'A Part Of Our Belief System': Why Muslims In Kashmir And Across India Are Mourning Khamenei
New Age Islam News Bureau
05 March 2026
Shia Muslim protestors in Kashmir hold a poster of Ali Khamenei, the assassinated supreme leader of Iran. | Habib Naqash/AFP.
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· ‘A part of our belief system’: Why Muslims in Kashmir and across India are mourning Khamenei
· Hezbollah says will confront Israel-US ‘aggression’, will not surrender
· Saudi Arabia intercepts more drones over the Kingdom, UK affirms support for the region
· Fight continues to stop Christchurch terrorist from giving evidence at inquest
· Zohran Mamdani makes ‘2K’ rangoli for Holi, shares message for NYC’s Hindu communities
· Many Civilians, Soldiers Killed By Boko Haram In Early Morning Borno Attack
· PM Anwar: Malaysians must learn from Middle East conflict
· Erdogan urges diplomacy, offers Turkey’s support for Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire
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India
· Telangana Iranian community honours Khamenei; thousands march in Hyderabad to condemn killing
· Mosque-run hospital in Hyderabad’s Old City treats 1.4 lakh patients in a year
· Omar meets religious leaders amid J&K unrest; MP Ruhullah questions ‘instrument of establishment’ role
· Kashmir police book Ruhullah and Mattu as protests erupt over Khamenei killing
· Sambhal claim fails proof test: ASI has no records on Shahi Jama Masjid
· Kashmiri families seek safe & urgent return of students from Iran
· Sidi Saiyyed Mosque to be refurbished; open space area set for upgrade
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Mideast
· Safety of Jordanians a priority during regional conflict, says country’s crown prince
· Kurdish dissident groups say they are preparing to join the fight against Iran
· Jordan reopens airspace and Royal Jordanian flights resume with some restrictions
· Iran launches missiles at Israel as attacks in Middle East commence for a sixth day
· Fire from Iran, Lebanon triggers sirens across Israel
· Iraq hit by total blackout: ministry
· Troops from three divisions operating in south Lebanon: Israel army
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Arab World
· More than 1,100 scouts assist worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques
· Hail Municipality intensifies food inspections
· Orphans’ Day: OIC calls for renewed efforts amid escalating crises
· Expats say Ramadan in Saudi Arabia feels unlike anywhere else
· Saudi envoy to Spain discusses tourism cooperation with UNWTO chief
· Iftar organization served over 500,000 meals in 30 years
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Europe
· Russia could end gas supplies to EU immediately – Putin
· Ukrainian attack on Russian LNG tanker a ‘terrorist act’ – Putin
· Unauthorised conversion of pub into mosque set to be reviewed by planning inspector
· The two Birmingham religious leaders 'bonded' by powerful friendship
· Event mourning Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei held in Watford
· Azerbaijani president offers condolences at Iranian embassy in Baku
· Hungary will block ‘every’ EU decision on Ukraine over ‘oil blockade’ – Orban
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North America
· ‘A day of hope, peace and unity’: Donald Trump, Melania Trump extend Holi greetings
· Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking DeSantis’ Unconstitutional Order Targeting CAIR
· US Senate vote fails to rein in Trump war powers on Iran
· Pentagon identifies six US soldiers killed in Iran conflict
· Congress votes to summon Attorney General Bondi in Epstein case
· This could prove to be America’s Achilles’ heel in the Iran war
· Interfaith Iftar hosted to build bridges in western Mass.
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Africa
· Somalia's new constitution will see directly elected lawmakers
· Popular Islamic Cleric Suspended For Criticising President Tinubu
· Defence Minister Speaks On US Army In Nigeria, Reveals Who Is In Operational Control
· Uganda: Salaam Group Unveils Uganda's First Islamic Insurance
· Ramadan: Muslim community preaches patience, perseverance
· Police monitoring local Islamic groups over Middle East crisis – IG
· Zamfara Gov To Dump PDP For APC, May Move After Eid-el-Kabir Celebration
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Southeast Asia
· KEDA allocates RM6.5 million to upgrade rural IKS premises
· Malaysia to assess impact of US-Iran conflict on economy
· National Unity Ministry denies failing to address racial issues
· Sabah allocates RM164m for human capital development under 13MP, says CM
· Bank Negara maintains OPR at 2.75pc, says policy stance supportive of economy
· No Malaysians currently affected by UAE security developments, says envoy
· Embassy urges Singaporeans to act fast as Etihad, Emirates open limited flights home from UAE
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South Asia
· WHO warns polio virus transmission continues in Afghanistan, south hardest hit
· WFP warns escalating border violence worsening Afghanistan crisis
· PM to launch 'Family Card' programme at Korail T&T Field on March 10
· Country not in danger due to US trade deal
· TIB urges govt to reconsider appointment of new central bank governor
· Staffer kills teacher of Islamic University
· Britain Suspends Study Visas For Afghans
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/why-muslims-kashmir-india-mourning-khamenei/d/139132
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‘A part of our belief system’: Why Muslims in Kashmir and across India are mourning Khamenei
Safwat Zargar
Mar 5, 2026
Shia Muslim protestors in Kashmir hold a poster of Ali Khamenei, the assassinated supreme leader of Iran. | Habib Naqash/AFP.
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In the early hours of Sunday, the Kashmir Valley was engulfed in grief.
As news of the Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being killed on February 28 in a large-scale air attack by the United States and Israel was confirmed, residents took to the streets.
In Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley, thousands of Shia Muslim mourners came out on the roads, carrying posters of the slain leader. Many of them wept and beat their chests in mourning. The largest congregation of mourners – men, women and children – gathered around the historic Lal Chowk area in the Srinagar city centre.
Over the last six years, the Valley has rarely seen people flooding the streets in a spontaneous expression of grief. Since Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood was removed in August, 2019, the space for public protests and gatherings has been severely limited.
Most Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir belong to the Sunni sect but Khamenei’s killing did not evoke emotional outbursts from Shias alone. In fact, one of the first prominent voices to condemn his killing in the Valley was Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s chief cleric and a separatist leader.
Mirwaiz heads the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema, a conglomerate of religious bodies from various schools of Islamic thought in Jammu and Kashmir. He called for a complete strike in “solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region”.
The mourning was not restricted to Kashmir. The killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader has also evoked public protests from across the country including Uttar Pradesh, Bengaluru and Mumbai.
In Lucknow, the Shia community's leaders called for a three-day mourning and protest marches against the assassination of Khamenei. While the markets and shops were closed on Sunday as a mark of protest, the mourning continued for several days, with protesters also burning down effigies of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This is because Ali Khamenei was not only a political figure: he was one of the most senior figures in the religious hierarchy of Shia Muslims. His edicts and instructions shaped the faith of millions around the globe.
‘A part of our belief system’
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei served as the Supreme Leader of Iran for 36 years and six months – the longest-serving head of state in West Asia. The 86-year-old was also the commander-in-chief of the Iranian Armed Forces.
Khamenei was an ayatollah. Scholars who have spent decades in intense theological training and gaining religious knowledge and can authoritatively interpret the religious law in Islam are called mujtahid. A mujtahid who possesses highly advanced knowledge of Islamic law and religion is given the rank of an ayatollah, which means sign of god.
Under the Shia doctrine, believers have to choose a mujtahid whose edicts they have to follow or emulate.
Once chosen, this cleric is known as marja al-taqlid, or source of emulation.
“For example, if there are issues for which we do not find solutions in the Quran and Hadith [a collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad], we turned to him [Khamenei],” explained a follower of Shia Islam in Srinagar, who asked not to be identified. “He was not just a political figure. He was a part of our belief system.”
Khamenei was one of the main mujtahids of Shia Muslims. “The other important religious authority is Ayatollah Sistani of Iraq,” he said.
In Pakistan, India, including the Muslim-majority Kashmir and mountainous region of Ladakh, most of the Shias followed Khamenei for religious matters and interpretation, this person said.
“For the West, he may be a leader who wielded an overwhelming political authority in Iran but as a religious figure, his influence and guidance cut across the borders,” the Shia Muslim from Srinagar said.
This is one of the reasons why Khamenei’s posters and flags are an everyday sight in many parts of Kashmir Valley – and not only in public spaces. His photographs decorate the walls of many houses, offices and shops belonging to Shia Muslims. During Muharram processions, which have been attended by the Lieutenant Governor as well as senior administrative officials in solidarity, Khamenei’s presence on flags and posters is common.
The last stand
But religion is not the only explanation for the reaction to Khamenei’s assassination among Muslims.
Khamenei’s defiant stand on Palestine earned him followers across India. His position stood in contrast to those taken by the region’s Arab rulers, whose countries are viewed as client states of the US, .
“For Shias, he was a religious and spiritual guide,” said Rehana, a postgraduate student in Srinagar. “But for a Sunni like me, he was someone who refused to succumb to western pressure and always stood behind the oppressed Muslims of Palestine.”
Rehana said that since Khamenei’s killing, she had been frequently uploading reels of his sermons on her social media accounts. “Every Muslim, irrespective of school of thought, feels his loss,” she said.
That also explains why Sunni Muslims across India have taken part in protests against his killing.
Kashmir, which has a long history of reacting to the events shaping up in the wider Muslim world, has long historical ties to Iran. A region which has been in the grip of violence for decades, Kashmiris have long craved for the attention and support of Muslim powers. They have not forgotten that Khamenei was one of the few Muslim leaders in the world to consistently speak about their rights.
In the aftermath of total communication blackout and restrictions imposed by authorities across Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the August 5, 2019, abrogation of the provision of the Constitution that gave the territory a special status, Khamenei had appealed to the Indian government to “adopt a just policy towards the noble people of Kashmir and prevent the oppression & bullying of Muslims in this region.”
Khamenei had spoken against the violence on Indian Muslims. During the 2020 Delhi riots, Khamenei had issued a statement over what he described as the “massacre of Muslims in India”. At that time, he had urged the India government to “confront extremist Hindus & their parties & stop the massacre of Muslims in order to prevent India’s isolation from the world of Islam”.
Source: scroll.in
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Hezbollah says will confront Israel-US ‘aggression’, will not surrender
March 04, 2026
BEIRUT: Hezbollah will confront “Israeli-American aggression” and will not surrender despite the “imbalance in capabilities,” the head of the Iran-backed Lebanese group Naim Qassem said Wednesday night in a televised speech.
“We are facing aggression... our choice is to confront it until the ultimate sacrifice, and we will not surrender,” the Hezbollah leader declared in his first speech since his party launched rockets toward Israel on Monday and Israel began a bombing campaign in Lebanon.
Qassem rejected the notion that his party started the current round of fighting, saying: “What Israel did after the rocket salvo was not a response. It was an aggression that had been prepared in advance.”
“Hezbollah and its Islamic resistance are responding to the Israeli-American aggression and this is a legitimate right... For us this is an existential defense.”
The Middle East war expanded to Lebanon on Monday, and Israel later said its troops had entered south Lebanese towns and villages.
The Lebanese authorities said on Wednesday the Israeli campaign had killed at least 72 people and displaced more than 83,000.
The Lebanese government on Monday announced the “immediate ban” of Hezbollah’s military activities and demanded the party surrender its weapons, months after it committed to a gradual disarming of the party, which the party has repeatedly rejected.
In his speech Wednesday, Qassem criticized the new decision by the Lebanese government, saying: “Instead of the Lebanese government moving to condemn the Israeli-American aggression and look for ways to confront it, it turned against the resistance to complete its error and align itself with Israeli demands.”
“The topic of the resistance and the weapons of the resistance is not a subject of dispute for anyone or with anyone. It is a legitimate right. We are fighting in Lebanon in defense of our people, the future of our children and our country,” he added.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia intercepts more drones over the Kingdom, UK affirms support for the region
March 04, 2026
All-Maliki also said a drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region of the kingdom and two cruise missiles were intercepted and destroyed in Al-Kharj Governorate. (AFP)
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RIYADH: The Kingdom intercepted and destroyed nine drones and two cruise missiles in the Eastern Province and Al-Kharj governorate respectively, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The operations were confirmed by Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki. No fatalities or injuries were reported.
On Tuesday, the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry condemned Iran’s attack on the US Embassy in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter after preliminary assessments indicated two drones targeted the facility.
Black smoke and flames could be seen in the area where many foreign missions are located.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated in an X post: “Iranian strikes on Riyadh, including on the US Embassy, are completely unacceptable.
“We condemn these reckless and destabilizing attacks that target innocent civilians. We stand with Saudi Arabia and our other partners across the region in the face of these attacks.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2635211/saudi-arabia
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Fight continues to stop Christchurch terrorist from giving evidence at inquest
March 05, 2026
Outside the Masjid Annur, flowers surround the memorial to the 51 shuhada (martyrs), who were killed when a terrorist opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch five years ago. Photo: RNZ / Nathan Mckinnon
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Families of victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings are continuing their fight to prevent the terrorist from giving evidence at the coronial inquest into their loved ones' deaths.
Deputy Chief Coroner Brigitte Windley has sought to call Brenton Tarrant as a witness in the second-phase inquest into the deaths of the 51 people massacred at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on 15 March 2019.
Survivors and victims' families made their objections heard throughout the inquest and sought judicial review of the decision at the High Court.
Justice Jonathan Eaton dismissed the application in October.
Some of the victims' families are now appealing that decision to the Court of Appeal, where the matter will be heard next Wednesday.
The notice of appeal claimed Justice Eaton had made several mistakes in dismissing the application for judicial review.
"The High Court erred in finding community abhorrence and the second respondent's convictions were not proper considerations for a coroner when determining whether to call him as a witness for cross-examination at an inquest into the deaths of 51 people in relation to the 15 March 2019 Christchurch Masjidain Attack," the notice said.
The victims' families were appealing Justice Eaton's entire decision.
They sought three orders:
One allowing the appeal.
One setting aside deputy chief coroner Windley's decision to call the terrorist as a witness.
And one directing the coroner to reconsider her decision to call the terrorist as a witness and any consequential decisions.
The 35-year-old Australian-born terrorist is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the terror attack.
The second-phase inquest began in October 2024 and is examining how the terrorist came to obtain the guns used in the massacre.
It adjourned part-heard after objections were raised to the terrorist giving evidence.
Deputy Chief Coroner Windley granted interested party status to Tarrant before the inquest, asked him to answer written questions and asked lawyers for survivors and victims' families - as well as other parties to the inquest - if they wished to cross-examine him.
The terrorist provided two written briefs to the court in September 2024.
The only application to cross-examine him was filed by counsel assisting the coroner.
In dismissing the application for judicial review, Justice Eaton said he had listened to the concerns of victims and their families.
"At a hearing on 14 October 2024, those interested parties opposed Mr Tarrant giving evidence in open court due to the risk of him turning the process into 'a platform to encourage like-minded individuals into the murderous behaviour of the terrorist'," he said in a decision released in October.
"They questioned whether Mr Tarrant would provide oral evidence that was reliable or that had not previously been addressed by the Royal Commission of Inquiry. Further, they were concerned the costs and the efforts that would need to be taken to allow Mr Tarrant to give evidence may not be outweighed by any benefit."
However, Justice Eaton ruled the coroner had not made any error of law.
"Each of the considerations identified by the applicant under the first ground of the review were weighed by the coroner, including those which are arguably not relevant to the admissibility of evidence. The coroner has exercised her judgement in an appropriate manner having regard to the countervailing interests, including public order and safety, as well as the overarching purpose of the inquiry," Justice Eaton said.
"The alleged errors of law do not withstand scrutiny. They are closely connected and advanced on a flawed premise.
"Parliament has invested in the coroner a very broad discretion as to the evidence to be admitted at an inquiry. That reflects the broad purposes of an inquiry, including not only an investigation into the circumstances of the death, but making of recommendations to avoid a similar future event. Generally, but particularly in a coronial inquiry involving such horrific offending, so many deaths and such great public interest, issues of relevance, necessity or desirability of hearing evidence is very much for an experienced coroner so well versed with the subject matter.
"The extensive powers set out in the Act allow coroners to pursue all lines of inquiry and to weigh the evidence in a holistic manner to ensure findings are both effective and robust. Only then will the determination command the respect of society - this particular determination being one that is of high public interest both domestically and internationally.
"With respect and recognition given to the very sensitive nature of these proceedings, there has been no reviewable error by the coroner."
The terrorist gave evidence at a Court of Appeal hearing earlier in February in a bid to quash his convictions and sentence.
The terrorist claims he was "forced" to plead guilty to 51 counts of murder, 40 of attempted murder and one of terrorism because he was irrational as a result of torturous and inhumane prison conditions.
The Court of Appeal reserved its decision in that matter after a week-long hearing.
The second-phase inquest is on hold while the decision on the terrorist appearing as a witness is decided in the courts.
The coroner's first phase inquest, which began in October 2023 and heard further evidence in May and August 2024, covered 10 issues relating to the events of 15 March 2019 and the response of emergency services to the massacre.
It took just minutes for the terrorist to leave 44 worshippers dead or dying at Al Noor Mosque as he possessed two semi-automatic centrefire rifles as well as a multitude of high-capacity magazines, two shotguns, a lever-action rifle and a bolt-action rifle.
