Category: World News

LONDON (AP) — Law enforcement officials in London are mobilizing for an intense Saturday as massive crowds converge on the British capital for competing political demonstrations while thousands more gather for England’s premier domestic soccer championship at Wembley Stadium.

The Metropolitan Police will deploy armored vehicles, mounted officers, canine units, aerial drones and helicopters alongside a minimum of 4,000 personnel in an effort to prevent confrontations.

Authorities have established separate pathways to maintain distance between participants in a demonstration led by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who goes by the alias Tommy Robinson, and the yearly march recognizing Nakba, the Arabic word meaning “catastrophe” that refers to the displacement of approximately 700,000 Palestinians from present-day Israel in 1948.

Nevertheless, law enforcement remains concerned about potential contact between breakaway factions from the primary demonstrations.

Legal officials have been instructed to evaluate whether signs, displays and verbal expressions documented on social platforms could constitute crimes of inciting hatred during the gatherings.

“This is not about restricting free speech,” said the Crown Prosecution Service’s director, Stephen Parkinson. “It is about preventing hate crime and protecting the public, particularly at a time of heightened tensions.”

British officials have also prevented 11 international individuals from entering the nation for the “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration.

Conservative political figures reportedly denied entry include Polish politician Dominik Tarczynski, Belgian politician Filip Dewinter, anti-Islam commentator Valentina Gomez and Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek.

“We will block those coming into the UK who seek to incite hatred and violence,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “For anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law.”

On Friday, Starmer toured the Met’s operations center to review security preparations for the demonstrations with Met Commissioner Mark Rowley and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Live facial recognition technology will be implemented for the first time during protest security operations, with surveillance equipment positioned in the north London area of Camden, which lies outside the “Unite the Kingdom” march path but is anticipated to be used by many event participants.

At Wembley in the northern part of the city, authorities hope the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester City, scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., will proceed without problems.

BANGKOK — At least eight people died Saturday afternoon when a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Thailand’s capital city.

According to Thai media reports, the deadly incident occurred in the central district near an airport rail station. The Erawan Medical Center, which coordinates the city’s emergency response, confirmed the death toll of eight with more than 20 additional people suffering injuries.

Social media footage captured the moment of impact, showing multiple vehicles stopped at the railroad crossing when the freight train slammed into an orange-colored bus positioned at the front of the line. The force of the collision pulled several other vehicles down the tracks, and the bus quickly became consumed by fire. The crash also sent multiple motorcycles and their operators flying across the roadway.

Additional footage from the scene showed emergency responders entering the burned-out bus shell once firefighters had extinguished the blaze.

VIENNA, May 16 – While television viewers may hardly spot them, a dedicated crew of stage workers known as ‘ninjas’ at the Eurovision Song Contest accomplish an incredible behind-the-scenes challenge: completely changing each country’s stage setup in just 48 seconds between performances.

Despite the massive LED screen displays providing much of the visual spectacle, all 25 nations participating in Saturday’s competition finale bring their own physical stage elements that must be quickly moved on and off stage – including Finland’s set piece that actually catches fire.

The entire transformation happens in under one minute.

‘That’s the setup time these 20-odd people have to move from one ‘prop’ to the next and from one show’s set-up and dismantling to the next. It’s just mad what they manage to achieve,’ explained Christian Elgner, who serves as head of props and supervises the stage elements.

The approximately two dozen crew members must meticulously plan and practice every movement, making their accomplishment even more remarkable since most are local residents taking on the work as extra income.

‘We have to be always in a rush and we are not allowed to make any mistakes because once we make a mistake the show is over,’ explained Ahmed Abdelati, a civil engineering student from Egypt who lives in Austria.

‘I’m working here because I love music, like my other colleagues,’ he added.

Within just a few weeks, this black-clad team has transformed into a seamlessly functioning unit.

‘I’m not sure who first used that term but it’s taken off in the past three, four days: backstage ninjas. I mainly call them dancers because the (set) assembly is danced – it’s choreographed,’ Elgner noted.

‘There haven’t been any big mishaps so far. We rehearse often enough to always learn from the mishaps we have and to perfect everything.’

MOSCOW, May 16 – Moscow’s military announced Saturday that its forces have seized two settlements in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, according to reports from the RIA state news agency.

The Defence Ministry claims Russian troops now control the villages of Borova and Kutkivka in the contested region.

The battlefield claims could not be independently confirmed by news organizations.

Sierra Leone has reached an agreement with the United States to receive hundreds of West African migrants facing deportation from America, according to the country’s foreign minister in a recent interview with Reuters.

The initial flight carrying deportees will land in Sierra Leone on May 20, bringing 25 individuals from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria, foreign minister Timothy Kabba announced.

“Sierra Leone signed a Third Country National Agreement with the U.S. to accept 300 ECOWAS citizens from the U.S. per year with a maximum of 25 a month,” Kabba explained, referencing the West African regional organization.

This marks the latest arrangement by the Trump administration as it works to speed up deportation processes. America has previously transported deportees to various African nations including Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Eswatini.

Legal experts and human rights organizations have criticized these transfers, questioning both the legal foundation for sending people to nations where they lack citizenship and how these deportees are treated upon arrival.

Sierra Leone’s decision to only accept deportees from ECOWAS member countries mirrors Ghana’s approach. Previous Reuters investigations revealed that deportees sent to Ghana, Equatorial Guinea and other African destinations were subsequently forced to return to their home nations, despite having received court-ordered protection in America designed to prevent such outcomes.

Whether deportees arriving in Sierra Leone will be permitted to remain there remains uncertain. A government spokesperson did not provide an immediate response when asked for comment on Saturday.

Kabba declined to specify what Sierra Leone would receive in exchange for accepting the deportees. “It’s part of our bilateral relationship with the U.S. to assist with its immigration policy,” he stated.

A February report from Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee revealed that while the total expense of third-country deportations remains unknown, over $32 million has been transferred directly to five nations: Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, El Salvador, Eswatini and Palau.

Sierra Leone and the United States have previously clashed over deportation issues. During the first Trump presidency in 2017, Washington announced that the American Embassy in Freetown would stop issuing tourist and business visas to Sierra Leonean foreign ministry and immigration officials because the government was declining to accept Sierra Leonean deportees.

The State Department has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding this new arrangement with Sierra Leone. Both the White House and State Department have maintained in the past that these deportations comply with legal requirements.

A high-ranking Hamas official confirmed to Reuters on Saturday that the leader of the organization’s military operations had been killed, following Israeli airstrikes that targeted him the previous day.

Witnesses in Gaza City reported that local mosques had proclaimed Izz al-Din al-Haddad’s “martyrdom.” His death marks the highest-profile Hamas leader eliminated by Israeli forces since an October ceasefire agreement backed by the United States was designed to end hostilities in Gaza.

The organization has not issued an official public statement confirming Haddad’s death.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his defence minister, released a joint statement Friday announcing they had targeted Haddad, though they stopped short of confirming whether the operation resulted in his death.

Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz described Haddad as a key planner behind the October 7, 2023 attacks conducted by Hamas militants that triggered Israel’s continued military campaign in Gaza.

According to their statement, Haddad assumed leadership of the group’s military operations in Gaza following Israel’s elimination of Mohammad Sinwar in May 2025, and “was responsible for the murder, abduction, and harm inflicted on thousands of Israeli civilians (and) soldiers.”

Israel and Hamas continue to face an impasse in indirect negotiations aimed at advancing U.S. President Donald Trump’s post-conflict strategy for Gaza, which seeks to conclude more than two years of warfare.

Gaza medical personnel reported Friday that the airstrikes, which hit both a residential building and a vehicle, resulted in at least seven fatalities, including three women and one child, with at least 50 people wounded. Officials have not confirmed whether Haddad was among those killed.

Israeli forces have intensified their operations in Gaza during recent weeks after suspending joint military actions with the U.S. in Iran, refocusing their efforts on the devastated Palestinian territory where military officials report Hamas fighters are consolidating control.

The Kremlin announced Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Beijing for a two-day visit next week to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The visit comes just under 24 hours after U.S. President Donald Trump wrapped up his state visit to China, where he held discussions with Xi about trade and the U.S. and Israel’s war in Iran.

According to a Kremlin statement, Putin’s May 19-20 visit is timed to mark the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship.

The statement indicated the two leaders will focus on bilateral ties along with “key international and regional issues” and economic cooperation.

China-Russia relations have strengthened significantly in recent years, especially after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022, which left Moscow isolated internationally and dependent on Beijing for trade due to Western sanctions.

During Putin’s September 2025 visit to China, Xi greeted his counterpart as an “old friend,” while Putin also called Xi “dear friend.”

The Russian leader has plans to return to China in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen.

In other developments, Ukraine received the remains of fallen soldiers Saturday after an earlier prisoner exchange with Moscow.

Russia handed over 528 bodies that “according to the Russian side, may belong to Ukrainian servicemen,” according to Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

Officials said experts will now “take all necessary measures aimed at identifying the deceased who have been repatriated.”

This follows Friday’s prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine involving 205 prisoners of war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as the initial stage of a planned exchange of 1,000 POWs from both sides. He noted some of the returned Ukrainians had been in Russian custody since 2022 and participated in some of the conflict’s most intense fighting.

Separately, Russian forces conducted overnight drone strikes against Ukraine’s southern Odesa region Saturday, according to regional officials.

Regional head Oleh Kiper reported that Russian drones hit a five-story apartment building and a single-story home, wounding two people. He added that the city’s port sustained damage.

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia deployed 294 drones overnight, with 269 intercepted and destroyed.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported its forces downed 138 Ukrainian drones overnight across 14 Russian regions, including Moscow. The ministry said drones were also eliminated over the annexed Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and the Black and Azov seas.

In the early morning hours at a Buenos Aires butcher shop in the Mataderos district, workers begin their day unloading beef from delivery trucks while wholesale customers wait in line. Inside the shop, 73-year-old owner Jorge García and his team start preparing meat orders before sunrise.

Alongside the traditional displays of red meat hanging from hooks and stacked in boxes, chicken and pork are becoming more common sights.

Beef consumption across Argentina — a nation traditionally known as one of the globe’s top beef-eating countries — has dropped to its lowest point in 20 years following economic belt-tightening policies implemented by libertarian President Javier Milei.

Data from the Agricultural Foundation for Argentina’s Development shows annual per-person beef consumption decreased to 44.5 kilograms (98 pounds) as of April 2026, compared to 49.5 kilograms (109 pounds) in the same period the previous year. This represents a significant decline from the 63.4 kilos (139 pounds) per person recorded in 2006.

“People are switching to cheaper proteins. They’re eating pork, they’re eating chicken,” García explained.

Experts point to rising beef costs, reduced cattle availability, and diminished household buying power as key factors behind this trend. Argentina’s decision to open its beef market to international commerce has also brought domestic prices more in line with worldwide rates.

“Beef moved into a completely different purchasing-power category. Workers’ wages fell far behind,” explained Juampi Quintero, a 25-year-old meat distributor who estimates his customers’ consumption has dropped by more than half.

After taking office in December 2023 facing 211% annual inflation, Milei vowed to eliminate what he termed “the cancer of inflation” through an adjustment program featuring spending cuts equal to nearly one-third of public expenditures, represented by his signature chainsaw imagery.

While the administration successfully turned around the fiscal deficit and achieved a budget surplus — an uncommon achievement in Argentina’s recent past — the social impact of these austerity policies has faced widespread criticism.

In a matter of months, Milei’s government dissolved 13 ministries, terminated approximately 30,000 government workers, suspended public construction projects, and reduced funding for essential sectors including education, healthcare, and scientific research. The administration also eliminated subsidies for basic utilities like electricity, gas, water, and public transportation.

“That affects household income because families now have to pay more for services that were previously subsidized by the state,” explained economist Camilo Tiscornia. “As a result, they have less disposable income and must give up certain more expensive goods, such as beef.”

Meanwhile, family incomes failed to keep pace with rising beef costs, further contributing to declining consumption patterns.

According to the most recent available information, registered workers saw wage increases averaging 1.8% in February, while monthly inflation reached 2.9%.

“Before, I had the freedom to buy what I wanted,” shared Alberto Brajin, a 61-year-old retiree who operates a street-side barbecue stand in Buenos Aires.

Brajin noted he must now “trade down” to less expensive protein options like chicken.

According to the Argentine Beef Promotion Institute, beef prices increased by more than 60% over the past year, reaching an average of 18,500 pesos ($13) per kilogram in Buenos Aires during May.

In July 2025, Milei’s administration lowered export taxes on beef and poultry while eliminating production quotas to boost international sales, reversing some restrictions put in place under former President Alberto Fernández aimed at controlling domestic price increases. These regulatory changes coincided with a more than 10% drop in Argentina’s beef production due to flooding and drought conditions, according to CICCRA, the nonprofit representing the country’s beef producers.

Government officials announced this week that beef exports jumped 54% in the first quarter compared to the previous year, totaling nearly 200,000 tons valued at over $1 billion. This growth followed a U.S. decision earlier this year to expand Argentina’s duty-free beef quota due to American cattle shortages.

With market liberalization, producers started selling beef — previously accessible across much of Argentina’s social hierarchy — at prices reflecting international market values.

“Previously, all meats had similar prices, which encouraged high beef consumption that did not reflect its real production costs,” agricultural consultant Iván Ordóñez noted.

As beef prices climb beyond many Argentine families’ reach, chicken and pork are emerging as more affordable protein options.

“We’ve chosen to buy pork and chicken because beef is too expensive,” stated shop owner Ruth Simon.

Chicken averages 4,900 pesos ($3.50) per kilogram, while pork ribs cost approximately 8,900 pesos ($6.30).

García, the butcher shop proprietor, mentioned he started offering chicken and pork less than a year ago after observing shifts in his customers’ purchasing patterns.

“You have to adapt,” he stated. “We can’t just sit around crying. No crying. We have to work. We have to keep our dignity. We have to fight.”

American and Nigerian military forces successfully eliminated a high-ranking Islamic State commander during a Friday operation in Nigeria, according to U.S. President Donald Trump.

The president revealed details of the collaborative mission in Africa’s largest nation through a late-evening social media announcement that provided limited specifics. Trump identified the target as Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, describing him as the Islamic State’s second-highest global commander who “thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.”

Intelligence officials described Al-Mainuki as a central figure in the terrorist organization’s operational structure and financial networks, who had been developing plans for attacks targeting America and American assets, according to a source who requested anonymity due to the classified nature of the information.

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu verified the military action and reported that Al-Mainuki died along with “several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.”

Records show Al-Mainuki was born in Nigeria’s Borno province in 1982 and assumed leadership of the Islamic State’s West African operations following the 2018 death of the previous regional commander, Mamman Nur, according to the Counter Extremism Project, an organization that monitors militant activities.

The Counter Extremism Project reported that Al-Mainuki operated from the Sahel region and likely participated in combat operations in Libya during the Islamic State’s presence in that North African country over ten years ago. U.S. authorities placed sanctions on him in 2023.

In his social media statement, Trump characterized Al-Mainuki as the “second in command globally” and claimed he was hiding in Africa, though security experts question the accuracy of this assessment.

Analysts indicate that Al-Mainuki served as deputy to Abu Musab al-Barnawi, who led the Islamic State West African Province until his reported death in 2021. He played a significant role in establishing ISWAP following its separation from Boko Haram in 2016.

“If confirmed, the killing of Al-Mainuki is huge because this is the first time a security agency has killed someone this high in the ranking of ISWAP,” said Malik Samuel, a senior researcher at Good Governance Africa who specializes in insurgent groups in Nigeria.

“The potential to cause chaos within the group is also there because the operation must have been carried out in the heart of ISWAP’s fortified base, which is very difficult to access.”

Trump previously authorized U.S. military strikes against Islamic State forces in Nigeria during December, though he provided minimal details about the results of those operations.

Nigerian military officials attributed the successful mission to their “recently formed U.S.-Nigeria partnership and intelligence sharing efforts.” Military spokesperson Samalia Uba stated that the operation has “disrupted a violent terrorist network that endangered Nigeria and the broader West African region.”

Nigeria continues to confront multiple armed organizations, including at least two groups with Islamic State connections, while managing a complex security emergency. Islamic State affiliates across Africa have become among the continent’s most aggressive militant organizations since the collapse of the IS caliphate in Syria and Iraq in 2017.

The United States deployed military advisors to the West African nation in February to assist its armed forces, and in March, the U.S. stationed surveillance drones there after Trump claimed that Christians were being specifically targeted in Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis.

Friday’s military action represents the most recent in a series of overseas covert operations that Trump has disclosed this year, beginning with the dramatic January overnight mission to capture and extract Venezuela’s then-leader Nicolás Maduro to the United States, followed nearly two months later by strikes that initiated the conflict with Iran.

The U.S. President announced that China’s leader has endorsed requiring Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during recent discussions in Beijing, though Chinese officials have not confirmed this stance.

During his return flight on Friday following two days of meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the President indicated he was weighing whether to remove U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies purchasing Iranian oil. China represents Iran’s largest oil customer.

“I’m not asking for any favors because when you ask for favors, you have to do favors in return,” the President told a reporter aboard Air Force One when questioned about whether Xi had made a concrete pledge to pressure Iran regarding the strategic waterway.

While Xi remained silent about his Iran discussions with the President, China’s foreign ministry voiced displeasure with the Iran conflict, describing it as a war “which should never have happened, has no reason to continue.”

Iran has maintained its closure of the strait, which previously handled one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before U.S. and Israeli military operations began on February 28. The shipping disruption has triggered the most severe oil supply emergency in recorded history, causing petroleum prices to surge dramatically.

The February U.S. and Israeli airstrikes resulted in thousands of Iranian casualties, while thousands more have died in Lebanon during renewed hostilities between Israel and the Iran-supported organization Hezbollah.

Although the U.S. suspended its airstrikes last month, it initiated a port blockade. Tehran has declared it will not reopen the strait until the U.S. terminates its blockade. The President has warned of resumed military action if Iran refuses to negotiate an agreement.

“We don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon, we want the straits open,” the President stated while in Beijing with Xi.

Iran, which has consistently rejected accusations of nuclear weapons development, has declined to halt nuclear research or surrender its concealed enriched uranium reserves, causing frustration for the President.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reported that Tehran had received communications from the U.S. suggesting Washington’s willingness to pursue continued negotiations.

“We hope that, with the advancement of negotiations, we will reach a good conclusion so that the Strait of Hormuz can be completely secured and we can expedite the normalisation of traffic through the strait,” he informed reporters in New Delhi.

The President, who expressed diminishing patience with Iran during a Thursday interview on Fox News’ “Hannity” program, urged Tehran to “make a deal.”

Oil prices climbed approximately 3% to roughly $109 per barrel on Friday due to concerns about stalled conflict resolution efforts, while U.S. Treasury yields reached nearly year-high levels amid expectations that the Federal Reserve might increase interest rates.

Negotiations to end the war, which has become politically problematic for the President before November’s U.S. congressional elections, have stalled since last week when both Iran and the U.S. rejected each other’s latest proposals.

Iran would welcome Chinese involvement, Araqchi stated Friday, noting that Tehran was attempting to give diplomacy an opportunity but remained distrustful of the U.S., which has disrupted previous negotiation rounds by launching airstrikes.

A 38-year-old man has died following a shark attack off Australia’s western coastline on Saturday, marking the nation’s second deadly shark encounter this year, according to law enforcement officials.

The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, suffered the attack Saturday morning at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island, located approximately 31 kilometers (19.2 miles) west of Perth, authorities reported.

Emergency responders transported the injured man to shore, but medical personnel were unable to save his life, police confirmed. Officials stated that a coroner’s report will be compiled regarding the incident.

Local government officials have issued warnings urging beachgoers to exercise heightened vigilance while in waters around Rottnest Island, a well-known vacation spot.

Video captured by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from above showed law enforcement vessels, officers on scene, and an emergency helicopter equipped with medical stretcher equipment responding to the location.

This latest incident comes after a young boy lost his life in January when a shark attacked him in Sydney Harbour, following multiple shark encounters reported along Australia’s eastern coastline.

Data from Australia’s Institute of Health and Welfare indicates that the majority of shark attacks happen along the nation’s eastern and southeastern shores, with the country recording approximately 20 such incidents annually.

MADRID (AP) — Gone are the elaborate party spreads, festive decorations, and collective excitement over which performer’s extravagant act will claim victory.

For the first time in seven years, Silvia Díaz is skipping her traditional Eurovision Song Contest viewing party this Saturday evening. The annual celebration was canceled after the country’s public television network pulled out of the competition, objecting to Israel’s inclusion due to its military conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Díaz plans to stream it on YouTube instead, but only if her schedule permits.

“It’s not the same watching it alone at home as it is with friends. That’s the only thing that upsets me.”

The five-day musical competition attracted 166 million viewers last year — significantly exceeding Super Bowl audience numbers in the United States. While the country hasn’t claimed victory since 1969, the annual event typically generates months of media coverage, bringing families and friends together at homes and bars, with their representative’s performance making front-page news the following day. Citizens attending the event proudly display their national flag, dress in red attire, or occasionally sport bullfighter outfits.

The boycott was announced in December following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to permit Israel’s participation, with Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Iceland also joining the protest. Many fans support this principled stand despite the disappointment of missing their cherished tradition.

The public broadcaster has consistently voiced opposition to Israel’s involvement. During last year’s semifinals, RTVE’s commentators mentioned Israel’s performer while simultaneously referencing Palestinian casualties from the conflict. Prior to broadcasting the final show, the network displayed “Peace and justice for Palestine” on black screens across hundreds of thousands of television sets throughout the country.

While Eurovision finals proceed in Vienna, RTVE will broadcast a special celebrating the network’s musical heritage, featuring Tony Grox and Lucycalys, the artists originally selected to represent the nation at Eurovision.

Ireland’s public broadcaster will show a documentary about rural Irish life. Slovenian viewers will see an installment of a 10-part series about Palestinians. While audiences can still access Eurovision through the European Broadcasting Union’s YouTube channel, the absence of their own country’s performer or commentary significantly diminishes the passionate atmosphere.

Israel has participated for five decades and secured four victories. Citizens gather at bars to watch and show strong enthusiasm for their country’s involvement, viewing it as validation of international acceptance and normalcy. Each year’s representative becomes a household name, and strong performances — even without winning — generate national pride.

Eurovision enthusiasts are split on this year’s boycott decision.

For Rebeca Carril, who enjoys watching archived performances from the 1960s and 1970s before her birth, the breaking point came several years ago with increased Israeli sponsorship. She refused to support their promotional activities by watching.

“I have Palestinian friends and I began to understand a little better how things worked,” said Carril, a 42-year-old marketing executive in Madrid.

Others, like Guillermina Bastida, believe music and politics should remain separate. She traveled 3 1/2 days from northern regions in a van with her two daughters to attend last year’s competition in Basel, marking her third live attendance. This year, she’ll resort to YouTube viewing.

“It’s a song festival, period,” Bastida, a 47-year-old communications professional, said by phone from Asturias province. “I also have my own stance, which is critical, but not to the point of boycotting the festival.”

Eurovision operates under the slogan “United by Music,” with organizers attempting unsuccessfully in recent years to exclude political elements. Following Ukraine’s invasion in 2022, the European Broadcasting Union expelled Russia, which remains banned. Competition regulations prohibit explicitly political lyrics or symbols, with organizers emphasizing it’s a contest between national broadcasters, not governments.

As one of the “Big Five” nations providing the most financial support to Eurovision, this absence means lost broadcasting revenue and diminished publicity and credibility, according to Jose García, co-director of a competition news website whose social media platforms collectively reach nearly 100,000 followers.

However, complete viewer abandonment is unlikely, he noted.

“It has marked the television and personal history of many people, and fans will watch it via international channels or YouTube. But it’s one thing to be able to watch it and another to agree with what’s happening,” García said.

On Vienna’s streets, the absence of the typically vibrant delegation is apparent, observed Vicente Rico after attending the first semifinal night.

“We’re a group that, just like at other events, makes its presence felt — we’re among the happiest, the loudest and the most fun,” said Rico, 40, who operates a perfumery in Madrid.

This marks Rico’s 18th Eurovision attendance, and he felt conflicted before making his annual journey because he considers the boycott morally justified. Nevertheless, the situation troubles him.

“It bothers me that Eurovision is being used as a scapegoat,” he said, pointing to inaction by international organizations and lack of boycotts at other events like the FIFA World Cup, which begins in a month.

Without his home country competing, who will Rico support?

“I think Finland is going to win, but the support for Italy is crazy,” he said. Victories by Sweden, Serbia or Australia would satisfy him.

“This year, we’re rooting for everyone except Israel.”

JERUSALEM (AP) — The close partnership between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is usually conducted behind closed doors. However, this week the relationship was pushed into public view, revealing strains within the partnership as regional warfare involving Iran spreads across the Middle East.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee first drew attention to the growing cooperation between Israel and the UAE when he disclosed that Israel had deployed Iron Dome air-defense systems and operators to help shield the UAE from Iranian strikes.

Following this revelation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he had secretly traveled to the UAE during the conflict, which prompted an immediate public rejection from the Gulf state.

While Netanyahu and the Trump administration promote their regional partnerships as part of efforts to strengthen anti-Iran coalitions, Gulf nations prefer to minimize public attention on these collaborations — demonstrating how open connections to Israel continue to create significant controversy across the region.

Here’s what you need to understand about the Israel-UAE partnership:

Netanyahu’s choice to disclose his wartime journey to Abu Dhabi created waves, especially following Huckabee’s confirmation of military collaboration between the nations. Speculation emerged that Israel’s security leadership had also made visits.

The UAE’s official WAM news agency published a statement rejecting “reports circulating” about the visit. The agency stated that the country’s relations with Israel “are public and conducted within the framework of the well-known and officially declared Abraham Accords, and are not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements.”

The statement also rejected claims that any Israeli military delegation was hosted in the UAE.

“It complicates Abu Dhabi’s wartime-frame posture by forcing it into the open — which is why the denial was issued so quickly and worded so carefully,” said Hesham Alghannam, a Saudi Arabia-based scholar at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.

Although the UAE established normalized relations with Israel in 2020, its leadership prefers to maintain the partnership with some discretion.

Hostility toward the Jewish state remains widespread in Arab and Muslim nations throughout the Middle East. These negative sentiments intensified due to the Gaza conflict, which started after Hamas, a militant organization supported by Iran, launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.

Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza devastated large portions of the territory and has resulted in more than 72,700 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties. The conflict expanded regionally, with Israel conducting deadly and destructive operations against Iran-backed militants in Lebanon and Yemen, and attacking militant positions in Qatar and Syria.

“We are the ugly duckling of the Middle East,” said Dan Diker, the president of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, a conservative Israeli think tank.

Diker, who has conducted extensive discussions and built relationships with Abraham Accord nations in the region, noted that regional officials he frequently negotiated with consistently requested to maintain low profiles.

Israel and the UAE worked together militarily during the conflict with Iran. Israel benefited from establishing a defense presence in a nation geographically nearer to its primary adversary. The UAE, in return, obtained access to Israeli military technology, including the Iron Dome air-defense system.

The partnership has also provided economic advantages for both nations, with commerce between them growing consistently since 2020.

Israel, historically isolated in the Middle East, gains credibility through partnership with an Arab nation. The UAE gains influence in Washington.

The UAE became the third Arab nation, following Egypt and Jordan, to create complete diplomatic relations with Israel.

Netanyahu confronts strong domestic opposition as Israel approaches election season. He believes his standing improves when he can demonstrate to his supporters that he operates as a Middle East power broker.

The Iran conflict did not significantly boost the leader’s domestic approval. One factor that might improve it — while strengthening his strained relationship with President Donald Trump — would be additional regional powers following the UAE’s example. Israel is currently in discussions with Azerbaijan about joining the Abraham Accords.

However, if Netanyahu hoped that publicizing close Israel-UAE connections could serve as an example for other nations, he may need to moderate his expectations.

Saudi Arabia, a regional leader that has refused to join the Abraham Accords, has pursued a different strategy throughout the conflict. It has kept open communication channels with Tehran, and has backed Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the parties, said Alghannam, the Saudi Arabia-based scholar.

“The aim is not to take a posture on Israel, per se. It is to refuse entanglement in a war whose dynamics Riyadh did not set and cannot control,” he said.

“Riyadh discussing the full range of options openly, with partners, without locking into one track, is itself a strategic signal,” he said. “The regional security architecture will be designed regionally, not inherited from whatever Washington and Tehran negotiate bilaterally.”

CAIRO (AP) — Unmanned aircraft warfare has emerged as the most lethal danger facing civilians caught in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, with both government forces and the opposing paramilitary Rapid Support Forces receiving equipment from multiple nations across the Middle East and other regions, according to security analysts.

“Armed drones have now become by far and away the leading cause of civilian deaths,” accounting for more than 80% of conflict-related fatalities, United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk stated this week, urging action to halt their shipment to Sudan. These unmanned aircraft killed no fewer than 880 civilians from January through April.

Sudan’s conflict commenced in April 2023 and has resulted in no fewer than 59,000 deaths, forced approximately 13 million people from their homes and created famine conditions in portions of the nation.

During recent weeks, the RSF has conducted unmanned aircraft strikes against Khartoum International Airport and additional locations surrounding the capital, territory that government forces captured last year.

Security experts indicate that internationally-provided sophisticated drone capabilities allow the fighting factions to expand attacks on heavily populated regions, making peace negotiations more difficult and increasing concerns about a wider proxy war.

“On the battlefield, drones have emerged as a force multiplier, enabling ground offensives and weakening enemy defenses,” stated Jalale Getachew Birru, East Africa senior analyst at the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project.

Government forces and RSF both deploy unmanned aircraft to control disputed areas, interrupt mobilization activities and create instability in territories held by opponents, he explained.

No fewer than 2,670 individuals, including fighters and civilians, died in 2025, representing a 600% rise in drone-caused fatalities and an 81% jump in unmanned aircraft attacks from the prior year, ACLED determined.

Unmanned aircraft strikes conducted by the fighting groups have hit civilian facilities including medical centers, dams, educational institutions, marketplaces and refugee camps.

The majority of civilian fatalities from drone strikes have taken place in the Kordofan region of central Sudan, Türk reported.

On May 8, unmanned aircraft attacks in South Kordofan and close to the city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan allegedly resulted in 26 civilian deaths. Over 70 individuals died in drone strikes on crowded areas in Kordofan during the early months of this year, the Sudan Doctors Network reported.

On Tuesday, a Sudanese advocacy organization, the Emergency Lawyers, reported that nine unmanned aircraft attacks on civilian vehicles had resulted in no fewer than 36 deaths during the previous 10 days throughout seven provinces.

The organization held both government forces and RSF responsible and noted that some drones employ visual surveillance technology able to identify specific targets, creating worries that the strikes may not have been random.

The paramilitary RFS started using drones extensively only last year, according to Gabriella Tejeda, research associate at The Soufan Center.

Government forces and RSF are working to acquire new drone variants, especially from China, but the RSF is adapting drones and “increasingly competing to acquire newer, more sophisticated models, with the UAE likely supplying them,” Tejeda explained. The United Arab Emirates has rejected claims of providing drones to the RSF.

Nathaniel Raymond, executive director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, indicated the RSF receives support from foreign technology, especially from the UAE, with satellite pictures revealing its deployment of Chinese-manufactured CH-95 and FH-95 drones that are approximately the size of small aircraft.

In locations like el-Fasher city in North Darfur, where no fewer than 6,000 individuals died during three days last year, RSF drones disable communications of civilians “crying for help” and attack them when a signal is identified, Raymond explained.

The RSF would not have been able to capture the city without these technologies, he noted.

“The sophistication of how they use drones in el-Fasher is unique because it’s the first time you’ve seen this layered, hunter-killer concept of operations to kill people, basically in a kill box or trapped inside a wall, in this case to prevent them from crying for help,” Raymond stated regarding the city, where U.N. specialists said the violence showed “hallmarks of genocide.”

Government forces’ drone technology has been blamed for attacking civilian facilities like Al Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur, where no fewer than 64 individuals died. The military officially rejected responsibility. Two military officials at that time, however, indicated the planned target was a nearby police station.

Raymond reported there has been an “alarming increase” in government drone attacks on protected facilities like schools and markets during the previous four to six months. Government forces have insisted they do not attack civilian infrastructure.

Last month, ACLED indicated the military’s drone technology comes from Turkey, Russia, Iran and Egypt, while the RSF receives supplies through networks connected to the UAE via regional transfer locations including Ethiopia, Chad and Libya.

Earlier this month, the Sudanese government blamed neighboring Ethiopia for recent drone strikes on locations including the Khartoum airport. It accused the UAE of providing the drones. Both nations rejected the accusations.

“Ethiopia is a central partner to the UAE, so the allegations are not unfounded and reflects an attempt by the UAE to try to influence the outcome of the war,” Tejeda stated.

International drone operations may have contributed to increasing civilian casualties, but Birru and Raymond indicated that is challenging to verify.

“Both the warring parties’ battle tempo only increasing, and their backers actively still investing in the war, makes it clear that neither side is interested in a resolution,” Tejeda concluded.

President Donald Trump’s aggressive diplomatic approach that secured wins on trade and military issues during his second term has reached an impasse with Iran, potentially prolonging an 11-week crisis that continues to disrupt the world economy.

The same confrontational strategy featuring public ultimatums, harsh language and threats that yielded results elsewhere appears ineffective against Iranian leadership, raising concerns the current stalemate could continue indefinitely with repeated cycles of brinksmanship.

Trump has displayed mounting impatience with the prolonged crisis while maintaining his uncompromising stance toward Iran’s government, according to analysts.

This suggests little hope for rapid diplomatic resolution, stoking worries the standoff and its severe impact on global energy markets may persist with occasional escalations.

Experts point to Iranian leadership psychology as a key barrier, noting their need to maintain credibility domestically even after U.S.-Israeli military actions eliminated senior officials and significantly weakened the Islamic Republic’s armed forces.

Despite Iran maintaining effective control over the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, providing substantial negotiating power, Trump continues employing tactics marked by extreme demands, erratic behavior, contradictory messages and inflammatory rhetoric.

More critically, analysts note Trump’s determination to portray any resolution as complete American triumph regardless of actual circumstances, while demanding Iran accept total capitulation, which appears unlikely.

“That inevitably gets in the way of reaching a reasonable deal because no government, not just Iran’s, can afford to be viewed as having capitulated,” said Rob Malley, a former Iran negotiator in the Obama and Biden administrations.

The ongoing deadlock occurs as Trump confronts domestic challenges including elevated fuel costs and declining public approval following his decision to enter an unpopular conflict before November’s midterm elections. His Republican Party faces potential loss of congressional control.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales supported Trump’s negotiating methods, citing his “proven track record of achieving good deals” and claiming Iranian officials demonstrate growing “desperation” for agreement.

“President Trump is a master negotiator who always sets the right tone,” she said.

Trump’s most alarming statement occurred last month when he posted on social media threatening to eliminate Iran’s civilization without a deal – language administration officials told the Wall Street Journal was spontaneous and not reviewed as national security policy.

While Trump eventually agreed to a temporary ceasefire, he has maintained threatening language since his expletive-filled Easter Sunday warning about destroying Iranian infrastructure, repeating similar threats to reporters aboard Air Force One following his China visit Friday.

Last week, Trump told journalists they would recognize ceasefire collapse by seeing “one big glow coming out of Iran,” interpreted by some as nuclear weapon threats, though he insists he would never use such weapons.

Trump has directed particularly harsh language at Iranian leadership, labeling them “crazy bastards,” “lunatics” and “thugs,” while Tehran has responded with extensive mockery through graphic online content and social media campaigns.

He has consistently claimed Iran faces complete defeat despite contradictory evidence, stated they were “begging” for agreements only to have Iranians deny this, while alternating between demanding “unconditional surrender” and seeking negotiated solutions. Iranian officials have claimed victory simply by surviving military assault while demonstrating their ability to impose significant economic costs.

No internal White House efforts exist to encourage Trump toward more restrained Iran messaging, according to two knowledgeable sources speaking anonymously about internal discussions.

While polling indicates his MAGA movement largely supports him, some previous supporters have criticized the war and condemned his most extreme threats.

Many of Trump’s harshest statements, frequently posted on his Truth Social platform after midnight, have occurred during crucial moments, including last month when he suddenly announced Iranian port blockades, prompting retaliation that endangered the fragile ceasefire.

Monday, Trump rejected the newest Iranian peace proposal as a “piece of garbage.”

“The lack of strategic patience and inconsistency of the president’s rhetoric undercuts whatever message he wants to send,” said Dennis Ross, a former senior Middle East adviser in Democratic and Republican administrations.

During his Beijing trip, Trump largely avoided harsh Iran criticism while focused on important Chinese relations, given China’s role as Tehran’s ally and oil purchaser.

However, some analysts suggest Trump, who frequently speaks publicly and conducts spontaneous reporter interviews, should permanently moderate his language if seriously seeking conflict resolution.

“He talks too much,” Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters last month during a visit to Turkey.

Trump, a former New York real estate developer who promotes himself as an expert dealmaker, has long maintained that unpredictability serves as negotiating strategy to keep adversaries uncertain.

This method has produced concessions in certain situations when pursuing tariff deals with trading partners, though he often accepts less than initial demands. In some conflicts, including rapid U.S. military action against Venezuela resulting in leadership capture and last year’s negotiations securing Gaza war ceasefire, his pressure tactics have succeeded.

With Iran, Trump, who campaigned promising to avoid foreign wars, seeks to appear threatening to force concessions on nuclear programs and other matters, analysts explain.

However, former U.S. officials experienced in Iranian negotiations say this approach will likely fail, given the entrenched nature of clerical and military institutions and the nation’s historical pride.

Trump’s threats may actually strengthen Iran’s new leadership, considered more hardline than eliminated predecessors, who trust him even less following U.S. attacks during negotiations twice in the past year, analysts suggest.

“There’s been this false perception that if you just put enough pressure on Iran, they’ll capitulate, but that’s just not how it works with Iran,” said Nate Swanson, a former State Department official who served on the Iran negotiating team until July.

Barbara Leaf, former Middle East envoy under Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden, said beyond presidential rhetoric, his Iran campaign suffers from “a giddy assumption that Iran was a Venezuela-like problem for resolution (and) wholesale misunderstanding of the regime’s inherent resilience.”

Some experts believe Trump’s approach, which he says primarily aims to prevent Iranian nuclear weapons development, could produce opposite results.

U.S. military action combined with Trump’s coercive diplomacy might encourage Iran to accelerate rather than abandon eventual nuclear bomb development for protection similar to nuclear-armed North Korea, analysts warn. Iran has consistently maintained uranium enrichment rights while claiming purely peaceful purposes.

Adding complications, Trump and Iranian officials appear operating on different timelines – the impulsive president typically wants quick agreements to move forward, while Iranian delegations historically prolong negotiations.

Abdulkhaleq Abdullah, an academic in the United Arab Emirates, a U.S. Gulf ally, said the president could moderate his language but Iranian stubbornness bears more responsibility for current deadlock than Trump’s “threats and bombastic comments”.

Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft in Washington, said Tehran leadership may interpret Trump’s inconsistent approach as desperation and believe they can outlast him.

“In some ways, Trump plays right into their hands,” he said.

LONDON — Britain’s political leadership faces a crisis, with the individual many believe could resolve it currently lacking the necessary qualifications for the position.

At least not yet, though a pathway has emerged for Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester’s well-regarded mayor, to attempt challenging embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The situation remains uncertain, with significant obstacles ahead.

Burnham must first secure a return to Parliament before he could launch any leadership challenge against Starmer.

The prime minister, who has pledged to continue leading, finds himself under intense pressure amid declining public support and criticism of his decision-making abilities. The Labour Party suffered significant losses in recent nationwide local elections. A major Cabinet official has already stepped down, while more than 20% of the party’s House of Commons members are calling for his departure.

At 56 years old, Burnham represents Starmer’s most significant potential challenger, largely because many view him as more politically progressive than the current prime minister.

Known by the nickname ‘King of the North,’ Burnham’s Labour supporters hope this title will prove advantageous.

This reference to the beloved Jon Snow character from ‘Game of Thrones’ reflects the respect Burnham has earned through his strong advocacy for northern England’s working-class communities and traditions. The image suggests he operates outside London’s political inner circle, which resonates strongly with many northern voters.

Since 2017, Burnham has secured three substantial mayoral election victories, demonstrating his electoral appeal.

However, his track record includes setbacks. Burnham served in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet between 2007 and 2010 but suffered decisive defeats in two Labour Party leadership campaigns — in 2010 and again in 2015. During those earlier efforts, his presentation appeared rigid.

Departing from his 16-year parliamentary career allowed him to develop more natural speaking abilities and a more polished appearance. Formal business attire gave way to smart-casual clothing, frequently including sneakers.

While this might appear trivial, it helped him connect better with constituents.

More significantly, his mayoral experience transformed him into a more skilled political operator and arguably Labour’s most effective communicator.

His profile rose during the COVID-19 outbreak when he effectively represented northern England’s interests, repeatedly criticizing Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson for implementing ‘London-centric’ pandemic policies.

Burnham plans to resign his mayoral position if he succeeds in a special parliamentary election in Makerfield, located approximately 20 miles west of Manchester.

His path back to the House of Commons became available Thursday when Labour Party member Josh Simons announced his resignation to create an opening for Burnham. While Burnham was previously prevented from seeking another available seat earlier this year, Labour’s executive committee confirmed Friday that he could participate in the special election, anticipated within the next two months.

This contest will likely prove intense and could rank among the most significant special elections in British political history. Burnham recognized this reality.

‘I truly do not take a single vote for granted and will work hard to regain the trust of people in the Makerfield constituency, many of whom have long supported our party but lost faith in recent times,’ he stated when declaring his candidacy.

Simons won the seat by approximately 5,400 votes two years ago during Labour’s 2024 landslide that ended 14 years of Conservative rule.

Circumstances have shifted dramatically since then. Labour’s recent defeats came primarily from the rising anti-immigrant Reform UK party on the political right, with additional losses to the environmentally-focused Greens on the left. Reform captured all wards within the Makerfield constituency during local elections.

Reform’s leader, Nigel Farage, declared the party would ‘throw absolutely everything at it.’

Despite these results, Burnham can leverage his reputation for delivering results, according to Tim Bale, a politics professor at Queen Mary University of London.

‘Andy Burnham is a big name in the northwest. There will be a lot of people who would like to see him get back into Parliament, not least to take down Keir Starmer,’ Bale explained. ‘In some ways, it’s a useful test for Burnham because if he can’t beat Reform in that constituency, then quite frankly, he’s not much use to the Labour Party as leader.’

Labour has never removed a sitting leader during their time in government, though procedures exist for such action.

Should Burnham obtain a House of Commons seat, he would need to either initiate or join a leadership contest. This requires support from one-fifth — or 81 — of Labour’s 403 members. Starmer, who has committed to continuing his fight, would automatically enter to defend his leadership.

Wes Streeting was anticipated to announce his leadership bid Thursday after resigning as Starmer’s health secretary and criticizing his former superior for failing to provide effective solutions to Britain’s numerous challenges. However, he refrained from making such an announcement and, in what appeared to acknowledge Burnham’s potential candidacy, instead advocated for a ‘broad’ range of candidates to discuss the party’s direction.

On Friday, Streeting endorsed Burnham, posting on X that Labour requires its ‘best players on the pitch.’ He did not, however, explicitly state his desire to see Burnham become prime minister.

In any leadership competition, both Burnham and Streeting could seek the position. Others reportedly considering campaigns include former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, defense minister Al Carns, and former party leader Ed Miliband.

Currently, all scenarios depend on the Makerfield outcome, which could produce dramatic consequences.

‘Were Burnham to win the by-election, it’s unlikely that Keir Starmer will actually stand in that leadership contest,’ Bale observed. ‘If Burnham fails, then Starmer might feel he has a chance against Streeting and Rayner.’

VIENNA (AP) — Saturday brings the climactic finale of the Eurovision Song Contest, where heightened security measures and soggy conditions haven’t dampened fan excitement or silenced protesters demanding Israel’s removal from the competition.

Following a week of anticipation, performers representing 25 nations will compete on the Wiener Stadthalle stage for Europe’s most coveted musical prize. Global audiences numbering in the millions will evaluate diverse acts including a passionate Finnish violin player, a folk-rap artist from Moldova, and a heavy metal group from Serbia during this milestone 70th anniversary celebration.

This flamboyant, vibrant competition has drawn comparisons to soccer’s World Cup, substituting melodies for matches. Similar to international sporting events, political tensions frequently surface. For the third consecutive year, controversy surrounds demands to bar Israel due to Gaza-related conflicts and other disputes, prompting five regular participants — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia — to withdraw in protest.

Those unfamiliar with Eurovision’s blend of entertainment and political undercurrents need only examine two crowd-pleasing acts that emerged during the week’s preliminary rounds before Saturday’s championship event.

Rapper Satoshi’s “Viva, Moldova” combines “a stunning high energy performance with a subtle pro-European political message,” from a country moving toward the European Union after decades in Moscow’s orbit, said Eurovision historian Dean Vuletic. Greek artist Akylas’ song “Ferto,” or “Bring It,” provides a playful take on conspicuous consumption in a country still scarred by the economic wounds of the 2008 financial crisis.

Television audiences will likely award both acts high scores, though professional judging panels, who typically favor technical skill, may respond differently. Victory depends on combined voting from both groups, converted through a point system that puzzles even devoted Eurovision followers. The highest-scoring performer claims victory, earning their nation hosting rights for next year’s contest.

Finland leads wagering predictions with “Liekinheitin,” or “Flamethrower,” a passionate collaboration featuring pop vocalist Pete Parkkonen and classical violinist Linda Lampenius.

However, Eurovision frequently delivers unexpected outcomes.

“Eurovision has never really been a contest for big stars. It’s largely been a contest for underdogs,” Vuletic said. “People like to see the underdog on stage. They like to the artist-in-the-making on stage or an artist from a smaller, poorer country on stage.”

Australia presents an intriguing possibility, having participated since 2015 by sending established performer Delta Goodrem. Her polished moderate-tempo ballad “Eclipse” — featuring a dramatic performance where she’s lifted above a sparkling piano — has gained momentum in betting markets. Should she triumph, a European nation would likely serve as Australia’s proxy host next year.

Israeli representative Noam Bettan has received positive audience reactions inside the venue, despite four demonstrators being removed after attempting to disrupt his Tuesday semifinal appearance.

Public demonstrations condemning Israel’s participation due to its military actions against Hamas in Gaza have been more subdued in Vienna compared to the 2024 competition in Malmo, Sweden and last year’s event in Basel, Switzerland.

Organizers have scheduled a protest against Israel’s involvement before Saturday’s finale, while pro-Palestinian organizations held an outdoor performance Friday titled “No stage for genocide.”

“Inviting Israel on such a beautiful stage as the Eurovision Song Contest stage is an affront to all the people who believe in humanity, who believe in love and togetherness,” said Congolese-Austrian artist Patrick Bongola, one of the organizers. He said the concert aimed to “show the world that not all Austrians are happy with this decision.”

The five-country withdrawal represents a significant financial and audience setback for an event that organizers report attracted 166 million global viewers last year. This year’s 35-competitor lineup marks the smallest field since 2003.

Nevertheless, Eurovision plans continued growth, with a new Eurovision Song Contest Asia scheduled for Bangkok in November.

Vuletic notes that political disputes aren’t unprecedented. The inaugural Eurovision boycott occurred in 1969 — ironically by Austria, which declined to participate in Spain under dictator Francisco Franco.

“We’ve seen very politicized editions of the contest in the recent past,” Vuletic said, including the 2009 contest in Russia, Azerbaijan’s turn as host in 2012 and the 2024 competition in Sweden, marred by protests and the expulsion of a competitor for allegedly threatening a female camera operator.

“All of them were very much mired in political controversy, yet Eurovision continues,” he said.

President Trump announced Friday that a joint military operation between U.S. and Nigerian forces successfully eliminated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, who served as the global second-in-command for ISIS.

“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield. Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” Trump wrote in a statement posted to Truth Social.

The president also expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s government for their cooperation in carrying out the mission.

This operation comes after previous tensions between Trump and Nigeria, as the president had previously claimed that Christians in the African nation were facing persecution – allegations that Nigeria’s government has disputed.

Last Christmas Day, U.S. forces conducted strikes against what officials described as Islamist strongholds in Nigeria’s northwest region, actions that followed Trump’s earlier criticisms of the country.

A high-ranking Taiwanese official on Saturday defended the importance of American weapon sales following President Donald Trump’s statement that he remains undecided about future arms deals with the island.

Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi told reporters in Taipei that weapon sales from America are established under the Taiwan Relations Act and serve as a foundation for peace and stability in the region.

“Taiwan-U.S. arms sales have always been a cornerstone of regional peace and stability,” he said.

The comments came after Trump indicated Friday following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing that he had not made a decision regarding a significant weapons sale, raising questions about America’s ongoing support for Taiwan.

While the United States lacks official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Washington serves as the island’s primary international supporter. The democratically governed territory faces territorial claims from China, and American law requires the provision of defensive weapons to Taiwan.

The Trump administration greenlit a historic $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December. Reports indicate a second deal valued at approximately $14 billion remains pending Trump’s approval.

Chen refused to discuss specifics about the second package since it has not been publicly announced, stating that Taiwan would maintain dialogue with American officials to monitor developments.

During his post-summit remarks with Xi, Trump suggested he might discuss the proposed sale with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, saying he needed to speak with “the person … that’s running Taiwan.”

When asked about this possibility, Chen said Taiwan needed to determine the “true intent” behind Trump’s statements.

Beijing has maintained the option of using military force to bring Taiwan under its authority and has rejected multiple dialogue offers from Lai, labeling him a “separatist.”

Chen described the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official designation, as a “sovereign and independent country.”

“And only the 23 million people of Taiwan can decide our own future through democratic means,” he stated.

LONDON, May 15 – The ruling Labour Party in Britain announced Friday that it has authorized Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to pursue a parliamentary position, opening the door for a potential leadership contest against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The possibility of a challenge from Burnham, who leans left politically, has intensified difficulties for Starmer, whose party experienced significant defeats in recent local elections, while also causing concern among investors as Britain’s borrowing costs rose sharply Friday by the largest amount in more than a year.

A lawmaker stepped down from his position Thursday to create an opening for Burnham to run for parliament, which he must do to be eligible to challenge Starmer for party leadership and potentially become prime minister.

Burnham had requested approval from Labour’s National Executive Committee to participate in the special election.

According to a party spokesperson, the NEC had “today given permission to Andy Burnham to stand in the candidate selection process in the forthcoming by-election for the Makerfield constituency”.

While Burnham has expressed his desire to “change Labour for the better”, he has not directly stated he will mount a challenge against Starmer, although numerous lawmakers who recently called for Starmer to announce a resignation timeline support Burnham as his replacement.

Previously this year, the NEC prevented Burnham from seeking a different position in Greater Manchester, which party progressives criticized as an effort by Starmer and his supporters to eliminate competition.

Friday’s approval ensures Burnham will not face similar obstacles from Labour, though he has not yet received official confirmation as the party’s nominee. The special election is expected to be competitive against Nigel Farage’s populist right-wing Reform UK.

The United States revealed Friday its growing interest in Guyana’s vast bauxite deposits and other natural resources for commercial ventures, as the Trump administration intensifies its focus on Latin American energy and mineral assets.

This week, U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg conducted meetings with senior Guyanese leadership, including President Irfaan Ali, in the South American nation currently experiencing significant oil development.

Massive petroleum deposits found within the past ten years have elevated Guyana’s strategic significance, particularly during the worldwide energy shortage triggered by the Iran conflict. The nation’s bauxite deposits are essential for aluminum manufacturing.

The Trump administration has taken a more assertive approach toward Latin American resources, from encouraging expanded petroleum extraction in Venezuela after the U.S. military action in January, to seeking partnerships with Brazil regarding essential minerals.

In a region where energy output appeared to be dropping, Latin America is now witnessing a turnaround of this pattern, according to Benjamin Gedan, senior fellow and the director of the Stimson Center Latin America program.

“In times of global energy scarcity, there’s a great deal more focus on Latin America as an alternative stable source of supply,” said Gedan. “And Guyana is the leader of that story.”

The diplomatic visit occurs as U.S. officials express worry about the Chinese government and major corporations securing lucrative state agreements at the cost of American businesses.

