosque-struck-by-bullet-police-say-building-not-intentionally-targeted/
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Glenn Beck to Newsmax: Americans Must Pay Attention to Islamist Ideology
Jim Thomas
24 March 2026
Conservative commentator and author Glenn Beck told Newsmax2 on Tuesday that Americans are too focused on past terrorist attacks and are missing what he described as a broader, long-term Islamist strategy aimed at destroying the West, as tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States continue to escalate.
On "The Todd Starnes Show," Beck, CEO of Blaze Media, said the larger danger is not limited to attacks such as 9/11 but what he portrayed as an ideological and political campaign operating over decades.
When asked what he meant by the "long game," Beck replied, "Global caliphate."
He argued that Islamist groups and leftist extremists can work toward a shared objective even if their ideologies differ sharply.
He said he had warned for years about what he called a "Green-Red Alliance" of Islamists and Marxist radicals working "hand in hand" because "they have one goal in hand and that is the destruction of the Western world, the destruction of capitalism."
Beck cited the Blaze Media documentary "The Islamist Blueprint for Conquering the West" and said a handbook tied to the project would present documents that he said show extremists "in their own words, what they're saying they're doing to America."
To underscore his point, Beck pointed to Osama bin Laden and recalled a prediction he said he made in 1999 after reading bin Laden's words.
"I'm telling you within 10 years, there will be blood, bodies, and buildings in the streets of Manhattan," Beck said. "And it will have his name on it."
Asked whether American churches are doing enough to educate Christians about Islamist ideology, Beck said many in the broader Christian community do not fully grasp the threat as he sees it.
He then framed the issue in explicitly religious terms, saying some factions in Shia Islam, especially "Twelvers" in Iran, view world events through apocalyptic theology.
"They are fighting a religious battle," Beck said. "Whether you like it or not, it doesn't matter."
Beck escalated his warning into explicitly apocalyptic terms, saying he believes "there is a possibility that we are living in the end of days" because of the religious fervor of Iranian "Twelvers."
The phrase "end of days" refers to a concept in religious belief that marks the last phase of history. It is thought to be the time when the world approaches its ultimate judgment, destruction, change, or completion.
His comments came as fighting involving Iran, Israel, and the United States pushed the Middle East closer to wider war.
The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the U.S. military was preparing to deploy about 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East as Iranian attacks and regional tensions continued.
Beck also invoked Thomas Jefferson and the Barbary Wars to argue that the United States has long faced threats rooted in militant interpretations of Islam.
"We must pay attention to these people," Beck said, quoting Jefferson. "They are serious about their religion."
Source: newsmax.com
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https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/glenn-beck-iran-israel/2026/03/24/id/1250659/
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CAIR Md. Seeks Clarity from Olney Elementary School Following ‘Culture Night’ Controversy, Citing Concerns of Anti-Palestinian Bias in Schools
March 24, 2026
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on Olney Elementary School (OES) to provide clarification and transparency regarding concerns raised by a recent school communication about its “Culture Night” event.
CAIR is calling on school administrators to explain its decision-making process on which elements in the display were identified as hurtful or inappropriate, as well as its standards for cultural representation to make sure that Palestinian experiences, identity and history are not being treated differently from other cultures represented within the school community.
CAIR’s letter reads in part:
“A safe and supportive learning environment must include space for students to learn in an age-appropriate way about real-world histories and cultural narratives, including when they are complex or uncomfortable. This promotes critical thinking and global awareness. Shielding students from factual representations of history does not create safety; it only leads to erasure and fuels ignorance and bias, as we have seen amid multiple hate bias incidents within MCPS, including violent anti-Palestinian graffiti discovered earlier this year at Walt Whitman High School.”
“When schools appear to single out or suppress one identity under the guise of neutrality, it raises concerns about equity, consistency, and the lived experiences of those students,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “Equity cannot be selective. If we are committed to ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging, that commitment must extend to students whose communities are experiencing profound grief, trauma, and global injustice. Especially in this climate, schools must take extra care not to contribute intentionally or unintentionally to the silencing or exclusion of vulnerable student communities. Educational spaces must be safe, supportive, engaging – and fact-based.”
This request for clarity comes amid a documented, alarming rise in anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic incidents in Maryland public schools. In January 2026, Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian graffiti reading “F*** Muslims, Nuke Palestine” was discovered at Walt Whitman High School in Montgomery County, prompting widespread condemnation from local officials and community leaders.
County leaders described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and reaffirmed that such hate “will not be tolerated.”
CAIR and other advocates have noted that such incidents are not isolated, but part of a broader pattern in which Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students report being marginalized, erased, or targeted within school environments.
CAIR emphasized that cultural events like “Culture Night” are intended to celebrate diversity and foster belonging. Policies, statements and decisions that chill, restrict or discourage the representation of Palestinian identity undermine those goals.
The civil rights group is calling on Olney Elementary School to:
• Provide a clear explanation of the policies governing cultural representation at school events
• Ensure that all school programming is inclusive, viewpoint-neutral, and grounded in factual, age-appropriate educational standards
• Engage directly with impacted Palestinian Muslim and Christian families and community stakeholders to build trust
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-md-seeks-clarity-from-olney-elementary-school-following-culture-night-controversy-citing-concerns-of-anti-palestinian-bias-in-schools/
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CAIR-AL Calls on Alabama Sec. of State to Visit Mosque After Slamming GOP Leader for Attending Interfaith Dinner with Muslims
March 24, 2026
The Alabama chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AL), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today invited Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen to visit a mosque after he criticized former Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl for attending a Ramadan interfaith dinner.
Allen stated in part: “There is no excuse for participating in the celebration of Islamic Ramadan. There is no excuse to go to a place that operates a mosque and a school to indoctrinate children into Islam, even if you are invited to do so.”
In a statement, CAIR-Alabama Staff Attorney Britton O’Shields said:
“Simply put: Secretary Allen is wrong. His remarks are deeply disappointing and reflect an alarming misunderstanding of both Islam and the importance of interfaith engagement in a diverse, democratic society. Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims focused on fasting, charity, reflection, and community. These are values that are shared across many faith traditions.
By attending a service at the Islamic Center, John Wahl demonstrated a commitment to know and serve the people of Alabama. Attending an interfaith dinner is not an endorsement of any religion, but rather a demonstration of mutual respect. Recently, a number of Alabama politicians, Wes Allen among them, have relied on bigoted rhetoric to secure cheap political gains by stoking fear about Muslims—but dividing the community isn’t leadership.Leadership is encouraging dialogue and understanding, not promoting division or spreading harmful stereotypes about places of worship and the families who attend them.
“We invite Secretary Allen to visit a local mosque, meet with Muslim community members, and experience firsthand the welcoming and peaceful environment that defines our faith and institutions. Meaningful engagement is the best way to replace fear and misinformation with knowledge and respect.”
Last week, CAIR’s Northern Ohio chapter welcomed the arrest of a man who allegedly plotted a mass shooting at an Ohio mosque.
CAIR’s Pittsburgh chapter also welcomed the arrest of an individual accused of making threats against the Islamic Center of Western Pennsylvania (ICWP) and is calling for continued vigilance to protect Muslim communities.
Earlier this month, CAIR’s Arizona chapter welcomed an arrest for a reported attack targeting children at a mosque in north Phoenix.
Earlier today, CAIR’s New York chapter asked for the public’s assistance with information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man who reportedly attacked a woman on a subway platform while making “anti-Islamic” statements.
CAIR recommended that community leaders utilize the information offered in CAIR’s “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety,” a booklet that offers advice on how to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to houses of worship of all faiths.
According to CAIR’s most recent civil rights report, complaints of anti-Muslim bias and discrimination have continued to rise nationwide, reflecting an ongoing pattern of Islamophobia impacting communities across the country.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-al-calls-on-alabama-sec-of-state-to-visit-mosque-after-slamming-gop-leader-for-attending-interfaith-dinner-with-muslims/
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CAIR-TX Calls on New Religious Liberty Committee to Protect Religious Freedom for All, Confront Anti-Muslim Hate
March 24, 2026
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) and the Muslim American Society (MAS) Dallas today responded to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s announcement of the Senate Select Committee on Religious Liberty, urging that the committee operate with fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.