He then drove to the mosque in Linwood, where he killed seven more people.
Tarrant was able to obtain a New Zealand firearms licence through a gaming friend who was aware of his extremist political opinions and his racist and Islamophobic beliefs.
The friend and the friend's father acted as referees.
He had originally planned to use his sister as a referee, but the licensing clerk rejected that possibility because she lived in Australia and could not be interviewed face-to-face.
The terrorist first submitted an application to obtain a firearms licence just 15 days after arriving in New Zealand in August 2017.
At the time of the attacks, the terrorist only held a standard A-category licence, but by inserting the high-capacity magazines into the semi-automatic centrefire rifles, he had turned them into restricted E-category military-style semi-automatic rifles.
Source: rnz.co.nz
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Zohran Mamdani makes ‘2K’ rangoli for Holi, shares message for NYC’s Hindu communities
Mar 5, 2026
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani quietly promoted his upcoming child care program on Wednesday as he created rangoli with 2-K kids to celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi.
The Indian-origin leader took to Instagram to share a video of the event while wishing the Hindu community of New York a happy Holi.
In the clip, he could be seen sitting in a circle with children at a home-based school in South Richmond Hills — one of the first neighbourhoods receiving free 2K seats this fall. He reminisced about celebrating the festival of colours during his childhood, adding that it was an "embrace of joy in all its colours."
"Wishing New York City's Hindu communities an extra colourful Holi," he wrote in the caption, adding that he was looking forward to warm weather and universal childcare soon.
In the video, Mamdani could be seen smiling as a child cried in the background and later creating a design that said “2K” with them.
"Sometimes we cry, then we add a little colour. And a little more. And then comes joy," read the overlay text in the video as the Hindi song Holi Ayi Re played in the background.
Mamdani, who took office in January 2026, became the first Muslim mayor of New York City. Born in Kampala, Uganda, he was raised in New York from the age of seven by his father, Mahmood Mamdani, and mother Mira Nair.
While his father, a renowned Ugandan scholar, is a Muslim, his mother, an acclaimed Indian filmmaker, is a practising Hindu. Mamdani identifies as a Shia Muslim and is also participating in Ramadan.
In a conversation with The Indian Eye, he shared that he grew up in an interfaith family and celebrated numerous Indian festivals.
“I am a Shia Muslim, but I was raised in an interfaith family. My mother’s side of the family is Hindu, and I grew up celebrating Diwali, Holi and Raksha Bandhan. Though I identify as Muslim, these Hindu traditions and practices have shaped my worldview,” he said.
Recently, he also announced that some families in NYC would be getting free child care next year, with applications for the first 2,000 free 2-K seats opening in early summer.
The 34-year-old said that child care is one of the main reasons families are leaving the economic hub. Currently, school districts 6, 10, 18, 23 and 27 are included in the plan, with 12,000 more free child care seats to be added next year, the mayor announced.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/watch-zohran-mamdani-makes-2k-rangoli-for-holi-shares-message-for-nycs-hindu-communities/articleshowprint/129073075.cms
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Many Civilians, Soldiers Killed By Boko Haram In Early Morning Borno Attack
March 5, 2026
By Justina Otio
Civilians and soldiers have been murdered by militants of the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, in Borno state.
According to Sahara Reporters, Ngoshe town, under Gwoza Local Government Area of the state, came under highly coordinated and simultaneous attacks around 4am on Wednesday, and the terrorists operated till daybreak.
Multiple security sources told the publication that the militants invaded a military base, 82 Div TF Battalion under 26 BDE, and launched an assault on a camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the community.
A source added that the terrorists also ransacked the community, looking for soldiers they claimed may be hiding. The gunmen also burnt armoured tanks and military vehicles and made away with unquantifiable ammunition.
“Another attack in Ngoshe town, under Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists, today, Wednesday, 4th of March, 2026.
“The terrorists overran a military base, 82 Div TF Battalion under 26 BDE, around 0400hrs, with their large numbers, burnt the camp with all the military equipment, and later advanced toward an IDP camp close to the military base and attacked the IDP.
“The terrorists also burnt all the buildings in the IDP camp. They then went to the community and started searching all the houses to check if there were soldiers hiding within the civilians’ houses,” a military source said.
The source added that many Nigerian soldiers and civilians were killed, while others fled into the bush. According to him, the gunmen came in different groups and could not be counted.
“Up till now, we don’t have the actual numbers of soldiers and civilians killed, as more bodies are being found,” he said.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/05/many-civilians-soldiers-killed-by-boko-haram-in-early-morning-borno-attack/
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PM Anwar: Malaysians must learn from Middle East conflict
5 Mar 2026
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urges Malaysians to draw lessons from the Middle East conflict and strengthen domestic unity to safeguard national interests
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to learn from the ongoing Middle East conflict and the suffering in Gaza by strengthening national unity.
He said Malaysia must remain united across political, racial and religious lines to uphold the rule of law amid uncertain global geopolitics.
“This is not merely about siding with any major power, but about defending principles, justice and sovereignty,” he said in an address to the Felda community.
Anwar stated that a small nation like Malaysia must stand firm through the strength of its people’s unity during difficult times.
He highlighted the decades of brutality endured by the Palestinian people, including land seizure and the destruction of hospitals and schools.
“That is why, during this month of Ramadan, we should reflect on the plight of the ummah and why we must strengthen unity and purify ourselves and our nation,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged Malaysians to use their blessings wisely by safeguarding national institutions without facing daily destruction.
His remarks follow recent regional tensions, including airstrikes launched by Israel and the United States on targets in Iran last month.
Iran subsequently responded by targeting US military bases in several Arab countries, leading to widespread airspace restrictions.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/pm-anwar-malaysians-must-learn-from-middle-east-conflict/
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Erdogan urges diplomacy, offers Turkey’s support for Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire
By Fidel Rahmati
March 4, 2026
Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Shehbaz Sharif that Turkey supports a return to diplomatic channels in the Middle East crisis and is ready to back efforts to restore a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Presidency of the Republic of Turkey said Erdogan condemned recent “terrorist attacks” in Pakistan during Tuesday’s call and stressed the need for diplomatic engagement to prevent further bloodshed.
The conversation came amid heightened regional tensions following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, raising concerns about broader instability affecting Afghanistan and neighboring countries.
Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to security cooperation and bilateral ties with Pakistan and expressed readiness to support mechanisms aimed at maintaining a ceasefire along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
The call follows seven days of intense cross-border fighting between Pakistani forces and Taliban authorities along the frontier, including airstrikes and artillery exchanges that have escalated tensions between the two neighbors.
Taliban officials have claimed that at least 150 Pakistani soldiers were killed and more than 200 wounded in the clashes, while Pakistan has said over 400 Taliban fighters were killed. Independent verification of the casualty figures has not been possible, and the situation along the border remains volatile.
Analysts say sustained diplomatic engagement by regional actors such as Turkey could prove critical in preventing further escalation and containing the conflict, as humanitarian and security concerns continue to mount on both sides of the border.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/erdogan-urges-diplomacy-offers-turkeys-support-for-pakistan-afghanistan-ceasefire/
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India
Telangana Iranian community honours Khamenei; thousands march in Hyderabad to condemn killing
Mar 5, 2026
The Telangana Iranian community held a massive rally on Tuesday in which the consul general of the Islamic Republic of Iran participated in Hyderabad to honour Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, after his death.
The protest was held to condemn the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly carried out by Israeli and US forces. Demonstrators raised slogans against Israel and the United States during the rally.
One of the protestors described Khamenei as a worker for humanity and peace. “We loved him and wanted to see him as a leader. He is a good leader. We lost that leader. That is why we came here to condemn him. War is not right in any sense,” she said.
“We have seen in history, as far as I know, Iran has never waged war in such situations.”
“Stopping the war is the best thing. But what is the solution? The solution is that whoever has made a mistake, they will accept it. If there is an apology, that would be good,” she added.
Speaking to ANI, another demonstrator, Moulana Hannan Razvi, said, “People joined the protest irrespective of religion, expressing solidarity with Iran.”
Around thousands of people participated, including women who carried candles and pictures of the late leader for their cause.
Earlier on Sunday, Shia organisations Majma-e-Ulama wa Khutaba and Matami Anjuman-o-Grohan organised a protest rally in Telangana’s Hyderabad, condemning the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Demonstrators raised slogans against Israel and the United States during the rally.
A large number of people participated in protests against the Israeli and US forces.
Speaking to ANI, Moulana Ali Hyder Farishta said, “The news from Iran is that the Supreme Leader was killed in a strike from Israel. The whole world is mourning, and in Hyderabad, thousands of youth gathered and mourned his death. There were slogans against the cruel forces of the US.”
Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, on Saturday, after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, the Assembly of Experts convened a rare emergency session to select a successor.
During this high-stakes meeting in Qom, an Israeli strike targeted the building where senior clerics were gathered, according to an Israeli security official.
The West Asia conflict has now entered its fourth day of escalation following the joint US and Israeli strikes that killed the Supreme Leader and other top Iranian officials. In response, Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes against American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the Middle East.
Source: thestatesman.com
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https://www.thestatesman.com/india/telangana-iranian-community-honours-khamenei-thousands-march-in-hyderabad-to-condemn-killing-1503566027.html
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Mosque-run hospital in Hyderabad’s Old City treats 1.4 lakh patients in a year
Mar 5, 2026
Hyderabad: A two-storey mosque in a slum in Old Hyderabad that also functions as a hospital has treated 1.4 lakh patients in the past year, almost five times the annual patient load of many govt-run primary health centres in Telangana.
The hospital, attached to Masjid Omar Shifa in Shaheennagar, is run by a team of eight doctors, 15 nurses, six counsellors, two physiotherapists and four pharmacists, the facility also has a mini-operation theatre.
The mosque-cum-hospital caters not only to local residents but also migrant labourers from north India. The hospital is largely funded through charity collected during Ramzan. About 60% of the patients are migrant labourers, cutting across religions and castes.
While only a few primary health centres function round-the-clock, this mosque-run hospital provides free medical care 24x7. It also has inpatient facilities and ambulance services. The centre has treated thousands of poor patients, most of whom come from nearby localities such as Osmannagar, Saif Colony and Venkatapuram. The hospital began operations during the peak of the pandemic in 2020.
The facility is managed by the Helping Hands Foundation (HHF) with support from the American Muslim Physicians of Indian Origin (AMPI), USA, and Support for Economic and Educational Development (SEED), USA.
Spread across 3,000 sq ft, the hospital has 20 beds and facilities including a daycare centre, mini casualty ward, lactation management room, physiotherapy centre, dental and eye clinics, and a medical laboratory.
According to HHF's annual Ramzan report, 1,39,587 patients received free treatment in 2025. A majority of them were migrant workers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
"With the area being endemic to several water- and vector-borne diseases, 1,652 patients were treated in the tropical diseases ward, mainly for acute gastroenteritis, enteric fever, dengue and viral hepatitis," said HHF managing trustee Mujtaba Hasan Askari.
The hospital also provided services to 6,941 pregnant women. "We found that women's health issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, fibroids and irregular menstrual cycles were common among women patients who visited the hospital in 2025," Askari said.
Doctors also diagnosed 10,200 patients with diabetes, hypertension and other chronic illnesses, while 4,442 patients underwent physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
"About 50% of the patients come to the hospital on foot as they cannot afford transport costs," Askari added.
Meanwhile, a pre-Ramzan survey found that 67% of households in the Old City view youth unemployment as a serious concern. Around 77.2% of BPL families said income and daily survival were their biggest challenges, while 68.6% cited family health as a major pressure.
Despite financial constraints, 60.3% of families said they prioritise their children's education, the survey found.
Source: indiatimes.com
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Omar meets religious leaders amid J&K unrest; MP Ruhullah questions ‘instrument of establishment’ role
Naveed Iqbal
Mar 5, 2026
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday chaired a meeting between the administration, religious leader and civil society members in Srinagar following protests and clashes in the UT after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran.
The meeting came a day after the J&K Police booked Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu accusing them of circulating “misleading online content”.
After the meeting, the chief minister said, “A few senior religious leaders were invited for discussions regarding the situation here. First, we condemned the strikes in Iran that led to the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei and extended condolences. We also discussed how to preserve peace, and tranquillity in J&K.”
Expressing his gratitude to the civil society and religious leadership, Omar said: “We have made an appeal to maintain peace and brotherhood. We may express our anguish peacefully, whether it is in our mosques, shrines or imambaras. We hope this appeal will resonate with all our people”.
This follows days of unrest in several parts of J&K. On Tuesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police Tuesday said an FIR was registered and summons were issued regarding the “circulation of fake, fabricated and misleading information by certain news channels, media outlets and individuals across electronic and social media platforms”. Late Tuesday, Police also booked Ruhullah and Mattu. Both said that their security was also downgraded after their statements criticising Israel and US for the strike in Iran.
“Our endeavour is that no innocent blood should be spilled in these law and order distrubances,” Omar said.
Restrictions on civilian movement, put in place Monday amid the protests, continued to be in place in some parts Wednesday while mobile internet remains restricted to 2G.
Meanwhile, reacting strongly to the CM’s statement urging peace, Ruhullah Mehdi said in a post on X: “When and how was the communal harmony disturbed by the mourners which forced the assembly of this “group” to call for communal harmony. What message is he trying to send? Whose point is he asserting and advocating?”
He also questioned Omar on whether he is “trying to become an instrument of the establishment to justify their unjustifiable actions” He said that the only call that he and this “group” should have made was to ask for the immediate release of our youth and unconditional withdrawal of FIRs against them. “It took a question from a journalist to get a half-hearted mention of the FIRs and detentions of our youth. He couldn’t ask for their release extemporaneously in his opening remarks. Who does he represent? I thought we elected a representative for us who would stand for us against all odds.”
Source: indianexpress.com
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Kashmir police book Ruhullah and Mattu as protests erupt over Khamenei killing
Muzaffar Raina
05.03.26
Jammu and Kashmir police have booked National Conference’s Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu, along with several other people, over protests against the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggesting a tougher clampdown to contain a flare-up.
Meta has also blocked several newspaper handles in Kashmir allegedly on the directions of the authorities, prompting cries of censorship.
Massive protests and stone-pelting incidents have rocked Kashmir in the past four days against the US-Israel strikes on Iran. The government has extended the closure of schools and other educational institutions till March 7.
Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday joined the protests by burning posters of US President Donald Trump, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“I stand in peace with those who stand in peace with you, and in opposition to those who oppose you, until the Day of Judgment,” Mehbooba posted on X.
The police on Tuesday night booked Ruhullah and Mattu, among other people, for allegedly circulating “false, fabricated and misleading content” on digital and social media platforms.
In a handout, the police said it acted on credible inputs regarding the circulation of content aimed at creating fear, disturbing public order and inciting unlawful activities, and registered cases against the two leaders. Cases were lodged separately against others.
The content in question, the police said, prima facie reflected the dissemination of distorted narratives and unverified information capable of causing public unrest and societal disharmony.
“Such deliberate attempts to spread misinformation pose a serious threat to peace, security, and overall stability,” the statement said.
Ruhullah and Mattu have fiercely criticised the US and Israel for attacking Iran
as well as some of the actions of the Jammu and Kashmir government.
The Srinagar MP had shared a video where a policeman was seen thrashing women protesters. “Bravo @JmuKmrPolice for this. Netanyahu must be happy with you,” he wrote.
“@JmuKmrPolice has gone rogue. Today they beat grieving mothers and sisters. Their masters in Delhi and Raj Bhavan are competing with Israel. They are suppressing a people for daring to feel,” he wrote in another post.
The police said the cases against Ruhullah and Mattu were lodged under Sections 197(1)(d) and 353(1)(b) of the BNS at the Cyber Police Station in Srinagar, and an investigation had been initiated.
“Further legal action shall follow as warranted under law,” the statement added.
Mehbooba on Wednesday condemned the cases, calling them “egregiously unwarranted and unjust”, and said they must be withdrawn immediately.
In a parallel development, Meta has reportedly blocked the Facebook and Instagram pages of newspapers, including Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Life and Rising Kashmir.
One newspaper said its verified Facebook and Instagram pages had become inaccessible at the request of law-enforcement authorities.
Mehbooba called it censorship, while Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone said shutting down such platforms would do more harm.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Sambhal claim fails proof test: ASI has no records on Shahi Jama Masjid
05.03.26
The Archaeological Survey of India has told the Central Information Commission that it does not have any records indicating whether the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal was constructed after demolishing any earlier structure or on vacant land, nor does it have documents identifying the landowner at the time of its construction.
An ASI survey in November 2024 on court orders had triggered a violent clash between locals and police in which four people died of bullet wounds. The court had been hearing a plea by Hindus claiming that the mosque was built by demolishing a Shiva temple during the rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. There had been allegations that some of those accompanying the survey team were chanting “Jai Shri Ram”, nettling the area’s minority population.
Several people are still in jail in connection with the violence.
A commission appointed by the Sambhal district court had reportedly said in a report in 2024 that symbols associated with Hinduism had been found at Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid, protected by the ASI since 1920.