Guyanese leaders have contended that American companies have shown less initiative compared to Chinese firms, which frequently provide funding and address workforce requirements for large-scale developments.

Helberg informed officials that bauxite deposits are already identified, making the U.S. interested in that industry. Presently, Chinese company Bosai Minerals holds the leading position in Guyana’s bauxite market.

“Generally speaking, we both understand that Guyana is a country with a lot of natural resources,” Helberg said of the bilateral talks.

He indicated that America could also help Guyana perform advanced geological studies to identify additional underground minerals for future extraction.

The U.S. aims to avoid repeating previous errors that allowed China to establish influence in the area, according to Jason Marczak, vice president and senior director for the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council.

Although Guyana likely seeks to broaden its commercial partnerships, including with China, the diplomatic mission demonstrates the nation continues as a reliable American ally in the region.

“President Ali in particular is very close to the United States and in general recognizes the importance of the U.S. as a key partner for Guyana,” Marczak said. “That’s reflected by Helberg’s visit to Guyana.”

Guyana’s Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud told The Associated Press on Friday that Guyana wants to draw U.S. investment to the mineral, oil and gas-abundant nation in upcoming months.

“The U.S. is our strategic partner and we made that clear to them but we would want value added to bauxite and other products. We are interested in processing and with improvements in energy generation,” he said.

Former President Donald Trump indicated Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping might be willing to free a jailed pastor but suggested that securing the release of imprisoned media mogul Jimmy Lai would prove more challenging.

Speaking with reporters while flying back to the United States from China on Friday, Trump expressed optimism about one case while acknowledging difficulties with the other.

“I think he’s giving very serious consideration to the pastor,” Trump stated during the Air Force One flight, though he noted Xi had indicated Lai’s situation presented different complications.

“He told me that would be a tough one,” Trump explained.

In a separate interview with Fox News Channel’s ‘Special Report,’ Trump confirmed he had raised Lai’s case during discussions but received a discouraging response.

“I would say the response to that was not positive,” Trump told the news program.

“He went through a whole thing and I said, ‘Well, we’d appreciate if you would release him. He’s gotten old, and he’s probably not feeling too well. It would be nice.’ And I did not feel optimistic. I have to be honest with you about that one,” Trump continued.

Lai received a 20-year prison sentence in February after being convicted on two conspiracy charges involving collusion with foreign forces and one charge related to publishing seditious content.

The media executive’s imprisonment has drawn international attention regarding Hong Kong’s national security enforcement, particularly given his role as the creator of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper. Various foreign governments and international human rights organizations have expressed criticism about how the security legislation has affected Hong Kong.

The religious leader in question is Pastor Jin Mingri, who established Zion Church and was taken into custody in November alongside approximately 30 other church pastors and employees in what represents the most significant action against Chinese Christians since 2018.

These arrests followed new regulations issued by China’s primary religious oversight agency that prohibited unauthorized internet-based preaching or religious instruction by clergy, along with banning “foreign collusion.”

The United Arab Emirates defended its military activities on Saturday, stating through its foreign ministry that any actions taken by the nation were part of protective measures designed to safeguard its sovereignty, citizens, and critical infrastructure.

The ministry’s declaration followed a Wall Street Journal report published Monday alleging that the UAE conducted military operations against Iran during the first part of April.

The UAE foreign ministry’s statement did not directly address or confirm the reported military strikes against Iran.

A former financial official from Mexico’s Sinaloa state has reportedly surrendered to United States authorities, according to a Mexican news publication.

Enrique Diaz, who previously served as the state’s finance minister, turned himself over to U.S. officials, the newspaper Reforma reported Friday. The publication cited official sources for the information.

The report has not been independently verified by other news organizations.

China’s United Nations representative expressed strong opposition Friday to a US-Bahraini proposal targeting Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, calling both the substance and timing inappropriate for advancing peace.

The proposed measure calls on Iran to stop attacks and mining operations in the strategic waterway, though diplomatic sources indicate Russia and China will likely block it through vetoes. Last month, both nations rejected a comparable US-supported proposal, claiming it unfairly targeted Iran.

In video footage shared by Pass Blue, a UN-focused news outlet, China’s UN envoy Fu Gong addressed the proposal during an unplanned interview, stating: “We don’t think the content is right, and the timing is not right.

“What we need is to urge both sides to engage in serious and good-faith negotiations that can resolve the issue. So passing a resolution at this stage, we don’t think is going to be helpful,” he explained.

Fu indicated that under China’s current leadership of the 15-nation UN Security Council, he would oppose bringing the resolution to a vote.

China’s UN delegation clarified that while the council presidency carries responsibility for scheduling votes when requested by resolution sponsors, no such request has been submitted.

The US mission to the United Nations has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

Fu’s statements followed a two-day meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping that concluded Friday. According to White House officials, both leaders agreed the strait should stay open, with Xi expressing China’s opposition to militarizing the waterway or imposing transit fees.

Xi offered no public remarks on the matter, though China’s foreign ministry expressed Beijing’s dissatisfaction with the Iran conflict, declaring: “This conflict, which should never have happened, has no reason to continue.”

Israeli military forces launched an airstrike Friday evening in Gaza targeting a high-ranking Hamas military commander, according to statements from Israeli leadership.

The strike was aimed at Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who leads Hamas’ Qassam brigades, though officials have not confirmed whether he was killed or wounded in the attack. Hamas has not issued any response regarding the strike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed their military conducted the operation Friday evening specifically targeting al-Haddad.

Gaza City experienced at least two separate Israeli strikes that evening. One hit a residential structure while the other struck a vehicle. Medical personnel at Palestine Red Crescent Society’s Saraya Field Hospital and Shifa hospital reported seven fatalities and dozens of wounded individuals from the attacks.

According to Netanyahu and Katz, al-Haddad played a key role as “one of the architects” behind the Oct. 7 attack.

The territory continues experiencing almost daily Israeli military action even with a fragile ceasefire in place since October. Gaza Health Ministry data shows over 850 deaths have occurred since that agreement. The Health Ministry operates under Gaza’s Hamas-controlled government but employs medical professionals who keep comprehensive records that international observers generally consider credible.

Israeli leadership warned they will persist in pursuing anyone involved in the Oct. 7 assault, during which militants killed approximately 1,200 people and captured 251 hostages. Gaza’s death toll has exceeded 72,700 since Israel began its military response to Hamas’ 2023 attack.

“Sooner or later, Israel will reach you,” their statement declared.

Local residents reported additional airstrikes following the operation against al-Haddad, though the military’s targets in those subsequent attacks remained unclear.

Both sides have accused each other of ceasefire violations since the unstable agreement took effect. Israel has continued targeting Hamas operatives within the coastal territory, most recently killing the son of Hamas’ chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya.

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department is reducing thousands of military personnel in Europe by stopping planned deployments to Poland and Germany rather than withdrawing forces currently stationed there, according to U.S. officials, as President Donald Trump has clashed with allies over the Iran war and demanded changes.

Multiple U.S. officials confirmed that 4,000 service members from the Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division will no longer deploy to Poland this week as scheduled. The Trump administration had initially announced it was only reducing U.S. forces in Germany, leading to questions and backlash in both Warsaw and Washington.

Two officials told The Associated Press the Poland deployment was stopped after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a directive instructing the Joint Chiefs of Staff to remove a brigade combat team from Europe. One official said military leaders were given the authority to choose which unit would be affected.

In addition to the Army combat team stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, the directive also resulted in canceling an upcoming German deployment of a battalion specialized in firing long-range rockets and missiles, the two officials said, speaking anonymously to discuss sensitive military matters.

Three U.S. officials indicated the canceled deployments were designed to fulfill a presidential directive issued in early May to decrease European troop levels by roughly 5,000. The rationale appears poorly communicated, as others stationed in Europe said they were unaware whether the stopped Poland deployment was connected to the previously announced troop reduction.

Trump and the Pentagon have stated in recent weeks they were reducing at least 5,000 troops in Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the U.S. was being “humiliated” by the Iranian leadership and criticized what he called a lack of strategy in the war.

The reduction demonstrates a widening divide between the administration and traditional European allies, with the U.S. leader repeatedly criticizing fellow NATO members for insufficient support for the Iran conflict.

Polish officials on Friday maintained that the canceled U.S. deployment to Poland, which was first reported by The Military Times and other publications, was not specifically targeting their nation but resulted from Trump’s decision to decrease troop numbers in Germany.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he “received assurances” that the decision was logistical in nature and stated it does not directly affect deterrence capabilities and Poland’s security.

Joel Valdez, a Pentagon spokesman, said “the decision to withdraw troops follows a comprehensive, multilayered process” and argued it was “not an unexpected, last-minute decision.”

During a Congressional hearing Friday, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s chief of staff, said discussions about the stopped Poland deployment occurred over the past two weeks but the actual decision was made in recent days.

Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said he spoke with Polish officials Thursday and they were “blindsided.”

The action also left some U.S. military personnel in Europe uninformed about how the Trump administration was reducing forces. A U.S. official based in Europe said a meeting was scheduled with 20 minutes’ notice on Monday to discuss the Poland deployment cancellation.

At that point, troops had already been deployed to Poland and some still in the U.S. were informed shortly before departure not to travel to the airport, that official said. Another official said most of the Army unit’s equipment had already reached Europe and was waiting in ports.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers criticized the reductions as conveying the wrong message to both allies and Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces this week launched one of the most devastating attacks on the Ukrainian capital in the 4-year-old war.

During the House Armed Services Committee hearing Friday, LaNeve said he collaborated with U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander in Europe of both American and NATO forces, after Grynkewich received instructions for the force reduction.

“I’ve worked with him in close consultation of what that force unit would be, and it made the most sense for that brigade to not do its deployment in theater,” LaNeve said.

Bacon called the decision “reprehensible” and said it was “an embarrassment to our country what we just did to Poland.”

Republican Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, who chairs the committee, said the military is required to consult with lawmakers and that did not happen.

“So we don’t know what’s going on here,” Rogers said. “But I can just tell you we’re not happy with what’s being talked about.”

A State Department official said Friday at a security conference in Tallinn, Estonia, that the U.S. reductions in Europe were “right there in black and white” but also noted that “the U.S. isn’t going anywhere.”

“We’ll continue to work with the Pentagon and work with our partners to make sure we get the right fit and right mix of what’s happening here on the ground,” said Thomas G. DiNanno, U.S. undersecretary of state for arms control and international security.

With the stopped deployments, the U.S. military presence in Europe will now return to pre-2022 levels, before Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one U.S. official said.

Europe has been preparing for a reduction since Trump returned to the White House, with the administration warning that Europe would need to handle its own security, including Ukraine’s, going forward.

A NATO official said the U.S. decision to cancel its rotational deployment to Poland would not affect NATO’s deterrence and defense plans. Canada and Germany have increased their presence on the alliance’s eastern flank, which contributes to NATO’s overall strength, the official said, requesting anonymity in line with NATO regulations.

Ben Hodges, former commanding general of U.S. Army Europe, said the move “reinforces the perception that the United States just does things without consultation with allies,” which ultimately “damages cohesion inside the alliance.” The decision would eventually harm the U.S. defense industry as it reduces partner trust, he said.

Approximately 10,000 U.S. troops are typically stationed in Poland, the majority present in the country on a rotational basis. Only about 300 troops are permanently stationed in the country, according to the U.S. Congressional Research Service.

Polish officials had hoped they would be exempt from any cuts as Poland spends the most in NATO on defense as a proportion of its economy — around 4.7% in 2025. Hegseth has called it a “model ally” in NATO for spending so much on defense.

When Poland’s conservative president, Karol Nawrocki, visited the White House in September, Trump said he didn’t intend to pull U.S. troops out of Poland. “We’ll put more there if they want,” Trump said at the time.

The United States may bring criminal charges against former Cuban President Raul Castro, age 94, in relation to Cuba’s fatal downing of aircraft belonging to the relief organization Brothers to the Rescue in 1996.

Castro stands as one of the founding architects of Cuba’s communist system and continues to serve as a unifying force for supporters of the 1959 revolution that transformed the island nation.

Early Revolutionary Role and Military Leadership

• Castro, born in 1931, played a crucial role with his elder brother Fidel during the 1959 insurgency that overthrew American-supported ruler Fulgencio Batista and initiated Cuba’s transformation to communism.

• For many years, Castro held the position of defense minister under his brother’s leadership, establishing strong connections throughout Cuba’s military and government apparatus.

• His responsibilities included helping repel the American-backed Bay of Pigs assault in 1961 and managing Cuba’s military operations abroad, especially throughout Africa.

Rise to Leadership

• Castro’s path to power began in 2006 when Fidel became seriously ill, first taking on interim presidential duties before officially assuming the presidency in 2008.

• When Fidel died in 2016, Castro continued as the nation’s primary political authority, defying predictions that his brother’s passing would weaken the communist system.

Continued Influence Behind the Scenes

• Castro held the presidency through 2018. Upon leaving office, he kept his ceremonial rank of “army general” and maintains considerable sway over Cuba’s Communist Party, military, and government structures.

• Present leader Miguel Diaz-Canel is generally viewed as depending on Castro’s counsel for important policy choices.

• This past December 2025, Castro recommended delaying the Communist Party gathering meant to select Diaz-Canel’s replacement, pointing to the nation’s severe financial troubles. Party leadership unanimously supported his suggestion.

• Castro made his most recent public appearance on May 1 during International Workers’ Day celebrations. Dressed in military attire, he walked with Diaz-Canel and other government figures but looked tired and unexpectedly needed to take a seat during the event.

A Moscow court has issued a ruling requiring Euroclear, a Brussels-based financial clearing house, to compensate Russia’s central bank for frozen assets, according to Russian media reports released Friday.

The legal action demanded 18.2 trillion rubles, equivalent to $249.7 billion, in compensation for damages Russia claims it suffered when prevented from accessing and controlling its funds and securities held by Euroclear.

Legal representatives for Euroclear, attorneys Maxim Kulkov and Sergei Savelyev, told Russian news organization RBC on Friday that Moscow’s Arbitration Court granted the central bank’s request completely during proceedings conducted without public access.

The defense team contended that Euroclear was denied proper legal proceedings, with Savelyev stating the company plans to challenge the verdict. A spokesperson for the central bank expressed approval of the court’s ruling to RBC.

European Union authorities immobilized Russian financial holdings valued at 210 billion euros ($244 billion) through sanctions implemented following Moscow’s military action in Ukraine beginning in February 2022. Euroclear maintains custody of approximately 193 billion euros from these frozen funds.

The central bank initiated this legal challenge in December 2025. Moscow’s Arbitration Court accepted jurisdiction over the matter despite the EU abandoning its original strategy to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine after Belgium refused guarantees of protection from Russian retaliation.

Instead, the European Union chose to secure 90 billion euros through capital market borrowing to extend an interest-free loan supporting Ukraine’s defense and economic requirements over a two-year period.

Russia’s central bank has denounced any utilization of the frozen assets for Ukrainian assistance as “illegal, contrary to international law,” claiming such actions breach “the principles of sovereign immunity of assets.”

CANNES, France – Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, whose work earned the first Oscar for best foreign language film from his country, expressed profound anguish Friday regarding the thousands who died during January’s violent suppression of demonstrators and current military conflict involving Iran.

Speaking to media at the Cannes Film Festival following Thursday evening’s debut of his latest work “Parallel Tales,” the Academy Award winner shared his emotional state after a recent visit to his homeland.

“I was actually in Tehran last week, and I am still carrying the impact of these events with me,” Farhadi stated. “Both are deeply painful, and neither will ever be forgotten.”

January saw widespread anti-government demonstrations throughout Iran crushed in what became the most severe suppression in the Islamic Republic’s existence. By late February, military strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces initiated conflict with Iran that has expanded throughout the Middle East region.

The filmmaker, who has primarily resided outside Iran since 2023, expressed his distress at daily reports of civilian casualties.

Farhadi achieved historic recognition when “A Separation” captured the Oscar for best foreign language film in 2012, marking the first such honor for Iranian cinema.

Five years afterward, he claimed the same award for “The Salesman,” although he refused to attend the ceremony as a protest against travel restrictions imposed on multiple Muslim-majority nations during the initial presidency of Donald Trump.

His current project “Parallel Tales,” a French-language drama filmed in Paris starring Isabelle Huppert and Vincent Cassel, competes alongside 21 other entries for the festival’s highest honor.

HAVANA, May 15 – Washington’s intention to bring criminal charges against Cuba’s former leader Raul Castro regarding the destruction of civilian aircraft two decades ago has heightened anxieties across the Caribbean island nation on Friday, as Cuba grapples with its most severe economic crisis in recent memory while facing critical fuel supply problems.

Criminal charges against the 94-year-old revolutionary figure would represent a significant intensification of the pressure tactics employed against Cuba by the Trump administration, which has characterized the island’s communist leadership as both corrupt and incompetent while demanding political transformation.

Cuban officials have not yet issued a direct response to the indictment threat, though Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demonstrated resistance on Friday.

“Despite the (U.S.) embargo, sanctions and threats of the use of force, Cuba continues on a path of sovereignty towards its socialist development,” Rodriguez said in a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers.

Reuters spoke with Cuban citizens in Havana who believe criminal charges would only reverse progress in U.S.-Cuba relations, worsening the diplomatic standoff between the neighboring countries.

Sonia Torres, 59, a Havana schoolteacher, viewed potential prosecution of Raul Castro, who spent decades leading the nation’s armed forces before serving as president from 2008 to 2018, as an insult to Cuban national dignity during a period of hardship.

“Cubans must always keep moving forward,” she said. “If they try to process Raul, we’ll defend Cuba with sticks and rocks if we have to.”

Strained diplomatic ties between the two neighboring nations trace back to Fidel Castro’s 1959 communist revolution. Castro formed an alliance with the Soviet Union, then confiscated U.S.-citizen owned businesses and properties, fueling decades of tensions between the two nations.

The Trump administration has besieged Cuba since January, implementing a de facto fuel blockade, issuing threats of military action and intensifying sanctions that have compelled foreign businesses – including Canadian miner Sherritt International – to flee.

However, criminal charges against Castro would represent a pivotal moment, according to Peter Kornbluh, an author of a history of secret negotiations between Cuba and the United States, who said an indictment would likely represent “the diplomatic endpoint” to negotiations.

“This was an ultimatum: It’s do or die time,” Kornbluh said. “(The indictment) has created a fig leaf of legality for any military operations to seize or assassinate Raul Castro.”

The United States has previously used criminal cases against foreign political figures to justify military actions, and Trump has threatened that Cuba “is next” after his administration in January captured Venezuela leader Nicolas Maduro.

His government called the military raid a “law enforcement operation” to bring Maduro to New York to face criminal charges.

The younger Castro remains considered the island’s most powerful living leader and emblem of the Cuban revolution, despite no longer maintaining an official government position.

BROTHERS TO THE RESCUE

A potential Castro indictment, the U.S. Department of Justice sources said, ties back to Cuba’s 1996 shootdown of two planes operated by humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue.

Cuba at the time defended the attack as a legitimate defense of its airspace but the U.S. position was later backed up by the International Civil Aviation Organization, which concluded the shootdown took place over international waters.

Fidel Castro said Cuba’s military had acted on “standing orders” to down planes entering Cuban airspace. He said brother Raul, then defense minister, did not give a specific order to shoot the planes.

Havana resident Eliecer Diaz, 45, said then, as now, Cuba had to defend itself in the face of U.S. aggression.

“That’s an invasion … and you have to defend yourself,” said Havana resident Eliecer Diaz, 45. “If they are now thinking of prosecuting (Raul Castro), I think that is wrong.”

Armed militants kidnapped multiple students from an elementary and middle school in Nigeria’s conflict-torn Borno state during Friday morning classes, according to local residents.

The attackers arrived on motorcycles around 9 a.m. local time and stormed Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area while students were in class, said Ubaidallah Hasaan, a nearby resident.

A school teacher confirmed to Reuters that the armed assailants came on motorcycles.

“Despite some students escaping to the bushes, I can tell you many were taken away,” the teacher said.

While no organization has taken credit for the kidnapping, the incident shows characteristics typical of attacks by the Islamist militia Boko Haram.

The notorious group previously captured over 270 schoolgirls in Chibok within the same state in 2014, sparking international outrage. This marks the first school abduction in Borno state since that incident.

Neither Nigeria’s police nor military forces provided immediate comment when contacted.

The village of Mussa sits close to Sambisa Forest, which has served as a longtime base for Islamist fighters who have conducted violent operations across northeastern Nigeria for over ten years.

A local lawmaker, Midala Usman Balami, described the attack as “heartbreaking” and called on government officials to respond quickly.

Despite continued military campaigns, Borno and surrounding states continue experiencing regular attacks on schools and villages, highlighting security weaknesses in remote regions.

Armed group kidnappings have emerged as a significant security threat throughout Nigeria recently, with educational institutions frequently becoming targets, though such incidents occur less often in the northeast compared to northwestern regions.

In another Friday incident, armed men kidnapped students from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in southwestern Oyo state. Local authorities have closed area schools temporarily while police search for the kidnappers.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Military personnel from Israel established a temporary outpost in Iraq’s desert region during the recent U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to Iraqi and American officials who spoke with The Associated Press.

The Wall Street Journal initially broke the story about the covert Israeli military installation, characterizing it as a facility that housed special operations troops and functioned as a supply center for Israeli air operations.

News of the clandestine installation caused significant controversy in Iraq. Iraqi authorities reported that their military units investigated reports of an unauthorized armed presence in the Nukhaib desert region — a desolate stretch southwest of Karbala and Najaf — during early March and encountered hostile fire while approaching the site.

While Iraqi leadership has acknowledged the existence of a brief, unauthorized military presence in the desert area, they have not publicly identified it as Israeli. Nevertheless, two Iraqi security and intelligence sources, along with a high-ranking U.S. military official, confirmed the Israeli identity under anonymity due to lack of authorization for public statements.

Regarding the Israeli installation, the U.S. official noted that “base is a strong word to describe it” and characterized it instead as a “temporary staging area or camp to support operations in Iran.”

An Iraqi intelligence source reported that the Israeli unit had erected tents in the location and “its objective was to monitor rocket launches and drone activity conducted by some Iraqi militias.” Iraqi leadership believes the unit arrived through an aerial drop but remains uncertain about timing, the source explained. They also challenged characterizing the military presence as a “base.”

According to officials, a local shepherd spotted the military presence and alerted authorities.

Israeli military representatives refused to provide comment. The U.S. military had not responded to requests for comment at press time.

The United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, sparking a regional conflict that placed Iraq in a difficult position. Iraq serves as host to multiple Iran-affiliated militia groups, which conducted strikes against U.S. installations in Iraq and throughout the region, as well as against Israel. American and Israeli forces responded by targeting militia locations within Iraq.

Iraqi leadership, however, urged both parties to keep the country out of their dispute. The possibility that Israeli forces might have operated militarily within their territory without detection placed Iraqi officials in a compromising situation.

On Tuesday, Iraqi military units traveled to the desert location of the suspected Israeli installation to demonstrate to reporters that no evidence of permanent military occupation existed there.

“We believe it was a small force that came and stayed for no longer than 48 hours,” stated Gen. Abdul-Amir Yarallah, chief of the general staff of the Iraqi army during the site visit.

Maj. Gen. Tahseen al Khafaji, a spokesperson for the Iraqi defense ministry, informed the AP that on March 3, military command received intelligence about “a small enemy force in a specific area in the Najaf desert,” prompting Iraqi forces to investigate the location the following day.

“Within 25 kilometers, the force which went there faced an aerial attack, which led to the martyrdom of one of our fighters and injured two other fighters,” he stated.

Al Khafaji explained that Iraqi forces withdrew following the attack but returned the subsequent day to find no evidence of an installation and no personnel remaining.

“It is believed that the force was there for a very short time and it was a very small force,” he noted, adding that investigation efforts “did not show anything that indicates that the force was stationed there for a long time in that area.”

Airbus DS satellite imagery from March 8, examined by the AP, appears to reveal an artificial pathway carved into the terrain at the location, approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) southwest of Baghdad. The pathway extends in a direct line through a dried lakebed from northwest to southeast, measuring roughly 1.5 kilometers (1 mile). This length would accommodate aircraft takeoffs and landings.

The closest settlement, al-Nukhaib, is located approximately 45 kilometers (27 miles) to the northwest along a route leading to the Saudi Arabian border. This distance would likely have avoided drawing significant notice, although Iraq’s airspace was busy with American and Israeli military aircraft during the active weeks of conflict with Iran.

MIAMI (AP) — Federal prosecutors are moving forward with plans to pursue criminal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, according to three individuals with knowledge of the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday. This development occurs as President Donald Trump considers potential military action against the communist nation.

According to one source, the proposed charges relate to Castro’s suspected involvement in the 1996 downing of four aircraft belonging to Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based exile organization. Castro served as defense minister during that time period.

The three sources requested anonymity as they were not permitted to speak publicly about the active investigation.

CBS initially reported on the possible charges, which would require grand jury approval to proceed.

In March, The AP revealed that Miami’s U.S. Attorney had established a specialized team of prosecutors and federal agents to develop cases against senior Cuban leadership. This followed demands from multiple south Florida Republicans to reexamine Castro’s suspected connection to the 1996 aircraft incident. The United States has secured only one conviction for conspiracy to commit murder related to this event.

While Trump works to conclude military operations in Iran, observers anticipate he may refocus on Cuba after promising a “friendly takeover” of the nation earlier this year if its government failed to welcome American investment and remove U.S. enemies.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe conducted meetings with Cuban representatives, including Castro’s grandson, during a significant diplomatic visit to the island on Thursday.

The 94-year-old Castro assumed the presidency from his brother Fidel Castro in 2011, later transferring authority to his chosen successor, Miguel Díaz-Canel, in 2019. Though he has maintained a low profile since stepping down as Cuban Communist Party leader in 2021, many believe he continues to exercise influence from behind the scenes. This is highlighted by the prominent role of his grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, who previously held confidential meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Israeli forces announced Friday they conducted a targeted strike against the leader of Hamas’ military operations in Gaza, calling him a key architect behind the October 7, 2023 attacks that sparked Israel’s ongoing two-year military campaign in the Palestinian territory.

The militant organization has not yet provided any statement regarding the status of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who assumed leadership of Hamas’ military operations in Gaza following Israel’s elimination of commander Mohammad Sinwar in May 2025.