LINK: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Announces Senate Select Committee on Religious Liberty
The formation of the committee comes at a time of growing concern among Muslim communities and other marginalized groups regarding rising hate and the treatment of religious and political expression across Texas.
“Religious liberty is a fundamental right rooted in our faith traditions and protected by both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions,” said Imam Saeed Purcell, representing MAS Dallas and the CAIR-Texas Board. “Any effort to address religious freedom must be applied fairly and consistently. At a time of rising anti-Muslim bigotry and increasing concern around how political expression is treated, religious liberty must be upheld as a protection for all—not applied selectively.”
In a statement, Crystal Silva-McCormick, clergy member with the United Church of Christ said:
“As a clergy member from the Christian tradition, I am concerned about Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s Senate Select Committee on Religious Liberty. Religious liberty for people of all faiths is a foundational constitutional principle. However, the Lieutenant Governor has a documented record of advancing positions aligned with Christian nationalism and rhetoric that has targeted Muslim communities.
At its best, the Christian tradition calls for love of neighbor – all neighbors. That commitment requires us to defend the religious freedom and expression of our Muslim neighbors and people of every faith tradition. A committee on religious liberty is a welcome initiative only if it upholds constitutional protections and applies them consistently and equitably, especially for communities, such as Muslim Americans, who have too often been the focus of exclusion and discrimination.”
MAS Dallas and CAIR-Texas emphasized that for the committee to be effective, it must engage transparently with diverse communities and ensure that no group is singled out based on faith or viewpoints.
Advocates also raised concerns about the broader climate in which religious liberty is being discussed, including rhetoric that can contribute to discrimination and the mischaracterization of constitutionally protected advocacy.
CAIR-Texas and MAS Dallas called on Chairman Phil King and committee members to adopt inclusive practices that strengthen religious freedom for all Texans and ensure that the committee’s work reflects the diversity of the state.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-tx-calls-on-new-religious-liberty-committee-to-protect-religious-freedom-for-all-confront-anti-muslim-hate/
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CAIR-Chicago Condemns Racist Vandalism of Black Women-Led Theatre
March 24, 2026
The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today condemned racist vandalism targeting a Black women-led theatre in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood.
Definition Theatre was vandalized March 13, with someone reportedly writing the phrase “murder Black women” on its wall. Police are investigating the incident and no suspects have been identified as of yet.
“We condemn this disturbing act of vandalism and stand in solidarity with the owners and artists of Definition Theatre,” said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab. “We urge law enforcement authorities to be swift and thorough in their investigation of this act of hate.”
CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, anti-Muslim hate, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-chicago-condemns-racist-vandalism-of-black-women-led-theatre/
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Small window open for US-Iran talks, but swift end to war still unlikely
March 25, 2026
Lyse Doucet
US President Donald Trump's dramatic description of "very strong talks" with Iran suggested the door to diplomacy has been flung open for what he said could be "a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East".
But Iran almost immediately denied that talks had begun - and so far, there are only signs of small windows being opened - by a crack.
One is the same window that was shattered during previous rounds of diplomacy, in February and in June last year, by US-backed Israeli attacks on Iran which destroyed the little trust that existed.
There's said to be some communication between the two lead negotiators in previous discussions - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff. But these conversations are described as very preliminary.
And Tehran now sees the Witkoff track as subterfuge.
"The statements of the US president are part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time for the implementation of his military plans," was the retort of Iran's foreign ministry.
It's a sentiment shared by other observers too, who see a US commander-in-chief under mounting pressure to lower oil prices, lift stocks, and project progress in ending this perilous conflagration causing economic shock the world over - including in America.
And Trump is also still looking for the kind of door which opened in Venezuela, with an Iranian version of the new interim President Delcy Rodríguez - a powerful but pragmatic leader whom he can try to bend to his will.
In the early days of this war, he described Venezuela as "the perfect scenario" for Iran.
It betrayed a misunderstanding of the fundamental differences between Venezuela and Iran's multi-layered system honed and hardened over nearly five decades to ensure its survival by sidelining reformists and repressing dissent.
But Trump now says they're dealing with a "top person" in the Islamic Republic.
The unnamed individual being widely cited, after first reports in Israeli media, is Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf.
He's played leading roles in the machinery of Iran including police chief, commander of the air force in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as speaker of the parliament.
He failed four times in presidential runs and described Iranians who took to the streets nationwide in February calling for change as "enemies and terrorists."
But in Trump's world, Ghalibaf is a strongman who could possibly bridge the divides between Iran's security and political establishments.
Sources say there have been indirect efforts to try to open a dialogue with Ghalibaf but there's still no official or public sign they've yielded any success.
For Iran, it's still highly risky since Israel has been assassinating one top official after another, including Ali Larijani, the hardline security chief who knew the system inside out. He was viewed as a possible intermediary if serious negotiations were ever started.
Ghalibaf has also been entrenched among its most hardcore elements who now dominate decision-making. Since Larijani's assassination, he's now being eyed with interest as someone who might someday do a deal.
"He's the last man standing who's seen as more ideologically flexible," said one source with knowledge of the various mediation efforts. "But even Trump said if he named him, they'd kill him, and then Israel immediately named him."
"This is the most interesting track to watch," said Ellie Geranmayeh, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
But it is not clear if there has been any movement along it.
"Neither side would meet at that level until the US and Iran are nearing a political breakthrough and a lot of negotiations are needed before they even reach that stage," Geranmayeh added.
So far, Ghalibaf has become a troller-in-chief, taking on Trump's own stream of statements on social media.
"Our people demand the complete and humiliating punishment of the aggressors," Ghalibaf lashed out in a post on X on Monday. "No negotiations with America have taken place."
With the two sides wide apart, and at war, and with leading officials like Ghalibaf focused on their own survival as well as the system's, a meeting would be a bold leap.
For the moment, most diplomacy resides in working the phones. Proposals, multiple points long, are being mooted by mediators racing to find a way out of this deepening quagmire.
This time, new countries are engaging in this age-old crisis including Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey which have not been on the front lines of the war itself. Their leaders have cultivated close personal ties with Trump and they've been actively engaged in an expanded forum of Arab-Islamic nations.
Oman, the traditional mediator most trusted by Tehran, also says it's involved in efforts to reduce tension, and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz.
But most Arab Gulf leaders, furious over what they've described as Iran's "reckless" attacks on their countries' infrastructure, are more focused on reassessing this relationship. "It will take decades to repair this rupture," one senior official in the Gulf told me.
Pakistan, whose military and political leaders have cosied up to Trump, offered a way to climb down from his dangerous brink after the threat to strike Iran's energy infrastructure, by offering to host high-level talks as soon as this weekend.
An interesting sidebar was the recent statement by Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in which he singled out Pakistan as being beloved by his father, the former leader assassinated in the first hours of this war.
But there's still no confirmation of any kind of meeting.
"There are no talks at this moment," said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group, referring to the messages being passed between Washington and Tehran as efforts "to jump start ceasefire negotiations."
"But I doubt they are anywhere close to creating enough common ground for a serious meeting or substantive talks," he cautioned.
And, as this war grinds on, Iran is making it clear that it wants to exact a heavy price. It's published a list of demands - impossible for Washington to accept - ranging from the closure of US bases in the region, to reparations, and firm guarantees against any future aggression.
Demands have also hardened on the other side. Arab Gulf states will now insist that Iran's ballistic missiles need to be on the table as well as controls over the Strait of Hormuz which has been weaponised by Iran in this war.
And then there is the deep gulf in understanding and trust which leads many to be sceptical.
Trump likely believes this war has granted him additional leverage to get Iran to accept his conditions, and Iran senses it has not only fortified its position but has additional bargaining chips in the Strait of Hormuz," remarked Mohammad Ali Shabani, editor of Amwaj.media website.