In an RTI application, Sambhal resident Satya Prakash Yadav had sought to know whether the Mughal-era mosque was built by demolishing any ruins or on vacant land, along with the name of the landowner at the time and the documents granting ownership rights.
The ASI, in its reply, stated that “no such information is available in this office”.
On questions relating to the nature of constructions at the site at the time the mosque came under the ASI’s protection, any subsequent constructions, and past disputes associated with the shrine, the ASI said such information was not available in its records.
However, during the first appeal proceedings before the Central Information Commission, the ASI had said that although no new construction is permitted within a centrally protected monument, an “illegal” steel railing was being erected at the Jama Masjid site in 2018 and that the department had issued orders to stop the work.
The applicant had also asked about the period of construction of the mosque. The ASI replied that according to its records, “Jama Masjid Sambhal was constructed in the year 1526”, and referred to supporting material.
On whether the structure was known by any other name earlier, the department said the mosque has been protected by the ASI under the same name.
In response to a query on the present nature of the structure, the ASI stated: “At present, it exists as a mosque.” It further said the Jama Masjid was taken under the protection of the ASI in 1920, citing a gazette notification.
During the hearing before the Central Information Commission, the appellant had argued that key information had been wrongly denied on the ground of non-availability. The ASI maintained that it had provided all information available on record and that it could not be compelled to create or collect information not maintained by it.
Upholding the ASI’s stand, the commission observed that the RTI Act obliges public authorities to disclose only existing records and does not require them to generate fresh information. It cited judicial precedents to underline that a public authority cannot be directed to furnish information not held by it.
Finding no grounds for further intervention, the commission dismissed the appeal, holding that the ASI’s replies — including its statement of having no records on whether the mosque was built over ruins or vacant land — were in accordance with the law.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Kashmiri families seek safe & urgent return of students from Iran
Fayaz Wani
05 Mar 2026
SRINAGAR: Gripped by fear and desperation, families of Kashmiri students studying in Iran have appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for safe and immediate evacuation of their children from Iran amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. With Israel and the US conducting massive bombing in Iranian cities, the anxious parents said they have lost contact with their wards studying in Iran. A woman from Srinagar said her son is studying at Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, which has been declared a “red alert zone” due to continued US and Israeli airstrikes. “The students were shifted to Qom and we thought being a border area it would be safe. However, now that area too is witnessing bombing from Israel and US,” she said.
She further said the family had been receiving voice notes from their son describing the terrifying sounds of explosions.
“He kept saying no place is safe in Iran now. For the last two days, we have had no communication. We are unable to call them and the internet is also not working there. We are completely in the dark,” she said. “My son’s final examination was scheduled for March 5 and the family had booked tickets for his return on March 6”.
About 1,100 students from Jammu and Kashmir, mostly from the Valley, are presently stranded in Iran. They are studying in different educational and professional colleges in Iran. About 1,000 J&K students had returned home in December-January after tension in West Asia. Another distressed mother said her daughter, a fourth-year medical student in Iran, was supposed to return home on March 13 after completing her exams and clinical classes.
“We were receiving her WhatsApp messages, but now it too has stopped as well,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the Embassy of India in Tehran for relocating students from Tehran to Qom and stressed that there is an urgent need for evacuation.
“We are very disturbed and unable to sleep. We appeal to the government to bring them back safely,” she said. Suhail Muzamil Qadri, another parent, said while families appreciate the efforts of the Indian Embassy, fear continues to overshadow them.
“We know the Embassy is doing a great job, but we are parents. We are worried about the safety of our wards,” he said. “We are spending sleepless nights and are very worried about the well being of our wards as it is raining bombs and missiles in every part of Iran”.
Qadri urged the MEA to explore evacuation routes through Turkmenistan, Armenia, or any other safe corridor. “Our humble request is that they should be immediately evacuated,” he said, adding he has had no recent contact with his son in Tehran from the last few days. Another Kashmiri man, whose daughter is pursuing her final-year MBBS in Urmia, said the city witnessed intense bombing overnight. “Explosions occurred near the dormitory where J&K students are residing last night. It has created fear among them,” he said.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Sidi Saiyyed Mosque to be refurbished; open space area set for upgrade
Mar 3, 2026
By Nishant Bal
THE OPEN space next to the 16th-century Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is being redeveloped into a landscaped public garden featuring a recessed seating plaza inspired by the monument’s iconic latticework, along with new lighting and upgraded amenities.
“We hope to pay tribute to Sidi Saiyyed Jali through the garden,” said landscape architect Aniket Bhagwat from M/s Prabhakar B Bhagwat, who is leading the project.
“That seating space is inspired by one of the motifs in the Jali and it is slightly sunken so that it can deal with the noise of the traffic around,” said Bhagwat.
Work began around two months ago and is being executed under a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the UN Mehta Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Torrent Group, through a memorandum of understanding with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).
“The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque is a centrally protected monument. The corporation cannot do anything inside it,” said AMC Deputy Commissioner Ramya Bhatt. “The garden that is next to it is being developed.” He added that since the site falls within the regulated zone of a protected monument, approval from the National Monuments Authority was obtained before work began.
While Bhagwat described the central feature as incorporating a fountain within the recessed seating space, the focus would remain on the seating, says Bhatt.
Beyond the garden redevelopment, Bhagwat said the foundation is also assisting the mosque management. “What UNM is doing is helping the mosque with the lighting of the mosque and a little bit of refurbishment of the compound walls and whatever help they require,” he said. He added that efforts are underway to improve water storage arrangements used for ablution and sanitation, noting that permanent construction within an archaeologically protected monument is restricted.
“Efforts are on to ensure that the Sidi Saiyyed Jali is lit well, lighting trials are yet to be conducted” Bhagwat said.
Built in 1572–73 during the final years of the Gujarat Sultanate, the mosque was commissioned by Sidi Saiyyed, an Abyssinian who began life as a slave before rising to prominence. Though modest in scale and lacking the large domes or towering minarets seen in other Indo-Islamic structures, it is known for its ten intricately carved stone jalis, especially the famed “Tree of Life” panel carved from single slabs of yellow sandstone. The motif has since become emblematic of Ahmedabad.
The mosque stands almost at the centre of Ahmedabad’s historic walled city. It has hosted high-profile visitors including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was accompanied by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the latter’s 2017 visit.
Ahmedabad has roughly 1.39 sq km of park area across its 464 sq km municipal limits, translating to about 0.25 sq m of green space per person, well below the World Health Organisation’s suggested 9 sq m benchmark. The redevelopment forms part of a broader CSR-led effort to upgrade public gardens across the city.
There is no formal completion deadline. “We’re hoping it’s not more than another four or five months, six months at the most,” Bhagwat said, adding that labour availability during the festival season could affect timelines.
Source: indianexpress.com
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Mideast
Safety of Jordanians a priority during regional conflict, says country’s crown prince
March 05, 2026
LONDON: The safety of citizens is a priority for authorities in Jordan amid regional tensions, the country’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah Al-Hashimi said on Wednesday as he visited the Civil Defense Department for a briefing and iftar event.
He stressed the importance of keeping pace with the latest developments in civil protection systems and taking every opportunity to enhance the skills of Civil Defense personnel, the royal court said.
The department, which operates under the Ministry of Interior, has been working to manage emergencies and protect lives and property amid a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Tehran in recent days in response to attacks on Iran by the US and Israel. The strikes have targeted civilian and military areas in Jordan and other countries in the region.
During his visit the crown prince was greeted by Maj. Gen. Obeidallah Maaytah, director of the Public Security Directorate, and Brig. Gen. Nasser Sweilmeen, the Civil Defense director, and briefed on the work of the Civil Defense Department, the systems it uses, and the ways in which it is responding to the regional conflict.
In addition to firing missiles into Israel, Iran has targeted US forces at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan and other American military sites in Gulf countries. Military personnel and civilians in several countries have been killed or injured by missiles or falling debris.
Source: arabnews.com
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Kurdish dissident groups say they are preparing to join the fight against Iran
March 04, 2026
IRBIL, Iraq: Kurdish Iranian dissident groups based in northern Iraq are preparing for a potential cross-border military operation in Iran, and the US has asked Iraqi Kurds to support them, Kurdish officials told The Associated Press.
The Kurdish groups are widely seen as the most well-organized segment of the fragmented Iranian opposition and are believed to have thousands of trained fighters. Their entry into the war could pose a significant challenge to the embattled authorities in Tehran and could also risk pulling Iraq further into the conflict.
Khalil Nadiri an official with the Kurdistan Freedom Party, or PAK, based in northern Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region said Wednesday that some of their forces had moved to areas near the Iranian border in Sulaymaniyah province and were waiting on standby.
He said Kurdish opposition group leaders had been contacted by US officials regarding a potential operation, without giving more details.
Asked about reports that the Trump administration was considering arming Iranian Kurdish groups, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters Wednesday: “None of our objectives are premised on the support or the arming of any particular force. So, what other entities may be doing, we’re aware of, but our objectives aren’t centered on that.”
Before the US and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, triggering a new war in the Middle East, the PAK had claimed attacks on the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in retaliation for Tehran’s violent crackdown on protests. But an official with the group said it had not sent forces from Iraq into Iran.
If the Iranian and Iraqi Kurdish groups were to join the war, it would be the first entry of a significant ground force into the battle. The Kurdish groups have battle experience from the fight against the Daesh group.
An official with Komala, another of the Kurdish Iranian groups, said Wednesday that their forces are ready to cross the border within a week to 10 days and were “waiting for the grounds to be suitable.” He spoke on condition of anonymity out of security concerns.
Kurds in Iran have a long history of grievances and uprisings against both the current Islamic Republic and the monarchy that preceded it. During the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi Kurds were marginalized and repressed and sometimes rebelled.
After Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the new theocracy also battled Kurdish insurgents. Iranian forces destroyed Kurdish towns and villages in fighting that killed thousands over several months.
While they share a desire to see the current authorities ousted, the Kurdish groups have also butted heads with other opposition groups — notably the faction led by the former shah’s son, Reza Pahlavi, who has accused the Kurds of being separatists aiming to carve up Iran.
Iraqi Kurds hesitant to join the fray
The potential operation has put leaders of the Iraqi Kurdish region in a delicate position.
Three Iraqi Kurdish officials told the AP that a call took place Sunday night between US President Donald Trump and Masoud Barzani and Bafel Talabani — the heads of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, or KDP, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, or PUK, the two main Kurdish parties in Iraq — to discuss the situation in Iran.
They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.
One of the officials said Trump had asked the Iraqi Kurds to militarily support the Iranian Kurdish groups in operations in Iran and to open the border to allow the Iranian Kurdish groups to move freely back and forth.
When asked about the call and reports that Trump has sought military support for Iranian Kurdish groups, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “He did speak to Kurdish leaders with respect to our base that we have in northern Iraq” but denied that Trump had agreed to a specific plan.
The Iraqi Kurdish official said the Iraqi Kurds were concerned that getting directly involved in the conflict would draw a harsh Iranian response. Already the Kurdish region has seen a string of drone and missile attacks by Iran and allied Iraqi militias in recent days, targeting US military bases and the US Consulate in Irbil as well as the Kurdish groups’ bases.
While most of the attacks have been intercepted, civilian homes have been damaged, and the region is suffering from electricity cuts after a key gas field halted operations due to security concerns.
In a statement, the PUK confirmed that Talabani had spoken by phone with Trump, who “provided clarification and vision regarding US objectives in the war.” The statement said the PUK “believes that the best solution is a return to the negotiating table.”
Spokespeople for the Kurdish regional government in Iraq and for Barzani declined to comment.
The news site Axios first reported the call between Trump and the Kurdish leaders, and CNN reported that the Trump administration was in discussions with Kurdish groups over providing military support.
Iraq moves to seal the border
The presence of armed Iranian Kurdish groups in northern Iraq has been a point of friction between the central Iraqi government in Baghdad and Tehran.
Iraq in 2023 reached an agreement with Iran to disarm the groups and move them from their bases near the border areas with Iran — where they potentially posed an armed challenge to Tehran — into camps designated by Baghdad.
Their military bases were shut down and their movement within Iraq restricted, but the groups did not give up their weapons.
Iraq’s National Security Adviser Qassim Al-Araji said in a post on X that Ali Bagheri, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, had requested in a call between them “that Iraq take the necessary measures to prevent any opposition groups from infiltrating the border between the two countries.”
Al-Araji said Iraq is committed to “preventing any groups from infiltrating or crossing the Iranian border or carrying out terrorist acts from Iraqi territory” and noted that security reinforcements had been sent to the border.
In addition to retaliation by Iran, any movement by Iraqi Kurds to join a cross-border attack would likely inflame tensions with Iran-backed Iraqi militias, which have already claimed missile and drone strikes on Irbil in recent days.
Source: arabnews.com
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Jordan reopens airspace and Royal Jordanian flights resume with some restrictions
March 04, 2026
LONDON: Royal Jordanian Airlines flights resumed on Wednesday after partial restrictions were lifted and Jordan fully reopened its airspace, which had been closed following attacks by Iran that targeted several parts of the country.
Most flights to and from Jordan returned to normal but some are still affected by regional restrictions. Flights to Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Damascus remain suspended until further notice as a result of airspace closures, the Jordan News Agency reported.
Royal Jordanian Airlines will operate limited flights on some other routes, including one each day to Dubai, which began on Wednesday, and a daily flight to each of Abu Dhabi and Aleppo beginning on Thursday.
The airline said it was closely monitoring regional developments and coordinating with aviation authorities, the news agency added.
In response to military attacks on Iran by the US and Israel that began on Saturday, authorities in Tehran launched a barrage of missiles and drones against several Gulf nations, including Jordan. Several countries in the region have suspended or limited flights amid the ongoing tensions, disrupting aviation and tourism.
Source: arabnews.com
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Iran launches missiles at Israel as attacks in Middle East commence for a sixth day
March 05, 2026
DUBAI: Iran launched missiles at Israel early Thursday as aerial attacks in the Middle East commenced for a sixth day after an American submarine sank an Iranian warship and Iran threatened the destruction of military and economic infrastructure across the region.
Israel announced the incoming attack shortly after its military said it had begun new strikes in Lebanon targeting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
The fighting continued after the US and Israel intensified their bombardment Wednesday of Iran’s security forces and other symbols of power.
The tempo of the strikes on Iran was so intense that state television announced the mourning ceremony for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the conflict, would be postponed. Millions attended the funeral of his predecessor, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989.
The US and Israel launched the war Saturday, targeting Iran’s leadership, missile arsenal and nuclear program while suggesting that toppling the government is a goal. But the exact aims and timelines have repeatedly shifted, signaling an open-ended conflict.
President Donald Trump praised the US military Wednesday for “doing very well on the war front, to put it mildly.” Fellow Republicans in the US Senate stood with Trump on Iran as they voted down a resolution seeking to halt the war.
Iran fired on Bahrain, Kuwait and Israel as the conflict spiraled. Turkiye said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkiye’s airspace.
The war has killed more than 1,000 people in Iran, more than 70 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. It has disrupted the supply of the world’s oil and gas, snarled international shipping and stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Middle East.
Buildings of Iranian military and security forces targeted
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said a torpedo from an American submarine sank an Iranian warship Tuesday night in the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lankan authorities said 32 people were rescued from the ship, while the country’s navy said it recovered 87 bodies.
Israel said it hit buildings associated with Iran’s Basij, the all-volunteer force of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard whose bloody crackdown on protesters in January left thousands dead.
The Israeli military hit buildings associated with Iran’s internal security command. Israel and the US have said they want to see Iranians overthrow the country’s theocracy, and strikes against Iran’s internal security forces may be aimed at hastening that.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said his country’s forces have decentralized leadership, with units acting largely on their own, which could blunt the effect of attacks on top command and control hubs.
Iranian state television showed the ruins of buildings in Tehran and interviews with people saying the attacks damaged their homes. Strikes were also reported in the city of Qom targeting a building associated with a clerical panel set to pick Iran’s next supreme leader. Iranian media said it was empty at the time.
Shifting timelines for US operations
During his Pentagon briefing, Hegseth did not give a definitive timeline for US operations.
“You can say four weeks, but it could be six. It could be eight. It could be three,” he said. “Ultimately, we set the pace and the tempo. The enemy is off balance, and we’re going to keep them off balance.”
Adm. Brad Cooper, the top US military commander in the Middle East, said American forces have damaged Iran’s air defenses and taken out ballistic missiles, launchers and drones.
US and Israeli military officials say launches from Iran have declined as the war has progressed. Israel’s Homefront Command announced it was easing restrictions that closed workplaces nationwide. It said workplaces could reopen Thursday if there’s a shelter nearby. Schools would remain closed.
Still, explosions sounded early Thursday in Israel, which said its defensive systems were moving to intercept Iranian missiles.
At least 1,045 people have been killed in Iran, the country’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said Wednesday. Eleven people have died in Israel. Six US troops have been killed.
The death toll has exceeded 70 in Lebanon, where the health ministry said Wednesday that three people died when drone strikes hit two vehicles on a Beirut highway. The Israeli military said it was targeting a Hezbollah member.