This marks the highest-ranking Hamas figure Israel has attempted to eliminate since a U.S.-supported agreement in October aimed at ending hostilities in Gaza. The operation occurs while Hamas continues to strengthen its control over a narrow coastal area of Gaza that remains under its authority.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a joint declaration stating that Haddad “was responsible for the murder, abduction, and harm inflicted on thousands of Israeli civilians (and) soldiers.”

The officials stopped short of confirming whether they believe Haddad was successfully eliminated in the operation.

Medical personnel and local witnesses in Gaza reported that an aerial assault struck a residential building in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, resulting in at least one fatality and multiple injuries. The identity of the deceased individual remains unconfirmed at this time.

According to the same sources, Israeli forces conducted a follow-up strike targeting a vehicle on a neighboring street shortly afterward. No immediate casualty reports emerged from this second attack.

BRUSSELS — Foreign ministers from 46 European and neighboring countries reached consensus Friday on a fresh interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights as it applies to migration matters, including the contentious practice of establishing deportation facilities in third nations.

The political agreement emerged following requests from certain member countries for tougher measures to combat unauthorized migration and streamline deportation processes.

Human rights organizations condemned the political agreement, arguing it might relax restrictions against torture and diminish Europe’s human rights safeguards for migrants.

“The declaration underlines that states have the undeniable sovereign right to control the entry and residence of foreign nationals, and that it is both an obligation and a necessity for states to protect their borders in compliance with the Convention,” the Council of Europe said in a statement after the non-binding declaration was adopted all of its 46 members’ foreign ministers Friday at a meeting in Chisinau, the Moldovan capital.

The organization stated that countries “exposed to mass arrivals” can pursue new approaches to deter irregular migration including “third country ‘return hubs’, and cooperation with countries of transit.”

The Council supervises the European Court of Human Rights, which serves as the continent’s highest authority for protecting human rights under the convention.

The agreement might undermine both the judicial body and the convention itself, according to Chiara Catelli, a spokesperson for the Brussels-based rights group PICUM.

“Governments are effectively seeking to pressure an independent Court into weakening long-established human rights protections in order to facilitate deportations, with the risk of deporting people where they could face torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, or where they would stop receiving life-saving medical care,” she said.

“A two-tier human rights system based on migration status is an affront to the basic principle that human rights are universal,” said Eve Geddie, director of Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office.

Italy transported several dozen migrants without legal permission to stay to a “return hub” in Albania last year, marking the first time a European Union member nation sent rejected migrants to a country outside the EU that was neither their homeland nor a nation they had passed through during their journey.

Human rights advocates have described such policies as cruel and draw comparisons to the deportation strategies of United States President Donald Trump.

The EU has progressively strengthened migration policies following right-wing parties gaining control in several countries during 2024.

Last year the leaders of nine European Union countries — Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland — signed an open letter claiming the rights convention prevented them from expelling foreign criminals.

These countries contended that the court’s interpretation of the convention in “cases concerning the expulsion of criminal foreign nationals” has protected the “wrong people” and imposed excessive restrictions on determining who can be expelled.

European Union migration commission Magnus Brunner hailed the declaration as “an important step” toward unified migration policy.

“It strengthens our approach to a fair and firm migration policy in Europe. Migration is a shared challenge that requires shared solutions,” he said.

Following the signing of the declaration, the Council’s Secretary General Alain Berset said the Chisinau Declaration “will help to guide our own work as well as that of national authorities and domestic courts.”

BEIJING (AP) — During a three-day visit to China, President Donald Trump remained unusually reserved, avoiding reporters and limiting his social media activity. However, once aboard his return flight, he opened up about the discussions.

The president’s visit was surprisingly focused on Taiwan tensions and the possibility of establishing a fresh approach to managing the complex U.S.-China relationship.

Chinese President Xi Jinping began the intensive visit with a stern message: mismanaging relations with the self-governing Taiwan could lead to confrontation or even open warfare between the U.S. and China.

While in Beijing, Trump avoided any public response and didn’t mention Taiwan. However, during his Air Force One flight home, he indicated that Xi’s strong opposition might influence his decision on a proposed U.S. weapons sale to Taipei.

Other discussion topics included trade and the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran, which had been anticipated to dominate the agenda. Throughout the visit, Trump openly praised China’s leader, though Xi didn’t return the compliments.

The president also didn’t publicly challenge China’s claim that he and Xi had reached agreement on a “constructive” new approach to managing their relationship challenges.

Key highlights from Trump’s visit:

Prior to the trip, Trump had shown increased uncertainty about Taiwan during his second term, sparking questions about whether he might reduce support for the island democracy that Beijing considers a rebellious province.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintained that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remained unchanged. However, concerns existed that Trump — not recognized for diplomatic subtlety — might make spontaneous comments with significant consequences for Taiwan.

Ultimately, Trump made no public statements about Taiwan, despite his Chinese counterpart emphasizing the island as the most crucial element of U.S.-China relations.

When questioned by reporters after departing China, Trump revealed he hadn’t decided whether to proceed with a substantial arms package he had previously approved for Taiwan following Xi’s objections.

Trump’s Republican administration authorized an $11 billion weapons package for Taipei in December, though it hasn’t advanced. Lawmakers also approved a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan in January, but it requires Trump’s formal submission to Congress to proceed.

“President Xi and I talked a lot about Taiwan,” Trump told reporters aboard the presidential aircraft. He explained that China’s leader “does not want to see a fight for independence because that would be a very strong confrontation.”

“I heard him out,” Trump stated. But “I didn’t make a comment.”

Trump seemed to have difficulty remembering Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s name and remarked about Washington’s island policy, “The last thing we need right now is a war that’s 9,500 miles away.”

When asked about potential military intervention if China attacked Taiwan, Trump declined to answer — a response aligned with longstanding U.S. policy known as strategic ambiguity.

This policy commits the U.S. to ensuring Taiwan can defend itself against forced unilateral changes by China, but doesn’t specify Washington’s military response level should conflict arise.

The leaders apparently held meaningful discussions about the U.S.-initiated Iran conflict that has driven up global oil prices and could potentially trigger worldwide recession if prolonged.

Trump reported that Xi agrees a nuclear-armed Iran is problematic and that the Strait of Hormuz needs reopening. He claimed Xi offered assistance in finding a war resolution.

Xi and Chinese officials haven’t confirmed such an offer. China has publicly stated that solutions should “take into account the concerns of all parties on the Iran nuclear issue.”

Trump believes China should play a larger role in resolving the conflict, given its reliance on Middle Eastern oil and liquefied natural gas.

Successfully convincing Xi to increase involvement could significantly benefit U.S. efforts to find a credible Iran war exit strategy.

China announced that both leaders agreed to a new vision for “a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated this framework would guide relations for at least three years — Trump’s remaining term — emphasizing cooperation, limited competition, and difference management.

The concept aims “to keep the relationship on an even keel,” explained Helena Legarda of the Mercator Institute for China Studies in Berlin.

George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group consultancy, viewed this approach as advancement from Trump’s Democratic predecessor Joe Biden’s era, when relations were characterized as strategic competition.

Trump brought numerous top CEOs to China, including the aircraft maker Boeing’s head, semiconductor giant Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, and SpaceX boss Elon Musk, who previously led Trump’s federal workforce reduction efforts.

Trump claimed major agreements were reached and that China might purchase approximately 200 Boeing aircraft, but he left Beijing without concrete announcements. Earlier suggestions that Xi would commit to large U.S. soybean and beef orders remained unresolved.

Speaking to Air Force One reporters, Trump suggested China could eventually purchase up to 750 Boeing planes if initial orders succeed, with 450 General Electric engines included in potential future purchases.

Additional trade agreement details may emerge later, but as with all major bilateral accords, specific terms matter most.

During his first term, Trump used an elaborate Beijing signing ceremony to finalize dozens of deals worth approximately $250 billion. However, not all pledged agreements materialized.

From his first Beijing remarks, Trump consistently praised Xi, sometimes excessively, while Xi offered no similar reciprocation.

Trump called Xi a “great leader” and predicted they would have a “fantastic future together.”

He described being with Xi as an “honor” and called him a friend, characterizing his counterpart as “warm.”

China’s president isn’t known for being effusive. Trump himself described Xi as “all business” in a Fox News interview.

Xi did acknowledge Trump’s “landmark visit” had strengthened mutual trust. However, he used subtler charm tactics, promising to send White House rose seeds like those in his residence garden where Trump had Friday tea.

Xi explained he hosted Trump there to reciprocate the hospitality Trump provided during Xi’s 2017 visit to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Florida estate.

VIENNA (AP) — While English has traditionally dominated the pop music landscape, its supremacy at the Eurovision Song Contest is coming to an end.

This year’s sequin-filled international music competition features performances in 25 different languages, spanning from Albanian to Ukrainian, as it builds toward Saturday’s finale in Vienna. More Eurovision artists are choosing to showcase their native languages on the global stage.

“It’s easier to talk about your feelings in your native language,” explained singer Pete Parkkonen, who represents half of the Finnish pair favored by bookmakers to claim victory with their powerful voice-violin collaboration “Liekinheitin,” which translates to “Flamethrower.”

“And the main language is love, obviously,” he added.

While Eurovision previously required contestants to sing in their nation’s official language, the rules changed in 1999 to allow performers to select any language. Many artists in subsequent years gravitated toward English to reach broader international audiences.

Research by cultural anthropologist Andrew J. Green from King’s College London revealed that between 1999 and 2024, 20 out of 26 Eurovision champions performed in English, though non-English entries have increased over the last ten years.

The trend shows dramatic growth: only three songs contained no English in 2016, with four in 2017. This year, the European Broadcasting Union reports 12 songs feature no English whatsoever, 16 are performed entirely in English, and seven blend multiple languages.

Among the 35 competing acts this year — with 25 advancing to the final round — audiences hear performances in Spanish, German, Croatian, Azerbaijani, Latvian, Lithuanian and Romanian.

Eurovision enthusiasts worldwide are discovering and singing terms like “Jalla” — a Cypriot expression meaning “more,” which titles Cyprus contestant Antigoni’s song — and “ferto,” meaning “bring it,” the name of Greek performer Akylas’ addictive party rap track.

Malta’s representative Aidan performs “Bella,” combining English and Maltese verses, thrilling supporters from the Mediterranean island.

Joseph Pace, who made the journey to Vienna to support Malta, described hearing international fans attempt Maltese lyrics as “amazing.”

“That we will listen to our language on an international stage, on a huge competition like this, it’s amazing,” he expressed.

Several entries blend various languages together.

Israel’s Noam Bettan performs the ballad “Michelle” with Hebrew, French and English lyrics. Rapper Satoshi incorporates calls in Romanian, English, Italian, French and additional languages in the energetic crowd favorite “Viva, Moldova.” Italian vocalist Sal da Vinci combines standard Italian with his native Neapolitan dialect in “Per Sempre,” his silky Eurovision contribution.

Even the United Kingdom, known for its monolingual approach, joins the multilingual movement, demonstrating British counting skills in German with “Eins, Zwei, Drei” by techno performer Look Mum No Computer.

“People want Eurovision to be different from other song contests,” noted Dean Vuletic, a scholarly authority on the competition’s background. “They look for meaning in Eurovision because it is a showcase of cultural diversity.

“It’s countries competing against each other. And we want to see meaning in their entries. We want to see them say something about the countries and the cultures that they are representing.”

Some artists acknowledge English remains valuable for broader reach. Ukrainian performer Leléka typically sings exclusively in her homeland’s language, but chose to include English in her song “Ridnym” to spread its message of hope and renewal to maximum listeners.

“It really has a very deep message that means the world to me, and I really want people to understand it,” she explained.

LIMA, Peru — Peru’s voters will decide between two distinct candidates for their country’s top office following the conclusion of the nation’s presidential primary, which determined the finalists for a June runoff contest.

The daughter of a former president, Keiko Fujimori, representing the conservative wing, will compete against Roberto Sánchez, a nationalist congressman who previously served as a trade minister, as they seek to become Peru’s ninth leader in a decade. The pair emerged victorious from a field of 35 total contenders by pledging to address rampant criminal activity, which ranks as the primary concern for citizens in this South American nation whose mineral-based economy has remained stable despite ongoing governmental upheaval.

Final tallies from the April 12 voting showed Keiko Fujimori of Fuerza Popular capturing the largest share at 17.18% of all votes cast. Roberto Sánchez of Juntos por el Perú claimed the second position with 12.03%, according to official results released Friday by the National Office of Electoral Processes, guaranteeing his advancement to the June 7 decisive round.

Significant operational problems plagued the electoral process, preventing thousands of citizens both domestically and internationally from participating on the designated voting day. Officials responded by permitting over 52,000 Lima residents to cast their ballots the following Monday. This unprecedented extension, declared after vote tabulation had already commenced Sunday night, also applied to Peruvian citizens registered in Orlando, Florida, and Paterson, New Jersey.

The electoral contest occurred during a period of escalating violent criminal activity and governmental corruption that has generated substantial voter dissatisfaction, with citizens generally regarding political candidates as corrupt and ill-equipped for executive leadership.

Numerous contenders addressed public safety fears through extensive policy proposals, including constructing large-scale detention facilities, limiting prisoner meal provisions, and restoring capital punishment for severe offenses.

Despite ongoing criminal violence and political chaos resulting from frequent leadership changes — with three different presidents since October — Peru’s economic performance has remained strong. Benefiting from its position as the globe’s second-largest copper producer, the nation achieved growth exceeding 3% in both 2024 and 2025.

The upcoming June 7 runoff will mirror the dynamics of Peru’s 2021 final election round. During that contest, Fujimori faced Pedro Castillo, a rural educator and political newcomer whom Sánchez actively endorses and whose signature wide-brimmed hat style he has adopted.

Castillo narrowly defeated Fujimori by approximately 42,000 votes through strong backing from Peru’s impoverished rural populations. His presidency lasted until December 2022, when lawmakers removed him from office following his attempt to disband the legislative branch.

In her fourth presidential campaign, Fujimori has vowed to implement harsh anti-crime measures, yet she has simultaneously supported legislation that analysts claim hampers criminal prosecutions. These laws, which her political organization endorsed in recent years, abolished pretrial detention in specific situations and increased requirements for confiscating criminal proceeds.

Conversely, Sánchez has promised to overturn these statutes. He has also committed to enhancing police investigative resources to fight extortion crimes, which have multiplied five times over the past five years.

Sánchez distinguished himself throughout the campaign by proposing economic policies that diverge from the market-oriented approach Peru has maintained for twenty years. The legislator has expressed interest in renegotiating agreements with mining corporations operating domestically, contending that government tax collection should increase. He has additionally stated that rural communities should receive ownership stakes in local mining operations and has opposed surface mining techniques. However, implementing these changes would prove challenging for Sánchez, who lacks legislative majority support.

Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin American Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, described Fujimori as “perhaps Peru’s only remaining career politician and the only one with a real political party,” noting her nationwide organizational structure and long-term presence. While this foundation could enable her to address rising crime rates, he anticipates she would do so in a targeted manner.

“She and that party have in the past sponsored legislation against organized crime that ironically created many of the tools that prosecutors used to investigate them in the 2010s,” Freeman said, referencing the corruption cases Fujimori previously faced. “Now, they have since led the charge to destroy a lot of those mechanisms in the legislation.”

The runoff victor will take the oath of office on July 28 for a five-year presidential term.

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — In a symbolic gesture on Friday, Hungary’s newly elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar personally dismantled barriers that had blocked public access to a historic government building in Budapest previously used by his predecessor Viktor Orbán.

Magyar declared that the renowned Karmelita building, situated on Budapest’s famous Castle Hill with views of the Danube river, would remain open to the public while officials determine its future use.

The historic Catholic monastery had become emblematic of Orbán’s leadership style after he ordered it sealed off from public access in 2021.

“There is no place for cordons in Hungary after the change of regime,” Magyar declared to media representatives while ceremonially opening the barriers. He emphasized that these facilities were constructed “from the money of the Hungarian taxpayers and made so beautiful with those funds.”

In April elections, Magyar and his center-right Tisza party decisively defeated Orbán, securing a two-thirds parliamentary majority that provides him substantial authority to implement significant reforms following his predecessor’s 16-year tenure.

Magyar has committed to rebuilding democratic institutions and governmental oversight mechanisms that deteriorated significantly under Orbán’s administration, while also addressing alleged corruption issues.

He has exposed lavish office renovations undertaken by previous government officials. Magyar has indicated he plans to relocate his own headquarters to the administrative district across the Danube river.

The Karmelita facility, he announced, will remain accessible for an “extensive period.” A website has already been established allowing visitors to schedule guided tours. Magyar noted that while some castle district buildings have undergone renovation, others remain under construction.

This development “is likely to generate a number of new ideas,” he stated without providing additional details.

The prime minister has pledged to rebuild his nation’s relationships with European Union allies and restore Hungary’s standing among Western democratic nations.

Magyar intends to establish a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, a new agency responsible for investigating and attempting to recover public funds allegedly misappropriated during Orbán’s time in office.

President Donald Trump disclosed Friday that he discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping the potential release of an imprisoned underground church pastor and Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai during his recent China visit, with Xi indicating varying levels of receptiveness to each case.

During his flight home from China, Trump told reporters that Xi promised to seriously weigh the situation of Ezra Jin Mingri, an underground church pastor who was taken into custody in October amid what observers describe as China’s intensifying restrictions on religious practices.

“He said he’s gonna strongly consider the pastor,” Trump stated.

However, Trump indicated that Xi viewed Lai’s circumstances as significantly more complicated. The founder of the shuttered pro-democracy publication Apple Daily faces accusations related to anti-China activities. “He told me that would be a tough one,” Trump explained.

Both families expressed appreciation for Trump’s intervention on behalf of their loved ones.

Jin leads Zion Church, which ranks among China’s largest unofficial religious congregations that operate without government registration. These churches challenge Chinese regulations that mandate worship only occur in officially approved religious institutions.

Grace Jin Drexel, the pastor’s daughter, expressed Friday that her family and supporters felt “overjoyed” upon learning of Trump’s advocacy for her father.

“It’s truly nothing short of miraculous!” she communicated to The Associated Press. “We could not be more grateful to President Trump and his skillful administration for pressing the case!”

Even though Trump conveyed less optimism regarding Lai’s prospects, the former media executive’s daughter, Claire Lai, also thanked Trump and his team for their dedication to securing her father’s freedom.

“He has earned his reputation as liberating the unjustly detained and I am confident he and his administration will be the ones to free my father,” she told the AP.

She characterized this period as a chance for Xi to pursue “the only just and honorable thing” for Lai and demonstrate goodwill globally by freeing someone she described as devoted to Hong Kong.

Human rights advocates note that Beijing has grown increasingly reluctant to free prisoners who have challenged government authority on civil liberties during Xi’s leadership. In 2017, Chinese Nobel Prize winner Liu Xiaobo passed away at a hospital in northeastern China despite international appeals for his release to receive cancer treatment overseas.

Prior to his detention, the 78-year-old Lai frequently criticized Xi and the governing Communist Party. He received a 20-year prison sentence in February under national security legislation that Beijing implemented in 2020, which has effectively eliminated opposition voices in Hong Kong.

Lai faced conviction for conspiracy involving collaboration with foreign entities and working with others to distribute seditious materials. His pro-democracy Apple Daily publication was forced to close during a government crackdown that followed widespread anti-government demonstrations that disrupted the city in 2019.

Analysts suggest Lai’s situation represents the erosion of liberties that Beijing had guaranteed when the former British territory returned to Chinese control in 1997. International governments, including the U.S. and U.K., have expressed concerns about Lai’s case for years. However, Hong Kong officials maintain his prosecution was unrelated to press freedom issues.

Earlier this week, China’s foreign ministry characterized Lai as a central organizer of anti-China operations designed to undermine Hong Kong’s stability, emphasizing that the city’s matters constitute China’s domestic concerns.

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Fifteen Latin Americans have been sent by the Trump administration to the Democratic Republic of Congo, placing them in an unknown nation far from their homelands — with many having U.S. judicial protections against removal to their native countries.

The Associated Press conducted a phone interview with a 29-year-old woman from Colombia regarding her ordeal. She requested anonymity due to concerns about potential retaliation.

The following are key points from the AP’s reporting.

Each of the individuals removed had received judicial protections from American judges preventing their deportation to their countries of origin, stated U.S. attorney Alma David, representing several of them. The woman from Colombia had been granted safeguards under the U.N. Convention Against Torture in May 2025, following a federal court determination that returning her to Colombia would be unsafe due to threats from militant organizations and mistreatment by a former partner in government.

Despite these protections, she was apprehended during a standard U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement appointment this year and informed that an alternative nation had been identified for her placement. In under three weeks, she found herself aboard an aircraft — with restraints on her hands and feet during an approximately 24-hour charter journey. She discovered her destination was Congo just one day prior to takeoff.

A recent federal court decision determined the government likely violated legal statutes by removing another Colombian individual to Congo. The implications for the remaining cases are uncertain.

The current administration has negotiated agreements with no fewer than eight African nations to receive individuals who are not citizens of those countries — persons whose native nations refuse their return or who possess judicial safeguards against repatriation. Immigration law specialists indicate these arrangements serve as an effective workaround in U.S. immigration statutes.

The specifics of Congo’s agreement remain unknown. Unlike other participating nations that have received substantial financial payments, the Congolese leader has characterized it as an “act of goodwill,” without monetary exchange. This arrangement occurs while Washington has applied pressure on neighboring Rwanda regarding its backing of the M23 rebel faction in eastern Congo — a situation experts suggest may explain Kinshasa’s willingness to cooperate.

The Department of Homeland Security declined to address inquiries about the Colombian woman’s situation but has maintained the agreements “ensure due process under the U.S. Constitution.” The Trump administration contends they are necessary to “remove criminal illegal aliens.”

The International Organization for Migration, affiliated with the U.N., has a primary function in overseeing the deportees’ circumstances in Kinshasa. They reside in small buildings at a hotel close to the airport, with expenses paid by Congo’s government, the IOM reported. The entrances are secured and guards prevent unaccompanied departures, the Colombian woman explained.

Those removed may venture out approximately weekly, escorted by IOM personnel, with roughly 30 minutes for shopping or accessing funds. “They determine our destinations and purchases,” the woman stated.

The IOM has also outlined available choices to deportees: return to their native countries — where many encounter the persecution they escaped — with IOM support, or stay in Congo without assistance. Her legal representative, Alma David, termed these “impossible choices,” asserting the removals breached due process protections, U.S. immigration statutes, and international agreements.

The individuals arrived with three-month Congolese entry permits. The consequences when these documents expire remain uncertain. They have been informed they may seek asylum in Congo — a path none have pursued.

The woman reports feeling unsafe in her current location. The local cuisine has caused illness among several individuals. French and Lingala languages are as unfamiliar as their new environment. She remains mostly confined to her quarters, placing late-evening calls to her 10-year-old daughter in Colombia.

Human rights organizations in Congo have denounced the arrangement as a breach of international refugee protections. The Congo-based Institute for Human Rights Research characterized it as “arbitrary detention by proxy for the United States.”

The woman, who operated a dessert business in Colombia before her departure, maintains she committed no violations and simply sought safety in the United States. Instead, she remains trapped in a nation she had never known existed, with no clear timeframe or resolution.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated Friday that a fatal Russian missile attack on an apartment complex in Kyiv, which claimed 24 lives including three children, may hinder ongoing peace negotiations regarding Moscow’s conflict with Ukraine.

Trump made these remarks while speaking with reporters during his return flight from China aboard Air Force One. The president, who has attempted unsuccessfully to mediate an end to what he has described as a senseless bloodbath, revealed that he had spoken about the conflict with President Xi Jinping, with both leaders expressing their desire to see the hostilities cease.

“It’s one that we’d like to see settled. Until last night, it was looking good, but they (the Ukrainians) took a big hit last night. So it’s gonna happen (the end of the war). But it’s a shame,” Trump stated, referring to the Russian assault.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy demanded punishment for Moscow following the attack, placing red roses at the destroyed apartment building’s debris on Friday.

Russia reported that Ukrainian drones had killed four individuals, including one child, during a nighttime attack on the city of Ryazan.

Both nations claim they do not intentionally target civilian populations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to visit China and meet with Xi next week. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed reporters that specific dates would be announced shortly.

Peskov stated that Putin plans to discuss Trump’s China visit with Xi, along with bilateral relations and international issues.

Iran’s foreign minister declared that mutual distrust represents the primary barrier blocking progress in discussions aimed at ending the conflict with the United States, while expressing Friday that Tehran remains receptive to diplomatic assistance, especially from China, to reduce regional tensions.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that conflicting signals have “made us reluctant about the real intentions of Americans.”

“We are in doubt about their seriousness,” he explained to journalists, noting that discussions could advance if Washington demonstrated readiness for a “fair and balanced deal.”

Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s most recent formal offer as “garbage.” Though Iran reportedly included certain nuclear compromises, Trump has stated his goal of removing highly enriched uranium from the nation and blocking its nuclear weapons development. Iran maintains its nuclear activities serve peaceful objectives.

As discussions between Iran and the U.S. remain frozen during the unstable ceasefire, regional tensions continue escalating and risk pushing the Middle East toward renewed open conflict while extending the global energy crisis triggered by the hostilities.

Iran continues controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that handled one-fifth of global oil transport before the war began, while America maintains its blockade of Iranian ports.

Following their Friday discussions, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached agreement that the strait must be reopened.

Araghchi announced Friday that Iran would welcome diplomatic support from other nations, especially China, referencing Beijing’s earlier role in helping restore relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

“Chinese have a good intention. So anything that can be done by them to help diplomacy would be welcomed by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he stated.

Beijing has demonstrated limited public enthusiasm for U.S. appeals to increase involvement, despite Trump’s comments to Fox News’ Sean Hannity that Xi had offered assistance during their discussions.

Pakistan announced Thursday it continues diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions through ongoing discussions regarding Iran-related ceasefire proposals. However, officials declined revealing specifics about the talks or confirming whether the United States had provided a formal response.

“The clock on diplomacy has not stopped. The peace process is working,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi informed reporters in Islamabad.

Trump has insisted on significant reductions in Iran’s nuclear operations while Iran has maintained its uranium enrichment rights.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who initiated the war alongside Trump on Feb. 28, has similarly demanded complete removal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium from the country.