In his post announcing the talks, Trump said he was postponing his threat to strike Iran's power plants for five days - meaning all eyes are on his new deadline - Friday, when the markets close.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c895xljyzewo
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ICE airport deployment should be ‘test run’ for 2026 election – ex-Trump strategist
24 Mar, 2026
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents helping at US airports should be treated as a “test run” for a wider role in the 2026 election, Steve Bannon, a former White House strategist and prominent MAGA figure, has said.
ICE agents have begun assisting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airports across the US, after a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) led to staff shortages and long security lines at checkpoints.
Speaking on his War Room podcast on Monday, Bannon told conservative lawyer Mike Davis that the airport deployment could be used “as a test run, as a test case to really perfect ICE’s involvement in the 2026 midterm elections.”
Davis replied that ICE agents should be “at the polling places,” noting that it is a federal crime for illegal immigrants to vote in federal elections. “If you’re an American citizen, you should be happy that ICE is there, because you’re not going to have illegal aliens canceling out your vote,” he said.
Bannon described the airport ICE deployment as “another 5D chess move from President Trump,” noting that the agents are “trained to – wait for it – check IDs.”
On Monday, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations units reportedly began supporting TSA staff at a number of airports. White House border czar Tom Homan, who is overseeing the operation, said immigration officers will not screen passengers but will handle entry and exit lanes to free up TSA staff.
TSA and ICE are both part of DHS, but immigration enforcement has been shielded from the funding gap by Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’, a 2025 spending package that allocated about $75 billion to ICE through 2029. More than 400 TSA agents have reportedly quit since the partial shutdown started.
Democrats in Congress have focused on ICE after its agents fatally shot two US citizens in Minnesota in January, who were allegedly attempting to obstruct a massive immigration crackdown in the state. Democrats have for months demanded that new checks on ICE agents be introduced, such as a requirement to wear identification, body cameras, and a ban on facemasks.
Trump has said ICE will assist TSA “for as long as it takes” and that he would consider deploying the National Guard if needed.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/636086-us-ice-airports-midterms/
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Africa
US university cancels Mahama honour over LGBTQ bill concerns
25 Mar, 2026
Ghana’s embassy in the United States has criticised Lincoln University's last-minute decision to cancel plans to confer an honorary doctorate on former President John Dramani Mahama.
In a statement, the embassy said it was “surprised and disappointed” that the university withdrew the honour just hours before a scheduled visit on 26 March, while Mr Mahama was already in the US.
The reversal is reported to have followed objections from a group within the university over Mr Mahama’s perceived stance on Ghana’s proposed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, often referred to as the anti-gay bill.
Ghanaian officials said the issue had not been raised during earlier engagements between the two sides. Preparations for the visit had been completed, including a final review of arrangements only days before the planned ceremony.
The embassy noted that the invitation had been accepted in good faith, highlighting Lincoln University’s long-standing historical links with Ghana, including its association with the country’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
While recognising the university’s right to respond to internal concerns, the embassy argued that the controversy concerns an ongoing legislative process in Ghana rather than the position of any one individual.
It also defended Mr Mahama’s record, describing his leadership as rooted in democratic values and dialogue on sensitive social issues.
The embassy said it remained committed to maintaining constructive relations and expressed hope that the longstanding ties between Ghana and Lincoln University would help resolve the situation.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2026/03/24/us-university-cancels-mahama-honour-over-lgbtq-bill-concerns/
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Ramaphosa slams 'corpse theft' at reburial of anti-colonial heroes
25 Mar, 2026
The remains of dozens of Africans whose bodies were dug up and sent to Europe for scientific research long ago were reburied on Monday in South Africa.
The remains of at least 63 members of the Khoi and San communities were repatriated from a European museum, part of a wider movement in Africa to bring back remains and artifacts that had been stolen or removed from the continent.
Officials and traditional leaders gathered for the reburial ceremony in Steinkopf, in the Northern Cape.
Widely acknowledged as the earliest inhabitants of southern Africa, the Khoi and San waged resistance against colonialism, and many were killed by European settlers.
The remains being reburied were dug up between 1868 and 1924 and donated to The Hunterian museum at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
Others had been housed at the Iziko Museum in South Africa since the 1920s.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who attended the reburial with museum representatives and traditional leaders, said the repatriation followed negotiations between the university and the government that started in 2022.
Ramaphosa called it part of efforts to restore dignity.
"They sought to reduce our ancestors into objects, but we know and we have to affirm today that our ancestors were not objects," he said.
Ramaphosa said most European countries must do more to acknowledge the indignity suffered by Africans through colonialism and consider paying reparations to their former colonies.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2026/03/24/ramaphosa-slams-corpse-theft-at-reburial-of-anti-colonial-heroes/
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Are You Weak Or Wicked? – Omokri Blasts Peter Obi Over Arrest Claim
March 25, 2026
By Justina Otio
Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri has accused former presidential candidate, Peter Obi of spreading false information about religious leader, Ahmad Tijjani Umar.
Naija News reports that Obi had earlier claimed that Umar was arrested after he hosted him.
However, Umar, denied reports of being arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS).
He explained that he was simply invited for questioning and later released
Reacting to the development in a statement, Omokri urged Obi to correct the claims he made earlier.
“Having given false information to the effect that Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar was arrested by the Department of State Security, when in fact he was not arrested don’t you think it is in the interest of the public and of justice for you to correct the fallacious claims you made?” he said.
Omokri added that the cleric had personally denied the claim in a video, describing Obi’s statement as misleading.
He warned that failing to correct such information could have serious consequences.
“Failure to do so would appear as though you actually intended by your statement to incite members of the public to violence,” he stated.
The former aide described the situation as a test of leadership, urging Obi to take responsibility for his statements.
“This is a test of leadership. Will you own up to your fake news and correct yourself, or will you leave your false narrative to fester?” he asked.
Omokri further argued that while making mistakes is human, refusing to correct them is far more serious.
“Making a mistake is a human weakness. Refusing to correct it when you have the power to do so is human wickedness,” he said.
He concluded by directly challenging Obi to clarify his position.
“So, Peter, which is it? Are you weak or wicked?” he added.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/25/omokri-peter-obi-arrest-claim/
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Who Do You Want Me To Call? – Drama As DSS Operative Blocks El-Rufai’s Wife At Court Entrance
March 24, 2026
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju
One of the wives of the embattled former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Asiya Ahmed El-Rufai, was denied entry through the main gate of the Federal High Court in Kaduna, where the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned her husband on Tuesday.
Naija News learnt that the incident occurred in the morning after ICPC officials brought El-Rufai into the courtroom.
However, Asiya, who arrived at the court premises wearing an ash veil, appeared visibly upset when she attempted to enter through the main gate but found it locked.
According to Daily Trust, Asiya asked a masked Department of State Services (DSS) official at the gate for access, but he refused her request.
El-Rufai’s wife asked “I’m Mrs El-Rufai. Who do you want me to call to allow me in? What is happening here today will pass.” but the officer reportedly remained silent.
She was later directed to use the back entrance to access the court, which she eventually did.
Similarly, the first wife of the former governor, Khadija Ahmed El-Rufai, was also denied access through the front gate and was asked by security operatives to use the back entrance.
Khadija, dressed in a black abaya and scarf, appeared calm as she walked within the premises to find her way into the courtroom.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/24/who-do-you-want-me-to-call-drama-as-dss-operative-blocks-el-rufais-wife-at-court-entrance/
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Terrorists Kill Many Soldiers In Fresh Kebbi Attack
March 25, 2026
By Rachel Okporu
An unspecified number of Nigerian soldiers have been reportedly killed after a fresh terrorist attack in the Girinmasa area of Yauri Local Government Area in Kebbi State.
Naija News reports that security analyst, Bakatsine, made this known in a post via his 𝕏 handle on Tuesday.
According to the post, suspected Lakurawa fighters launched the attack on troops stationed in the area, resulting in casualties among the soldiers.
The post read, “Today, Lakurawa terrorists killed several Nigerian soldiers in Girinmasa, Yauri LGA of Kebbi State.