Israel says its offensive had been planned for midyear
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the offensive against Iran was originally planned for mid-2026, but “the need arose to bring everything forward to February.”
He listed events inside Iran, Trump’s positions and the possibility of “creating a combined operation” as reasons.
The protests in Iran put unprecedented pressure on its leadership. Trump threatened military action in response to the crackdown before shifting his attention to Iran’s disputed nuclear program.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that the US launched its operation partly out of concern Iran might strike American personnel and assets in the region first. A phone call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the airstrikes began was also “important with respect to the timeline,” she said.
Energy supplies in the crosshairs
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard issued its most-intense threat yet, saying the strikes against it would result in “the complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure.”
A Maltese-flagged container ship was attacked Wednesday while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Arabian Gulf through which about a fifth of the world’s oil is shipped. The ship was hit by two missiles, sparking a fire, according to Malta’s transport minister, Chris Bonett. Its 24 crew members were rescued.
Tanker traffic through the strait has fallen by around 90 percent compared to prewar levels, shipping tracker MarineTraffic.com said Wednesday.
Oil prices have soared as Iranian attacks have disrupted traffic through the strait, and global stock markets have been hammered over worries that the spike in oil prices may grind down the world economy.
Iran’s clerics are choosing a new supreme leader
Iran’s leaders are scrambling to replace Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years. It’s only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that a new supreme leader is being chosen.
Potential candidates range from hard-liners committed to confrontation with the West to reformists who seek diplomatic engagement. Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei’s son, has long been considered among them — though he has never been elected or appointed to a government position.
In a sign that Iran’s leadership will only seek to consolidate its power as it faces its biggest crisis in decades, the head of the judiciary warned that “those who cooperate with the enemy in any way will be considered an enemy.”
Israel’s defense minister, Katz, said on X that Iran’s next supreme leader — if he continues to threaten Israel, the US and others — “will be a target for elimination.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Fire from Iran, Lebanon triggers sirens across Israel
March 04, 2026
JERUSALEM: The Israeli military said it had detected multiple missile barrages from Iran on Wednesday, as well as launches from Lebanon, but added that the number of missiles fired from the Islamic republic at Israel was declining.
AFP journalists heard several blasts and multiple rounds of sirens from Jerusalem, while alerts also sounded in Tel Aviv, central Israel, Haifa and several other northern regions.
“The IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said four times throughout the afternoon and early evening.
In a statement shortly after the first salvo was announced, the military said that “several launches... from Lebanon toward Israeli territory were successfully intercepted” after sirens sounded in central Israel.
The new salvos came on the fifth day of the Middle East war, which began on Saturday with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Lebanon was dragged into the war on Monday when the Tehran-backed Hezbollah group launched an attack on Israel to “avenge” the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting ongoing Israeli air strikes.
Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani told reporters Wednesday evening that the army had noticed a gradual decrease in the number of Iranian missiles launched at Israel since the start of the war.
“We are speaking about many dozens the first day going down gradually to a few dozen and very low amounts,” he said.
“The barrages are much smaller. Today, some of them weren’t even a barrage, they were just one missile,” he added.
Shoshani said that some projectiles were launched from Iraq too, where some militias act as Iran proxies.
“We’ve seen small amounts of fire coming from Iraq, mostly UAVs (drones), but the vast majority of fire is from Iran and now from Hezbollah,” he said.
Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency services said they had evacuated to hospital two people in central Israel with mild injuries, including “a man of about 30 with shrapnel wounds and another casualty with blast injuries.”
Police said in a statement that officers were dispatched to five locations in the Jerusalem area “where various intercepted projectiles had fallen, causing only damage.”
The military said that the “majority of the launches” from Lebanon were intercepted.
Not including Wednesday’s figures, MDA said that since the start of the war its teams had provided medical treatment to 414 casualties including “10 fatalities, 2 seriously injured, 6 moderately injured and 396 lightly injured.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Iraq hit by total blackout: ministry
March 04, 2026
BAGHDAD: Iraq’s electricity ministry said on Wednesday that the entire country had been affected by a blackout, later attributing it to a sudden drop in gas supplies to a key power plant.
“The power grid has completely shut down across all Iraqi provinces,” the ministry said, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
It later announced that a “sudden drop in gas supplies to the Rumaila power plant” in the southern province of Basra led to a rapid loss of 1,900 megawatts, which triggered the outage.
It added that work was underway to gradually restore power.
Iraq has been impacted by the ongoing Middle East war and parts of the country have come under repeated attacks.
Source: arabnews.com
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Troops from three divisions operating in south Lebanon: Israel army
March 04, 2026
JERUSALEM: Israeli troops from three divisions, including infantry, armored and engineering units were operating inside southern Lebanon, the military said Wednesday.
“Troops from the 91st Division are operating in the east of southern Lebanon, troops from the 210th Division are operating in the Mount Dov area, and troops from the 146th Division are operating in the west of southern Lebanon,” the military said.
Video footage shared by the military showed soldiers carrying large backpacks and sleeping mats, as well as tanks manoeuvring in south Lebanon.
Source: arabnews.com
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Arab World
More than 1,100 scouts assist worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques
March 04, 2026
MAKKAH: The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association is running public service camps at the Two Holy Mosques during Ramadan, involving more than 1,100 scout leaders and members.
The volunteer program runs throughout the fasting month, providing services to Umrah performers, other worshippers, and fasting visitors in close coordination with the relevant authorities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The scout teams’ tasks include providing guidance, orientation and crowd management services, assisting the elderly and people with disabilities, and delivering humanitarian and on-site support at designated locations at the Two Holy Mosques.
Backed by intensive training and preparation programs, the scouts have strengthened their readiness on the ground and elevated their performance to meet the association’s highest standards of quality and governance, reflecting their commitment to leadership and excellence in organized volunteer work.
The association emphasized that these camps are managed under a unified institutional framework that brings together all scouting sectors, following clear operational plans and precise organizational structures.
This approach helps standardize procedures, boost performance efficiency, and maximize the positive effect of services provided, fulfilling the vision of the Kingdom’s leadership in caring for visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and facilitating their rituals with ease and peace of mind.
Source: arabnews.com
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Hail Municipality intensifies food inspections
March 04, 2026
RIYADH: The Hail Municipality has intensified its field inspections of food establishments and commercial markets throughout the city during Ramadan to enhance food safety, raise compliance with health and municipal regulations, and protect consumers.
The municipality said that inspection teams conducted intensive tours covering markets, shops, restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops, and food warehouses, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
These visits verify that employees possess valid health certificates, wear the required uniforms, and adhere to strict personal hygiene standards.
Additionally, inspections were carried out at 10 sites designated for iftar meals in several neighborhoods and public squares to ensure compliance with public hygiene standards, safe storage practices, and product validity.
The municipality said that several offenses were recorded during the inspections, with legal measures taken against the offenders in accordance with regulations.
It emphasized that these monitoring campaigns will continue throughout Ramadan under an operational plan that includes increasing the number of field teams and expanding the scope of coverage.
Source: arabnews.com
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Orphans’ Day: OIC calls for renewed efforts amid escalating crises
March 04, 2026
RIYADH: In commemoration of Orphan Day in the Islamic World, which falls on the 15th day of Ramadan each year, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation called on the international community, member states and humanitarian institutions to intensify efforts aimed at promoting the care of orphans.
The annual commemoration serves to implement the decision of the Council of Foreign Ministers issued at its 40th session (Conakry 2013), which aims to institutionalize concern for orphan issues and place their requirements at the top of the OIC’s humanitarian agenda, said an official statement.
OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha said: “Caring for orphans is a collective responsibility and a religious, humanitarian and ethical duty that requires concerted efforts to ensure that they enjoy their full rights and provide a safe and supportive environment that enables them to build their future and participate actively in the development of their communities.”
The secretary-general added that the event comes amid increasing humanitarian challenges, which call for more comprehensive and sustainable approaches to ensure the protection and care of orphans, especially in light of natural disasters and conflicts in OIC member states and the resulting increase in the number of orphans and their many needs.
He said that the day could not be commemorated without highlighting the suffering of orphans in the Gaza Strip, where there are 57,000, including 17,000 children who were orphaned as a result of the recent brutal Israeli war, 3,000 of whom lost both parents.
This makes the Gaza Strip in dire need of a large number of care homes to provide a decent life for orphans, he said, adding that orphans in Gaza were the biggest victims of the Israeli aggression due to the lack of education and the destruction of many schools and educational and social facilities that used to support them.
The secretary-general highlighted the importance of developing institutional and family care programs, supporting education and psychological and social rehabilitation for orphans, and strengthening partnerships with charitable and humanitarian institutions to provide integrated health and living services that ensure their positive integration into their communities.
He said that caring for orphans and protecting their rights is a fundamental value in Islam, which calls for their care and urges the provision of comprehensive protection for them educationally, health-wise, socially, and in terms of living conditions to ensure their proper upbringing, preserve their human dignity and support their future.
Source: arabnews.com
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Expats say Ramadan in Saudi Arabia feels unlike anywhere else
RASHID HASSAN NADA ALTURKI
March 04, 2026
RIYADH: For many expatriates, Saudi Arabia has become a second home. Ramadan in the Kingdom offers a spiritual experience that they say is difficult to match elsewhere.
“Staying here during Ramadan means you can visit the holy cities, perform Umrah and practice Ramadan rituals in an unmatched spiritual atmosphere. The Ramadan vibes here are amazing,” said Ayman Hassan, an Egyptian national working in Riyadh for several decades.
Reduced working hours, bustling night markets and community iftars add to the appeal, he said, making it preferable to remain in what he calls the “homeland of Islam” rather than travel back during the holy month.
Rumana Shahid, an Indian homemaker in Riyadh, echoed that sentiment.
“I can say from my experiences of over a decade here that there is no other place better than Saudi Arabia to spend time in Ramadan and celebrate its purity,” she said. “You can sense the Ramadan spirit here everywhere. The streets at night are packed and everything that is dull during the day comes to life in the night.”
For many, the ability to pray Taraweeh in congregation and travel to Makkah and Madinah during the month deepens the experience.
“For those who are new to the Kingdom, there is a lot to look forward to, for a whole new spiritual experience,” Shahid said.
“Markets are open till sahoor, there is the crowd bustling in the streets keeping the night alive and those that are shopping to prepare themselves for the culmination of the month-long celebration with the Eid Al-Fitr,” she added.
Syed Faiz Ahmad, a Pakistani expat working here for three decades, said that Ramadan was not just a religious observance but a cultural phenomenon, reflected in acts of spirituality and social bonding.
“Every Muslim anxiously waits for the advent of the holy month of Ramadan,” he told Arab News. “I am also very excited when Ramadan begins to knock on the door.”
Dr. Kifaya Ifthikar, a Sri Lankan working in Riyadh, said that her family’s iftar spread was a mix of Saudi and Sri Lankan flavors.
“A customary dish on Sri Lankan iftar tables is a porridge made with rice and coconut, often complemented by the addition of beef or chicken, along with a spicy chili sauce. Bringing it to our iftar table here with dates, and some Saudi delicacies, is a must,” she said.
Many community organizations also organize iftar parties, enhancing community dining experiences.
AMUOBA Riyadh, a nonprofit organization of the alumni of Aligarh Muslim University (India), organizes annual iftar parties.
Dr. Inamullah Baig, president of the organization in Riyadh, told Arab News, “It is a beautiful opportunity for all of us to come together in the spirit of unity, gratitude and brotherhood.”
Ramadan in the Kingdom carries deep significance for non-Muslim residents as well. Ciara Phillips, a UK expat who has lived in Riyadh for five years, strings her house with lights, lanterns and Ramadan-themed decorations in preparation for a month that she has come to look forward to every year.
“There’s something about the rhythm of the season that draws you in, whether you’re fasting or not,” she said.
This year, Easter decorations are hung alongside them as there is a rare calendar overlap between Ramadan, the Lunar New Year and Lent, which all promote renewal, reflection and new beginnings— not to mention the distinctive atmospheres, rituals and traditional foods.
“Growing up Catholic, Lent was always about slowing down, giving something up, and paying more attention to the people around you,” Phillips said. “Ramadan, I’ve come to understand during my years in the Gulf, asks something remarkably similar. Both seasons were never really about what you give up. They’re about what you notice when you do. Both ask us to be a little more present. A little more human.”
As the schedule shifts during Ramadan, Phillips believes that this creates even more time during the day. “I walk the dogs, spend unhurried time with my husband and children, and somehow still manage to fit in iftar dinners and late-night art exhibitions,” she said. “It’s a wonderfully contradictory month — incredibly social, yet with this beautiful, quiet hush running underneath it all.”
“When an entire city is collectively pausing and reflecting, you can’t help but absorb some of that, regardless of your own faith,” she added.
What truly ties the holy month together is the sense of community. Families gather at the iftar table while friends catch up later for sahoor, creating more purposeful meetings that treasure the present.
Phillips says that she and her family often receive invitations for iftar from friends, colleagues and the communities she is part of here.
“There’s something about gathering around a table at that particular moment, after a day of fasting, just as the city holds its breath at sunset, that breaks down every barrier,” she said.
She recalls an iftar organized by Kingdom Creatives at Al-Mashtal last year: “Everyone brought a dish with them, and food became the conversation starter. It sparked so many introductions and new friendships.
“My children receive wonderful invitations, too, from their school friends. And their local international school has an annual iftar for the whole family with prayer, poetry and performance, and Ramadan-related crafts, activities and stalls. It makes the month feel very alive for our whole family.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi envoy to Spain discusses tourism cooperation with UNWTO chief
March 05, 2026
Saudi Ambassador to Spain Princess Haifa Al-Mogrin met with Shaikha Nasser Al-Nowais, secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization, at the organization’s headquarters in Madrid, on a courtesy visit following her assumption of office.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on the sustainable development of tourism and ways to strengthen cooperation in this area, the Saudi Embassy in Spain wrote in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Abdulmajeed Al-Samary, undersecretary of protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received the credentials of Mohamed Amin Sheikh Osman, the newly appointed ambassador of Somalia to the Kingdom, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.
Source: arabnews.com
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Iftar organization served over 500,000 meals in 30 years
March 04, 2026
RIYADH: An iftar project in Riyadh has served meals to more than 500,000 people over 30 years, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The Association for Dawah, Guidance and Community Awareness in Riyadh Al-Khabra focuses on delivering meals to expatriates and locals.
More than 200 volunteers have contributed to organizing sites for breaking the fast, preparing meals and supervising distribution.
This year, the program has delivered meals to over 4,200 people.
Omar Al-Araj, vice chairman of the association’s board of directors, told the SPA that the program extends beyond providing iftar meals.
Before iftar, brief sessions are offered in multiple languages, highlighting the virtues of Ramadan, the significance of fasting, and the importance of dedicating the holy month to worship and good deeds.
The program raises awareness of Islamic values in a manner that takes into account cultural diversity, the SPA reported.
Al-Araj thanked God for the success of the project, and the many donors who have contributed to the organization.
He said the association is driven by its advocacy, guidance and philanthropic mission.
Source: arabnews.com
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Europe
Russia could end gas supplies to EU immediately – Putin
4 Mar, 2026
Russia may withdraw from the European gas market and redirect its supplies elsewhere without waiting for the EU to ban its imports, President Vladimir Putin has said.
The president made the remarks on Wednesday after he hosted Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto at the Kremlin.
“There’s no political motive here. But if we’re going to get shut off in a month or two, we’d be better off stopping now and moving to countries that are reliable partners, and establishing ourselves there. But that’s not a decision yet, it’s just me thinking out loud, so to speak. I’ll definitely instruct the government to work on this issue with our companies,” Putin told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin.
Moscow could redirect supplies to “emerging markets” instead, given the EU’s repeatedly stated intention to phase out Russian resources completely, Putin suggested. The energy crisis in the EU is the result of the “misguided policies” pursued by the bloc’s authorities over “many years,” he said.
Russia “has always been and remains a reliable energy supplier” for all its partners, including the European nations, the president noted. Moscow is ready to continue work in such a manner with those partners “who are themselves reliable,” he added.
“For instance, with those in Eastern Europe, Slovakia, and Hungary. We supply them with our energy resources, both oil and gas, and we intend to continue to do so in the future. And the leadership of these countries will pursue the same policy as today, namely, being reliable for us,” the president explained.
Following the meeting with Putin, Szijjarto revealed that Budapest has secured oil and gas supply guarantees from Moscow. Russia and Hungary have agreed to work on diversifying energy resource supply routes, he said.
“We agreed that if transport routes become unavailable for various reasons, we will always seek alternative solutions. For example, if pipeline oil transportation continues to face difficulties, we will consider maritime transport options,” the diplomat said in a video address posted on Facebook.
Hungary, as well as Slovakia, has recently experienced a disruption in Russian crude supplies after Ukraine shut down the Druzhba oil pipeline in late January. Kiev has claimed the artery was damaged in Russian long-range strikes, which Moscow has denied. Budapest and Bratislava have accused Kiev of “blackmail,” alleging it deliberately halted the supplies for political reasons and threatened retaliation.