Iran’s foreign minister stated Friday that managing its enriched uranium stockpile represents one of the most challenging topics in negotiations with the U.S.

Russia has previously proposed accepting the stockpile if Iran agrees to surrender it. Araghchi indicated Russia’s proposal isn’t currently being actively considered, but could be reconsidered if negotiations advance.

“When we come to that stage, obviously we will have more consultations with Russia and see if the Russian offer can help or not. This is not something for the time being,” he explained.

The United Arab Emirates is accelerating completion of a new pipeline enabling the Gulf federation to export additional oil without using the Strait of Hormuz route.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, instructed state oil company ADNOC to expedite pipeline construction during an Abu Dhabi executive council meeting, the Abu Dhabi Media Office announced Friday.

The state oil company currently operates a pipeline designed to transport 1.5 million barrels daily from western oil fields to Fujairah port on the Gulf of Oman.

The additional pipeline is projected to double the company’s export capacity through that port. Operations will begin next year, the media office reported.

A British man accused of attacking two Jewish men with a knife in London will face trial next March, according to court proceedings held Friday.

Essa Suleiman, 45, who was born in Somalia but holds British citizenship, faces attempted murder charges for allegedly attacking two Jewish men on April 29 in the Golders Green neighborhood of north London, an area known for its significant Jewish community.

The attack represents the most recent in a series of incidents targeting Jewish locations in the region, creating fear among local Jewish residents and prompting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to promise enhanced protective measures.

Authorities have also charged Suleiman with a separate attempted murder count connected to an unrelated incident at a former acquaintance’s residence earlier that same day, along with charges for carrying a bladed weapon.

During his Friday appearance at London’s Old Bailey courthouse, Suleiman was not required to enter pleas for any of the four charges against him. The court scheduled his trial to begin March 1, 2027, and he will remain detained until then.

India and the United Arab Emirates established a framework for strategic defense cooperation on Friday, according to India’s foreign ministry, as both nations work to strengthen their relationship during the Iran war.

The countries also finalized agreements regarding strategic petroleum reserves and liquefied petroleum gas supply during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to the UAE, officials announced.

“The two sides have agreed on deepening defence industrial collaboration and cooperation on innovation and advanced technology, training, exercises, maritime security, cyber defence, secure communications and information exchange,” the ministry said in a statement.

Before the diplomatic visit, Indian officials indicated to Reuters that Modi would likely explore long-term energy supply agreements and request assistance in expanding New Delhi’s strategic oil reserves.

The UAE’s recent departure from OPEC last month is anticipated to increase its production capacity and benefit importing nations like India.

The ongoing Iran conflict has disrupted worldwide energy markets through the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting transportation and commerce throughout the region as Iranian attacks targeted Gulf nations, including the UAE, before a temporary ceasefire was established last month.

The petroleum agreement announced Friday involves a possible expansion of ADNOC’s crude oil storage capacity in India up to 30 million barrels, according to Abu Dhabi’s national oil company in a separate announcement. The deal also examines potential crude storage opportunities in the UAE’s Fujairah as part of India’s strategic reserve system.

ADNOC stated it would investigate expanded LPG supply and trading possibilities with Indian Oil Corp.

“India’s scale and growth trajectory make it one of the defining energy markets of our time. As demand accelerates alongside a rapidly expanding population, the strength of the UAE India energy partnership becomes ever more critical,” said ADNOC managing director and CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.

New Delhi and Abu Dhabi completed a $3 billion agreement in January for India to purchase LNG from the UAE, its third-largest trading partner, along with a letter of intent to develop a strategic defense partnership.

This development came after Pakistan, India’s regional rival, established a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia last year.

Pakistan has become the primary mediator between Washington and Tehran to resolve the conflict that started with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. The country has also worked to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defenses following hundreds of Iranian missile and drone strikes against the kingdom.

Riyadh announced last month it would offer $3 billion in additional assistance to help Pakistan address a multi-billion-dollar financing shortfall related to debt repayment to the UAE.

The Indian ministry also revealed UAE investments totaling $5 billion on Friday, referencing previous agreements including Emirates NBD’s purchase of a 60% stake in RBL Bank last year for $3 billion, and Abu Dhabi’s IHC $1 billion Sammaan investment.

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Congo’s leader has characterized the situation as experiencing “the Congolese dream.” However, for 15 Latin American migrants sent to the African country during the previous administration’s immigration enforcement efforts, the reality resembles something far worse.

The Associated Press conducted an interview with a 29-year-old woman from Colombia who verified accounts from others sent to African countries: being transported in restraints despite having a US immigration court’s protective ruling, being confined to hotel accommodations with monitored excursions.

She faces an impossible decision: go back to her native country where she risks harm, or remain in Congo, a nation she had never known existed until her arrival.

“They treat us like we’re children,” she said as their three-month Congolese visas near an end, with no plan in sight.

“What would one do in a completely unknown place, without a place to live and without knowing what to do?” she added, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

It was not immediately clear what a new U.S. court ruling, saying the U.S. likely broke the law by deporting a fellow Colombian to Congo, will mean for her.

Speaking from the hotel in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, where she and fellow deportees remain housed, the woman provided fresh information about the central involvement of the International Organization for Migration, a United Nations-affiliated organization.

She explained that deportees can exit the hotel approximately once weekly, but only with IOM personnel accompanying them. During shopping trips or bank visits, they are rapidly escorted back to their transportation, with IOM staff maintaining constant oversight.

“They choose where we go and what we buy,” she said.

Inside the hotel, she reported, IOM workers have arranged activities including painting, music and volleyball, though many deportees have ceased taking part, tired of the repetitive schedule. She attends meals and otherwise stays in her room, placing late-night calls to her 10-year-old daughter in Colombia while worrying about their reunion.

Most notable is how IOM personnel are presenting deportees with their potential options.

Staff members have presented the woman with two alternatives: go back to Colombia, where a US judge determined she cannot be safely returned, while receiving IOM “protection and assistance,” or stay in Congo without any support.

“They are given impossible choices,” said Alma David, the woman’s U.S.-based attorney. “By deporting them to a third country with no opportunity to contest being sent there, the U.S. not only violated their due process rights but our own immigration laws and our obligations under international treaties.”

Congo joins at least eight African nations that established agreements with the previous administration to enable deportations of third-country citizens, which legal authorities describe as essentially a legal workaround for the US. Most deportees had obtained legal protection orders from US judges preventing their return to home countries, attorneys stated.

The AP has spoken with others sent to African countries who faced dangerous choices, including a gay asylum-seeker from Morocco sent to Cameroon, where homosexuality is criminalized.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions about the Colombian woman’s case, but it has asserted that third-country deportation agreements “ensure due process under the U.S. Constitution.” The Trump administration says the agreements are needed to “remove criminal illegal aliens” whose country of origin will not take them back.

The specifics of Congo’s arrangement with the previous administration remain unclear. Other nations have been paid millions to participate.

This month, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi described the agreement as an “act of goodwill between partners,” without monetary payment. This occurs as Washington has increased pressure on neighboring Rwanda regarding its backing of the M23 rebel group that has captured cities in eastern Congo — a situation some experts suggest may explain Kinshasa’s readiness to accept deportees.

“We agreed to do so as a friendly gesture, simply because it was what the Americans wanted,” Tshisekedi said, adding that the migrants are free to leave Congo at any time.

“We understand that psychologically they must be unsettled because, at first, they dreamed of living the American dream, and now they are living the Congolese dream — in a country they probably did not know and may never even have noticed on a map of the world,” Tshisekedi said.

Human rights organizations in Congo have denounced it as a breach of international refugee law. A Congo-based Institute for Human Rights Research characterized the circumstances as “arbitrary detention by proxy for the United States.”

Current US Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy states that if a government provides general diplomatic guarantees against persecuting deportees, no additional procedures are necessary for deportation, including informing deportees of their destination, David, the attorney, explained.

“When they told me they were going to deport me, I almost fainted,” the Colombian woman said. She was told about Congo the day before the flight.

She explained she departed Colombia in 2024, after receiving threats from armed groups and experiencing abuse from a former partner employed by the government.

She traveled to Mexico, where she awaited a border appointment scheduled through the US government. Upon presenting herself at an Arizona entry point in September 2024, immigration authorities concluded she had credible fear of persecution, allowing her to seek asylum, but maintained her in ICE custody.

“You spend a year and a half locked up, living the same day over and over again. You see fights, punishments where people are locked in cells for many hours. You lose your privacy even to use the bathroom,” she said.

Some officers made racist remarks. “They made derogatory comments toward us as migrants, shouted at us all the time and sometimes denied basic things like showers as punishment,” she said.

In May 2025, a federal judge granted her protection under the U.N. Convention Against Torture, ruling she could not be safely returned to Colombia, according to court documents seen by the AP.

She submitted a habeas corpus petition and secured her release in February. She relocated to Texas and was mandated to wear a GPS monitoring device, but during her initial check-in meeting with ICE, she was detained once more.

“All they told me was that I was under detention, as they had found a third country for me,” she said.

Fewer than three weeks afterward, she was placed on an aircraft to Congo. She and fellow deportees landed on April 17 following a nearly 24-hour charter flight with their hands and feet restrained.

Currently they remain at a hotel near Kinshasa’s airport, in neat white bungalows. Congo’s government pays the expenses, the IOM stated. It remained unclear whether this would continue after the deportees’ visas expire.

The hotel entrance is secured according to one deportee’s legal representative. The Colombian woman also confirmed that security staff prevent them from leaving independently.

They were informed they could seek asylum, an option none have selected. “I don’t feel safe in Congo,” the woman said.

An IOM spokesperson stated the organization has supplied her with humanitarian aid based on evaluating her vulnerability. This includes “protection interventions, referrals, rights safeguarding and promotion of migrants’ overall well-being,” without providing specifics.

The IOM may also provide “assisted voluntary return” — covering documents, flights, transit and temporary housing on arrival — with migrants’ consent.

The IOM stated it has no involvement in deciding who gets deported and maintains the right to discontinue assistance for deportees if “minimum protection standards” aren’t satisfied.

The Colombian woman continues in uncertainty, feeling anxious. She reported the food “has made us very sick,” with ongoing stomach problems.

Local languages, including French and Lingala, are as unfamiliar as her environment.

“The worst part is having to go through all of that without having committed any crime, simply for going to another country to ask for safety and protection.”

A dramatic escape worthy of a Hollywood thriller played out in the Philippines this week, as a senator wanted for war crimes managed to slip away during a chaotic gunfight at the nation’s capitol building.

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, who faces charges from the International Criminal Court related to the Philippines’ controversial anti-drug campaign, vanished into the Manila darkness following an extraordinary armed confrontation Wednesday night at the Senate complex where he had been hiding for days.

The violent clash pitted two competing government agencies against each other: Senate security forces led by an official with connections to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s political faction, and National Bureau of Investigation agents working under an appointee of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

This marked the second time in seven days that dela Rosa had successfully evaded NBI officers attempting to serve his arrest warrant.

The unfolding political crisis has divided the island nation for months, creating a bitter rivalry between the Marcos administration and supporters of Vice-President Sara Duterte, daughter of the former president, as international prosecutors seek justice for a drug enforcement operation that claimed thousands of lives.

The 64-year-old former police commander has shown no remorse for his involvement in the anti-narcotics efforts and has previously stated he would gladly join Duterte for trial proceedings in The Hague, where the ex-president faces accusations of crimes against humanity.

Dela Rosa emerged from months in hiding Monday to participate in a critical Senate leadership vote designed to protect the vice-president from an upcoming impeachment proceeding.

Government officials, who deny ordering forces to apprehend dela Rosa during Wednesday’s violence, are now investigating whether the shooting incident was orchestrated to facilitate his getaway. No injuries were reported.

“Duterte told me they would find it very hard to take Bato,” former attorney Nicholas Kaufman told Reuters, using the senator’s Filipino nickname meaning “rock” and noting his continued backing among security personnel. “Gunshots in a national assembly are unheard of. It points to a deep crisis in the Philippines linked to the ICC issue.”

The dramatic events began Wednesday afternoon when word spread that NBI agents were approaching the building.

The Senate chamber had recently changed hands: dela Rosa’s unexpected Monday appearance enabled a pro-Duterte group of lawmakers to gain control and install Alan Peter Cayetano as the new president.

Cayetano admitted he had personally driven his fugitive colleague to the building. Security camera recordings show the senator stumbling up stairs while NBI officers gave chase.

He shoved a female agent, according to former senator Antonio Trillanes, who witnessed the events and accompanied the NBI team serving the warrant. Trillanes explained that the NBI was assigned the arrest duty due to dela Rosa’s continuing sway over police forces.

A visibly nervous dela Rosa went live on Facebook, calling on supporters including “fellow men in uniform” to rally to his aid, warning that government agents were preparing to detain him. “Let us not allow another Filipino to be taken to The Hague,” he declared.

Around 7 p.m., Senate security chief Mao Aplasca, a retired police general and longtime friend of dela Rosa, told media his security team was “going to arrest someone” and the facility would enter “total lockdown.”

Aplasca, who had attended military academy with dela Rosa and worked under him during the drug war, later clarified he meant arresting NBI personnel.

The newly installed Senate leadership had appointed Aplasca as one of their first official acts, and he had previously prevented NBI agents from accessing the Senate during an earlier arrest attempt, Trillanes reported.

As the lockdown commenced Wednesday, Aplasca and Senate security personnel began donning protective gear. They weren’t the only armed presence: Reuters journalists observed police officers and Philippine marines carrying rifles and wearing protective helmets, summoned by Aplasca according to military officials.

Aplasca guided the armed group to an entrance of an adjacent building housing the Government Service Insurance System headquarters.

Ten minutes afterward, a barrage of gunshots rang out – dozens of rounds fired, Aplasca later claimed, after NBI agents pointed their weapons.

His team fired back with 27 “warning” rounds, he stated.

Media personnel and Senate employees scrambled for safety, including Reuters correspondents, as Senate security cut the hallway lighting while some continued live broadcasts.

“The Senate is under attack! Pls help us,” dela Rosa wrote on Facebook.

Multiple floors higher, despite the chaos below, House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil succeeded in submitting impeachment documents, setting the stage for the vice-president’s trial. She disputes allegations of misappropriating public money, accumulating unexplained assets, and making threats against Marcos, the first lady, and a former House Speaker.

By 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, the confrontation had ended. The police chief and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla arrived and journalists were told to leave.

Remulla said dela Rosa was “resting” in his office.

Senate security logs provided by Cayetano indicated he departed the building around 2:30 a.m. without being stopped by guards.

The NBI has offered a different account, claiming it deployed agents to the neighboring GSIS insurance facility at that organization’s request but made no attempt to enter the Senate. The GSIS has not issued any statement.

Aplasca has been placed on six-month suspension pending an official investigation. He has not responded to requests for comment.

Former senator Trillanes argued the incident demonstrated how Duterte’s supporters could “control or abuse the powers of the Senate to provide a sanctuary to one international fugitive” and strengthens the case for trying drug war cases in international courts.

The situation is “very hard to explain” and “quite embarrassing for the institutions of governance in a country,” said Dindo Manhit, founder of local research organization the Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies.

The saga surrounding dela Rosa continues: Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced Friday that the Philippines would “definitely” honor the ICC’s arrest request and prevent him from leaving the country. Dela Rosa has submitted an emergency petition to the Supreme Court challenging the ICC’s authority.

President Donald Trump remains undecided about moving forward with a significant weapons sale to Taiwan after completing his three-day diplomatic visit to China.

During a press briefing aboard Air Force One on Friday as he returned from the trip, Mr. Trump told reporters he had not reached a decision regarding the arms transaction, though he noted he “will make a determination.”

While the Trump administration has given approval for the weapons sale, the deal has not yet proceeded.

Beijing has expressed strong opposition to the arms transaction and has indicated that America’s ties with the self-governing island represent a crucial element in U.S.-China diplomatic relations.

Mr. Trump also revealed he discussed the possibility of a three-nation nuclear agreement involving the United States, Russia and China.

Ukrainian military forces launched a drone attack on a major oil processing facility in Russia’s Ryazan region, according to statements from Ukrainian officials on Friday.

The targeted city sits approximately 120 miles southeast of Moscow. Robert Brovdi, who leads Ukraine’s drone operations, reported that his forces struck 23 military installations and facilities across Russian territory and occupied Ukrainian areas during overnight operations.

Ukraine’s military General Staff verified the assault on the oil processing plant, reporting that the strike triggered a massive blaze at the installation.

Military officials characterized the facility as among Russia’s most significant refineries, with the capability to process approximately 17 million metric tons of crude oil annually.

Ukrainian forces also targeted naval vessels at the Kaspiysk naval facility on the Caspian Sea, striking both a small missile vessel and a mine-clearing ship, according to the military statement.

A judicial ruling in Italy has established new ground by officially acknowledging a family arrangement where a four-year-old has three legal parents – one mother and two fathers. The case involves German citizens, including two married men in a same-sex relationship and a woman who acted as their surrogate mother. While this type of family structure is already permitted under German law, the Italian court’s decision now grants it legal status in Italy as well. Legal experts suggest this precedent could pave the way for similar multi-parent arrangements to gain acceptance throughout European nations, potentially influencing how polyamorous family structures are viewed legally across the continent.

MALE, Maldives — Rescue operations resumed Friday in the Maldives as authorities continue dangerous underwater searches for four Italian divers who perished in a tragic cave diving incident.

Officials recovered one victim’s body on Thursday following the deadly accident that claimed five lives.

The group of divers, which included an instructor, was reportedly investigating the underwater cave system when they disappeared, according to Maldivian presidential spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef.

“The cave is so deep that divers even with the best equipment do not try to approach,” he said.

Italy’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the five divers “apparently died while attempting to explore caves at a depth of 50 meters (164 feet)” in the Vaavu Atoll on Thursday. The ministry noted that investigators are still examining what led to their deaths.

Emergency responders mobilized extensive rescue resources following Thursday’s incident, sending out watercraft, aerial support and specialized diving crews to comb the region.

Recovery teams pulled one victim from approximately 60 meters (200 feet) underwater on Thursday, while initial search efforts could not find the other four divers, believed to remain within the cave structure, Maldivian officials reported.

Dive teams prepared for another attempt Friday, with Maldivian officials maintaining communication with Italian representatives. Italy’s ambassador joined the search vessel operations, and the Maldives indicated they might request international help if necessary.

The Italian foreign ministry offered no updates on body recovery efforts. Officials confirmed an Italian specialist was working alongside coast guard and Maldivian vessels during Friday’s search mission.

Authorities planned an assessment dive to determine cave accessibility, though challenging weather could hamper recovery efforts.

The diving party had embarked on their morning expedition near Alimathaa, with their disappearance reported when they failed to return to the surface by Thursday afternoon, early accounts indicated. Weather was reportedly poor during the incident, with a yellow alert status active.

The Italian Embassy maintained contact with bereaved families while offering support services.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Friday that she spoke by telephone with U.S. President Donald Trump, who called from Air Force One following the conclusion of his two-day trip to China. During their conversation, both leaders reinforced what Takaichi described as an “ironclad” partnership between their nations.

Speaking to members of the press following the phone call, Takaichi explained that the discussion covered various topics concerning China, spanning both economic and security matters. “We exchanged views on issues surrounding China, including the economy and security…and reaffirmed close communication on Indo-Pacific issues,” she stated.

The Japanese leader noted that Iran-related topics were also part of their conversation, and she conveyed Japan’s position on those matters to Trump. When asked by a journalist whether Taiwan was discussed during the call, Takaichi declined to provide an answer.

Regarding Trump’s recent diplomatic mission to China, Takaichi revealed that the President provided her with comprehensive details about his visit, though she emphasized that Trump “briefed me in detail (on his China visit) on the condition that our conversation remain confidential.”

President Donald Trump revealed Friday that he explored the possibility of removing sanctions on Chinese firms that purchase Iranian oil during his recent diplomatic visit to Beijing, with a decision expected in the coming days.

Washington recently placed sanctions on multiple Chinese oil refining companies for their Iranian oil purchases, including Hengli Petrochemical, which ranks among China’s biggest private refiners and represents Beijing’s efforts to advance and modernize its energy sector.

“We talked about that and I’m going to make a decision over the next few days,” Trump informed reporters while traveling on Air Force One after completing his two-day summit with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

American officials, including Trump, brought up the prospect of China increasing purchases of U.S. energy during the summit discussions, though Chinese accounts of the meetings did not reference any agreements.

Trump expressed growing impatience with Iran and stated that he and Xi reached consensus that Tehran must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons and must reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The president also indicated his willingness to accept Iran halting its nuclear activities for two decades, provided Tehran makes a genuine commitment.

“Twenty years is enough, but the level of guarantee from them, it’s got to be a real 20 years,” Trump stated.

President Donald Trump revealed on Friday that he engaged in extensive discussions about U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan with Chinese President Xi Jinping during recent meetings in Beijing, announcing that a decision on the matter would come soon.

While speaking with reporters during his flight back from China aboard Air Force One, Trump indicated that he and Xi had lengthy conversations about Taiwan, though he emphasized he didn’t perceive any disagreement on the subject. The president confirmed he made no promises to Xi concerning Taiwan policy.

According to Trump, Xi directly questioned whether America would come to Taiwan’s defense in the event of a Chinese attack on the island, but Trump refused to provide an answer.

“There’s only one person that knows that, and it is me. I’m the only person,” Trump said. “That question was asked to me today by President Xi. I said, I don’t talk about that.”

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its sovereign territory and has consistently condemned American weapon sales to the island, viewing such transactions as meddling in China’s domestic matters. Although the United States maintains no official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it serves as Taiwan’s primary international ally and main arms provider.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared Friday that his country lacks confidence in the United States and will only pursue meaningful dialogue if Washington demonstrates genuine commitment to peace negotiations.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi while attending the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, Araqchi stated that all ships may travel through the Strait of Hormuz except those belonging to nations at war with Iran. He noted that vessels seeking passage should coordinate with Iran’s naval forces.

The foreign minister described the situation surrounding the crucial waterway as “very complicated.”

Iran has essentially blocked the strait to most maritime traffic since conflict with the US and Israel began in February. The waterway previously carried approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments.

Although Washington and Tehran declared a ceasefire last month, both nations continue to face challenges in developing a lasting peace agreement. Pakistan-mediated discussions have been halted since both countries rejected each other’s latest proposals last week.

Araqchi explained that “contradictory messages” have created skepticism about America’s genuine intentions regarding negotiations. He emphasized that while Pakistan’s mediation efforts haven’t collapsed, they face significant “difficulty.”

The Iranian official said his country seeks to maintain the ceasefire to allow diplomatic efforts to continue, but remains ready to resume hostilities if necessary.

Key obstacles preventing progress in negotiations include Iran’s nuclear program and its authority over the Hormuz strait.

Araqchi’s remarks came just hours after US President Donald Trump expressed diminishing patience with Iran and reached agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping that Tehran must allow the strait to reopen.

Companies across Hungary are voicing strong opposition to the incoming government’s proposal to suspend work visas for employees from countries outside the European Union, warning the policy could damage production in an already strained job market.

The Tisza party, led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, swept into power after defeating longtime leader Viktor Orban in an April 12 election that ended Orban’s 16-year tenure. The new administration plans to discontinue visa approvals for non-EU workers beginning next month.

“We will not allow foreign guest workers to take the jobs of Hungarians and push down salaries,” the party stated in its campaign platform, sparking concern among major international companies operating in Hungary.

Sandor Baja, who oversees Randstad’s operations across the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania, cautioned that completely blocking workers from non-EU countries would create long-term problems for businesses that depend on international staff.

“An outright ban on workers from outside the EU would not be viable in the long run,” Baja explained, pointing out that significant portions of Hungary’s labor force will reach retirement age within the coming decade.

Speaking to Reuters on Friday, Baja expressed optimism that economic considerations would influence policy decisions. “I sincerely hope that (economy minister Istvan) Kapitany’s team will allow economic rationality to prevail here,” he said.

Government data shows international workers make up just 2% of Hungary’s total employment. The country has not experienced the large influx of Ukrainian refugees that has helped address labor shortages in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Despite the small overall percentage, business representatives say certain industries depend heavily on foreign employees for their operations.

Akos Janza, who leads the American Chamber of Commerce, reported that international workers fill as much as 20% of positions at some member companies, including both professional and manual labor roles.

“We have a member company, which would have to cut a full shift (without guest workers),” Janza noted on Friday, identifying the affected business as a manufacturer in Hungary’s important industrial sector.

While Baja estimated that younger Hungarians under 25, older workers above 55, and residents of rural areas could provide approximately 400,000 additional workers, he acknowledged that transportation and relocation challenges would limit their ability to fill current gaps.

Robert Keszte, representing German businesses operating in Hungary, issued a stark warning about the economic impact of halting visa approvals.

“In our view, the Hungarian economy cannot currently function without workers from third countries (outside the EU),” he stated last week.

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s government confronts an extended period of political instability while Prime Minister Keir Starmer deals with a brewing leadership contest from the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who must first secure a parliamentary seat before officially entering the race.

Burnham’s route to Westminster remains complicated. He faces the challenge of defeating a formidable opponent from the anti-immigrant Reform UK party in an upcoming special election for a parliamentary position that was vacated to accommodate his return.

Financial markets reacted negatively Friday as British government borrowing expenses increased and the pound declined amid investor worries about ongoing governmental chaos. The currency has fallen 1.4% compared to the U.S. dollar during this week.

Months of rumors regarding Starmer’s political survival erupted into public defiance within the ruling Labour Party Thursday when Burnham announced his leadership ambitions and two additional senior officials positioned themselves for potential campaigns. Pressure mounted on Starmer following Labour’s poor performance in recent local elections, where the party lost support to Reform UK and the Green Party.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed Friday urged party colleagues to avoid a damaging leadership battle that he warned would hinder the government’s ability to address pressing concerns like rising living costs while strengthening Reform UK’s position.

“This weekend people just need to take a breath, look at what’s gone wrong this week, and come back next week ready to do what we said we’d do — country first, party second — and focus on delivering the change we were elected to deliver,” he told the BBC.

Reed’s appeal followed a week dominated by political maneuvering that overshadowed other Westminster business.