“May Allah have mercy on the fallen heroes and bring to end this insecurity ravaging Nigeria.”
As of the time of filing this report, military authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the attack.
In a similar development, no fewer than eight persons were killed on Monday when suspected terrorists detonated an improvised explosive device along Luma Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attackers also reportedly destroyed a major bridge linking the Luma–Babana–Agwara communities, cutting off a vital route used by residents travelling to the Babana border market, which holds every Monday.
The destruction of the bridge has left residents stranded and disrupted economic activities in the area.
It was gathered that the attackers detonated additional explosive devices in other communities, forcing residents to flee for safety.
A source from the area told Vanguard the incidents occurred in the early hours of Monday, with the bombing of the bridge taking place around 5am.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/25/terrorists-kill-many-soldiers-in-fresh-kebbi-attack/
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Ghana pushes UN Resolution to recognize Slave Trade as crime against humanity
March 25, 2026
Ghana is intensifying its diplomatic campaign at the United Nations, combining cultural expression and political advocacy to push for global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity.
Speaking in New York, John Dramani Mahama emphasized that the legacy of slavery is rooted in the systematic dehumanization of Africans, shaping inequalities that persist today. His remarks came during a high-level meeting focused on reparatory justice.
Ghana has formally submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations General Assembly, aiming to reframe international understanding of the slave trade and its long-term consequences.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa underscored that the initiative is not about comparing historical suffering, but about ensuring acknowledgment and dignity. He pushed back against calls to treat slavery as a closed chapter, arguing that dismissing its impact ignores enduring injustices and undermines the value of those affected.
As part of the effort, Ghana is also ramping up initiatives to document and preserve historical records of slavery, reinforcing its case for recognition and accountability on the global stage.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2026/03/25/ghana-pushes-un-resolution-to-recognize-slave-trade-as-crime-against-humanity/
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IMF plans Mozambique visit as debt pressures deepen
March 25, 2026
Mozambique is set to host an International Monetary Fund mission in the coming months, as authorities seek support to manage growing financial pressures.
According to the Fund, the mission to Maputo will review the country’s economic situation and policy direction. It comes as discussions continue over a possible new support programme, following the early end of the previous IMF arrangement in April 2025.
The talks are expected to gain momentum during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington next month.
Behind the scenes, the country’s finances are under strain. Borrowing costs have climbed sharply, reflecting investor concerns about Mozambique’s ability to manage its debt.
Recent data from the finance ministry shows public debt continued to rise last year, while the government increasingly turned to its central bank for short-term funding to cover budget gaps. Economists often see this kind of borrowing as a sign that access to more stable financing is tightening.
At the same time, local banks—traditionally a key source of government funding—are approaching their limits. External financing has also weakened, with more money flowing out of the country than coming in.
Mozambique’s current challenges are tied to long-running issues. A hidden debt scandal in 2016 damaged trust with international lenders, and expected revenues from major gas projects have yet to fully materialise.
The IMF’s upcoming visit is likely to shape the next phase of engagement between the government and its international partners as it seeks to steady its economy.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2026/03/24/imf-plans-mozambique-visit-as-debt-pressures-deepen/
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Southeast Asia
Etiqa Insurance Singapore and AIA Singapore Join Forces to Expand Accessibility of Takaful for Customers
24 Mar 2026
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 March 2026 – Etiqa Insurance Singaporeand AIA Singapore today announced a strategic distribution partnership to broaden access to Shariah-compliant, values-based Takaful solutions across Singapore. This collaboration marks an important milestone in advancing the Islamic insurance landscape locally and enabling more customers, both Muslim and non-Muslim alike, to benefit from ethical, transparent and socially responsible financial solutions.
Under the partnership, Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s suite of Shariah-compliant Family Takaful products will be distributed through AIA Singapore and AIA Financial Advisers, the nation’s largest tied distribution channel comprising more than 6,300 highly professional, qualified AIA insurance representatives. This expanded reach significantly increases accessibility and choice for customers seeking principled and values-aligned protection and savings options.
Growing Demand for Values-Based Financial Solutions
Global demand for Takaful continues to rise as consumers increasingly prioritise financial solutions aligned with their personal values. The global Takaful market is projected to grow from US$36.5 billion in 2025 to US$63.6 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%[1]. Since launching its Takaful offerings, Etiqa Insurance Singapore has seen strong and accelerating momentum, supported by rising consumer awareness and growing confidence in Shariah-compliant financial protection.
Creating a Unified Takaful Ecosystem in Singapore
The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of both insurers to build a more cohesive and accessible Takaful ecosystem:
Etiqa Insurance Singapore — The pioneer in reintroducing Takaful insurance to Singapore after more than a decade, with deep expertise and a dedicated Shariah advisory framework.
AIA Singapore — One of the nation’s leading life and health insurers with extensive distribution capabilities, broad community reach and a diverse customer base.
Together, the two organisations are positioned to significantly expand the availability, understanding and adoption of Takaful solutions in Singapore.
“This partnership marks an important step in advancing access to Shariah-compliant protection and savings solutions in Singapore,” said Claudia Soh, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etiqa Insurance Singapore. “By leveraging AIA’s extensive distribution network and strong presence within the Muslim community, we can scale Takaful solutions more effectively and reach customer groups that have historically been underserved. As demand for values-aligned financial planning grows, this collaboration reinforces our commitment to inclusive and responsible insurance.”
“This partnership with Etiqa is a pivotal step in our commitment to inclusivity and we are excited to work together,” said Alvin Fu, Chief Distribution Officer, AIA Singapore. “By integrating Etiqa’s Shariah-compliant expertise with our highly professional AIA insurance representatives, we can serve a wider customer base, close protection gaps and help more families live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
Bringing Takaful to the Masses
While rooted in Islamic principles, Shariah-compliant, values-based Takaful solutions serve a broad spectrum of customers and appeal to increasingly values-driven consumers seeking ethical, transparent and socially responsible financial protection and savings solutions beyond the Muslim community.
Beyond distribution, Etiqa Insurance Singapore shares a long-term commitment to raising awareness, understanding and adoption of Takaful solutions across Singapore. Through educational programmes and community engagement initiatives, the partnership aims to enhance financial literacy, deepen understanding of Takaful principles and bring Takaful education directly to underserved communities, empowering consumers to make informed decisions on protection and savings.
Source: thesun.my
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President Prabowo holds Eid calls with leaders of Muslim nations
March 23, 2026
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held phone calls with leaders of several Muslim-majority countries on the occasion of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr, according to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
When contacted from Jakarta on Monday, Wijaya said the president reached out to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Arabian Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
He noted that Prabowo made the calls after concluding his Eid al-Fitr agenda, which included spending the last night of Ramadan in Medan City, North Sumatra, on Friday (March 20) and performing Eid prayer in Aceh Tamiang District, Aceh, the next morning.
President Prabowo also hosted a public open house for residents, officials, and former national leaders at the State Palace in Jakarta later that day, Wijaya added.
He described the high-level phone calls as more than just the president’s initiative to extend Eid greetings but also as a demonstration of the long-standing sense of brotherhood between Indonesians and the people of fellow Muslim-majority countries.
Wijaya emphasized that the calls were also intended to strengthen Indonesia’s bilateral ties with those nations amid the Eid al-Fitr festivities.
Furthermore, the secretary noted that the head of state plans to call leaders of more countries soon, adding that he is “awaiting confirmation from each country.”
The Presidential Secretariat said in a press release issued on Sunday (March 22) that Prabowo's phone talks with international leaders reaffirmed Indonesia’s determination to help bridge the global community into unity.
As the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia aspires to take the lead in echoing “messages of peace, cooperation, and hope for the Islamic world,” the secretariat noted.
“More than a celebration, Eid al-Fitr provides space for diplomacy, strengthens brotherhood, and symbolizes Indonesia’s staunch commitment to fostering global unity,” it stated.
Source: antaranews.com
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PM calls for diplomacy, calm amid West Asia crisis
25 Mar 2026
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calls for peace and civilian protection in the Iran-Israel conflict, holding talks with regional and international leaders
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for calm and diplomacy amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, emphasising Malaysia’s role in promoting peace and protecting civilians.