Slovakia ended its emergency electricity supply scheme for Ukraine, while Hungary vetoed a proposed €90 billion ($106 billion) EU loan for Kiev as well as the latest package of anti-Russian sanctions.
Source: rt.com
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Ukrainian attack on Russian LNG tanker a ‘terrorist act’ – Putin
4 Mar, 2026
The Ukrainian attack on a Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker in the Mediterranean Sea is a “terrorist act,” Russian President Vladimir Putin has said.
The Russia-flagged Arctic Metagaz was targeted this week close to Malta’s territorial waters. According to Russia’s Transport Ministry, Ukrainian unmanned boats launched from the Libyan coast hit the LNG carrier, which had been sailing from Murmansk. All 30 crew members were safely evacuated.
Putin said “this is terrorist attack” and added it’s not the first time that Russia has faced energy-related terrorism.
According to the Russian president, Kiev is now preparing, “with the support of some Western intelligence services, to sabotage the Blue Stream and TurkStream” gas pipelines running under the Black Sea, “just as the Nord Stream pipelines were once blown up.” He said it is “a very dangerous game” by Ukraine, adding that Moscow has already informed the Turkish side.
Oil and gas infrastructure in the Black Sea and beyond has repeatedly come under Ukrainian attacks. The attacks involved long-range UAV strikes against various facilities ashore, as well as repeated attempts to target Russian naval vessels patrolling the pipelines with sea drones.
The September 2022 bombing of the Nord Stream pipeline in the Baltic Sea is the largest attack on underwater energy infrastructure in modern history. While the theory that it was carried out by a group of Ukrainian divers has become mainstream in the West, Moscow has been skeptical about that version, suggesting instead that Western state actors may have had a hand in the sabotage.
In December 2025, Kiev acknowledged striking the Qendil, a Russia-linked and Omani-flagged oil tanker, in the eastern Mediterranean off Libya’s coast. At the time, Euronews cited a Ukrainian intelligence source describing the attack as “an unprecedented special operation.”
FSB chief Aleksandr Bortnikov warned last October that Ukraine and the UK were jointly preparing an attack on the TurkStream pipeline. London and Kiev have also been plotting attacks on other critical infrastructure sites in Russia, using sea and aerial drones, as well as saboteur divers, Bortnikov said at the time.
Source: rt.com
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Unauthorised conversion of pub into mosque set to be reviewed by planning inspector
4 March 2026
The owners of a mosque in Chadwell Heath are appealing against a council order to stop operating without planning permission.
In December, Barking and Dagenham Council refused to grant planning permission for the mosque at a former pub building called The Harrow in Billet Road.
In January, the town hall issued the owners with an enforcement notice.
The mosque, called Al Noor Masjid and Education Centre, says it wants to “revitalise” the former pub “into a thriving community hub”.
But council planning officers say the conversion “results in the unjustified loss of a public house”.
Al Noor Masjid applied for planning permission to change the use of the former pub into a place of worship in October last year.
In statements submitted with its application the mosque said the pub had closed in February 2022.
Al Noor Masjid said it didn’t have a permanent base, and had been hiring a hall from a nearby community centre once a week.
Its statements said it would offer services to people from “all backgrounds”.
These would include a soup kitchen for homeless people, domestic violence support, and regular litter-picking.
Twenty nearby residents wrote to support the change of use during a council consultation on the plans, and one objected.
Al Noor Masjid also said the vacant pub had been “marketed for continued use as a public house” for three years, without interest from any potential new owner.
London planning policy says applicants have to show they have taken “all reasonable measures” to preserve a building’s use as a pub before allowing it be converted into something else.
However, council planning officers refused to allow the change of use.
They recognised “the need for places of worship in the borough, particularly for the Muslim community”.
But they said Al Noor Masjid’s community needs assessment, which it provided with its application, was “lacking in detail”.
Planning officers also said the mosque had not provided enough evidence to show the building had been sufficiently marketed as a pub.
Al Noor Masjid had provided a letter from an independent valuer confirming the building was marketed for sale or lease since 1st February 2022 for a period of three years.
However, they said they also needed to see “a detailed marketing history, including proof of advertisements, enquiries, offers received, and the outcomes of those offers”.
Planning officers refused to approve the change of use on 16th December 2025.
It then issued an enforcement notice demanding that owners “cease the unauthorised uses as a place of worship” on 6th January.
It also demanded an end to the use of the building as an “unauthorised HMO” – house of multiple occupation.
Al Noor Masjid and Education Trust appealed to the government’s Planning Inspectorate against the enforcement notice on 10th February.
The Planning Inspectorate is expected to make a decision later this spring.
Source: barkingstar.co.uk
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The two Birmingham religious leaders 'bonded' by powerful friendship
Hannah Ahmed
04 Mar 2026
Birmingham is home to numerous faith communities, with two particularly drawn together over the last month.
Ramadan and Lent begun on the same day this year, nearly three decades after the last time both Christianity and Islam joined together for the holy month.
To reflect on the two major faith communities in Birmingham, I sat down with Archbishop Bernard Longley of St Chad's Cathedral, and Imam Mohammed Asad, of Birmingham Central Mosque, and one message really stood out.
Friendship. This is the tie seemingly working to bond these two religious leaders together.
Sitting down on three leather sofas in a private room of Central Mosque, we launched into conversation about how faith brings the Brummie community together.
"One of the great gifts that I think we've been given in in our city is the multiplicity of faith communities around the city," the Archbishop told BirminghamLive.
Reflecting on his "own experience," he said: "I've been an archbishop for 16 years plus, there is a deep respect and a growing understanding over the years between the members of the different faith communities.
"I feel that we are privileged, in the position of leadership, to be able to foster and encourage those friendships.
"This is something we really are grateful for as our faith communities grow in understanding and respect for one another."
Pausing while the Archbishop finished his opinion on faith in Birmingham, the Imam explained how he also wanted to emphasise this point.
He said: "I'd like to reiterate that in this beautiful city of ours, and as faith leaders of the major faiths in this city and in this region, we have great bonds and friendship between us as faith leaders.
"Through interfaith, work, and dialogue, it makes us grow stronger in our own faith. When we grow stronger in our own faith, we learn to respect others, to show tolerance, and we are able to relate to many commonalties, and we wish to continue celebrating our commonalties."
The Imam gave an example of Ramadan and Lent beginning simultaneously to explain the fasting commonality between the faiths.
"The commonality is fasting, and with each faith fasting, it draws us closer to the creator. Whatever name or shape we want to give to that creator, is within our faith, but we grow closer, and by growing closer, it makes even the faith communities grow closer as well when we understand we have so much in common.
"It is only ignorance, which causes and fosters hatred, and that's the last thing that we want. We want to continue building these bridges and fostering this tolerance and building bridges and maintaining these ties."
Source: birminghammail.co.uk
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/two-birmingham-religious-leaders-bonded-33526950
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Event mourning Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei held in Watford
4TH MARCH
By Fintan McGuinness
An event mourning the death Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei was held in Watford earlier this week.
A notice advertising the meeting was shared online with a large image of the former supreme leader, who was killed in an attack by Israel and the United States last week.
It was held at Al-Zahra Centre, in Fearnley Street, from 8pm on Monday evening (March 2) and text on the notice said “remembering our father”.
A Facebook post sharing the details said: “It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the Great Leader of Islam, His Late Eminence, Sayyed Ali Al-Hosseini Al-Khamenei, may Allah sanctify his soul and elevate his status.
“We gather not only to mourn, but to reflect. We gather to renew our covenant with Allah, to remain firm upon the wilayah of the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿalayhim al-salām), and to ask that we be written among those who do not waver or change."
The advertised speaker, Sayed Hussain Makke, has been criticised for publicly expressing support for the Iranian government as well as Hezbollah.
He was barred from entering Australia last year after Sky News Australia reporting on his attendance at the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, which he described as being part of a "smear campaign" against him.
Al-Zahra Centre says the event was a private booking which it did not organise but was hosted at its site by another group.
The Watford Observer was told it was “not political” and involved a video-based programme in memory of all those killed in the conflict, rather than the Ayatollah specifically.
Source: watfordobserver.co.uk
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Azerbaijani president offers condolences at Iranian embassy in Baku
04 March 2026
President Ilham Aliyev visited the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baku on March 4 to offer his condolences on the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyid Ali Khamenei and many civilians.
Iran’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Demirchilou, welcomed the head of state, Caliber.Az reports via presidential press service.
The President of Azerbaijan wrote his condolences in the book of condolence. Afterwards, the head of state spoke with the ambassador.
President Aliyev said he would always remember his meetings with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during his visits to Iran with the fondest memories.
Demirchilou expressed his gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for visiting the embassy to offer his condolences.
Source: caliber.az
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https://caliber.az/en/post/azerbaijani-president-offers-condolences-at-iranian-embassy-in-baku
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Hungary will block ‘every’ EU decision on Ukraine over ‘oil blockade’ – Orban
4 Mar, 2026
Hungary is ready to block all EU decisions that are important to Ukraine in response to Kiev’s “oil blockade” of supplies from Russia, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned.
The Druzhba oil pipeline, part of which runs through Ukraine, went offline in January after Kiev claimed it had been damaged by Russian strikes – accusations Moscow denies. Hungary and Slovakia, both heavily reliant on Russian energy, have accused Kiev of deliberately cutting them off for political reasons and inventing obstacles for restarting oil flows.
Orban stated on Wednesday that Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky has openly vowed to prevent Russian energy from reaching the EU, and suggested that any facility relying on Russian supplies could now be a target for “Ukrainian sabotage actions.”
The Hungarian prime minister announced that the national armed forces have been deployed at 75 locations across the country to guard energy infrastructure, recalling that the Nord Stream pipeline “was also blown up by the Ukrainians.”
According to Orban, new satellite intelligence shows that Druzhba remains in full working order. “We demand that Zelensky allow our inspectors to enter Ukraine and make it possible to examine the pipeline,” he said.
Ukraine has reportedly rejected a proposed EU mission to inspect the pipeline.
Orban said Budapest will not give in to “Ukrainian blackmail,” vowing to “dismantle the oil blockade” and to use Hungary’s veto power in Brussels for as long as necessary. “Until the situation is resolved we will block every European Union decision that is important to Ukraine,” he said.
Last month, Orban placed a double veto on EU initiatives, blocking Brussels’ planned €90 billion ($106 billion) emergency loan for Kiev, as well as the bloc’s 20th package of sanctions on Russia. The EU has called for a total ban on Russian energy by 2027, despite some bloc members remaining heavily reliant on Russian crude.
While hosting Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto at the Kremlin on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that Moscow is a reliable supplier of energy. “We have always fulfilled all our obligations and, of course, we intend and are ready to do so in the future,” Putin said.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/633831-us-israeli-war-on-iran-live-updates/
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North America
‘A day of hope, peace and unity’: Donald Trump, Melania Trump extend Holi greetings
Mar 5, 2026
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday extended greetings to those celebrating Holi, describing the Hindu festival as a time that marks the arrival of spring and symbolises the triumph of good over evil.The message was shared on X by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who posted the president’s statement under the heading “Presidential Message on Holi.”
Presidential Message on Holi
“Melania and I send our best wishes to all who celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi—a day welcoming the arrival of spring and rejoicing in the victory of good over evil,” Trump said in the statement.He added, “Today, as communities gather around the world to celebrate this festival of colours, I wish all Americans who observe Holi a day filled with hope, peace, and unity.”
Holi, often referred to as the festival of colours, is celebrated widely in India and by the Indian diaspora across the globe.
The festival typically signifies renewal, harmony and the strengthening of social bonds, as families and communities come together in celebration.
The president’s message highlighted the cultural and spiritual importance of the occasion for millions of Hindus and other communities who observe the festival in the United States and worldwide.
Trump’s greetings come as Holi celebrations take place in several American cities, reflecting the growing presence and influence of the Indian-American community.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/a-day-of-hope-peace-and-unity-donald-trump-melania-trump-extend-holi-greetings/articleshowprint/129055605.cms
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Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking DeSantis’ Unconstitutional Order Targeting CAIR
March 4, 2026
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida today granted a request for a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “blatantly unconstitutional” executive order targeting the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the United States’ largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and its Florida chapter, CAIR Florida. On Dec. 15, 2025, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), CAIR Legal Defense Fund, the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA) and Akeel & Valentine filed a lawsuit on behalf of CAIR and CAIR Florida alleging that DeSantis had violated the Constitution of the United States.
In a blow to DeSantis’ efforts to silence Muslim advocacy and punish constitutionally protected speech, the court temporarily halted the enforcement of Executive Order 25-244, which unilaterally branded CAIR a “terrorist organization.” The order additionally stripped CAIR — and those associated with the group — of state and local contacts, employment opportunities, funding and other public benefits. The court also blocked provisions directing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol to pursue unspecified “measures” against CAIR.
“Today’s ruling is a decisive victory for the Constitution and for the principle that no governor can place themselves above the law,” said Scott McCoy, deputy legal director, SPLC. “Gov. DeSantis attempted to wield the power of his office to smear a civil rights organization, silence its advocacy and intimidate those who support it. The court rightly rejected that abuse of power. This executive order was never about public safety — it was about targeting a Muslim organization for its speech and its advocacy. The court’s ruling makes clear that the Constitution does not allow elected officials to punish organizations or individuals simply because they disagree with their views.”
The injunction preserves CAIR’s ability to continue its civil rights, advocacy and community work without fear of unlawful government retaliation while the lawsuit plays out.
Source: splcenter.org
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https://www.splcenter.org/presscenter/preliminary-injunction-blocks-desantis-order-targeting-cair/
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US Senate vote fails to rein in Trump war powers on Iran
Mar 5, 2026
Ana Faguy
A bipartisan resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's ability to wage war in Iran has failed in the US Senate, as the strikes continue.
The war powers measure was rejected in a 53-47 vote largely along party lines. It would have halted US military action in Iran without congressional approval.
Democrats argue that Trump has sidelined Congress and offered shifting reasons for the war. Most Republicans blocked the resolution, but some said they could change course if the war expands in the coming weeks.
The US and Israel began striking Iran on Saturday. The Islamic republic has responded by launching attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf.
With no clear off-ramp in sight, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the war could last eight weeks - almost double the duration mentioned by Trump at the weekend.
Two senators crossed the aisle in Wednesday's vote. Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania opposed the measure, while Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky voted for it.
Otherwise, everyone else voted along party lines.
Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican from Maine, voted against the measure, saying afterwards that passing the legislation would have sent the wrong message to Iran and US troops.
"At this juncture, providing unequivocal support to our service members is critically important, as is ongoing consultation by the administration with Congress," she said.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said before voting in favour of the measure: "Do you stand with the American people who are exhausted with forever wars in the Middle East or stand with Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth as they bumble us headfirst into another war?"
The legislation will go to a vote on Thursday in the House of Representatives, where it faces an uphill slog.
While the president has broad authority to launch military action without a formal declaration of war, Congress must be notified within 48 hours of hostilities beginning.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has maintained the Trump administration complied with that requirement.
Top congressional leaders were notified before the initial strikes began, and Trump informed Congress in a letter on Monday, even as he maintained that was not necessary.
Trump has previously ordered military operations without congressional approval, such as the US strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities last year, and the seizing of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro in January.
"To begin with, no presidential administration has ever accepted the War Powers Act as constitutional – not Republican presidents, not Democratic presidents," Rubio, a former senator, said.
Congress passed the War Powers Resolution in 1973 to constrain the ability of then-President Richard Nixon to wage war in Vietnam.
It requires lawmakers to be notified by the president within 48 hours of military action and for Congress to pass an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) within 60 days of hostilities breaking out.
Since 2001, US administrations have relied on the AUMF passed after the 11 September 2001 attacks as justification for the use of military force in the Middle East.
Multiple attempts to repeal that authorisation have been unsuccessful.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yjj28jjd0o
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Pentagon identifies six US soldiers killed in Iran conflict
Mar 5, 2026
Olivia Ireland
The US military has confirmed the identities of all six soldiers killed in the conflict with Iran.
They were killed when an "unmanned aircraft system" evaded air defences to hit a command centre in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on Sunday.
US Central Command initially said three soldiers died in the attack, but officials confirmed on Monday the death toll had doubled, after one person succumbed to injuries and two more bodies were found in the rubble.
Those killed were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M Marzan, 54, Maj Jeffrey R O'Brien, 45, Capt Cody Khork, 35, Sgt Noah Tietjens, 42, Sgt Nicole Amor, 39, and Sgt Declan Coady, 20, who was posthumously promoted from specialist.
The six identified by the Pentagon were members of the Army Reserve, which according to its website provides logistical support to broader US military operations.
Four were identified on Tuesday while the identities of the last two - Marzan and O'Brien - were disclosed on Wednesday.
"These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten," US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said in a statement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday that President Donald Trump intends to attend "the dignified transfer of these American heroes to stand in grief alongside their families".
She added that the defence department was scheduling the repatriation of the remains.
Khork had previously deployed to Saudi Arabia, Guantanamo Bay and Poland.