Following public demands from numerous Labour members for Starmer’s resignation, Health Secretary Wes Streeting Thursday became the initial Cabinet official to quit. Despite commending Starmer’s “courage and statesmanship” in foreign policy, Streeting expressed lost faith in the prime minister’s domestic leadership due to policy errors.

“Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift,” Streeting wrote in a sharp resignation letter.

“Leaders take responsibility, but too often that has meant other people falling on their swords,” he added. “You also need to listen to your colleagues, including backbenchers, and the heavy-handed approach to dissenting voices diminishes our politics.”

Streeting avoided declaring himself the ideal party leader for the upcoming general election, instead suggesting Starmer should resign to permit a “broad” range of candidates to discuss the party’s direction.

This appeared to reference Burnham, a former Cabinet official who departed Parliament in 2017 to pursue the Greater Manchester mayoral position. Burnham has sought opportunities to rejoin the House of Commons to mount his leadership challenge against Starmer.

Josh Simons, a Labour representative from Northern England, created that opportunity Thursday by stepping down from his position specifically to provide Burnham with a seat. However, this represents just the initial hurdle for Burnham. Before returning to Westminster, he must prevail in a special election for Makerfield, a constituency where Reform UK demonstrated significant strength in recent local voting.

Burnham recognized these obstacles Thursday while announcing his candidacy for the position.

“I truly do not take a single vote for granted and will work hard to regain the trust of people in the Makerfield constituency, many of whom have long supported our party but lost faith in recent times,” he said in a statement.

Foreign ministers from BRICS nations wrapped up their two-day conference in New Delhi on Friday without reaching consensus for a joint statement, according to host India. The failure to agree stemmed from conflicting viewpoints among member countries regarding the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The inability to reach agreement underscored the difficulties the alliance faces in staying unified while working to broaden its global reach.

According to India’s official statement, participating nations articulated “their respective national positions and shared a range of perspectives” on matters such as sovereignty, maritime security and safeguarding civilian infrastructure and lives in the Middle East region.

The statement contained a footnote noting that “a member had reservations” regarding portions of sections addressing Gaza and security concerns in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The BRICS alliance consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

Disagreements between members have grown more apparent during the Iran war, especially between Iran and the UAE.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed BRICS countries to denounce the U.S. and Israel for what he characterized as their “unlawful aggression.” He additionally urged fellow member nations to oppose what he termed the politicization of international institutions.

ATHENS, May 15 – Greek officials on Friday requested European Union assistance to address what they characterized as illegal fishing practices and maritime law violations by Turkish vessels in the eastern Mediterranean waters.

The two NATO member nations and regional neighbors have maintained conflicting positions for decades regarding continental shelf boundaries and maritime authority in the Aegean Sea, particularly concerning fishing rights.

During a Friday meeting in Athens with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias presented the concerns.

“I’ve raised with the Commissioner a major issue for Greece regarding our fishermen and our fisheries and the provocative behaviour of our Turkish neighbours with regards to the unlawful fishing, the non-respect of the law of the sea, and the disputing of our sovereign rights,” Kikilias stated.

“We ask the European Union to intervene,” Kikilias declared, emphasizing that Greek maritime boundaries also represent European borders.

Turkish authorities had not provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

Greek authorities have established restricted fishing zones within the Aegean Sea, several of which Turkey has disputed as beyond the country’s legal authority. Athens filed formal protests last year regarding a Turkish maritime spatial plan that established designated areas for fishing and additional activities throughout the Aegean Sea.

The EU Commission indicated last year that coastal nations bear primary enforcement responsibility while it assists Greece through European Fisheries Control Agency patrols, satellite monitoring and inspection services.

Even amid these disagreements, both countries have maintained regular diplomatic discussions to examine possibilities for beginning negotiations to establish maritime boundary demarcations.

NEW DELHI, May 15 – Foreign ministers from BRICS nations concluded their yearly gathering in New Delhi on Friday without reaching agreement on key issues, prompting India to release a chair’s statement rather than the traditional joint declaration due to conflicting perspectives on Middle Eastern developments.

The economic alliance encompasses Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

The disagreements stem partly from the opposing positions of Iran and the UAE regarding Tehran’s ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel, a confrontation in which Iran has focused attacks on the UAE more extensively than other Gulf nations.

Russia and Ukraine carried out a prisoner exchange on Friday, with both nations releasing 205 captured soldiers as part of a broader diplomatic agreement.

According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, the returned Russian military personnel were transported to Belarus where they are receiving necessary care and support. Officials in Moscow noted that the United Arab Emirates served as the mediator for the prisoner swap.

Ukrainian authorities also verified that their prisoners of war had been successfully returned.

The exchange represents part of a larger arrangement between the two warring nations to swap 1,000 soldiers total, stemming from an agreement tied to a ceasefire that U.S. President Donald Trump helped broker earlier in May. That temporary ceasefire lasted from May 9 through May 11, though both sides reported violations of the truce during that period.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy demanded accountability from Moscow on Friday as he paid respects at the site where a Russian missile devastated a residential apartment complex, claiming the lives of 24 people, including three young children.

Emergency crews concluded their search efforts at the destroyed building, which suffered the attack during what officials described as Russia’s most intense aerial bombardment of the Ukrainian capital in 2024.

“Our first responders … worked non-stop for more than a day,” Zelenskiy posted on the Telegram messaging platform following his visit to the attack location in Kyiv’s Darnytskyi district, situated on the left bank of the Dnipro river, where he laid flowers and spoke with emergency personnel.

“The Russians practically levelled an entire section of the building with their missile,” he stated.

Moscow launched its comprehensive military operation against Ukraine in February 2022, and Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia deployed over 1,500 drones and numerous missiles in coordinated attacks throughout the country during two straight days this week.

Western Ukraine, located far from active combat zones, experienced six fatalities during Wednesday’s bombardments.

“A Russia like this can never be normalized – a Russia that deliberately destroys lives and hopes to remain unpunished. Pressure is needed,” Zelenskiy declared, renewing his requests for international partners to assist Ukraine in bolstering its aerial defense capabilities.

DAY OF MOURNING IN KYIV

Municipal leaders in Kyiv designated Friday as an official day of remembrance for the casualties, ordering national flags lowered to half-staff throughout the metropolis of three million residents. All recreational activities were either canceled or delayed.

The Interior Ministry reported that emergency response efforts at the residential complex continued for over 28 hours, with hundreds of rescue personnel examining 3,000 cubic meters of debris.

Municipal authorities confirmed that 24 bodies were retrieved from the wreckage while approximately 30 individuals were pulled out alive. Close to 50 people sustained injuries, and roughly 400 residents needed mental health assistance, according to interior ministry officials.

Zelenskiy stated that preliminary investigations indicated a newly manufactured Russian Kh-101 missile was responsible for hitting the residential structure.

Moscow has not provided immediate response regarding the apartment building attack. Russia maintains it does not intentionally target civilian populations, though throughout more than four years of conflict, it has repeatedly struck residential complexes and other non-military infrastructure in aerial campaigns throughout Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Friday that 24 people died when a Russian missile struck a residential building in Kyiv the day before, with three children among the victims.

Rescue teams completed their search through the debris after working for more than 24 hours, Zelenskyy reported on the social media platform X.

The missile struck a nine-story residential building on a corner during what Ukrainian air defense officials described as Russia’s most extensive bombing campaign since the full-scale invasion began.

The bombardment primarily focused on Ukraine’s capital city, where 48 additional people sustained injuries, including two children, according to Zelenskyy’s statement.

Officials in Kyiv declared Friday as an official day of mourning to honor the victims of the attack.

Analysis of the missile debris revealed that the weapon was manufactured during the second quarter of 2024, Zelenskyy noted, citing findings from Ukrainian investigators.

“This means Russia is still importing the components, resources, and equipment necessary for missile production in circumvention of global sanctions,” Zelenskyy wrote in a separate post on X Thursday evening.

“Stopping Russia’s sanctions evasion schemes must be a genuine priority for all our partners,” he added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced Friday that 205 Ukrainian military members have been returned from Russian detention as part of an initial phase of a larger prisoner exchange agreement.

The exchange marks the beginning of a more extensive prisoner swap arrangement where both Russia and Ukraine will release 1,000 prisoners of war from each side. This exchange is taking place during a three-day ceasefire that was facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

MANILA – The Philippines’ anti-corruption leader has imposed a six-month suspension on the Senate’s top security official after gunfire erupted in the legislative building Wednesday, followed by the flight of a senator sought by the International Criminal Court.

“It’s a preventive suspension meant to make things easier for us to get to the bottom of this,” Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stated during a Friday press briefing.

“We can’t ignore something of this magnitude,” Remulla explained, noting that Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca’s suspension became effective Friday.

Reuters was unable to immediately reach Aplasca for his response to the suspension.

Military forces were sent to the legislative complex after Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who previously led President Rodrigo Duterte’s aggressive anti-drug campaign, called on his followers to gather and prevent his pending arrest on an ICC warrant.

Aplasca has acknowledged firing the initial warning shot during a confrontation with National Bureau of Investigation officers within the Senate facility.

“He was the first to fire. Do you fire at law enforcement? We do not tolerate that,” Remulla declared. “What right does he have to do that? Not even the President will do that.”

Dela Rosa, who had been sheltering in the Senate since Monday, has relocated elsewhere following what his spouse called an “escape” in the early morning hours Thursday.

“Flight is an indication of guilt, right? That’s a very basic tenet of criminal law. Flight is an indication of guilt,” Remulla observed.

“Is that how our senators should be, someone who runs from the law? He should be held accountable. He should just face the accusations and respond properly if he really has done nothing wrong.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr previously urged restraint and stated that no government staff participated in the confrontation. Both the Senate and law enforcement agencies confirmed that an inquiry into the shooting incident is ongoing.

According to the Philippine Constitution and the Ombudsman Act, the Ombudsman possesses the power to sanction public officials and can implement preventive suspensions to maintain objectivity during investigations.

HAVANA — Juan Miguel Mas spent almost 30 years leading Cuba’s Danza Voluminosa dance company, which regularly performed at elite theaters including the 2,000-capacity National Theater. The 60-year-old choreographer created an innovative movement featuring exclusively larger-bodied performers — work that became the subject of a Canadian documentary film.

Now the Havana native has moved away from the grand theaters where he once worked with professional performers. His current routine involves leading dance classes for young people and organizing community shows.

Mas faces the same challenges as other Cubans dealing with the island’s severe economic downturn, including frequent power failures, water shortages, rising prices and limited public transit options.

Artists face additional hardships, including canceled productions, eliminated funding for shows and widespread departures from the arts community. Mas recently learned his teaching position with the National Theater of Cuba has been terminated.

Arts journalist and essayist Michel Hernández described the situation bluntly. “The outlook for the arts is complex and bleak,” he said, explaining that Cuba’s once-accessible, government-funded cultural venues have declined dramatically, forcing artists to rely on costly private locations.

Despite these obstacles, Mas remains determined to stay.

“I am very interested in staying in Cuba,” he explained to The Associated Press during a recent Saturday while getting ready for practice with neighborhood children. “Were I to emigrate, I would lose contact with that ‘Cubanness’ that exists here, with the audience, the people, the folks next door.”

Mas was born in Havana in 1965 and learned dance and choreography from celebrated ballerina Laura Alonso and Ramiro Guerra, considered the founder of contemporary dance in Cuba. He also trained with Cuban-American performer and choreographer Lorna Burdsall, who supported him through discrimination from dance institutions due to his 160-kilogram (352-pound) weight.

In 1996, he launched Danza Voluminosa (or Voluminous Dance), which operated through 2024 and welcomed performers whose physiques didn’t match traditional dance standards. He also pursued acting and appeared in 2025’s “Cherri,” a dramatized movie inspired by his personal story.

To earn additional money beyond his modest income from youth instruction, Mas rents out part of his residence for commercial purposes and organizes weekend yard sales selling selected secondhand clothing, dishes and home items.

After his sister and teenage nephew moved to Spain last year, he lives by himself and manages costs by shopping at a neighborhood farmers’ market two blocks from home. He also benefits from having a government-subsidized pharmacy located directly across his street.

On a recent morning, carrying water to combat the heat, Mas walked six blocks to the bustling Marianao neighborhood, where 30 children and their mothers gathered to meet him.

The group quickly converted a street intersection into a performance space, and for 90 minutes straight, music played as the young performers sang songs and demonstrated dance routines while dressed as bees and other vibrant characters.

Despite facing significant challenges, Mas emphasized the value of maintaining ties to his neighborhood.

“It’s about bringing the knowledge of art to these children and lifting them out of a reality defined by conflict,” he said.

Australian officials have designated a neo-Nazi organization as the second group to be prohibited under new legislation that makes hate groups illegal.

The organization, previously called the National Socialist Network and also referred to as White Australia, announced it would dissolve after lawmakers enacted the legislation in January that permits certain groups to be outlawed. The legislation was created following the antisemitic assault on a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in December that resulted in 15 deaths.

“They changed their name, but didn’t change the fact that they were still an organization and were still engaging in the same sort of behavior that met the thresholds for this legislation,” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated to media in Canberra on Friday.

The prohibition, effective at Friday’s conclusion, makes supporting, financing, training for, recruiting for, joining or leading the organization illegal, including if it reorganizes with a different identity, Burke explained. Violations carry penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment.

The Islamist organization Hibzt ut-Tahrir became the first group prohibited under the hate speech legislation in March. Both that group and the National Socialist Network were specifically named by legislators and government officials as the law’s main focus.

The legislation enabled authorities to ban hate organizations that didn’t qualify as terrorist groups under Australia’s existing definitions. It was part of multiple measures implemented to combat antisemitic hatred following the Bondi attack that shocked the nation.

The national security agency ASIO determines if an organization qualifies for designation as a hate group, and a government minister must subsequently authorize the ban. Requirements include that an organization’s actions could heighten violence risks and that it has promoted or participated in hate crimes.

“None of this will stop bigoted people from having horrific ideologies,” Burke stated. “But it does prevent this group from organizing, from meeting, and prevents some of the sorts of horrific bigoted rallies that we’ve seen around our country.”

The disbanded group’s leader Thomas Sewell faces trial on charges connected to an assault he allegedly led against an Indigenous protest site last August. Masked individuals attacked the Melbourne camp during an anti-immigration demonstration, wounding three people.

Sewell has entered not guilty pleas to his five charges. A separate investigation into the white supremacist shooting deaths of 51 Muslims in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2019 determined that Sewell had tried to recruit the shooter, Brenton Tarrant, into another white nationalist organization two years prior to the mosque killings.

Burke rejected claims that the National Socialist Network had truly disbanded. The organization posted on its Telegram account in January that it would dissolve to prevent member arrests, according to Australian media reports.

The minister indicated his administration was ready for court challenges from the banned organizations.

Prior to the Bondi shooting in 2024, Australia implemented a national prohibition on Nazi salutes and displaying swastikas and other Nazi imagery. This followed months of antisemitic incidents targeting synagogues and Jewish businesses and schools in Sydney and Melbourne.

BEIJING, May 15 – Following discussions about trade, Taiwan and Iran, the Chinese President took the U.S. President Donald Trump on an exclusive walk through the historic Zhongnanhai compound in Beijing during the final portion of their diplomatic meeting.

The secure government complex, which previously served as an imperial garden and currently accommodates the offices of the ruling Communist Party and the state council, sits next to Beijing’s renowned Forbidden City near Tiananmen Square.

Audio equipment picked up the conversation between the two leaders, revealing Trump’s amazement upon learning that certain trees in the garden had survived for a millennium.

“Let me tell you, all the trees on this side are over 200 to 300 years old,” the Chinese President explained through his interpreter while pointing toward the massive tree trunks. “Over there, there are some more than 400 years old.”

Trump responded with surprise, asking “They live that long?”

The Chinese leader continued, “There are also 1,000-year-old trees in other places.”

When Trump inquired whether other international leaders had visited the compound, the Chinese President confirmed such visits were uncommon.

“Very rarely,” he answered. “At first, we usually didn’t hold diplomatic events here. Even after we started having some, it’s still extremely rare. For example, Putin has been here.”

The Chinese President then encouraged Trump to feel the bark of a tree that was 280 years old.

“Good. I like it,” Trump responded.

This exchange provided an unusual look at casual diplomatic moments between world leaders.

Previously in September, recording equipment had captured a conversation between the Chinese President and Russian President Vladimir Putin about organ transplants and human longevity potentially reaching 150 years as they approached Tiananmen Square for Beijing’s military parade.

India implemented a 3 rupee ($0.03) per liter increase in fuel costs Friday as officials work to balance losses caused by escalating worldwide oil prices.

The capital city of New Delhi now sees gasoline priced at 97.77 rupees ($1.17) per liter, with diesel reaching 90.67 rupees ($1.09) per liter.

The nation depends on imports for approximately 90% of its oil supply and has faced significant challenges from climbing energy costs and distribution problems connected to the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz closure. Until this point, the country had resisted increasing consumer fuel costs despite dramatic rises in energy expenses, positioning it among the final major economies to transfer elevated crude prices to buyers.

These cost adjustments occurred just days following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Indians to embrace voluntary conservation efforts.

During a Sunday address, Modi encouraged citizens to work from home when feasible, restrict international travel, and decrease gold purchases. He characterized fuel preservation and foreign exchange conservation as acts of “patriotism,” while promoting increased public transit usage, ride-sharing, and reduced fertilizer consumption.

Political opposition figures noted that Modi’s request came only after a significant state election cycle had finished, pointing out that fuel costs remained stable throughout the campaign period.

This week also saw India implement higher import tariffs on gold and silver at 15% as an attempt to reduce demand for imports that deplete foreign currency reserves.

The nation’s currency has dropped to historic lows recently as elevated oil costs have intensified import pressures and strained foreign exchange holdings.

India’s capital has emerged as the first state to implement conservation policies.

New Delhi officials announced fuel conservation initiatives Thursday, featuring required remote work days for certain government workers. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta explained the 90-day initiative seeks to decrease official fuel consumption and motivate residents to depend more heavily on public transit rather than personal vehicles.

The strategy requires employees capable of remote work to stay home twice weekly, while private businesses receive encouragement to voluntarily implement comparable policies.

The country has also expedited ethanol integration in gasoline as part of efforts to decrease crude oil dependency.

The majority of filling stations nationwide now offer gasoline mixed with 20% ethanol, with officials proposing expanded use of fuels containing 85% or complete ethanol in suitable vehicles.

Energy specialists noted that biofuel blending can provide protection from global energy disruptions but may further strain already diminishing groundwater supplies, encroach on agricultural land designated for food production, and affect older vehicle engines.

India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar declared Friday that overhauling the United Nations and its related organizations continues to be a priority, stating that major UN institutions, especially the Security Council, still mirror an outdated time period.

Speaking at the BRICS foreign ministers’ gathering in New Delhi, Jaishankar emphasized that proper representation for Asia, Africa, and Latin America is crucial within the UN framework.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — A quick glance reveals only scattered stone remnants of the community that Yusuf Abu Hamam’s relatives were compelled to abandon when he was a baby in 1948.

The community, al-Joura, was destroyed by Israeli forces during that period. It has since disappeared beneath residential areas of the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon and a national park’s grounds.

The area where Abu Hamam’s family settled — and where he lived most of his years — now also sits mostly in ruins. Structures in the Shati Camp in northern Gaza have been demolished and destroyed by Israeli bombing and demolitions throughout the last 2½ years of conflict.

On Friday, Abu Hamam and millions of Palestinians observe the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, meaning “catastrophe” in Arabic, which refers to the mass displacement and exodus of approximately 750,000 Palestinians from present-day Israel during the 1948 conflict surrounding Israel’s establishment. This marks the third Nakba remembrance since the Gaza war started.

The 78-year-old Abu Hamam, among a shrinking group of Nakba survivors, believes the present conflict represents an even worse disaster.

More than six months following an October ceasefire, he and Gaza’s remaining 2 million inhabitants are packed into fewer than half of the 25-mile coastal territory along the Mediterranean, encircled by an Israeli-controlled area covering the remaining land.

“There is no country left,” Abu Hamam said, speaking next to his home, which was heavily damaged by Israeli shelling earlier in the war. “A square kilometer and a half extending from the sea, this is what we are living in … It’s indescribable, unbearable.”

For Palestinians, the Nakba represented losing most of their ancestral land. Approximately 80% of Palestinians residing in the region that became Israel were forced from their residences by the emerging state’s forces before and during the conflict. The fighting started when Arab armies attacked after Israel’s creation as a Jewish homeland following the Holocaust. Palestinians who stayed received Israeli citizenship.

Following the conflict, Israel declined to permit Palestinian refugees to return to maintain a Jewish majority within its boundaries. Palestinians became what appears to be a permanent refugee population now totaling around 6 million, with most residing in refugee camps in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Gaza.

Approximately 530 Palestinian communities in what became Israel were demolished, according to the Palestinian Bureau of Statistics.

Abu Hamam’s birthplace was among them. Al-Joura was captured by Israeli forces as they advanced against Egyptian troops in November 1948. Soldiers received orders to demolish every residence in al-Joura and surrounding communities to prevent their Palestinian residents from returning, according to military records referenced by Israeli historian Benny Morris.

Refugees expanded the population of the small coastal territory that became the Gaza Strip. They remained in temporary camps, managed by a newly established U.N. agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, which supplied assistance and education. Those camps, including Abu Hamam’s Shati Camp, developed into crowded urban areas over decades, before many were destroyed during the recent Gaza conflict by Israeli bombardment.

The forebears of Ne’man Abu Jarad and his wife, Majida, were already residing in what would become the Gaza Strip in 1948. Both remember family stories about refugees arriving on foot from northern areas, like the community Abu Hamam originated from.

Although they escaped the initial Nakba, there was no avoiding what Majida now terms “our Nakba.”

Their community has been completely destroyed. During the past year, Israeli bulldozers and controlled explosions have demolished almost every structure in the northern Gaza towns of Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun. A new Israeli military installation sits approximately 700 meters (765 yards) from where the Abu Jarads’ residence once existed, based on satellite images.

Also destroyed is the southern Gaza city of Rafah, formerly housing a quarter million residents, and other communities and areas in the Israeli-controlled portion of the Gaza Strip. The military states it is eliminating positions used by Hamas and preparing the region for rebuilding. Satellite images reveal nearly every building reduced to debris.

During the last 31 months of conflict, the Abu Jarads and their six daughters have been forced to relocate more than twelve times while escaping Israeli bombing and military operations. They presently reside in a camp in the southern city of Khan Younis. Their tent provides minimal protection from harsh winter winds or summer heat, Majida explained.

Their daughters have been absent from school for more than two years.

“The Nakba of ’48, I don’t think it can be compared to our Nakba,” Majida said. “In ’48, they say people were displaced once and settled in one place, and they are still there until now. But our Nakba, honestly, is more severe because our displacement has happened multiple times. There is no stability.”

Approximately 90% of Gaza’s more than 2 million residents have lost their residences, based on U.N. estimates, with most now living in massive tent camps with rodent problems and sewage pools. They depend on aid for survival.

Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 72,700 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities. It began following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths. Militants also captured 251 hostages.

In the northern West Bank, tens of thousands of Palestinians are experiencing their 15th month of displacement, after Israeli forces ordered them from their refugee camps during an operation targeting militant organizations.

Since that time, troops have destroyed or severely damaged at least 850 buildings throughout the refugee camps of Nur Shams, Jenin and Tulkarem, based on satellite imagery analysis by Human Rights Watch published in December.

The 1948 Nakba also resulted in Palestinians losing their historical records, as those fleeing found it difficult to preserve documents and belongings connecting them to their homes.

One of the most extensive collections of Palestinian documents from the Nakba period belongs to UNRWA.

UNRWA personnel, who evacuated their Gaza offices after Israel ordered northern evacuation, were forced to abandon the agency’s comprehensive archive.

The staff then began a rescue operation for the most essential documents — birth, death and marriage certificates and refugee registration cards, according to Juliette Touma, a former senior UNRWA official.

Without these documents, Palestinians could forfeit their rights and refugee status. Staff members filled their personal luggage with papers and transported them through checkpoints and out of the territory, Touma explained.

The ongoing conflict has taken from Palestinians in Gaza what remained of their personal histories. Majida’s parents’ residence in Beit Hanoun was demolished, along with family photographs.

“There is nothing left,” she said.

Abu Hamam also states everything has been lost.

“When this war came, it devoured trees, stones and people,” he said. “Entire families were erased from the civil registry. Hundreds of families are still buried under the rubble.”

BUCHAREST, Romania — Disturbing footage shows dogs drinking from frozen water bowls and eating dried waste in concrete enclosures at a facility in eastern Romania.

These images were captured during a covert investigation by Vier Pfoten, an international animal welfare organization also called Four Paws, which examined conditions at Romania’s government-funded stray dog facilities.

During a 10-day period from Jan. 8-18, investigators visited nine facilities across the nation, recording what the organization characterizes as “high death rates and disturbing conditions” that represent “systemic neglect.”

The welfare organization discovered cramped enclosures, animals with untreated injuries, and numerous dogs housed in areas without protection from harsh winter weather.

With approximately 500,000 stray dogs, Romania maintains one of Europe’s largest homeless canine populations. Thousands of these animals live in government facilities where they await adoption or, sometimes, euthanasia.

Manuela Rowlings, who specializes in stray animal issues at Four Paws, explained to The Associated Press that their findings demonstrate these problems are widespread and require comprehensive reform.

“Public shelters are horrible places in Romania,” she stated. “It’s simply places where dogs are locked up and where they wait to die, and they do not even receive the minimum care or minimum standards.”

“Enclosures were frequently soiled with feces and overcrowded, leading to aggression and fighting among the dogs,” the Four Paws report states. “One dog even appeared to have bitten off parts of his own tail due to the highly stressful environment.”

During their visit to a government facility in western Arad County, considered among the better locations they examined, Four Paws discovered bare concrete flooring, no bedding or heating systems, and a complete absence of enrichment activities or toys. Despite these conditions, the organization commended staff members for their efforts to enhance the environment and promote adoptions.

The investigation criticized numerous facilities for making adoption processes difficult and noted that public records requests showed poor transparency regarding funding, animal intake numbers, and euthanasia statistics.

Romania’s National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, which supervises animal welfare and shelter operations, did not respond to the AP’s requests for comment.