In a post on his Facebook page, Anwar said he spoke with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto yesterday, exchanging views on regional and international issues, including the Iran-Israel conflict.
He said both leaders have agreed to arrange a meeting soon, with Anwar proposing a visit to Jakarta to further strengthen bilateral ties.
“We shared perspectives on the Iran-Israel conflict and the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement. We jointly urged for peace.”
Anwar said Malaysia would continue to support diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and open meaningful avenues for a lasting resolution.
In a separate call with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, he condemned military attacks on Iran and opposed unilateral actions that violate international law.
He reiterated Malaysia’s call for an immediate ceasefire, civilian protection and a return to dialogue through diplomatic channels.
Anwar also discussed the conflict’s impact on global energy security and economic stability, including rising fuel prices and pressures on the New Zealand economy.
He welcomed the New Zealand government’s proactive steps to strengthen energy security and accelerate the transition to renewable sources.
“At the same time, we reaffirm our commitment to continue strengthening the bilateral relationship under the Strategic Partnership framework, including in trade, investment and energy cooperation.”
Source: thesun.my
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Malaysia’s private hospitals report no disruption to medicine supply despite West Asia war, says APHM
By Dhesegaan Bala Krishnan
25 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Medicine supply in private hospitals across the country remains stable amid the war in West Asia, the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) said today.
The association said the country’s pharmaceutical supply chain has not reported any indications of being directly affected by the ongoing conflict.
However, the association said it will closely monitor the developments in the region and the subsequent impact on the cost of medicines and medical consumables.
“We will keep reviewing for any indications of a significant increase in the cost of medicines and medical consumables that may arise as a result of higher oil prices or global shipping disruptions from the conflict.
“APHM assures Malaysians that all essential healthcare services at private hospitals remain fully operational,” it said in a statement today.
The conflict between US-backed Israel and Iran that broke out on February 28 has driven up the cost of medicines due to a hike in the prices of raw materials and shipment delays triggered by blockades at the Strait of Hormuz.
Since the war began, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a major energy and trade chokepoint, but said on Sunday that it will allow passage for “non-hostile” vessels.
However, Malaysia’s Health Ministry said on Monday that the country’s medicine supply remains stable and assured that the short-term impact of the conflict is minimal.
The ministry said the medicine stocks in its facilities are maintained between one and three months based on usage requirements, along with an additional buffer stock of up to two months at the concession company level for medicines supplied through the logistics concession.
Source: malaymail.com
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On Police Day, IGP says PDRM’s 219-year legacy shows unwavering commitment to national security
25 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) remains a steadfast bulwark in preserving national security and stability, with more than two centuries of history and sacrifice.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said that behind the blue uniform worn by officers lie countless stories of courage, sacrifice and selflessness, given without expectation of reward.
He said that with resilience, expertise and the adoption of modern policing and technology, the police force continues to move forward in facing contemporary challenges to ensure the nation’s sovereignty is safeguarded.
“We, the Sang Saka Biru, will continue to stand firm, faithfully carrying out our duty, never fearful and never retreating in preserving the peace and harmony of the people,” he said in a post on the PDRM’s official Facebook page, extending wishes for the 219th Police Day.
Mohd Khalid also described the continued trust and support of the public as the lifeblood of the force’s strength in ensuring Malaysia remains peaceful, stable and prosperous.
In the same post, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, PERKEP Malaysia chairman Datin Seri Datuk Dr Munirah Che Rose, and vice-chairman Datuk Zalena Mohd Ariffin also conveyed their appreciation in conjunction with Police Day celebrations. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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King extends Police Day greetings, honours PDRM personnel for dedication
25 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia today conveyed his greetings in conjunction with the 219th Police Day to all personnel and veterans of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
His Majesty, who is also the Honorary Commissioner-in-Chief of PDRM, expressed appreciation for the dedication of police personnel who remain ever ready to carry out their duties regardless of time and circumstances, in safeguarding the security and well-being of the people and the nation.
Sultan Ibrahim said the commitment shown by PDRM personnel, including during festive seasons and emergency situations, is highly valued as they form one of the main pillars of national security.
“May Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala always protect all members of the police force in every duty they undertake.
“Al-Fatihah to those who have left us forever. May they be placed among the faithful and the martyrs,” His Majesty said in a post on his official Facebook page today. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Anwar: Malaysia’s local currency trade with China, Thailand and Indonesia surges to RM82b, cutting reliance on US dollar
24 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 — Malaysia recorded RM82.1 billion in trade and investment payments with China, Thailand and Indonesia settled in local currencies as at November 2025, a sharp rise from just RM3.6 billion in 2009.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed the figures in a written reply to Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, who had asked about alternatives to the US dollar-dominated SWIFT system.
Anwar said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has taken proactive steps to promote local currency use in cross-border trade, reducing exposure to exchange rate volatility and strengthening financial resilience. With China, settlement in renminbi and ringgit surged to 25.6 per cent of total trade by late 2025, while similar frameworks with Thailand and Indonesia have also boosted local currency transactions.
He added that Malaysia is exploring new approaches through central bank digital currencies, including participation in Project Dunbar, which tests cross-border payments using wholesale CBDCs.
“The government and BNM will continue to strengthen and diversify local currency settlement channels to facilitate trade and investment, supporting the sustainability of the regional financial system,” Anwar said.
Source: malaymail.com
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Dual citizen loses national service fight after Singapore court shuts down ‘I’m Indonesian’ defence
25 Mar 2026
SINGAPORE, March 25 — A man born in Singapore but granted Indonesian citizenship as a child has been convicted of dodging national service (NS), after a court ruled he could not “cherry-pick” which laws to follow, CNA reported.
Edmond Yao Zhi Hai, 47, was found guilty of failing to report for enlistment in January 1997, despite long-standing arguments that serving would have cost him his Indonesian citizenship.
The case turns on a decades-long dispute over nationality and obligation, with Yao maintaining that Indonesian law barred him from foreign military service — and that he believed he did not need to serve in Singapore.
His defence argued that he had been led to believe his Singapore citizenship would lapse, and that authorities had effectively treated him as Indonesian by allowing him to travel on an Indonesian passport for years.
But prosecutors rejected that claim, arguing Yao — who was educated entirely in Singapore — had knowingly tried to sidestep his obligations, saying he could not pick laws “at his convenience”.
The court agreed in a judgment released on Monday.
According to the Singapore-based media organisation, district Judge James Elisha Lee found that Singapore authorities had made it “manifestly clear” that Yao remained liable for NS as a citizen by birth, regardless of his Indonesian status.
“The accused knew that although he holds Indonesian citizenship, he is also a Singapore citizen,” the judge said.
He rejected claims that Yao acted under any genuine misunderstanding, ruling that the defence’s argument of a “legitimate expectation” did not apply — especially given the importance of national service to Singapore’s security.
“The magnitude and importance of the role of NS to Singapore’s national security and survival” outweighed such claims, the judge said.
The court also dismissed the argument that Indonesian law compelled Yao’s actions.
“The Indonesian Citizenship Law merely prescribes that a person will lose his Indonesian citizenship if he serves in the military of another country. It neither commands nor empowers anyone to act,” the judge said.
Instead, the court found that Yao had simply chosen to avoid the consequences of losing his Indonesian citizenship.
Judge Lee added that Yao could not “by any stretch” be said to have acted in good faith, noting he had been informed of his NS obligations as early as 1997.
Yao failed to enlist and later pursued studies overseas, before attempting to renounce his Singapore citizenship — a move authorities did not support.
He was eventually arrested in 2021 when he tried to extend a short-term visit pass.
The offence is one of strict liability, meaning prosecutors only needed to prove he did not report for enlistment, not that he intended to evade it.
Sentencing has been adjourned to April. Yao faces up to three years’ jail, a fine of up to S$5,000 (RM15,400), or both.