The Florida resident had wanted to serve in the military since a young age, and enlisted in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programme at his university, his family told the Associated Press.
Khork was "truly the life of the party, known for his infectious spirit, generous heart, and deep care for those who served alongside him and for everyone blessed to know him", his mother, Donna Burhans, father, James Khork, and stepmother, Stacey Khork, said in a statement.
Amor, of Minnesota, had previously deployed to Kuwait and Iraq.
"She was almost home," her husband, Joey Amor, told the AP. "You don't go to Kuwait thinking something's going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts."
She had a son in high school and a daughter in primary school, and enjoyed gardening and rollerblading with them.
Tietjens, a Nebraska resident, had been deployed to Kuwait twice before.
He was "a deeply committed husband and father", according to a GoFundMe page set up for his family.
He earned a black belt in Taekwondo and a form of martial arts known as Philippine Combatives, according to the Philippine Martial Arts Alliance, which posted a tribute to Tietjens on their Facebook page.
"He did not simply wear a Black Belt... he lived it," the alliance wrote. "He led with integrity. He trained with purpose. He taught with humility."
All three were decorated service members.
Coady was posthumously promoted from specialist, the US military said.
The Iowa resident had enlisted in the Army Reserve just three years ago.
He served as an information technologies specialist and had "an incredibly bright future ahead of him", Drake University, where Coady had studied, said in a statement.
His father, Andrew Coady, told the AP that his son "was very good at what he did".
"I still don't fully think it's real," said his sister Keira Coady. "I just remember all of our conversations about what he was going to do when he came back."
O'Brien of Indianola, Iowa, joined the reserves in 2012 and deployed to Kuwait in 2019.
The identity of Marzan, of Sacramento, California, must still be formalised by a medical examiner, the army said in a statement.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a briefing on Monday that a "powerful weapon" had struck a "tactical operations centre that was fortified".
Three US military officials with knowledge of Iran's attack told the BBC's US partner CBS the soldiers had been working in a makeshift office space.
The officials questioned whether the building had been adequately fortified, telling CBS the soldiers were using a trailer shielded by steel-reinforced concrete barriers.
The US has a long-standing defence relationship with Kuwait, and more than 13,000 US soldiers are stationed in the Gulf nation.
Iran has responded to attacks against it by launching missiles at Gulf countries allied with the US. Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar have all also seen strikes.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gq33ynl07o
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Congress votes to summon Attorney General Bondi in Epstein case
Mar 5, 2026
Ana Faguy
A congressional committee has voted to summon US Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The motion to subpoena Bondi was introduced by Nancy Mace, a Republican lawmaker, who accused the justice department of a "cover-up".
The Trump administration has faced growing pressure across the political spectrum to release all the documents related to the probe. The congressional committee has already compelled a number of high profile people to testify in the case.
"The Epstein case is one of the greatest cover-ups in American history. His global sex trafficking network is larger than what is being revealed," Mace wrote on social media.
Bondi and the Trump administration have faced criticism over their handling of the release of the files, including failing to black out the names of Epstein's victims.
On Wednesday, five Republicans, including Mace, and Representatives Lauren Boebert, Tim Burchett, Michael Cloud and Scott Perry, joined Democrats on the House Oversight committee to vote in favour of the subpoena or legal summons.
"Three million documents have been released, and we still don't have the full truth," Mace wrote. "Videos are missing. Audio is missing. Logs are missing. There are millions more documents out there."
Mace, who despite backing the president, has been critical of his Department of Justice's (DOJ) handling of the Epstein files.
The justice department has released millions of documents, but millions more have yet to be released. The agency did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment.
Last November, Trump signed legislation passed by Congress compelling the justice department to release all material from its investigations into Epstein.
But after millions of documents were released, the agency faced bipartisan backlash, with lawmakers accusing the justice department of failing to black out some identifying information about survivors while protecting the identities of those who were not victims.
The top Democrat on the Oversight committee, Robert Garcia, has also accused the justice department of withholding files containing allegations of sexual abuse of a minor made against President Donald Trump.
Garcia said he had personally viewed documents containing the allegation that had not been made public.
The justice department has said in response that "NOTHING has been deleted", adding that documents were withheld only if they were "duplicates, privileged, or part of an ongoing federal investigation".
Last week, responding to a subpoena, former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified before the Oversight committee.
While neither Clinton has been accused of any wrongdoing by Epstein's victims, Bill Clinton is included in investigative files related to the sexual predator, including photos.
There is no suggestion that appearing in the Epstein documents implies wrongdoing.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23zz1x9dx0o
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This could prove to be America’s Achilles’ heel in the Iran war
4 Mar, 2026
By Henry Johnston
The missiles are again flying and a thick fog of war has descended over the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has said it might take four to five weeks or longer to achieve America’s objectives, whatever those are. During a hot war, that’s an eternity in the world of mercurial financial markets.
So far, however, markets have been remarkably sanguine, perhaps, as the excellent Yves Smith posits, because “bigotry and Western narrative control were able to shore up the idea that this would be a short conflict and that Iran would return to the negotiating table after the US broke its legs, or better yet fall quickly into civil unrest, making regime change or balkanization possible.”
Energy markets are the first port of call
Will the relative resilience of markets last? Everyone is of course watching the Strait of Hormuz, and more generally, oil prices. In these types of crises, it’s the oil price that other asset classes take their cues from.
Iran has threatened any vessel that passes through, while Trump has offered to insure said vessels “at a reasonable price” with a US Navy escort to boot. Oil prices have drifted higher but the movements have so far been disciplined – much more so than many expected. A long disruption is not being priced in. It certainly helps that the US is the largest crude producer in the world and (usually) the third largest exporter. This means that any blockade chokes Asia and Europe first, whereas America has a buffer – one, I might add, it didn’t have in previous conflagrations.
Perhaps more worrying is the situation with natural gas. Europe’s natural gas prices jumped by about 30% in the wake of an attack on QatarEnergy LNG processing units. There is no easy solution here. Qatar supplies 20% of the world’s LNG; if that supply disappears, an already tight market will see prices explode. Norway’s energy minister has already hinted that Europe might, tail between legs, come back to Russian energy.
War is always disruptive, and when that war is in the Middle East, energy markets come into sharp focus. We have seen this on many occasions. It is indeed an acute pressure point for the US – and the world – and has been for decades. Right now, markets are basically trading headline to headline. But even in these head-swirling times, it pays to step back from the noise and flashing headlines and look at things a little more structurally.
The cost of financialization
One of the defining features of fading hegemons is that they often harbor fatal weaknesses that can be concealed for a long time. In the case of the US, the erosion of industrial capacity and related financialization of the economy may prove to be just that weakness. The former long ago caused the US to become overly reliant on pricey, high-tech weapons at the expense of the quantity needed for a protracted engagement – not to mention the dependency on supply chains from China for the defense industry.
Trump claims to have nearly “unlimited” ammunition stocks thanks to cutting Ukraine off. But many believe that if high-intensity strikes go on much longer, US stocks of certain critical missiles will start to run low. The US reportedly used about five years’ worth of Tomahawk missile production in the first three days of the war, and Patriot interceptors are known to be running low. It seems to be a race as to whether Iranian missile launchers can be destroyed faster than the American stockpile of interceptors depletes.
But the financial side is no less important, even apart from shock moves in oil prices. As the US economy de-industrialized, it became increasingly financialized. This has many far-ranging implications, but one of them is that a large portion of national income is now tied to financial asset prices. A drop in asset prices thus reverberates far and wide and triggers numerous knock-on effects. An example of this is that even the US tax base is highly dependent on asset prices.
The so-called ‘everything bubble’ of 2021 – when a wide range of asset classes saw record valuations – led to a large increase in tax receipts the following year (+21% year-on-year) when taxes on the income generated on these gains came due. However, when the Fed hiked interest rates in 2022, financial markets responded very negatively and asset prices went down. Sure enough, the following year tax receipts declined, and the federal deficit went sharply higher.
Notice the very troubling negative feedback loop: higher interest rates suppress asset prices, thus leading to a lower tax intake by the government, while also entailing a higher debt-servicing expense. So a drop in asset prices forces the government to spend more to service its debt while at that exact moment decreasing the amount it collects in taxes. The result? More Treasury issuance, of course, and at higher interest rates. The moral of the story here is that longer-term the US cannot fiscally survive a massive decrease in financial asset prices.
Also keep in mind that roughly half of American households now have direct exposure to equity markets through retirement accounts, mutual funds, or brokerage holdings. In previous eras, the health of the stock market was largely the concern of Wall Street. Today, it is entangled with the security of the middle class.
This all might seem distant and abstract in the midst of a war. Next year’s tax receipts or the state of Americans’ 401(k) plans are the last thing on anybody’s mind in Washington today. But these are real structural constraints that have to be reckoned with. So far stock markets have only mildly drifted lower, but with no panic selling. If the selling picks up, watch how quickly it becomes a major headline.
The power of a simple yield
Even more sensitive than stocks is the US Treasury (UST) market, which is the true plumbing of the financial system. Higher UST yields tighten financial conditions everywhere, all at once. In a heavily indebted and leveraged system such as the US, rapid moves in this market are extremely dangerous. This is where the constraints start to be measured in hours. A very telling – albeit underreported – instance of this tremendous sensitivity to Treasury market dysfunction came last year.
On April 2, Trump introduced his so-called Liberation Day tariffs, slapping an across-the-board 10% tariff on all imported foreign goods and larger “reciprocal tariffs” on the imports of dozens of countries that Trump claimed had “cheated” the US.
“This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history,” Trump proclaimed with his usual bluster in a speech on the White House lawn announcing the measures. The world watched with a mix of incredulousness, awe, and dread. It was a grand gesture, a reassertion of US power.
Stock markets plunged immediately but Trump and his team weren’t deterred. On Sunday evening, April 6, Trump talked tough, saying “I don’t want anything to go down, but sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.”
Alas, the medicine would prove too bitter. At first, the big drop in stocks pushed investors scurrying into bonds and UST yields proceeded to actually fall (meaning prices rose) and reached 3.96% on Friday, April 4. So far, so good.
On Monday, however, UST yields engineered a U-turn and started moving higher as the true implications of the radical tariffs started to dawn. The following day saw more of the same. By Tuesday afternoon, the 10y yield was approaching 4.30%. On Wednesday, the very day the tariffs were supposed to take effect, the 10y added another 10 basis points to 4.40%, putting the three-day gain at around 50 basis points.
Trump had seen enough. Or maybe he got a tap on the shoulder from some big players who were soon facing margin calls. Regardless, like an MMA fighter who taps out almost immediately after being put in a subtle chokehold to the bewilderment of the crowd, it only took a couple of days of disorderly market action for Trump to capitulate and cancel or postpone most of the tariffs in what can only be called a humiliating retreat. It was a telling moment for those who understood what had happened.
Indeed, nothing makes regulators and politicians more nervous than dysfunction in the UST market, which can get out of control very quickly and suddenly cause markets to seize up. The US has shown repeatedly that it will intervene forcefully at the mere sight of UST market dysfunction. This is truly one of the Achilles’ heels of the US.
Where we are headed
There has so far been no sign of disorderly UST activity, but that doesn’t mean things are all clear. During times of chaos and uncertainty in the world, the US usually sees an inflow of money seeking a safe haven. Quite perversely, this happens even when the US is the cause of the trouble. To some extent, this has held true now: the dollar rallied sharply following the strikes on Iran.
Nevertheless, UST yields have been creeping higher on fears of the inflationary effect of a more protracted war. Investors are thus caught between the normal safe-haven appeal of the dollar and fears of a surge in inflation that would hammer USTs (i.e. drive yields higher, prices lower).
This movement hasn’t been sharp enough to garner much attention, but the 10y is over the 4% mark as of this writing. Like old sailors who by a sixth sense can feel trouble in the breeze, some analysts wonder if something more disruptive might be brewing. Any definitive shift toward the inflationary case – such as major disruptions in energy flows – would likely push yields significantly higher. This would force the administration into the crucible of risking a major financial crisis to keep the war going.
The US has long benefitted from the perception that it can blot out the sun with planes and missiles. Deterrence, once credibly established, can be maintained with smoke and mirrors – until, that is, somebody is willing to pay to see your cards. Until now, nobody has really called Washington’s bluff, although the Ukraine war has provided strong hints of this soft underbelly. Whether this will be the conflict that lays bare the deep fundamental weakness remains to be seen, but if markets start to think it is, things will move very quickly.
The US and Israel are certainly acting with impunity, and there no longer seem to be any institutional checks on the ambitions of those prosecuting this war. But in a strange way, markets could come to be a surrogate institutional check. A country that can’t withstand a 50 basis-point move in its bond yields is by definition restricted.
The precariously balanced edifice of American power depends on a tenuous financial equilibrium existing within a highly indebted and financialized economy. War is inherently destabilizing. The longer this goes on, the more that equilibrium will be tested.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/business/633789-americas-achilles-heel-in-iran-war/
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Interfaith Iftar hosted to build bridges in western Mass.
Mar. 5, 2026
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - The Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts brought together the area tonight for their annual Interfaith Iftar in West Springfield.
During this month of Ramadan, the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts holds a dinner every night to give the community a chance to break their fast together. But this event on Wednesday night was special as extended the invitation to help build friendship, understanding, and lasting connections.
“The Interfaith Council pulls together folks from different traditions, to come together to create pluralism and democracy in our community. So, it’s great to be together,” said Dr. Jason Seymour, the President of the Interfaith Council of Greater Springfield.
There were speakers, prayers for those who participated, reflections on fasting, and of course a shared dinner. The event focused on the importance of loving your neighbors which this event has aimed to do for around 40 years.
Source: westernmassnews.com
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https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/03/05/interfaith-iftar-hosted-build-bridges-western-mass/
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Africa
Somalia's new constitution will see directly elected lawmakers
March 5, 2026
Somalia has passed a new constitution that will see lawmakers directly elected by the public for the first time.
In recent years, MPs voted for the president, while clan heads and elders elected lawmakers in both the federal government and regional states.
Described as "an historic victory" by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the move was passed on Wednesday despite a boycott by an opposition alliance.
"This becomes the first official constitution Somalia has had since the civil war, after the federal parliament decided to vote and approve it," said MP Mohamed Hassan Bulale.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been pushing for the new constitution and has said that elections will be held in June.
But Wednesday's amendments extended his mandate by one year, indicating that the vote may not take place for 12 months.
There are questions over Somalia's ability to hold elections.
Faced with a major insurgent threat from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab and a lack of infrastructure, the roll-out faces significant logistical and security challenges.
Somalia is also deeply fractured along state lines, with leaders in Jubaland and Puntland strongly opposed to efforts by Mohamud to centralise governance.
The breakaway region of Somaliland, meanwhile, has run its own affairs entirely separately since 1991, and was recognised as an independent country by Israel in December.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2026/03/05/somalias-new-constitution-will-see-directly-elected-lawmakers/
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Popular Islamic Cleric Suspended For Criticising President Tinubu
March 5, 2026
The leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Jos faction, has suspended a cleric, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria.
Sheikh Alkali, who was invited to lead the Ramadan Qur’anic exegesis (Tafsir) at Mokas Mosque in Damaturu, was suspended after delivering a sermon in which he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and political leaders over insecurity in northern Nigeria.
According to Daily Trust, the suspension followed a meeting convened by the National Chairman of the JIBWIS Council of Ulama, Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, which included the cleric as well as state and local representatives of the organisation in Yobe State.
The cleric was accused of making strongly worded statements against some political figures, President Tinubu and addressing security issues in a manner said to be inconsistent with the organisation’s established methodology.
During one of his Ramadan sessions, Sheikh Alkali criticised corrupt government officials, governors in the North-West and Tinubu, accusing them of failing to tackle rising insecurity in the region.
He lamented the activities of kidnappers and bandits, saying that political leaders had not demonstrated the will to end the killings and abductions.
“Today people are abducted and traded as though they are cattle. Somebody will be abducted and taken to the bush. They then negotiate the ransom. Families implore, even though the abductors are complete ignorant. They will beat and kick their victims. Often they will stamp their feet on their victim’s stomach in Ramadan,” he said.
The cleric also criticised what he described as the tendency to fear powerful individuals instead of God.
“One of the signs of catastrophes this generation will likely face is the tendency to revere individuals out of fear of their machinations. Look at how state governors fear Tinubu much more than they fear Allah,” he said.
“If you are in APC you are treated like a saint. If you are a member of the opposition, you will be treated like a devil. One will be confronted with trumped-up charges. Who is Tinubu? You deceived us. You are a deceiver and cheat,” he added.
Reacting to the suspension, Sheikh Alkali said he accepted the decision of the organisation in good faith.
In a post on his Facebook page, he described Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir not only as a religious leader but also as a father figure.
“To my followers, relatives and associates, I urge you to take heart. This was destined to happen. I cannot exceed the days Allah has written for me to lead Ramadan Qur’anic exegesis in Damaturu,” he wrote.