Data obtained by the welfare organization shows that in 2024, only 134 of 644 dogs brought to a facility in northeastern Galati County found homes, while 28 were legally euthanized and 412 died from “other causes.”

“There is nothing that can be reported to the authorities, because it is not illegal to keep dogs in very, very poor conditions in the shelters,” Rowlings said.

Following the death of a 4-year-old boy killed by stray dogs in Bucharest in 2013, Romania enacted legislation leading to mass roundups of homeless animals, with those not adopted within 14 days facing euthanasia.

Animal protection advocates have consistently maintained that widespread spaying and neutering programs offer the most effective long-term solution.

Hilde Tudora, Director of Animal Protection at Ilfov County Council, explained to the AP that comprehensive sterilization programs fail because the stray dog situation has become a “money-making machine,” with taxpayer funds often supporting private facilities.

“Private companies have swelled up with public money, and then it turned into a business,” she said. “There must be dogs, because if you castrate en masse, there’s no more merchandise … No one really wants to solve the problem.”

Proposed legislation introduced last November would classify animals as “living beings with rights and freedoms” and shift focus from euthanasia to sterilization and microchipping programs.

Andrei Baciu, a parliamentarian from the National Liberal Party, said Romania has spent over 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in the last three decades on euthanizing stray dogs.

“From a single pair of unsterilized dogs can appear, in just six years, over 67,000 puppies,” he said in a Facebook post. “Capturing and euthanizing them would cost around 13.4 million euros ($15.6 billion). With the same money, we could sterilize 268,000 dogs.”

May 8-14, 2026

A catastrophic breakdown of Cuba’s electrical infrastructure has left the island nation’s eastern regions completely without power, while residents in Havana continue to endure persistent electrical outages. Frustrated citizens in the capital responded by constructing flaming roadblocks in protest of the extended power failures.

In Colombia, the Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta wetland ecosystem is experiencing severe environmental damage caused by an invasive Asian plant species. The rapidly spreading aquatic vegetation is blocking fishing channels and obstructing waterways, threatening the economic survival of local communities who depend on the lagoon for income.

Large demonstrations filled the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, as protesters marched to government buildings to oppose funding cuts that are undermining the financial stability of the nation’s university system.

This gallery was curated by photo editor Anita Baca based in Mexico City.

BEIJING, May 15 – During his state visit to China on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping had conversations about Iran and share the goal of preventing that nation from acquiring nuclear weapons while ensuring “the straits remain open.”

The meeting between the two world leaders took place at Beijing’s secure Zhongnanhai complex as Trump concluded his official visit to China.

Speaking about their discussions, Trump stated: “We’ve settled a lot of different problems that other people wouldn’t have been able to solve.”

Three people died and 12 others were wounded, including children, when drones struck the Russian city of Ryazan early Friday morning, according to Regional Governor Pavel Malkov.

“To our great regret, three people have been killed and 12 injured, including children,” Malkov wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

The governor reported that the drone strike caused damage to two high-rise apartment buildings. Falling debris from the drones also struck an unspecified industrial facility in the area, Malkov stated.

Images posted on the unofficial Telegram channel Mash depicted smoke billowing from a high-rise structure and indicated that one building entrance was obstructed, trapping residents inside.

Additional unofficial sources published photos showing multiple apartments engulfed in flames.

The targeted city of Ryazan sits approximately 200 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Moscow and houses a major oil refinery.

CHIYAH, Lebanon (AP) — Ayman al-Zain stood watching as heavy machinery removed debris from what remained of his athletic apparel shop, one of many structures leveled during Israeli attacks targeting the Hezbollah militant organization.

With a fragile ceasefire now reducing but not eliminating hostilities, Al-Zain considered whether to reconstruct his business in Beirut’s southern neighborhoods that he had planned to leave to his children. However, rebuilding appears unlikely in the near term, and not solely due to concerns about additional air attacks.

“Everything is expensive,” he explained to The Associated Press. “If I want to open a new store and get mannequins, hangers and some accessories, the prices are very different than before.”

The conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran, along with the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, has created financial turbulence throughout the Middle East. Lebanon’s difficulties have been magnified by pre-existing economic troubles and largely uncontrolled markets susceptible to exploitation.

“This continues to be a major economic shock, one of honestly an existential nature,” stated Economy Minister Amer Bisat, a member of the Lebanese Cabinet that assumed power more than a year ago with reform objectives.

Beginning in 2019, the small Mediterranean nation has endured an economic catastrophe that devastated its local currency’s worth and destroyed its banking infrastructure.

Lebanese financial institutions failed at that time, wiping out depositors’ funds and forcing roughly half of the 6.5 million residents into poverty, following years of widespread corruption, waste and poor governance. The nation experienced approximately $70 billion in financial sector damages, further increased by roughly $11 billion from the 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, according to the World Bank. The Lebanese pound has subsequently declined more than 90% of its strength versus the U.S. dollar.

The financially struggling state power company delivers just a few hours of electricity daily, forcing most Lebanese to depend on diesel-powered generators for additional power. This situation makes the economy especially susceptible to fuel cost increases.

Lebanon was already “grappling with multiple rounds of crises,” explained Mohamad Faour, professor of finance at the American University of Beirut. “So this round of war only made an already fragile situation more fragile.”

During this latest conflict, 1.2 million Lebanese citizens have been forced from their homes, primarily from southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern districts. Many are taking refuge in educational facilities without employment or depleting their remaining funds on apartment rentals or hotel accommodations.

During an AP interview at his workplace, Bisat calculated that the nation confronts economic damages of approximately 7% of its gross domestic product from the war because “companies are closing, people are losing their jobs, tourists are not showing up.”

Signs of rising costs are everywhere.

At the typically busy fresh food market in Sabra, south of Beirut, seller Ahmad al-Farra appeared discouraged as an older woman shopping for watermelon, tomatoes and potatoes left empty-handed after seeing the costs.

Costs have surged since the U.S. and Israel began their war against Iran on Feb. 28, quickly followed by renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

“We’re keeping our prices low so we can sell, and even then we’re not selling,” al-Farra explained as an Israeli drone buzzed overhead.

Even customers with spending power are worried and reducing non-essential buying, leaving many establishments nearly empty.

Riad Aboulteif, who operates multiple restaurants and bars in the capital, reported his income has fallen by approximately 90% since hostilities started, as Lebanon’s diminishing middle class reduces expenses.

Citizens are preserving more funds for basic needs and avoiding plans for birthday celebrations or other special events, he noted at one of his establishments in Beirut’s busy Hamra area, where lively customer conversations once drowned out the jazz music from the speakers.

That evening, only a handful of tables had patrons. He has been forced to reduce employees and modify his menus to provide more budget-friendly options.

At the same time, the nation’s financially ruined government has found it difficult to stop unfair and illegal profiteering and the stockpiling of fuel and other vital supplies.

Numerous farming regions in southern and eastern Lebanon are now unreachable due to airstrikes and fighting, but al-Faraa suspects suppliers have increased costs beyond what’s needed to cover expense rises.

Some of the most dramatic price increases have occurred with generator charges.

Households and businesses have for years paid several utility bills to cover privately provided electricity and water due to absent government services. Local generator operators impose monthly fees, and some property owners maintain their own generators and pass costs to renters.

Angry business operators report that generator expenses have sometimes doubled, compelling them to reduce operating hours or close on certain days to lower costs.

“If we didn’t take these measures, we cannot continue,” Aboulteif stated.

Bisat noted his ministry has performed more than 4,000 inspections of private generators, fuel stations and stores nationwide since the war started in March and filed numerous court complaints. However, the problem will not be rapidly solved.

Currently, the government has limited capacity to control the small number of companies that import and distribute fuel and other products.

With no war conclusion visible, the economic circumstances show no indication of improvement.

A fragile ceasefire exists between the U.S. and Iran, but discussions between Washington and Tehran have stalled. A temporary truce between Israel and Hezbollah has decreased but not eliminated fighting in Lebanon.

For the present, Lebanese families and business operators are addressing the difficulties daily while hoping for improvement.

“Only God knows how we’ve been trying to manage ourselves,” al-Farra stated.

VIENNA (AP) — Eurovision Song Contest performers have just three minutes to create a memorable impact.

Capturing audience attention among 25 competing acts in Saturday’s grand finale in Vienna requires maximum effort in both musical and visual presentation.

For this year’s leading contenders, Finnish performers pop vocalist Pete Parkkonen and classical musician Linda Lampenius, their strategy includes fire jets, an antique violin from the 18th century, and a crew of “ninjas” dedicated to preventing mishaps.

Their track “Liekinheitin,” which translates to “Flamethrower,” has gained favor among supporters and gambling odds with its fusion of popular and classical music styles — plus its dramatic presentation.

Here’s the process behind crafting their attention-grabbing act.

Parkkonen and Lampenius describe their musical style as “new pop with a classical touch.” Their composition about passionate love delivers explosive energy where Parkkonen’s intense singing creates contrast with Lampenius’ dynamic violin playing.

The Finnish team needed to obtain special authorization for Lampenius to perform her instrument live. Eurovision regulations require that main vocals be sung live, while instruments use pre-recorded tracks to facilitate quick transitions between performances.

Lampenius explains “Flamethrower” was “written as a duet,” requiring both artists to perform live for proper execution.

“It’s a woman and a man, it’s a female voice and a male voice. So I do all my lyrics through my violin, by playing, and you (Parkkonen) are singing it with words. But we are talking. We are (equally) as important, both of us.”

The duo remained uncertain upon reaching Vienna whether Eurovision officials would approve their request. Final authorization came only after they demonstrated their act before a live audience during rehearsal.

The European Broadcasting Union, Eurovision’s organizing body, stated that competition rules permit “live audio capture of instruments may exceptionally be permitted where artistically justified.”

Lampenius traveled with two violins as backup — a prized Gagliano crafted in 1781 for optimal live sound quality, plus a less expensive alternative for potential playback use. This strategy would protect the Gagliano from the somewhat dangerous staging elements.

Lampenius and Parkkonen report they have been practicing for this opportunity since November. After winning Finland’s national Eurovision selection in February, they estimate having performed their song hundreds of times.

Precision is essential. Their act culminates with fire bursts erupting from the stage while Lampenius, wearing a flowing gown and aided by a leaf blower, plays her valuable violin.

Lampenius admits it’s “a bit scary when you think of it.”

However, she feels confident knowing she has dark-clothed crew members who refer to themselves as “ninjas” standing by to protect her costume from the flames — a critical but invisible element for home viewers.

“They’re running with me – first one guy carrying my dress when I’m running, then the other one catching me during my run,” she explained. “And he helps me also when I jump up on the stage and do the pirouette.”

During the dramatic concluding pose where Lampenius balances on chairs in high heels while holding her violin high, Parkkonen manages both his vocal performance and serves as a safety observer, ready to catch her if she falls.

“That’s my work,” the vocalist explained.

The leaders of South Korea and Japan have scheduled a diplomatic meeting for this weekend, according to an announcement from Seoul’s presidential office on Friday.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will host Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the South Korean city of Andong from May 19 through May 20. The location holds personal significance as it is Lee’s place of birth.

This diplomatic gathering represents the second time the two leaders will meet face-to-face in 2024. Their previous encounter took place in January when Lee traveled to Nara, Takaichi’s birthplace, as part of what officials describe as continuing “shuttle diplomacy” between the neighboring countries.

President Trump concluded his Beijing visit on Friday with a final private meeting at Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s official residence before departing for Washington.

The two leaders spent Thursday addressing contentious topics including the Iran conflict, trade relations, technology issues and Taiwan.

Trump revealed that Xi informed him China is willing to help broker an end to the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Since China purchases the most Iranian oil, Trump hopes Xi will leverage this relationship to pressure Iran into accepting U.S. conditions. Trump also mentioned that Xi promised China would not supply Iran with military equipment.

Throughout this visit, Trump has maintained an optimistic view of U.S.-China relations. However, this perspective faces challenges when confronting the most difficult issues between the two nations, including Taiwan, the Iran conflict and trade disputes.

During their summit filled with ceremony and diplomatic courtesy, Xi cautioned Trump that disagreements over Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing considers its territory, could lead to U.S.-China confrontations or conflict. Trump approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan in December but has not proceeded with delivery. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later warned Thursday that China attempting to seize Taiwan by force would be “a terrible mistake.”

Trump also emphasized trade matters and agreements for China to purchase more agricultural goods and passenger aircraft, establishing a board to resolve their disagreements and prevent another trade war like the one sparked last year following Trump’s tariff increases.

The president’s convoy traveled to Zhongnanhai, the Chinese central leadership complex adjacent to the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The compound’s gardens hosted Trump and Xi for an official photograph commemorating Trump’s visit, followed by a working tea session.

The leaders also planned a private lunch before Trump’s Friday afternoon departure to Washington.

Last year, the Trump administration announced it would begin canceling visas for certain Chinese students, including those connected to the Communist Party or studying in sensitive areas.

When questioned about this policy during a Fox News interview, Trump stated, “I frankly think that it’s good that people come from other countries and they learn our culture, and many of them want to stay here.”

Approximately 270,000 Chinese students attended U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023-2024 academic year, representing nearly a quarter of all international students.

Trump referenced a figure of 500,000 Chinese students in the interview and commented, “if you want to see a university system die, take a half a million people out of it.”

“It’s something I’m always looking at. But it’s a very insulting thing to tell a country, we don’t want your people in our schools,” he explained.

Adjacent to Beijing’s Forbidden City sits a secretive complex surrounding two artificial lakes created for imperial enjoyment.

Zhongnanhai, meaning “middle and southern seas,” represents China’s power center as Chinese President Xi Jinping’s primary residence and central government headquarters.

Zhongnanhai draws comparisons to the White House, the Kremlin or South Korea’s Blue House. However, unlike other presidential residences, Zhongnanhai rarely serves as the primary location for diplomatic visits.

China’s leadership reserves the highly protected grounds exclusively for their closest allies and carefully chosen dignitaries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Xi has described as his closest friend, visited Zhongnanhai at least twice, in 2024 and 2025.

Xi also invited former U.S. President Barack Obama to Zhongnanhai in 2014, where the two leaders enjoyed an evening walk and dinner.

Elon Musk’s 6-year-old son appeared Thursday at the Great Hall of the People wearing Chinese-style clothing and carrying a tiger bag that became an internet sensation in China.

The small, tiger-head crossbody bag comes from artisanal brand YASTEE, which collaborates with embroiderers in southern China to create handcrafted items.

According to local media, a bag similar to the one Musk’s son wore requires several days to make and decorate by hand.

The bag became viral on Chinese social media and sold out within hours on the company’s online platforms.

In his interview with Sean Hannity of Fox News, the president said he invited them to join his meeting with Xi at the Great Hall of the People despite their participation not being planned.

Trump explained the American business executives were in the building “and I said I think I can get them in five minutes.”

Trump declined to identify which executives participated but said they introduced themselves and spoke briefly, appearing to impress Xi. He noted most had never met the Chinese president.

“He actually said that was very good. That was a good idea,” Trump said regarding Xi’s reaction.

Trump, whose delegation included the CEOs of Mastercard and Visa, said he also discussed with Xi expanding U.S. credit card companies’ access to the Chinese market.

“I said, ‘What about using Visa in China?’” Trump mentioned in his Fox News interview. “For some reason they were blackballed and maybe that’ll come off.”

China permits foreign cards to connect with instant payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay. However, physical card usage remains limited primarily to international hotels, luxury shopping centers, and select upscale restaurants.

Visa and Mastercard have long sought greater access to Chinese consumers and businesses in the world’s second-largest economy.

Trump inquired about releasing Jimmy Lai, the 78-year-old former newspaper publisher and pro-democracy activist serving a 20-year sentence in Hong Kong, during his meeting with Xi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed in an NBC News interview Thursday.

“We would like to see him released. We would be open to any arrangement that would work for them, as long as he’s given his freedom,” Rubio stated.

Lai published Apple Daily, a tabloid that criticized Chinese and Hong Kong government officials.

“He’s all business,” Trump told Sean Hannity of Fox News in a recorded interview following Thursday’s meeting with the Chinese leader. “There’s no games. There’s no talking about how nice the weather is.”

Trump described Xi as “a very smart person” and said they maintain “a good relationship.”

“He’s all about China,” Trump observed.

The president suggested during the Fox News interview that Iranian officials initially “said very strongly” that the U.S. could send teams to collect hundreds of pounds of enriched uranium believed buried beneath nuclear sites severely damaged by U.S. military strikes last year.

However, he said Iran later withdrew from the agreement.

“They agreed to it. They take it back. They agree, you know it’s back and forth,” he explained.

Iran’s willingness to surrender enriched uranium represents a crucial point in negotiations to end the conflict.

Trump has consistently maintained Tehran is prepared to do so, but Iran has largely dismissed such claims.

Trump added during the interview that Iran claims only the U.S. and China possess sufficient technology to extract the enriched uranium, given its deep underground location.

Trump and Xi planned additional discussions Friday.

They scheduled time together at Xi’s official Beijing residence before Trump returns to Washington.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC that “there’s going to be some agricultural purchases” resulting from this visit.

U.S. soybean farmers suffered significant losses during Trump’s trade war with China and have pressed him to convince Beijing to increase purchases of their crops.

China is expected to meet its commitment to buy 12 million metric tons (13.2 million tons) of U.S. soybeans this year, though this falls well short of the 25 million to 30 million metric tons (27.5 million to 33 million tons) purchased previously.

China, the largest foreign purchaser of U.S. soybeans, completely stopped buying them last year after Trump raised tariffs on all Chinese products. Following Trump’s October meeting with Xi, the White House announced China agreed to purchase 12 million metric tons.

The American Soybean Association hopes Trump can negotiate an agreement for an additional 8 million metric tons (8.8 million tons) by August 31.

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Names like Have-A-Look, Handsome, Thanks, Trust, Privilege, Doubt, Problem, and Shame aren’t merely words in Zimbabwe. Parents select these names purposefully in a society where choosing what to call a child extends far beyond simple identification and can provide insight into family stories, feelings, and situations.

Initially, Privilege Mubani, a 37-year-old bar manager in Harare, the capital city, hadn’t considered the significance of her name much.

However, when she matured, she questioned her father about her name’s meaning. His response revealed a tale she had never envisioned, one containing stigma, strength, and surprising happiness.

Her mother had conceived while unmarried. In their traditional society where unwed motherhood faces disapproval, she had abandoned hopes of marriage.

But then a man appeared who married her despite the social stigma, making her mother feel vindicated.

“People had been laughing at her. She was being mocked for having a ‘fatherless’ child. Naming me Privilege was her own expression of gratitude,” she said with a grin.

The country’s preference for English names demonstrates its past as a British colony and its predominantly Christian population. English continues as an official language and the primary one used in education and government.

However, this custom extends beyond colonial influence.

In this southern African country, names frequently serve as brief stories of happiness, sorrow, belief, struggle, or strength during a child’s birth, explained David Chikwaza, a decolonization researcher at Dublin City University’s School of History and Geography in Ireland.

“It is an echo of pre-colonial naming traditions. Zimbabweans, and Africans in general, are very spiritual and the naming of a child always carried deep symbolism,” Chikwaza said. “Parents would name their child as a way of addressing a societal or a personal issue. Colonialism promoted English as a language of sophistication, so Africans simply turned to the English vocabulary for expression, but the meanings remain the same.”

This creates a naming system that frequently captivates people from other countries.

When Zimbabwe’s national soccer team played in January’s African Cup of Nations tournament, their remarkable player names caught public attention and became popular on social media.

“I have never seen a team with cooler names. I am hearing the commentator say these names and I am like, there’s no way these are real,” one TikTok user said, reacting to players named Teenage, Godknows, Divine, Marvellous, Knowledge, Prince and Prosper.

This uniqueness also becomes material for humor.

Learnmore Jonasi, who reached the finals of “America’s Got Talent” in 2024, frequently gets laughs from American audiences by joking about his name and others from his homeland.

Names like Givemore, Best, Promise, Guarantee, Anxious, Innocent, Confidence and Hardlife are among many that might seem unusual elsewhere, but appear normal in Zimbabwe.

Many people view their names with pride and even as goals to achieve.

Consider Lovejoy Mutongwiza, a 33-year-old journalist and chief executive of 263chat, an online news outlet. He views his name as a reason to celebrate.

“My mum and dad said they were madly in love and in a happy place in their lives when they conceived me, so they aptly named me Lovejoy,” he said. “It’s a befitting name. I think I have lived up to it because I am rarely angry. I am naturally a bubbly person.”

Some people accept names that others might consider negative.

Shame Chikwana said he has never felt troubled by his name and rejected his sister’s suggestions to choose a more typical name as an adult.

“I would never trade it for any other name. I was named after my late grandfather so it’s a heritage I am carrying,” said the 51-year-old, adding that his parents refused to divulge why his grandfather was given the name.

“I hope it stays within the family for generations to come,” he said.

BENGALURU, India (AP) — The ongoing conflict with Iran has created severe energy disruptions across Asia, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of skyrocketing fuel costs and supply shortages.

In New Delhi, taxi operator Ravi Ranjan faces mounting financial pressure as shipping interruptions from the Iran conflict force him to pay dramatically higher prices for household cooking fuel. The situation has worsened as India’s prime minister encourages citizens to cut back on driving and travel.

Ranjan’s expenses have tripled, he explained, with cooking fuel deliveries experiencing significant delays.

“I used to get a cylinder of LPG for 1,000 rupees ($11), now I pay 3,000 rupees ($31) in the black market,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Chennai on India’s coast, marketing professional Sushmita Sankar reports that both gasoline and cooking fuel costs are rising dramatically due to the conflict. Sankar notes that ethanol-blended gasoline — now the standard option at filling stations — appears to be reducing her vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

“Fuel expenses are increasing and with only ethanol mixed petrol available, I feel my car’s mileage has reduced in the last year or so,” she said. “Already our days are busy with work and taking care of our child’s school and other needs. Having to now spend a lot of time to fill my car or buy LPG is making things even more hectic.”

Responding to cooking gas shortages and rising crude oil costs, India has suggested allowing automobiles to operate on 85% or even pure ethanol. The country has also prohibited sugar exports through at least September to maintain domestic supplies and ensure sufficient raw materials for potential increases in ethanol blending.

Officials argue that increased ethanol use will decrease vehicle emissions, though motorists worry about reduced fuel efficiency. Environmental specialists also note that using corn, rice and other food crops for ethanol production could interfere with food and animal feed requirements.

Asia experienced the earliest and most severe fossil fuel disruptions from the Iran conflict’s impact on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy shipping route.

With countries preparing for additional impacts, governments seek to expand biofuel usage to reduce fuel import dependence. Indonesia and Malaysia are also advancing policies to increase fuel mixing with palm oil-derived alternatives, though specialists caution this could promote agricultural expansion and forest destruction.

Even with this conflict-driven focus, implementing higher fuel blends across Asia may require years due to the time needed for supply chain development, blend research and vehicle compatibility testing.

The prime minister asked Indians this month to make “nationally responsible choices” to conserve fuel by increasing public transportation use, carpooling and avoiding international travel.

India purchases nearly 90% of its crude oil from abroad, so the Iran conflict has impacted gasoline-dependent vehicles and millions of households and restaurants requiring LPG. Natural gas-dependent industries have also suffered effects. However, a national electrical system powered mainly by coal and some renewable sources has maintained electricity supply.

Following the Iran conflict’s start, Indian officials responded by diversifying oil suppliers and suggesting higher biofuel blends, though energy specialists say this has only partially reduced the impact.

Most Indian fuel stations now offer a 20% ethanol mixture after the nation reached its goal of nationwide blend distribution in 2025, five years earlier than the government’s original timeline. Officials are considering raising the blend percentage across all gasoline to 27% by 2030. The recent transport ministry announcement suggesting vehicles that operate on 85% ethanol or pure ethanol represents the clearest indication yet for auto manufacturers to start producing compatible vehicles. The schedule for these higher blends remains undetermined.

“Moving toward higher ethanol blends reflects the government’s long-term vision for energy security, lower emissions, and reduced dependence on imported crude oil,” said Chandra Kumar Jain, president of the Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association.

India’s 20% ethanol blend resulted in a 2.5% decrease in crude oil imports in 2025, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.

While any oil import reduction benefits the country, a disadvantage of the accelerated fuel blending pace is policy uncertainty and confusion among car manufacturers, said Charith Konda of IEEFA.

Southeast Asia similarly views bioenergy as protection from the current crisis and future disruptions, according to Reza Yosri, an energy specialist at consulting firm Ramboll.

Indonesia aims to raise fuel blending to 50% biodiesel from the current 40% under a program initiated in March by the president, who declared, “We are going in a big way to biofuel.”

The biofuel program represents part of Indonesia’s drive for “energy sovereignty” following recent fuel disruptions, according to Putra Adhiguna of Jakarta-based Energy Shift Institute.

Fuel blending will also assist Indonesia in creating a domestic market for palm oil it exports worldwide, he explained. However, he emphasized the need to monitor land clearing and forest destruction.

In April, Malaysia authorized a plan to gradually raise its fuel mixing to 15% biodiesel and 85% fossil diesel, with a potential 20% blend being evaluated.

Rising fuel costs have “revived the idea,” explained Ahmad Rafdi Endut, a Kuala Lumpur-based energy analyst. Nevertheless, he warned that higher concentrations will require additional testing and consumers remain concerned about decreased mileage.

Although ethanol blending is frequently promoted as a gasoline replacement, specialists caution that the situation is more complex.

Shyamasis Das of the New Delhi-based Centre for Social and Economic Progress noted uncertainty about how higher blends would impact existing engines, and scaling up production for engines capable of running on higher concentrations will take time.

Motorists may experience compromises. Ethanol contains less energy per unit than gasoline, meaning vehicles typically use more fuel to travel the same distance, Das clarified.

Worries persist that crops required for ethanol production could compete with food supplies, increasing prices and worsening water shortages, Das added. In India, approximately 70% of ethanol derives from crops including sugarcane, corn and rice.

Creating one liter (34 fluid ounces) of ethanol can demand between 3,000 liters (792 gallons) and 10,000 liters (2,641 gallons) of water, a resource already strained in a nation experiencing groundwater depletion.

While biofuels can decrease vehicle emissions, their total climate effect depends on production methods.

Konda, the IEEFA analyst, suggested that electric vehicles represent a more effective long-term approach, combined with transitioning industries to renewable energy rather than fossil or biofuels.