Source: malaymail.com
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South Asia
UN Calls for Independent Investigation into Kabul Hospital Airstrike
By Fidel Rahmati
March 25, 2026
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has urged an independent, rapid, and transparent investigation into the recent airstrike on the “Omid” drug rehabilitation Hospital in eastern Kabul.
He stressed that the investigation must respect international law and civilian protection standards while holding responsible parties accountable for the attack.
Bennett added that UN experts are calling on both sides of the conflict to agree to a permanent ceasefire to prevent further civilian casualties.
According to previous UN statements, recent cross-border clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban authorities have displaced over 115,000 civilians, creating a severe humanitarian crisis in border regions.
UN experts highlighted that from 26 February to the present, airstrikes and border clashes have caused at least 289 civilian casualties in Afghanistan, including 76 deaths and 213 injuries, with extensive damage to medical facilities, homes, markets, schools, and trade routes.
UN human rights officials condemned Pakistan’s 16 March airstrike on the Kabul rehabilitation center, expressing deepest condolences to families and wishing speedy recovery for the injured. They stressed that all parties must respect international humanitarian and human rights law.
In the past month, Pakistan has targeted more than ten Afghanistan provinces, including Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar, and Panjshir, citing counter-terrorism and military objectives against Taliban infrastructure. In response, Taliban authorities have signaled retaliatory measures, heightening regional tensions.
UN human rights experts called for full transparency, accountability, and cessation of violence to protect civilians. They stressed that adherence to international law is essential for long-term peace and regional stability in Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
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New Year of Rain and Renewal: Afghanistan Stepping up Towards Growth and Tourism
March 25, 2026
The arrival of the new year in Afghanistan has been accompanied by a blessing that farmers and citizens alike cherish deeply: sufficient rainfall. For a country where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and a vital source of livelihood for millions, the rains are more than a seasonal occurrence—they are a promise of prosperity. This year, the showers have brought hope to the fields, ensuring that crops will flourish and that the land will remain fertile. For Afghan farmers, or dahaqeen, the rains are a sign that their hard work will bear fruit, and that communities across the nation will enjoy abundance.
Agricultural Renewal Across Provinces
The greening of Afghanistan’s provinces is a sight to behold. From the valleys of Kunduz to the plains of Kandahar, the landscape is transforming into a vibrant tapestry of life. Farmers are planting new saplings, and urban centers are embracing tree‑planting initiatives that symbolize both environmental awareness and civic pride. In Kabul, Mazar‑i‑Sharif, Herat, and other major cities, saplings are being planted along streets and in public spaces. These efforts not only beautify the cities but also contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment. The act of planting trees has become a collective gesture of hope, resilience, and renewal.
Urban Greenery and Civic Engagement
Tree‑planting campaigns in Afghanistan’s urban centers reflect a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable development. Citizens, students, and local organizations are joining hands to make their cities greener. In Kabul, where rapid urbanization has often overshadowed natural beauty, the sight of young trees lining the streets is a refreshing change. Similarly, in Herat and Kandahar, local authorities are encouraging residents to participate in these initiatives, fostering a sense of community ownership. These efforts are not merely symbolic; they represent a long‑term investment in the health and well‑being of future generations.
Security and Tourism Opportunities
Another factor contributing to optimism this year is the sense of security that many regions are experiencing. With improved stability, Afghanistan is becoming more accessible to travelers. Domestic tourists are increasingly exploring their own country, while international visitors are beginning to rediscover Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage. The combination of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and enhanced safety is creating opportunities for tourism to flourish. For a nation eager to showcase its treasures to the world, this is a welcome development.
Mazar‑i‑Sharif: The Heart of Ancient Balkh
Mazar‑i‑Sharif, the cultural and spiritual center of northern Afghanistan, stands out as a prime destination for visitors. Known for its iconic Blue Mosque, the city is steeped in history and tradition. As the capital of ancient Balkh, Mazar‑i‑Sharif has long been a hub of learning, trade, and spirituality. Today, it continues to attract pilgrims, scholars, and tourists who marvel at its architectural beauty and historical significance. The city’s vibrant bazaars, hospitable residents, and cultural festivals make it a focal point for both domestic and international tourism.
Herat: A Crossroads of Civilization
Herat, often referred to as the “Pearl of Khorasan,” is another jewel in Afghanistan’s crown. With its centuries‑old citadel, exquisite mosques, and remnants of Timurid architecture, Herat embodies the country’s rich cultural heritage. The city has historically been a crossroads of civilizations, where Persian, Central Asian, and Indian influences converged. Today, Herat’s cultural vibrancy continues to attract visitors who seek to experience its unique blend of history and modernity. The city’s artisans, poets, and musicians contribute to a thriving cultural scene that resonates with both locals and tourists.
Ghazni and Kandahar: Guardians of History
Ghazni, once a powerful capital of the Ghaznavid Empire, remains a city of historical importance. Its ancient minarets and archaeological sites tell stories of a glorious past. Kandahar, on the other hand, is a city that has played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s political and cultural history. Known for its strategic location and historical monuments, Kandahar continues to be a destination for those interested in exploring Afghanistan’s heritage. Together, these cities offer a glimpse into the country’s diverse and layered history.
Tourism as a Bridge to the World
The growth of tourism in Afghanistan has the potential to serve as a bridge between the nation and the wider world. By welcoming visitors, Afghanistan can share its culture, traditions, and hospitality with others. Tourism also provides economic opportunities, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. For communities across the country, the influx of visitors can be a source of pride and prosperity. Moreover, tourism fosters cultural exchange, allowing Afghans to engage with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
A Vision of Hope and Renewal
The combination of rainfall, agricultural renewal, urban greenery, and tourism opportunities paints a picture of hope for Afghanistan. Farmers look forward to bountiful harvests, citizens take pride in greener cities, and travelers discover the country’s treasures. While challenges remain, the spirit of resilience and optimism is evident. Afghanistan’s journey toward stability and prosperity is being nurtured by the very elements of nature and culture that define its identity.
As the new year unfolds, Afghanistan stands at a crossroads of opportunity. With rain nourishing the land, saplings symbolizing growth, and tourists rediscovering its heritage, the country is embracing renewal. The promise of prosperity is not just in the fields but in the hearts of its people, who continue to strive for a brighter future. In this season of hope, Afghanistan reminds the world that even in the face of adversity, renewal is always possible.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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The Escalating Water Crisis in Afghanistan & the Path to Sustainability
March 25, 2026
Millions of people across Afghanistan are currently facing a desperate daily struggle for a basic necessity of life: clean drinking water. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a convergence of environmental degradation, climate change, and demographic shifts has transformed water collection into a grueling, daily challenge. As rainfall diminishes and groundwater levels recede to historic lows, the return of millions of migrants and refugees has further strained an already collapsing infrastructure, pushing the nation toward a humanitarian catastrophe.
The ICRC reports that in both urban and rural sectors, access to safe and affordable water has been drastically restricted. This scarcity forces families to rely on unsafe surface water or to travel vast distances to locate a viable source. The geographic scope of the crisis is vast, affecting major urban hubs such as Kabul, Kandahar, and Mazar-i-Sharif. The ICRC attributes this pressure to rapid population growth and the unregulated extraction of groundwater.
In Kandahar, the situation is described as particularly dire. Reports indicate that many traditional wells have completely dried up, while others require drilling to depths exceeding 100 meters to reach the water table. A community elder in Kabul summarized the crisis: “Water is the most important problem in our society. Even deep wells do not provide enough water, and most families cannot afford to dig their own.”
The crisis is not merely an environmental or health issue; it is a social one that is reshaping the future of Afghan children. The burden of water collection falls disproportionately on women and children. In many instances, children are forced to skip school to assist their families in the hunt for water. “They leave early in the morning and return in the evening with a few buckets of water, which is not even enough for daily needs,” the Kabul elder added. This cycle of labor robs the younger generation of education and long-term opportunities, cementing a cycle of poverty.
The water shortage has struck a devastating blow to the agricultural sector—the primary source of income for the majority of Afghans. Reduced irrigation capabilities have led to a sharp decline in crop production, which in turn increases the risk of food insecurity and acute malnutrition.