“I urge you to be disciplined and loyal. What Allah has decided is the best for us.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/05/popular-islamic-cleric-suspended-for-criticising-president-tinubu/
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Defence Minister Speaks On US Army In Nigeria, Reveals Who Is In Operational Control
March 5, 2026
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian military will be in control of all operations conducted within the nation’s territory.
Musa stated this while speaking on the presence of American troops in the country.
He explained that the United States troops in Nigeria are purely on a “training assistance” while playing an “advisory role”.
The minister disclosed this in a statement by his special adviser on media, Timothy Antigha.
Musa spoke while presiding over the maiden edition of the ‘Monthly Operational Briefing’ at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja on Wednesday.
“The Americans are in Nigeria on a purely training assistance and advisory role,” Musa was quoted as saying, while assuring that the “armed forces of Nigeria will be in command of all operations conducted within the nation’s territory”.
The minister reviewed ongoing military operations, highlighted various threats to national security, and provided “strategic guidance to the armed services”.
“General Musa commended the professionalism, resilience, and gallantry of Nigerian troops and reaffirmed the commitment of his ministry to supporting troops’ welfare and improving the operational efficiency of the Armed Forces,” Antigha said.
In February, the United States dispatched ground troops to Nigeria following a new security cooperation between both countries.
The US and Nigeria inked a military collaboration agreement following the redesignation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ (CPC) by President Donald Trump.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/05/defence-minister-speaks-on-us-army-in-nigeria-reveals-who-is-in-operational-control/
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Uganda: Salaam Group Unveils Uganda's First Islamic Insurance
4 MARCH 2026
By Bruhan Makong
Nairobi — President Yoweri Museveni has launched Tamini General Insurance, Uganda's first Islamic insurance company.
Tamini is a sister company of Salaam Bank Limited, the country's first Islamic bank.
The bank was launched by President Museveni in 2024 in the presence of Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission.
The Salaam Group already operates Takaful Africa in Kenya and Tamini in Djibouti, with the Ugandan venture powered by the same platform.
Speaking during the launch on Tuesday, President Museveni urged the Muslim community to invest in commercially viable ventures rather than consumptive spending.
"Insurance is about preparing so that in case anything goes wrong, you have a backup. When you borrow, you invest, but what if things do not go as planned? I thank Tamini Insurance for completing the cycle," he said.
The launch took place at Millennium Park in Lugogo, Kampala, during an Iftar dinner organised by the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Head of the NRM National Chairman's Office, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo.
"Salaam Bank and Tamini, you are welcome to Uganda. Uganda is a growing market with over 45 million people. The population will reach 100 million by 2050. You are in Uganda at the right time," the President said.
Museveni also praised the Salaam Group for extending inclusive financial services to both low- and middle-income earners, describing its operations as a comprehensive financial ecosystem offering both financing and insurance solutions.
Mr Ibrahim M. Abdirahman, chairman of Salaam Bank Limited (Uganda), said the bank had made notable gains within just two years of operation.
"We have welcomed thousands of customers who previously felt excluded from the formal banking system. We have deployed billions of shillings in halal financing towards agro-processing, agriculture, trade, real estate and manufacturing. We have also maintained a robust balance sheet, proving that Islamic banking is not only ethical but also sustainable and resilient," he said.
Mr Mohamed Bahdon, Group CEO of Tamini Insurance, outlined three operational pillars guiding the firm's entry into the Ugandan market: ethical investment, transparent oversight and collective participation, all aimed at advancing financial inclusion.
He noted that Islamic insurance would offer affordable cover and help reshape the country's insurance landscape while creating a new ecosystem aligned with Uganda's Vision 2040.
"A farmer who accesses halal financing from Salaam Bank to grow crops can now insure that crop through Tamini," Bahdon said.
"This will help transform Uganda's economy from a consuming nation into a producing nation."
President Museveni also said the government is committed to implementing interest-free wealth creation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
He explained that the six per cent annual charge on the programme is meant to control inflation and maintain stability of the fund. He urged the Muslim community to take advantage of such government initiatives.
"We should work to eliminate poverty by getting everyone out of poverty. PDM will help ensure the remaining 30 per cent of Ugandans also move out of poverty," he said.
The President also directed PDM management committees to adopt a matrilineal approach when selecting beneficiaries of the funds.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda, Alhaji Ibrahim Kaddunabbi Lubega, said Uganda's insurance sector has grown to more than Sh2 trillion, with further expansion expected following the introduction of sharia-compliant insurance by Tamini General Insurance.
Source: allafrica.com
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Ramadan: Muslim community preaches patience, perseverance
March 5, 2026
Abiodun Adewale
A Muslim cleric and proprietor of Success Quranic Memorisation Academy, Imam Taofeek AbdulAzeez, has highlighted patience and perseverance as vital virtues for achieving success in life.
He stated this at the 2026 Ramadan lecture of the Gateway Sparklight Estate Muslim Community in Magboro, Ogun State.
The lecture, delivered at the community mosque on Sunday, centred on the theme “Patience and Perseverance: Foundations for Success in this Life and the Hereafter.”
In his address, the cleric broke down the concepts of patience and perseverance into three key acts, describing them as conscious efforts to act in accordance with Islamic teachings and moral character.
“What is called patience is avoiding anger, having a free mind, and desisting from violence with all parts of our body in line with the provisions of Islam and human character,” AbdulAzeez said.
He added, “Perseverance involves maintaining faith and trusting in Allah during trials and turbulent times.
“Part of it is accepting that, among everything Allah has commanded us to do, some of them will be inconvenient, but we have to do them regardless.
“Take, for example, the timing of our five daily prayers. It takes perseverance to follow them diligently. Naturally, the human flesh and spirit will lead one astray, but it takes patience and perseverance to overcome such feelings.”
Chairman of the Gateway Sparklight Estate Muslim Community, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ashafa, also reflected on the growth of the annual Ramadan lecture, describing it as a spiritually enriching initiative sustained over the years.
“It’s a great pleasure to have our esteemed guests, including our father of the day, Fadhilat Sheikh Abdulsalam Folorunsho, around to grace our annual Ramadan lecture.
“We have done this for the past five years, and Allah has been with us,” Ashafa said.
He added that beyond intellectual enrichment, the programme also provides an avenue for collective prayers and reflection among members of the community.
The Imam of the community, Rabiu Ibrahim, offered prayers for continued progress and unity, noting that the mosque’s development has been made possible through the collective efforts and donations of members.
“The foundation of our mosque has taken shape with the help of donations from members of our Muslim community since we started some years ago. We are glad to have been able to hold this year’s programme with the mosque wearing a new look,” he said.
He prayed for more blessings and growth, expressing optimism that the community would continue to witness development and greater participation in the years ahead.
Source: punchng.com
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Police monitoring local Islamic groups over Middle East crisis – IG
March 4, 2026
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force is closely monitoring Islamic groups with allegiance to Middle Eastern countries following the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict.
The IGP stated this on Wednesday shortly after he took the oath of office at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, warning that developments in the Middle East could trigger repercussions in Nigeria.
“Everywhere in the world, we are aware that this is what we call intelligence policing.
“Our ears are to the ground. We know we have groups of people, different kinds of Islamic sects in Nigeria.
“We have those who pay allegiance to this eastern part of the world as well,” Disu stated.
He added, “So we know if anything happens in the eastern part of the world, the repercussion will come to us.
“So we are putting all necessary actions. You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take the law into their own hands.”
The IGP’s statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets over the weekend and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli and American military installations.
The escalating conflict has raised fears of wider regional warfare, with several countries, including China, the United Kingdom, and the United States, advising their citizens to leave Iran and avoid travel to the Middle East.
Nigeria is home to significant Islamic groups with ideological and sometimes organisational ties to Middle Eastern countries, particularly Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, led by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, is known for its pro-Iranian stance and Shia Islamic orientation, while several Sunni groups maintain connections with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
Historically, major conflicts in the Middle East have triggered protests and demonstrations in Nigeria, particularly in northern states with large Muslim populations.
During previous Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, including the Gaza wars of 2008-2009, 2014, and 2021, as well as the ongoing conflict that began in October 2023, thousands of Nigerians took to the streets in cities including Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Abuja, and Lagos to protest against Israeli actions.
In some instances, protests turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces, destruction of property, and injuries to participants.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, in particular, has organised several pro-Palestinian and pro-Iranian demonstrations over the years, some of which resulted in confrontations with security agencies.
Disu said the police are taking proactive measures to prevent violent protests or attacks that could be inspired by the Middle East crisis.
“You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take the law into their own hands,” the IGP stated.
Disu also disclosed that he has constituted a committee to develop the Nigeria Police Force’s position on the proposed establishment of State Police.
“The committee was set up early this morning to look into the issue of State Police from the angle of the Nigeria Police.
“We don’t want it to seem as if others are making decisions, and we, the most important people concerned, did not do anything.
“We want to ensure that the best thing is done,” the IGP stated.
He emphasised that the police are not opposed to State Police, describing it as a partnership rather than a threat to the Force.
“State Police has come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed.
“The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership,” Disu said.
On officers’ welfare, the new IGP pledged to prioritise motivation, noting that the job is dangerous and demanding.
“As I mentioned earlier, it is somebody who is well motivated who will put in their best.
“Our jobs are very difficult. A few years ago, when I was the Commissioner of Police, FCT, I was bold enough to announce that we lost 140 policemen in just a year.
“So the jobs are difficult. Men sleep out. A lot of people don’t have time to go back to their families. So welfare is very, very vital,” Disu stated.
He added, “I’m lucky to be working with a president who has made up his mind to give us whatever we want.”
President Tinubu has repeatedly called for constitutional amendments to establish State Police with safeguards against abuse, describing security challenges as requiring localised solutions.
Source: punchng.com
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Zamfara Gov To Dump PDP For APC, May Move After Eid-el-Kabir Celebration
March 5, 2026
Speculation has intensified over the political future of Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara State, amid reports that he may be considering a move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
APC leaders in Abuja have reportedly been making efforts to woo the governor to join the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the speculation, APC leaders allegedly offered Governor Lawal an automatic governorship ticket for the 2027 election if he defects to the party.
It was also suggested that under the proposed arrangement, the governor could take 40 per cent of elective and political appointments in the state, while the remaining 60 per cent would be shared among APC stakeholders.
He is reportedly expected to officially join the APC immediately after the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
A source within the APC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the alleged negotiations.
“Governor Lawal has accepted the offer to leave PDP and join our party, the APC,” the source said.
The source, however, added that some APC members were not enthusiastic about the potential defection.
“Although most of us are not celebrating this defection because we will lose a lot of positions, there is nothing we can do about it, as was planned at the top.
“I am quite sure that our party will reclaim Zamfara State in 2027 with or without Governor Lawal. As such, there is nothing to celebrate because of his defection,” the source said.
The reported move comes amid an ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP following the controversial November 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The convention produced Tanimu Turaki as the party’s national chairman, a development backed by several PDP governors but opposed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
However, a high court sitting in Ibadan later declared the convention illegal, null and void, prompting the PDP to approach the Appeal Court for a final ruling.
Addressing PDP stakeholders at the Government House Gusau, Governor Lawal said the outcome of the Appeal Court judgment would determine his political future.
According to him, the decision on whether he remains in the PDP would depend on the court’s verdict on the legality of Turaki’s leadership and the Ibadan convention.
The spokesperson of the Zamfara PDP, Haliru Andi, also confirmed that the governor’s future in the party is tied to the resolution of the ongoing legal battle.
“As long as the PDP remains the legitimate political party in Nigeria, Governor Lawal will remain in the party,” Andi told The PUNCH.
“We are only waiting for the Appeal Court’s verdict, which will determine the legality or otherwise of Turaki’s leadership and the Ibadan convention.”
He added that stakeholders and supporters of the PDP in Zamfara are not considering joining another party, unless the internal crisis within the party remains unresolved.
Source: naijanews.com
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Southeast Asia
KEDA allocates RM6.5 million to upgrade rural IKS premises
5 Mar 2026
KEDA’s RM6.5 million upgrade for 320 rural entrepreneurs aims to boost productivity and sales by improving industrial premises and basic facilities
KUALA NERANG: The Kedah Regional Development Authority (KEDA) has allocated RM6.5 million to upgrade small and medium-sized industrial (IKS) premises under its supervision.
This initiative is expected to benefit around 320 rural entrepreneurs across the state.
Its chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the allocation would be used to repair and upgrade basic facilities and improve the surrounding environment of the premises.
He said this would create more comfortable and organised business spaces that meet current needs.
“When basic facilities and infrastructure are improved, it can help boost the productivity and efficiency of entrepreneurs’ daily operations,” he said.
Mahdzir added that this could potentially increase sales revenue by up to 30%.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating a Ramadan programme and a shop handover ceremony at Desa KEDA Kubang Kenyeng.
The initiative will be implemented in phases as part of KEDA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and empower the rural economy.
Mahdzir said KEDA currently has 180 industrial building lots under its Taman IKS programme located in several areas.
These areas include Napoh, Sungai Bongkok, Jeniang and Wang Tok Rendong in Langkawi.
KEDA also provides 323 business premises lots across the state, including a supermarket building in Kulim currently rented by Mydin.
At the ceremony, four units of Kedai@KEDA Kubang Kenyeng were handed over to selected entrepreneurs.
The shop lots, completed last August at a total cost of RM489,497, were given to entrepreneurs who had undergone an interview process.
Mahdzir said the facility was built to provide a conducive business space for local entrepreneurs.
It also aims to encourage greater community participation in entrepreneurial activities.
“These shop lots will be managed by the Desa KEDA Kubang Kenyeng Planning and Implementation Team,” he said.
This management structure is to ensure smooth operations and maximise benefits for local residents.
Shop lot beneficiary Mat Akhir Mat Rejab, 51, welcomed the new opportunity.
He said operating in a larger and more comfortable space would allow him and his wife to expand their traditional food business.
Their products include maruku, kerepek pisang and kuih batang buruk.
He said they had previously been running the business from a small home workshop with limited space.
“This new shop is more comfortable and organised,” said Mat Akhir.
He added that they would work harder to grow the business and hoped to hire some villagers to work with them.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/keda-allocates-rm6-5-million-to-upgrade-rural-iks-premises/
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Malaysia to assess impact of US-Iran conflict on economy
5 Mar 2026
Ministry of Economy will hold a meeting with Petronas, BNM and MoF to discuss economic impacts of the US-Iran conflict and coordinate a response
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Economy will convene a coordination meeting with Petroniam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF). The meeting will discuss the potential economic impact on Malaysia from the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.
Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir (pic) stated the government aims to avoid starting discussions from scratch. Instead, it seeks to determine necessary decisions should the conflict persist.
“Insya-Allah, I will continue to provide updates on any developments,” he said on social media platform X. He added that the government will strive to minimise the impact on the people and small traders.
In a separate announcement, Akmal Nasrullah confirmed that the price of RON95 petrol will remain at RM1.99 per litre. This assurance comes amid the regional geopolitical tensions.
The conflict escalated in the early hours of Feb 28 when Israel and the United States launched airstrikes on targets in Iran. Tehran later retaliated by targeting US military bases and logistical facilities in several Arab countries.
These actions resulted in widespread airspace restrictions across the Middle East region. The economic coordination meeting is a proactive step to assess and mitigate any fallout for Malaysia’s economy.
Source: thesun.my
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National Unity Ministry denies failing to address racial issues
4 Mar 2026
Deputy minister refutes claims of inaction on religious controversies, citing committee work and coordination with other agencies.
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry has rejected allegations that it has failed to address racial and religious issues in the country.
Deputy Minister R. Yuneswaran (pic) said the ministry’s role is to maintain harmony and provide input through the multi-agency Harmony Committee.
He explained that the ministry operates under the Rukun Tetangga Act 2012 and lacks direct prosecutorial powers over individuals involved in incidents.
“Our focus is to manage issues through meetings and discussions, ensuring appropriate input is considered,” Yuneswaran said during a Senate session.
He was responding to concerns raised by Senator Datuk Mustafa Musa about weak enforcement allowing racial issues to be easily ridiculed.
Yuneswaran stated he disagrees with the claims, noting his direct involvement in various meetings to address these matters.
Apart from the Harmony Committee, the ministry works through the National Council for Local Government.
It also collaborates with the Home Ministry, Communications Ministry and other authorities to monitor inflammatory social media content.
“A Societal Stress Index study will be conducted soon to assess social issues and enable proactive measures,” he added.
Yuneswaran expressed hope that leaders and religious figures would help clarify issues to the public.
He emphasised that the country is governed by the rule of law and wrongdoing cannot be compromised.
“We must not protect those who threaten harmony and undermine unity,” the deputy minister said.
Source: thesun.my
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Sabah allocates RM164m for human capital development under 13MP, says CM
05 Mar 2026
KOTA KINABALU, March 5 — The Sabah government has allocated RM164.01 million for human capital development under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said.
He said the allocation would focus on empowering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, promoting agricultural training, and advancing digital technology with an emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) literacy.
“Human capital development remains a priority under the state’s development programme as Sabah strives towards progress and excellence.