Furthermore, the health implications are profound. Limited access to clean water elevates the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery. These outbreaks are particularly dangerous among vulnerable populations, including the internally displaced and those living in overcrowded urban areas. The ICRC also warned that competition over dwindling resources could ignite or exacerbate tensions between communities, potentially leading to localized conflicts.
In response to these challenges, the ICRC has implemented several critical projects. In Kandahar, a major upgrade to the water supply system is currently underway, expected to benefit approximately 106,300 people.
Data from the organization shows that its programs in 2025 improved water access for over 775,000 individuals in urban centers and 160,300 in rural districts.
The organization has focused on long-term resilience by restoring irrigation systems, canals, and traditional kariz (underground water channels).
Additionally, the ICRC provided emergency water and health services to more than 27,000 people following the Kunar earthquake and during recent tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
However, the ICRC emphasizes that humanitarian aid is a temporary bandage, not a cure. Sustainable solutions require long-term investment in water infrastructure, better resource management, environmental protection, and a high degree of coordination between national entities and local communities.
On the occasion of World Water Day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a poignant message echoing these concerns. Under the theme “Where water flows, equality grows,” Guterres highlighted the intrinsic link between water access and gender equality. He warned that women and girls bear the heaviest burden when water and sanitation services are inadequate.
Guterres called on governments to take decisive action to protect the rights and health of women. He urged developed nations to share technology, expertise, and funding to help countries like Afghanistan build resilient infrastructures. Crucially, the Secretary-General emphasized the importance of including women in the decision-making process for water management. While water scarcity can fuel conflict, Guterres noted that it also possesses the potential to be a catalyst for peace and cooperation.
Let us together make water a force for gender equality,” he concluded.
The water crisis in Afghanistan is a multifaceted emergency that threatens the health, economy, and social fabric of the country.
While humanitarian organizations like the ICRC continue to provide life-saving interventions, the scale of the problem demands a global shift toward sustainable development.
As groundwater continues to vanish, the window of opportunity to build a water-secure future for Afghanistan is closing, making international cooperation and infrastructure investment more urgent than ever.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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The 15th Five-Year Plan: Guiding the Development of China and Bringing Stability and Opportunities to the World
March 25, 2026
Zhao Xing, Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan
On March 12, 2026, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China adopted the Resolution on the Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) for National Economic and Social Development. Since the early 1950s, China has formulated and implemented 14 five-year plans, laying a solid foundation for the country’s long-term development. It is through well-designed planning and consecutive implementation of five-year plans that China has achieved a historic leap from poverty and backwardness to becoming the world’s second-largest economy.
The 15th Five-Year Plan period is a critical stage in building on past successes to break new ground for basically realizing socialist modernization. With changes unseen in a century accelerating across the world and external uncertainties and instabilities notably increasing, China’s formulation and implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan concerns not only its own development, but is also closely linked to global stability and progress.
First, China’s development will demonstrate greater certainty. The 15th Five-Year Plan sets out 20 main indicators covering areas such as economic development, innovation, public well-being, green and low-carbon development, and security. It highlights four major strategic tasks: pursuing high-quality development, strengthening the domestic economy, advancing common prosperity for all and ensuring both development and security. It also proposes a total of 109 major projects in six areas. Through this comprehensive arrangement, China will give full play to the strengths of its system and the strengths it has as a major country, continue to break new ground in Chinese modernization, and make steady progress toward the goal of basically realizing socialist modernization by the year 2035.
Second, China’s development will enjoy stronger stability. The 15th Five-Year Plan adheres to ensuring both development and security, strengthening safeguards in key areas such as food, energy, finance, and cyberspace. It also improves public safety system and enhances public safety governance. At the same time, China will continue to adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, keep in mind both domestic and international imperatives, and advance the development of a unified national market. These efforts will effectively boost the economy’s internal growth momentum and risk resilience. As the world’s largest potential consumer market and the largest developing economy, the underlying trend of long-term growth remain unchanged, and China will continue to serve as an important stabilizing force for global growth.
Third, China’s development will generate new drivers and opportunities. The 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizes keeping the focus of economic development on the real economy, fostering new quality productive forces through scientific and technological innovation, and nurturing emerging industries and industries of the future. Under the guidance of the new development philosophy, sectors such as artificial intelligence, high-end manufacturing and new energy are witnessing vigorous growth, and new quality productive forces are taking shape at a faster pace. This will create new opportunities for the economic development of all countries and open up new space for international cooperation.
The 15th Five-Year Plan is guided by principles such as putting the people first, pursuing high-quality development, and ensuring both development and security. These are well aligned with Afghanistan’s needs in advancing national reconstruction, improving people’s livelihoods, and strengthening regional connectivity. Located at a key crossroads linking Central Asia, South Asia, and West Asia, Afghanistan stands to benefit significantly from enhanced infrastructure connectivity, smoother trade flows, and deeper industrial cooperation, which are of great importance to both its own development and regional stability and prosperity.
China stands ready to take policy communication as a guide and practical cooperation as a driving force, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and steadily expand collaboration in political, economic, and people-to-people exchanges fields. Together with Afghanistan, China will work to translate the blueprint of development into tangible outcomes and deliver real benefits to the people, jointly pursue common development, and contribute to regional peace and stability.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Afghanistan: When Malnutrition Compounds Paediatric Tuberculosis
March 25, 2026
Malnutrition is a major risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection and progression to active TB, especially among children, while active TB exacerbates malnutrition by causing weight loss and heightened energy demand to tackle the infections. Afghanistan grapples with a high burden of TB as well as child malnutrition. Yet, detecting and diagnosing paediatric TB in malnourished children remains challenging, and the level of awareness of these compounded diseases among the community is quite limited and stigmatized, which often results in delays in seeking the needed care.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic, contagious bacterial infection primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, usually affecting the lungs (pulmonary TB) but capable of spreading to other body parts (extrapulmonary TB). It is characterized by a slow progression, long-term infection if untreated, and potential to persist in a latent state. Its chronic symptoms include a persistent cough lasting over 3 weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
“The symptoms of TB that are common in adults, such as cough and sputum production, are often absent in children. A child may have TB but shows signs like poor weight gain, vomiting, diarrhoea or lack of response to nutritious food. In malnourished children, even a small bacterial load can worsen their condition — but this small bacterial load often results in negative laboratory tests. This makes diagnosing TB in malnourished children more difficult than in adults,” explained Dr. Ziaurahman Stanikzai, an Doctors Without Borders’s Medical Doctor Supervisor (Nutrition) in Kandahar.
In 2025, at least 10% of malnourished children treated by MSF team in Kandahar were diagnosed with TB – more than double the 2024 figure. Rather than signaling a worsening health burden, this increase highlights the importance of the team’s systematic TB screening during admission into the nutrition program. It is widely believed that TB in malnourished children is underestimated and underdiagnosed, and actual numbers are understated.
To address this, MSF team in Kandahar has adopted a multi-pronged approach that includes systematic screening and a robust referral pathway for specialized TB care. When patients arrive at MSF facilities in Kandahar for the nutrition program, the team conducts medical screening, covering medical history, household contact tracing, and clinical assessment. Based on the results, an X-ray may be performed for confirmation. Patients then receive nutritional support and start TB treatment during admission. Once malnutrition treatment is complete, patients are then referred to the provincial TB center for onward advanced TB care.
“She has been sick for the last three months, with persistent fever and cough. I went to a medical store and bought injections for her. She improved for five days but then became as sick as before. When the driver guided me to this place, I was weeping. They did an X-ray and said she has tuberculosis (TB),” said Nooria, whose 8-month-old daughter Nomania is one of the patients admitted to the MSF Inpatient Therapeutic Feeding Centre (ITFC) in Kandahar, southern Afghanistan, and later diagnosed with TB.
Since 2016, MSF has been providing care for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) patients in Kandahar province. MSF runs a dedicated DR-TB hospital with a laboratory, an outpatient clinic, and a 24-bed inpatient department. This facility serves as the main referral center for DR-TB cases across Kandahar and southern Afghanistan.