“The skills and youth development sector will be further strengthened through the expansion of scholarships and educational assistance,” Hajiji said in his speech when officiating the Teacher Training Programme for the SMJ Robotics Competition at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Lok Yuk here today.
The text of his speech was read out by Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib.
Hajiji said the state government had always supported efforts to provide more inclusive, high-quality education opportunities, particularly those that fostered STEM and innovation as part of the learning culture in schools.
“We want to ensure that programmes like this run in an orderly manner, through close collaboration between the education sector, schools, communities, and strategic partners, so that teachers receive the appropriate support and students can enjoy meaningful learning experiences,” he said.
Hajiji said that teacher training was crucial, as it would equip teachers with the necessary skills and resources, thereby enabling students to master technology, build confidence, and develop practical innovations.
“This programme does not just introduce robotics as an additional activity, but it also has a more structured approach through an implementation model in schools.
“This includes minimum infrastructure requirements, the use of robotics kits, learning platforms, and teacher training through Train-the-Trainer to ensure effective implementation,” he said.
Hajiji said that the use of the LEANBOT robotics kit as the main learning tool, together with physical training and simulations through Digital Twin, could offer students a practical and hands-on learning approach.
“It helps students learn through the experience of building, testing, making improvements, and ultimately understanding concepts more deeply, not just memorising theories,” he said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Bank Negara maintains OPR at 2.75pc, says policy stance supportive of economy
05 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 — Bank Negara Malaysia’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75 per cent during its meeting today.
The central bank said at the current OPR level, the MPC considers the monetary policy stance to be appropriate and supportive of the economy amid price stability.
“The MPC will continue to monitor ongoing developments and assess the balance of risks surrounding the outlook for domestic growth and inflation,” it said in a statement. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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No Malaysians currently affected by UAE security developments, says envoy
05 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 — No Malaysians have been reported affected by the security developments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) so far, said Malaysia’s Ambassador to the UAE, Datuk Tengku Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin.
He said that approximately 8,500 Malaysians are currently in the UAE, including residents, transit passengers, or those stranded due to flight disruptions, and all who have contacted the Malaysian mission have been reported safe.
"The Malaysian Mission in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of Malaysia in Dubai are operating 24 hours daily, and we continue to monitor the situation very closely. It is important for families back in Malaysia to know that Malaysians in the UAE are not alone.
“Please contact and register with us so that we can provide updates from time to time,” he said during a live broadcast of Malaysia Petang Ini, aired by Bernama TV yesterday.
Regarding the opening of safe air corridors by the UAE government, Sirajuzzaman reminded passengers to constantly update their personal information with airlines, including current phone numbers and email addresses, to ensure any notifications can be received immediately.
He said passengers are also advised to check flight information periodically and only go to the airport when notified by the airline that their flight has been confirmed as operational.
"For stranded passengers, the UAE government has taken the initiative to accommodate them in hotels while waiting for their next flights, in addition to providing food vouchers," he said.
Sirajuzzaman also emphasised that all Malaysian diplomatic missions in the UAE are operating 24 hours to provide assistance to stranded Malaysians, with priority given to urgent cases and vulnerable groups.
“Every Malaysian who contacts the mission is being attended to, and they are also reminded that requests need to be routed properly… our office phones may be closed on weekends, but we have a 24-hour number and email,” he said.
He noted that for the time being, some hotels may not have received the latest information on government sponsorship or assistance; therefore, those affected can contact the embassy or consulate to update their details.
“At the same time, our officers are gradually contacting Malaysians to verify their information and provide follow-up assistance for those who have not registered or updated their details for a long time,” he added.
For consular assistance, the Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, can be contacted at +971 50 6146894, +971 2 4482 775, or +971 2 4482 776, or by email at mwabudhabi@kln.gov.my; and the Consulate General in Dubai, UAE, at +971 4 3985 847 or +971 50 737 9196 (emergencies), or by email at dxb.cons@kln.gov.my.
All Malaysians residing in or currently in the UAE are urged to immediately register and update their contact details through e-Konsular at ekonsular.kln.gov.my, to facilitate the provision of assistance if needed.
The conflict in the Middle East has entered its fifth day. The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that a total of 186 ballistic missiles were detected as being launched towards the country, with 172 successfully intercepted, 13 falling into the sea, and one missile landing within the country’s territory.
In addition, the UAE also recorded the highest number of attacks with 812 Iranian drones launched, 755 of which were successfully intercepted, while 57 were reported to have fallen and eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Embassy urges Singaporeans to act fast as Etihad, Emirates open limited flights home from UAE
04 Mar 2026
SINGAPORE, March 4 — Singaporeans in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are advised to visit the Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines websites to secure flight tickets to leave the country amid ongoing conflicts.
The Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate-General in Dubai noted in a Facebook post that Etihad and Emirates have released tickets for flights to Singapore departing Abu Dhabi on March 5 and Dubai on March 4.
It said the tickets are expected to be in extremely high demand and may sell out rapidly given the current flight disruptions across the Middle East region.
“Given the urgency and limited availability, we strongly encourage immediate action if you wish to secure seats.
“If you do secure tickets, please confirm with the airline that the flight will proceed before heading to the airport,” the embassy said on Wednesday.
However, the embassy also warned that given the current circumstances, Singaporeans should be ready for cancellations, frequent changes and delays, possibly at short notice.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates, as necessary,” it added. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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South Asia
WHO warns polio virus transmission continues in Afghanistan, south hardest hit
By Fidel Rahmati
March 5, 2026
The World Health Organization warned in its latest report from the 44th meeting of the Polio Emergency Committee that transmission of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) continues in Afghanistan, with the southern regions reporting the highest number of cases.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the WHO said five new WPV1 cases were recorded in Afghanistan in 2025, with intense transmission observed in southern and eastern parts of the country.
The agency said transmission in the south has been exacerbated by insufficient vaccination coverage and restrictions on conducting house-to-house immunization campaigns.
The Emergency Committee also raised concerns over the limited presence of female health workers, warning that it hampers access to young children, particularly in conservative communities.
WHO stressed that Afghanistan and Pakistan function as a single epidemiological block, and continued cross-border transmission increases the risk of further spread to other areas.
The organization warned that until polio is fully eradicated globally, Afghanistan remains at risk of international spread, calling for close coordination with Pakistan and sustained vaccination efforts in border areas.
WHO also cautioned about the rising risk of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV) in some parts of the world, emphasizing that mass immunization and continuous surveillance remain the only effective tools to prevent further outbreaks.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/who-warns-polio-virus-transmission-continues-in-afghanistan-south-hardest-hit/
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WFP warns escalating border violence worsening Afghanistan crisis
By Fidel Rahmati
March 4, 2026
The World Food Programme warned that escalating violence along Afghanistan’s eastern, southern and western borders has further worsened the country’s humanitarian crisis.
In a message issued on Wednesday, the agency said Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s most severe food crises amid ongoing insecurity and displacement.
John Aylieff, the WFP representative in Afghanistan, said clashes have erupted in areas where residents were already living in critical conditions.
He added that around 20,000 people have been displaced in eastern and southern border regions following reported Pakistani airstrikes. Aylieff stressed that more than 17 million people across Afghanistan currently require urgent food assistance to survive.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said preliminary figures show that 42 civilians were killed and about 100 others wounded in the Pakistani airstrikes.
The UN mission said the casualty numbers are based on initial assessments and could change as further verification takes place.
Aid agencies have warned that continued cross-border violence risks disrupting humanitarian operations and limiting access to vulnerable communities.
Afghanistan has remained heavily dependent on international aid since 2021, with economic decline and climate shocks compounding widespread food insecurity.
The WFP called for sustained international support, warning that without immediate assistance, millions of Afghans could face worsening hunger in the months ahead.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/violence-along-afghanistans-eastern-southern-and-western-borders-has-further-worsened-the-countrys-humanitarian-crisis/
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PM to launch 'Family Card' programme at Korail T&T Field on March 10
05 Mar 2026
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the 'Family Card' programme at 10:00am on March 10 at the T&T Field adjacent to Korail slum in Dhaka.
According to a press release issued by Imranul Hasan, public relations officer at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the initiative will be launched simultaneously at 14 locations across the country.
The press release also mentioned that in line with the prime minister’s directive, the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has taken the initiative to launch a women’s bus service, which will be operated by female drivers, conductors, and helpers.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/governance/news/pm-launch-family-card-programme-korail-tt-field-march-10-4121326
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Country not in danger due to US trade deal
05 Mar 2026
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has backed the reciprocal trade agreement signed by the interim government with the US on February 9 and said that the major political parties, BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, gave consent to the deal.
“We have not put Bangladesh in any danger by signing the deal. It is not at all in conflict with the ‘Bangladesh First’ policy,” he told journalists after a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S Paul Kapur at the foreign ministry yesterday.
Kapur arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday night for a two-day visit on the second leg of his Asia tour.
Yesterday, he met Khalilur; State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed; Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Secretariat.
Today, he is scheduled to meet representatives of political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party.
The foreign minister, during the meeting with Kapur, said it will be difficult for countries like Bangladesh to bear the economic cost if the Middle East war is prolonged.
Khalilur, who was the national security adviser to the interim government, requested that the US make diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict at the earliest.
At the meeting, Kapur underscored the importance of implementing the provisions of the agreement on Reciprocal Trade to foster greater bilateral trade and investment, while Khalilur reiterated the government’s commitment to policy continuity, particularly in the economic domain.
During a post-meeting press briefing, Khalilur was asked if the interim government was under pressure to sign the deal since it was sealed just three days before the election and includes provisions restricting trade deals or purchases from non-market economies, which could mean China.
He responded in the negative and said the deal needs to be analysed in comparison with those signed by other countries like India, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam with the US.
“We are in a better position if you analyse the language of the deals…. Bangladesh committed to purchasing $22 billion worth of goods over 15 years from the US. Compared to a country like India, which received an 18 percent tariff and committed $500 billion in purchases over five years, Bangladesh’s 19 percent tariff is favourable.
“Could you sustain a 37 percent tariff if we did not sign the deal? Compare what we have gained and what others got.”
Khalilur added that the deal was not “suddenly finalised” and that the interim government first began talking to the US in February 2025.
“Initially, Bangladesh received a 20 percent tariff, but Dhaka requested zero reciprocal tariffs on garments made with American cotton or man-made fibre, while the US sought more time to finalise the Rules of Origin.
“The US Trade Representative also spoke with the two major political parties, who gave their consent before the election…. We did not sign the deal in the darkness.”
The foreign minister said the agreement has both “entry” and “exit” clauses and that it does not become effective until notification. “We can exit with a 60-day notice. Therefore, we have not put Bangladesh in any danger.”
He said that regarding border measures, Bangladesh has stated that any measures taken will be in accordance with Bangladeshi law.
Kapur, however, was assured that Bangladesh will continue implementation of the agreement.
After the US Supreme Court cancelled the tariffs on different countries imposed by US President Donald Trump, he announced a 15 percent global tariff on February 21, which is also applicable to Bangladesh. Khalilur requested Kapur to lower the tariff from 19 percent.
At the meeting, the two sides also discussed the process of returning irregular Bangladeshis living in the US with dignity and ease.
A diplomatic source said the US wants to repatriate over 4,000 irregular Bangladeshis quickly. Over the last year, about 400 were repatriated.
Kapur expressed satisfaction over the current bilateral relations and hoped they would become stronger and more expansive in the coming days.
He also conveyed his greetings to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his victory in the polls and expressed satisfaction with the festive atmosphere of the election.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/diplomacy/news/country-not-danger-due-us-trade-deal-4121216
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TIB urges govt to reconsider appointment of new central bank governor
05 Mar 2026
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today demanded the cancellation of the appointment of new Bangladesh Bank governor, Md Mostaqur Rahman, citing concerns over possible conflicts of interest and questioning his ability to discharge the role independently.
“To ensure Bangladesh Bank functions independently, impartially and without conflicts of interest, the appointment of the newly designated governor must be revoked,” TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said at an event held in the organisation’s office in Dhaka.
The event, titled “Ensuring the highest strategic priority for implementing the BNP-led government’s commitments to good governance and anti-corruption: TIB recommendations,” highlighted ongoing concerns over the transparency of the appointment process.
He emphasised that the central bank must operate free from undue influence and maintain impartiality in fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities, adding that a replacement should possess demonstrable expertise in the financial sector and be capable of performing the office’s duties without any compromising affiliations.
Referring to media reports, Iftekharuzzaman noted that questions had emerged regarding the governor’s potential conflicts of interest and institutional ties.
“For these reasons, we believe he will not be able to perform the role of Bangladesh Bank governor effectively, and the bank itself may be unable to fulfil its regulatory responsibilities under such leadership,” he said.
When asked about reports linking the appointment to alleged attempts to favour businessman S Alam, he said TIB would refrain from detailed comment without concrete evidence but added, “Since the question has been raised, it cannot simply be dismissed.”
Iftekharuzzaman reiterated that the process leading to the governor’s appointment had already generated significant concern regarding conflicts of interest.
“If such a situation exists, Bangladesh Bank will be deprived of the opportunity to properly execute its regulatory duties. Leaving the bank under this leadership for the next five years is unacceptable,” he warned.
He further cautioned that if the appointment were part of a deliberate attempt to benefit a particular group, the matter would require urgent investigation by the government.
“In such a case, the issue must be addressed through a thorough and planned inquiry, with appropriate measures taken,” he added.
Highlighting potential institutional affiliations, he said any links between the governor and entities involved in questionable financial practices would be wholly unacceptable.
“Allowing those responsible for extracting wealth from Bangladesh to regain control of such institutions would be detrimental to the state,” he said.
He concluded by urging the government and the prime minister to give the matter serious consideration, revoke the current appointment, and ensure the selection of a suitably qualified, conflict‑free candidate.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/tib-urges-govt-reconsider-appointment-new-central-bank-governor-4121396
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Staffer kills teacher of Islamic University
05 Mar 2026
A female teacher of Islamic University in Kushtia was stabbed to death allegedly by a staffer yesterday.
The victim, Asma Sadia Runa, 40, was an assistant professor and the chairperson of the social welfare department.
Police and the university authorities could not immediately provide details about the motive behind the killing.
Proctor Md Shahinuzzaman said Runa had a feud with Fazlu, an employee of the same department.
Runa had an altercation with Fazlu a few months ago. Later, Fazlu was transferred to the political science department, said the proctor.
Fazlu, a temporary employee, has been working on a daily payment basis for several years, said Shahinuzzaman, who also failed to say the reason for the feud.
Yesterday, an iftar programme was scheduled to be held at the social welfare department.
“We were preparing for the event and madam [Runa] was waiting in her office to join the event,” said Mahmud, a fourth-year student of the department.
“Madam’s office room is adjacent to our iftar venue. Around 4:10pm, we went to the madam’s room to discuss the expenditure of our programme. When we reached there, we saw madam’s room was locked from inside and two Ansar members were knocking at the door. But she was not responding.”
Mahmud added that at one stage, they broke open the door and found the madam lying bloodied on the floor. In another corner of the room, they saw that Fazlu was trying to slit his own throat. “Then, we informed the proctorial team.”
Proctor Shahinuzzaman said that on information, they rushed to the spot and found them lying on the floor.
The two were sent to the 250-bed Kushtia General Hospital, where doctors declared Runa dead.
“Both of them were brought to the hospital around 5:00pm in critical condition. The teacher died shortly afterwards while undergoing treatment. She was stabbed in the throat,” said Hossain Imam, a doctor of the hospital.
“The condition of the employee, who sustains stab wounds to his throat, is critical,” he said.
This correspondent talked to around 30 people, including teachers, students, family members, and university staffers, to know the reason for the feud between the teacher and the staffer.
Almost all of them said they heard that Fazlu misbehaved with the teacher over his salary and other benefits.
Contacted, Mahmudul Haque Majumder, assistant superintendent of Kushtia police, said, “We still don’t know the motive behind the murder. We are talking to the university authorities and investigating the incident to get details.”
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/staffer-kills-teacher-islamic-university-4121226
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Britain Suspends Study Visas For Afghans
By Fidel Rahmati
March 4, 2026
The Government of the United Kingdom said it has suspended the issuance of student visas for citizens of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, as well as work visas for Afghan nationals.
Shabana Mahmood said in a statement on Tuesday, March 3, that Britain will continue to offer refuge to those fleeing war and persecution, but the visa system must not be exploited.
The Home Office said asylum applications from students of those countries rose by more than 470% between 2021 and 2025.
It added that a significant portion of individuals seeking asylum legally had initially entered Britain on student visas.
Although asylum claims from students declined by 20% in 2025, the Home Office said 13% of total applications still came from individuals who arrived on study visas.
Officials said the suspension is aimed at preventing misuse of migration routes while maintaining protections for genuine refugees.
Britain has tightened immigration controls in recent years amid political pressure to reduce overall migration levels. The decision is expected to affect hundreds of prospective Afghan students and workers who had planned to travel to the UK.
Human rights advocates have warned that restricting visa pathways could limit safe and legal routes for vulnerable individuals. The government said it will keep the policy under review while assessing future migration and asylum trends.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/britain-suspends-study-visas-for-afghans/
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