Concurrently, MSF operates a 45-bed ITFC, and an ambulatory therapeutic feeding center (ATFC) to combat malnutrition in children under five. This integrated setup enables proactive screening and treatment of malnourished children with TB. Additionally, the team is supporting the National TB Program through existing drug-sensitive TB structures in the provinces with screening, detection and referral linkage for DRTB treatment in provincial treatment centers in Kandahar.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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The Hidden Crisis of Oral Health: Why Your Mouth Matters More Than You Think
March 25, 2026
Oral health is one of those things most people don’t think about until a sharp pain or swelling forces attention. A sudden toothache, bleeding gums, or sensitivity when drinking something cold can turn a normal day upside down. Yet, by the time that pain appears, the problem has often been silently developing for weeks, months, or even years. The truth is staggering: nearly 3.7 billion people worldwide are affected by oral diseases, making them the most common health condition across the globe. This is not just a statistic; it represents millions of lives disrupted by something preventable.
Behind these numbers are real people struggling daily. Some avoid social situations because they feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. Others skip meals or eat less because chewing is painful. Children might shy away from speaking in class, teens may hide their smiles, and adults often delay treatment due to cost or fear of the dentist. Oral health is far more than cosmetic it impacts nutrition, communication, confidence, and overall well-being. And yet, despite its importance, it’s often treated as secondary to other health issues.
The frustrating part is that most oral diseases are preventable. They don’t require complex medical interventions or expensive procedures just simple, consistent habits. The challenge lies in turning these habits into routine, rather than occasional or sporadic actions.
Take brushing your teeth. Everyone knows it’s supposed to be done at least twice a day. But doing it properly, with the right technique and for the right amount of time, is crucial. Many people rush through brushing, skip it when tired, or use a toothbrush that isn’t effective. Fluoride toothpaste, ideally containing 1,000 to 1,500 parts per million of fluoride, is one of the most effective defenses against tooth decay. It strengthens enamel and helps repair early signs of damage but only if it’s used regularly and correctly.
Diet is another critical factor. Frequent consumption of sugary drinks and snacks provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. These bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that erode the enamel, causing cavities over time. Even if someone brushes diligently, constant sugar exposure undermines the effort. On the flip side, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber promotes oral health. Crunchy fruits and vegetables stimulate saliva production, which naturally helps clean teeth and neutralize harmful acids. In essence, what you eat can either protect or harm your mouth every single day.
Tobacco and alcohol are additional threats that are often underestimated. Smoking and chewing tobacco stain teeth, cause bad breath, and increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancers. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, reducing saliva production, and some alcoholic beverages contain high levels of sugar, compounding the problem. Many people dismiss these risks because they don’t see immediate consequences. However, oral diseases caused by tobacco and alcohol often progress silently, showing visible symptoms only when they’re advanced and more difficult to treat.
Avoiding regular dental check-ups is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Many assume that visiting the dentist is only necessary when something hurts. But pain is usually the last stage of a developing problem. Cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues can often be detected and treated much earlier, preventing severe damage, complicated procedures, and higher costs. Routine exams and cleanings can save not only teeth but also time, money, and discomfort.
Awareness is also key. Proper oral hygiene isn’t just about brushing. Flossing, using mouthwash, choosing the right toothbrush, and knowing how to clean teeth effectively are all critical. Yet, many people lack this knowledge. Without understanding the “how” and “why,” even well-intentioned efforts may fall short. Education and guidance can make a significant difference, empowering people to take control of their oral health rather than reacting when problems arise.
Oral health is about daily choices, not occasional fixes. Small actions, repeated consistently, are what prevent disease. Skipping a single brushing session might not seem consequential, but when it becomes habitual, the cumulative effect is significant. Conversely, consistent care—even simple habits like brushing twice daily, limiting sugar, and visiting the dentist regularly can dramatically reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other complications.
It’s easy to underestimate the connection between oral health and overall health. But the mouth is the gateway to the body. Bacteria and infections originating in the oral cavity can travel through the bloodstream, contributing to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory problems. A healthy mouth isn’t just a nice smile; it’s a foundation for total health.
The reality is that oral disease is not inevitable. It’s preventable with knowledge, care, and consistency. Yet, the silent nature of these diseases allows them to creep in unnoticed. Pain or visible damage is usually the last warning sign, and by then, treatment becomes more complex and expensive. It is far easier and far less painful to build preventive habits now rather than face major interventions later.
Ultimately, oral health is a reflection of daily choices. It’s built or damaged over time by small, repeated actions. Simple habits like brushing properly, reducing sugary foods, eating nutrient-rich meals, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and seeing a dentist regularly can make a profound difference. Neglecting these habits is what leads to widespread disease, discomfort, and unnecessary suffering.
So, the challenge is simple but serious: prioritize your mouth every day. Don’t wait until pain forces action. Invest a few minutes daily in brushing and flossing. Choose foods that protect your teeth. Avoid habits that harm them. And make regular dental check-ups non-negotiable. Because your mouth isn’t separate from the rest of your body it’s the first line of defense, a reflection of your overall health, and a vital part of your quality of life.
In the end, oral health isn’t just about preventing cavities or bad breath. It’s about living without pain, eating without worry, smiling without hesitation, and protecting your body from silent threats. The steps are simple, the habits achievable, and the benefits enormous. Take care of your mouth today, and it will take care of you tomorrow.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/the-hidden-crisis-of-oral-health-why-your-mouth-matters-more-than-you-think/
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Warmongers Must Face Accountability
March 25, 2026
The Middle East has long been a theater of conflict, but recent years have seen an alarming escalation driven by leaders who chose confrontation over diplomacy. U.S. President Donald Trump and Zionist Regime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stand at the center of this storm. Their policies, particularly toward Iran and Gaza, have not only destabilized the region but have also inflicted immense suffering on ordinary people. The time has come to ask whether these leaders should be held accountable for the wars they helped ignite.
Trump’s aggressive stance toward Iran, framed as a defense of Israel’s security, was in reality a reckless gamble. By withdrawing from the nuclear deal and pursuing a “maximum pressure” campaign, he pushed the region closer to open conflict. The economic consequences were devastating. Iran’s economy crumbled under sanctions, while the United States expended resources in a futile attempt to force change in the system. The result was neither peace nor security, but rather heightened hostility and instability. Infrastructure in both countries suffered, and the prospect of war loomed lives.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, pursued a policy of relentless military action in Gaza. The destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals, and the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, roughly women and children, cannot be justified as self-defense. These actions deepened the cycle of hatred and mistrust, ensuring that future generations inherit a legacy of violence rather than peace. Israel’s security has not been strengthened and instead, it has become more precarious, as resentment grows across the region and beyond.
The combined effect of these policies has been catastrophic. Economies have faltered, political systems have been destabilized, and the dream of regional cooperation has been buried under rubble. Worse still, the human cost has been staggering. Families torn apart, children orphaned, and communities destroyed, all in the name of strategies that have failed to deliver lasting security. The international community must recognize that these are not just policy missteps; they are deliberate choices that have caused immense harm.
Accountability is therefore essential. So, these fake and failed leaders who choose war over diplomacy must be held responsible for the consequences of their actions. International law provides mechanisms for such accountability, and the world must not shy away from using them. Trials for war crimes and crimes against humanity are not merely symbolic. They are necessary steps to ensure justice and to deter future leaders from pursuing similar destructive paths.
At the same time, the path forward must be rooted in diplomacy. It is not too late to halt the march toward wider war. Dialogue, negotiation, and compromise remain the only viable tools for resolving tensions in the Middle East. The alternative, continued militarization and escalation, will only deepen the crises we already face. The region, and indeed the world, cannot afford another generation sacrificed to the ambitions of warmongers.
Trump and Netanyahu may one day stand trial for their decisions. Whether or not that happens, history will judge them harshly. But history must also judge us, whether we allow war to continue unchecked, or whether we demand accountability and insist on peace. The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/warmongers-must-face-accountability/
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