The climate advantages of crop-derived ethanol can be constrained by elements including land usage and water consumption, analysts report.

Das, from CSEP, emphasized that producing ethanol from materials requiring no additional land or water — such as agricultural waste, municipal refuse and used oils — is essential.

“If the biofuel is not sourced from residues or waste, they are not usually treated as renewable,” he said.

TAIPEI, May 15 (Reuters) – Taiwan’s government expressed appreciation to the United States on Friday for maintaining its supportive stance and dedication to regional stability, while confirming that American policy toward the island remains consistent during President Donald Trump’s ongoing state visit to China.

The United States serves as Taiwan’s primary international ally and maintains legal obligations to supply the island with defensive capabilities, despite China’s claims over Taiwan and demands for arms sales to cease.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Thursday that discussions between Trump and President Xi Jinping included the topic of democratically-led Taiwan, while emphasizing that American policy toward the territory continues without modification.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung issued a statement through his ministry expressing gratitude to the U.S. for consistently voicing its support and highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region, while confirming that U.S. Taiwan policy remains steady.

The ministry noted that Chinese military forces persist in conducting operations near Taiwan, engaging in “harassment and intimidation.”

“This demonstrates that Beijing is a major risk to current regional peace and stability,” the statement said.

During Thursday’s discussions, Xi warned Trump that poor management of the nations’ Taiwan-related disputes could lead China-U.S. relations to a “dangerous place.”

Speaking to NBC, Rubio characterized any Chinese use of force regarding Taiwan as a “terrible mistake.”

Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, responded to Rubio’s comments later that evening through his X social media account, expressing agreement with the sentiment.

“We’re determined to defend the status quo & deter aggression,” Wu posted.

Chinese military operations in Taiwan’s vicinity continue on a daily basis.

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported Friday morning that seven Chinese warships were detected in the area during the previous 24-hour period, while no aircraft were observed.

Trump is scheduled to depart for the United States Friday afternoon following tea and lunch engagements with Xi.

Exotic dancers in Montreal are organizing a work stoppage during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, timing their labor action to coincide with what they say is the most profitable period for strip clubs in the city.

The Sex Work Autonomous Committee has scheduled the strike for May 23, which falls on the eve of the fifth Formula One race of the season. The group is pushing for recognition as employees rather than independent contractors, along with the workplace protections that come with employee status.

The workers’ main objective is eliminating the “bar fee” that dancers must pay to perform at clubs. They are also seeking improved safety and sanitation standards in their workplaces, plus an end to discriminatory practices in hiring and shift assignments.

“As strippers, we are considered independent contractors, this means that on paper we are treated the same as, say, an independent plumber that you would hire for your home repairs,” SWAC said in a statement.

“The independent contractor plumber is responsible to no one but themself, while the independent contractor stripper is responsible to club management, at the expense of their job.”

The organization deliberately chose the Grand Prix weekend for maximum impact on club owners’ bottom line.

“The clubs are at their busiest, making it the most lucrative period of the year for our boss,” the statement continued.

“This is our chance to threaten that income and affect them when it hurts the most. During this time, despite management making more money, dancers have to put up with … generally worse working conditions.”

The parliament of the Solomon Islands chose opposition leader Matthew Wale as the nation’s new prime minister on Friday, following last week’s removal of incumbent Jeremiah Manele through a no-confidence vote.

In a parliamentary ballot, Wale secured victory over Peter Shanel Agovaka with 26 votes compared to 22, according to Governor General Sir David Tiva Kapu, who serves as the representative of the nation’s head of state, Britain’s King Charles. The results were announced during a news conference.

Following his selection, Wale acknowledged the challenging circumstances facing his new administration.

“We take government at a difficult time, given what is happening throughout the world,” Wale said after his election.

“We are not immune from the impacts of these geopolitical events.”

The Solomon Islands, positioned 1,600 km (1,000 miles) northeast of Australia, has gained strategic significance in recent years as its relationship with China has grown stronger. The nation entered into a security agreement with China in 2022, raising alarm among the United States and neighboring South Pacific countries.

Wale had previously spoken out strongly against this agreement, arguing it would harm regional security and potentially damage relationships with current partners. However, in recent years he has worked to improve relations with China.

In 2025, he headed a delegation to Beijing, where he commended China’s economic progress and stated his party’s support for the one-China principle, based on information from a visit summary released by the Communist Party of China.

NEW YORK (AP) — The organization Global Citizen, which fights poverty worldwide, has experience with major events. The advocacy organization brought together more than 60,000 people at its Central Park festival last year to focus attention on protecting rainforests and improving energy access.

Now Global Citizen is working on its biggest project to date: organizing the inaugural FIFA World Cup halftime show scheduled for July 19, developed with assistance from Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin. The event will showcase Super Bowl-style entertainment — rarely seen in soccer — starring Madonna, Shakira and BTS. Additionally on Thursday, Shakira unveiled the tournament’s official anthem “Dai Dai” featuring Afrobeats star Burna Boy.

Event planners hope to channel the tournament’s anticipated billions of global viewers toward a charitable effort created in partnership with soccer’s worldwide governing organization. Using what Global Citizen founder Hugh Evans described as the “complementary” bonding forces of soccer and music, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund seeks to collect $100 million for community organizations that give disadvantaged children educational opportunities and sports access.

“I hope that on the world’s biggest stage, finally, the importance of investing in education steals the show,” Shakira told the Global Citizen NOW summit in New York on Thursday. Later, she told The Associated Press in an interview that she wanted to help the “many children who are being left behind.”

“That should be our first concern,” Shakira said. “I’m so excited that finally we’re gonna use a global event like this one as a platform to discuss what’s most important: kids’ education.”

However, that effort might face challenges due to the enormous expense of game tickets. One dollar from each World Cup ticket purchase will support the education fund. But with tickets priced in the four- to five-figure range, plus expensive travel and accommodation costs, some host cities are reducing their attendance projections.

Adding to the complexity of their unity message is FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s growing relationship with President Donald Trump, whose limiting immigration policies and recent military actions create what opponents view as an unwelcoming atmosphere unusual for an international sports competition.

Infantino presented FIFA’s new peace prize to Trump in December. Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter, was also named to the education fund’s board.

Evans is not concentrating on politics, though. “I’m a pragmatist,” he told the AP. “I’ve always believed that if we can do something so unbelievably positive, it has the potential to unite people at a time when the world needs it most.”

Thursday’s Global Citizen NOW summit presenters highlighted their capacity to create cross-industry backing for initiatives like the education fund. The yearly spring meeting brings together performers, corporate leaders and international officials to explore joint approaches to eliminating extreme poverty, often connecting with the United Nations’ comprehensive “sustainable development goals” that span from ending hunger to reaching gender equality.

They’ve collected $47 million thus far for the education fund, according to a Thursday announcement at a Global Citizen summit in New York City. Corporate backers Bank of America, MetLife and Cisco contributed $15 million collectively, according to Evans. MetLife is adding an extra $5 for each video that supporters share online showing themselves juggling a soccer ball with the hashtag #FootworkForFutures.

Indian education entrepreneur Sunny Varkey and his Varkey Foundation provided $3 million. Also being contributed are ticket revenues from The Weeknd’s successful world tour along with the joint tour recently revealed by Usher and Chris Brown. Shakira announced Thursday she will contribute 100% of her “Dai Dai” earnings plus $1 from each ticket to her newly expanded tour in the United States.

Evans is now approaching national leaders for additional financial backing. He invited current or future World Cup host nations to add supplemental funding.

“It has the potential to say to the whole world: We are global citizens… We’re all on this amazing planet together. Let’s solve the world’s biggest problems together,” Evans said, adding that the move can foster a human approach rather than a “nationalistic” one.

Evans referenced the 27 initial FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund recipients, announced earlier this week, as motivation. Among the beneficiaries was Hit the Books, a Harlem-based nonprofit that uses mixed martial arts as the hook to provide students with additional educational resources.

The grants range from $50,000 to $250,000. Jhae Thompson, executive director of Hit the Books, said the support is meaningful because many nonprofits support hundreds of children on incredibly small budgets.

“What we are really leveraging is the foundation of what a young person needs in order to build character, to build discipline, to build confidence,” Thompson told the Global Citizen NOW audience.

Global Citizen has developed partnerships in new areas as traditional supporters including the U.S. reduce their international aid spending. That growth includes the Middle East, represented by the addition of Mariam AlMheiri to their board.

AlMheiri, who heads the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court of the United Arab Emirates, emphasized that “when you look at a football, everyone’s happy” — a positive association she hopes will translate into support for the education fund.

Marcus Samuelsson, a multiple James Beard Award-winning chef and avid soccer fan, noted that this World Cup is spread across three different countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament, he added, has expanded from its origins as a competition largely between South American and European nations to represent countries in Africa and Asia, too.

He hopes that wide geographic spread inspires curiosity about global issues.

“You start thinking about these countries. You maybe want to go there on vacation, maybe you want to go there, volunteer and help out. Whatever gets you going,” Samuelsson told AP. “And it can start by falling in love while watching them.”

President Donald Trump concluded his rapid visit to China on Friday, maintaining that ties between the world’s two largest economies are strong and improving, even as major disagreements persist over Taiwan, Iran, and other critical issues.

On his final day in Beijing, Trump took to social media to claim that Chinese leader Xi Jinping had “congratulated me on so many tremendous successes” and clarified that Xi was speaking only about his predecessor, former U.S. President Joe Biden, when he “very elegantly referred to the United States as perhaps being a declining nation.”

However, Trump’s optimistic assessment of U.S.-China ties conflicts with challenging realities surrounding the most contentious matters between the two global powers.

China has demonstrated minimal public enthusiasm for American requests to become more engaged in addressing the Iran situation, despite Trump revealing in a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity that Xi had privately offered assistance during their discussions. The White House also maintains that China could do more to reduce the supply of Chinese-produced precursor chemicals flowing into Mexico for illegal fentanyl production that has devastated numerous American communities.

During private discussions, Xi cautioned Trump that their disagreements regarding the self-governed island of Taiwan could push the world’s leading powers toward “clashes and even conflicts” if mismanaged, according to Chinese government representatives.

Trump and Xi planned additional time together at Xi’s official Beijing residence on Friday before the American president’s lengthy return trip to Washington.

Xi’s stern warnings about Taiwan dominated Thursday’s discussions, even as Trump emphasized the idea that America and China maintain a “special relationship.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed NBC News that American policy regarding Taiwan remained “unchanged” and warned it would be “a terrible mistake” for China to attempt taking Taiwan through military force. He characterized Xi’s remarks as routine.

“They always raise it on their side. We always make clear our position, and we move on to the other topics,” Rubio explained, noting he was among senior advisors joining Trump for the discussions.

In recent weeks, China has emphasized its position that Taiwan represents the “core” of its interests and remains essential for maintaining stable U.S. relations.

Trump has insisted Taiwan boost its defense expenditures, and in December, the White House revealed an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, representing the largest ever for the island democracy.

However, America has not yet started delivering these weapons sales, and Trump indicated he planned to address this issue with Xi in Beijing. He has also complained that Taiwan “stole” America’s semiconductor industry and demanded Taiwan compensate the U.S. for protection.

Meanwhile, Trump has used tariff threats and Biden-era incentives to encourage Taipei to commit to substantial investments in American semiconductor production and purchase billions in U.S. liquefied natural gas and crude oil. This approach toward Taiwan has sparked questions about whether Trump might reduce support for the island democracy.

Ma Chun-wei, a China-Taiwan relations specialist at Taiwan’s Tamkang University, explained that the strengthened defense partnership between Washington and Taipei has prompted China to intensify its Taiwan rhetoric.

“For Xi Jinping, he must show that the Taiwan issue is in China’s hands. He must demonstrate this image, or else he would be criticized,” Ma stated.

Iran featured prominently when Trump met with Xi on Thursday for their two-hour session in the Great Hall of the People.

The leaders reached agreement that the Strait of Hormuz — essentially blocked since the Iran conflict began — must reopen to support worldwide energy needs, Trump revealed in his Fox News interview. Approximately 20% of global oil passed through the strait before hostilities commenced on Feb. 28.

Trump disclosed in the interview that Xi privately volunteered help in resolving the conflict, though the specifics remained unclear given China’s strategic alliance with Iran.

“He’d like to see the Hormuz Strait open,” Trump stated. “He said if I can be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help.”

The president also noted Xi opposed implementing tolls on vessels using the strait and showed interest in China potentially buying more American oil to decrease Chinese reliance on Gulf oil going forward.

Earlier this week, Trump had minimized the significance of Iran discussions with Xi regarding the 11-week conflict that has caused rising energy costs and threatens global economic recession if not resolved quickly.

“We have a lot of things to discuss. I wouldn’t say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control,” Trump informed reporters Tuesday before departing for Beijing.

Yet before Air Force One reached Beijing, Rubio indicated administration officials would argue to Chinese representatives why they should help pressure Iran to negotiate an end to the war.

“Economies are melting down because of this crisis,” Rubio stated aboard the presidential aircraft during the Beijing flight. This situation, the secretary added in a Wednesday Fox News interview with Sean Hannity, will cause consumers to buy “less Chinese product.”

“So it’s in their interest to resolve this,” Rubio concluded.

China, which has criticized American and Israeli attacks on Iran, possesses unique influence as Iran’s largest trading partner. The Chinese government has managed the war’s economic impact using strategic oil reserves, but this protection has limits. Economic experts warn the Iran conflict could significantly affect China’s export-dependent economy.

Prior to the visit, the White House emphasized Trump wouldn’t make the trip without seeking concrete results, hinting at possible trade announcements.

Such developments remained possible, with American officials hoping to secure Chinese commitments for purchasing U.S. soybeans and beef. Trump told Fox News that Xi had indicated China’s commitment to buy 200 Boeing aircraft from America.

Thursday’s discussions included increasing Chinese purchases of American agricultural products and expanding investment opportunities between both markets, the White House reported. Trump administration officials also seek to establish a Board of Trade with China for addressing commercial disputes.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized friendship and cooperation in U.S.-China relations while meeting with American business leaders, including Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who accompanied Trump’s Beijing delegation.

“China and the United States have been able to maintain frank and smooth dialogue and communication and actively safeguard a stable and healthy bilateral relationship” despite international turbulence, Li remarked.

President Donald Trump is conducting high-stakes discussions in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, though major breakthroughs on contentious topics like the Iran conflict, trade disputes, technology issues, and Taiwan remain unlikely.

During talks about Iran, Trump revealed that Xi expressed China’s willingness to help broker an end to the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Given that China purchases the most Iranian oil globally, Trump has been hoping Xi would leverage this relationship to pressure Iran into accepting a deal on American terms. Trump also mentioned that Xi provided assurances that China would not supply military equipment to Iran.

During private discussions, Xi cautioned Trump that disagreements over Taiwan — a self-governing island that Beijing considers its territory — could lead to confrontations or military conflict between the United States and China. Trump approved an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan in December but has not yet proceeded with the delivery. Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently cautioned that China attempting to seize Taiwan through military force would be “a terrible mistake.”

Trump is also emphasizing trade negotiations and agreements for China to purchase additional agricultural goods and commercial aircraft, establishing a framework to resolve disputes and prevent another trade conflict like the one sparked last year following Trump’s tariff increases.

In related developments, Adm. Brad Cooper, a senior U.S. military commander in the Middle East, is appearing before the Senate for his first testimony since the Iran conflict started.

Trump began his final day in Beijing by posting on social media, asserting that when Chinese leader Xi Jinping “very elegantly referred to the United States as perhaps being a declining nation,” he was not referring to Trump personally. The U.S. president, who did not clarify where these comments originated, claimed they were directed at former President Joe Biden. Trump stated that Xi has only praised his own accomplishments since returning to office last year. “In fact, President Xi congratulated me on so many tremendous successes in such a short period of time,” Trump posted.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s Thursday post on X, where he shared design blueprints for a historic Washington golf course, has prompted a court filing from lawyers in a civil lawsuit challenging those plans. Attorneys for the DC Preservation League submitted a notice to inform the court that Trump administration officials continue discussing design proposals for the popular and historic golf course while the legality of these plans remains under judicial review.

In other national developments, the Supreme Court on Thursday maintained access to mifepristone, a medication used in the most prevalent abortion method, rejecting lower court restrictions while litigation continues. The court’s decision allows women seeking abortions to keep obtaining mifepristone at pharmacies or by mail without requiring an in-person doctor visit.

The Cuban government announced that CIA Director John Ratcliffe held Thursday meetings with officials from the Caribbean nation’s Ministry of the Interior during a senior-level visit to the island. According to official reports, Cuba used the meeting to present evidence claiming the nation presents no danger to U.S. national security.

A Democratic initiative to pass legislation limiting Trump’s authority to launch additional attacks against Iran failed in the House with a tied vote. The war powers resolution was defeated 212-212, with three Republicans joining Democrats in support while one Democrat opposed it.

The Department of Justice is charging Yale University with illegally factoring race into medical school admissions decisions. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated in a Thursday letter that data indicate Black and Hispanic students receive higher admission rates than white or Asian students despite having somewhat lower grades and test scores.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday its intention to ease regulations requiring coal-fired power plants to prevent toxic heavy metals from entering waterways. The agency cited the rule’s excessive costs to the energy sector during a period of increasing energy demand.

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit challenging attempts to sanction attorneys from Trump administrations, claiming the District of Columbia Bar is inappropriately politicizing the legal disciplinary system. The head of U.S. Border Patrol, Michael Banks, announced his immediate resignation during a Fox News interview Thursday, stating “It’s just time.”

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz announced an additional $1.8 billion in funding for UN humanitarian assistance at a Thursday press conference. The funding will support life-saving aid for disaster victims, famine relief, and “people who are truly in critical need.”

VIENNA (AP) — Eurovision’s final competition roster has been set after Thursday’s second semifinal eliminated five additional nations from the international singing competition.

Thursday’s semifinal featured 15 nations competing for the remaining 10 spots in Saturday’s grand finale of the continent-wide music contest, with winners determined through combined voting from national panels and global television audiences.

Advancing to the final round are Denmark’s Søren Torpegaard Lund performing the sultry “Før Vi Går Hjem” (“Before We Go Home”), Australia’s Delta Goodrem with her power ballad “Eclipse,” and Bulgaria’s Dara singing the infectious “Bangaranga.”

Additional qualifiers include Daniel Žižka representing Czechia, Ukraine’s Leléka, Albania’s Alis, Malta’s Aidan, Cyprus performer Antigoni, Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu, and Norway’s Jonas Lovv. Countries from Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Armenia, Switzerland and Latvia failed to advance.

Tuesday’s earlier semifinal had already secured spots for 10 other performers, including Finland’s Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius, Greece’s rapper Akylas, Serbia’s goth metal group Lavina, Moldova’s folk-rapper Satoshi, and Israel’s Noam Bettan.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy receive automatic final placement as the competition’s primary financial supporters. Austria earns direct entry as the host nation following last year’s victory.

While Eurovision promotes “United by Music” as its guiding principle and attempts to avoid political controversy, it frequently struggles with such issues. Russia faced expulsion in 2022 following its comprehensive attack on Ukraine.

Both the 2024 competition in Malmo, Sweden, and the previous year’s event in Basel, Switzerland, witnessed pro-Palestinian demonstrations demanding Israel’s removal due to its military actions against Hamas in Gaza. Another protest targeting Israel’s involvement is scheduled before Saturday’s Vienna finale.

Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland have withdrawn from this year’s Eurovision in protest of Israel’s continued participation.

Israel has additionally faced accusations of conducting an unauthorized promotional campaign to secure contestant votes. The European Broadcasting Union, Eurovision’s organizing body, has strengthened voting regulations in response, reducing individual voting limits from 20 to 10 and implementing stricter protections against “suspicious or coordinated voting activity.”

Bettan encountered some protest chanting during his Tuesday semifinal performance. Departing from previous policies, Palestinian flags are now permitted within the venue, and Austrian broadcaster ORF announced it will not silence audience disapproval.

The five-nation withdrawal represents a significant financial and audience setback for an event that organizers report drew 166 million global viewers last year. While Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania have rejoined after recent absences due to artistic or budgetary concerns, total participation remains at its lowest point since 2003.

Nevertheless, Eurovision continues exploring growth opportunities, with a new Eurovision Song Contest Asia scheduled for Bangkok this November.

Contest director Martin Green expressed optimism Thursday that Hungary might rejoin Eurovision for the first time since 2019, now that Prime Minister Péter Magyar has succeeded nationalist-populist leader Viktor Orbán.

Green also indicated that the boycotting nations remain welcome to return.

“We’ve made it very clear to them we can’t wait for them to come back,” Green said.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe conducted a significant diplomatic visit to Cuba on Thursday, holding talks with high-ranking Cuban officials including Raulito Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former leader Raul Castro, according to sources from both governments.

During the meetings, Ratcliffe sat down with Rodriguez Castro, Ministry of Interior Lazaro Alvarez Casas, and Cuba’s intelligence chief to discuss cooperation on intelligence matters, economic stability, and security concerns. A CIA representative verified these discussions to the Associated Press.

The CIA director traveled to the island “to personally deliver President Donald Trump’s message that the United States is prepared to seriously engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba makes fundamental changes. According to official reports, the meeting served as a platform for Cuba to present evidence asserting that the nation poses no threat to U.S. national security,” the CIA official said.

Cuba’s government released a statement acknowledging the discussions “took place Thursday, May 14, against a backdrop of complex bilateral relations.”

American representatives emphasized that Cuba must not remain a “safe haven for adversaries in the Western Hemisphere,” while Cuban negotiators maintained their nation does not threaten U.S. security. The Cuban side also challenged their country’s placement on America’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.

This diplomatic encounter occurred several weeks following Cuba’s acknowledgment of recent discussions with American officials on the island, as relations remain strained due to the U.S. energy blockade affecting the Caribbean nation. Cuba’s electrical infrastructure has suffered major failures, leaving eastern regions without power. The American fuel embargo has worsened the island’s economic crisis, leading to shortened work schedules and food spoilage as refrigeration systems fail.

Just days before the meeting, the U.S. State Department restated its offer to provide Cuba with $100 in humanitarian aid and satellite internet access “if the Cuban regime will permit it.”

In late January, President Donald Trump issued warnings of tariffs against nations that sell or provide oil to Cuba. While Trump has also suggested potential intervention in the country, and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently stated his nation would defend itself if necessary, sources informed the AP this month that military action is not expected in the near term.

An Iranian-American artist revealed a memorial artwork Thursday morning in Webster, Texas, paying tribute to young victims of violence perpetrated by Iran’s Islamic regime and allied groups.

The large memorial piece, called “WOMAN. LIFE. FREEDOM.,” was displayed between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. at 425 Henrietta in Webster, located outside Houston. Artist Hooman Khalili created the work to bring global awareness to the victims as the world prepares for the FIFA World Cup.

The memorial artwork shows children assembled on a soccer field and weaves together stories of young victims from both Israel and Iran. Featured prominently are the 12 Druze children who died on July 27, 2024, after a Hezbollah rocket hit a soccer field in Majdal Shams near Mount Hermon in northern Israel.

The piece also pays tribute to Iranian children who perished during civil unrest and government crackdowns by the Islamic regime beginning in 2022, including Kian Pirfalak, Sarina Esmailzadeh, and Nika Shakarami.

“This mural is ultimately about children,” Khalili said. “Different backgrounds, different countries, different languages—but the same stolen innocence. These children share a common enemy in the ideology and violence exported by the Islamic regime and its proxies.”

According to Khalili, the memorial’s timing was planned to align with increased global focus on North America as the FIFA World Cup approaches, with games scheduled across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“The roots of this project are in Israel,” he said. “But my hope is that the tree blossoms in the United States. As the world gathers around soccer, I want the eyes of the world to also see the humanity of these children and the brutality that took their lives.”

The memorial features visual elements representing both Druze and Persian heritage, incorporating symbols from Nabi Shu’ayb (also called Jethro’s Tomb), Tehran’s Azadi Tower, and Persia’s Lion and Sun emblem.

Prior to creating the memorial, Khalili visited Majdal Shams, where he spoke with Naila Fakhr al-Din, whose daughter Alma Fakhr al-Din was among the victims, and met with Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Rafa Halabi. The artwork additionally honors Iranian footballer Zahra Azadpour, who was killed during civil unrest in Iran in January 2026.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent hints that the Ukraine conflict might be approaching its conclusion has sparked fresh debate in Kyiv and among its allies: Is Moscow genuinely preparing for diplomatic engagement, or is it employing peace rhetoric to pressure Ukraine and fracture Western unity while warfare persists?

The disconnect is stark. Putin and other Kremlin officials have recently discussed potential progress toward ending hostilities while simultaneously insisting that Ukraine must retreat from territories Russia claims to have incorporated, including areas where Russian forces lack complete control. Reuters reported this week that the Kremlin reiterated Putin’s June 2024 stipulations, which would allow ceasefire talks and negotiations only if Ukraine pulled back from the four Ukrainian regions Russia says it has incorporated. Kyiv has dismissed these terms as unworkable.

Russia’s military actions tell a different story. On May 13 and 14, Russia conducted what Reuters characterized as its most extensive two-day air campaign since the full-scale invasion began, deploying 1,567 drones and 56 missiles, according to Zelenskyy. The bombardment targeted Kyiv and other areas, damaging residential buildings and infrastructure, cutting power in multiple locations, and killing at least 15 civilians. These attacks occurred while Moscow continued presenting itself as receptive to negotiations.

From Kyiv’s perspective, Russia’s stipulations appear less like compromise and more like demands for surrender. Moscow declared brief truces around Easter and Victory Day, but both sides alleged violations. Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov recently informed the Russian news agency Interfax that Russia saw no value in additional peace discussions until Ukraine withdrew its forces from the Donbas, strengthening Ukraine’s belief that Moscow’s proposal amounts to an ultimatum disguised as diplomacy.

More than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion began, Russia continues occupying roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian land and maintains significant advantages in personnel, missile capabilities, artillery manufacturing, and strategic resources. However, Moscow failed to capture Kyiv, failed to destroy the Ukrainian government, and has failed to completely control the four Ukrainian regions it claims as Russian territory. Russia announced the incorporation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia in September 2022 following widely condemned referendums, but it lacked complete control over all four regions then and has never achieved it since.

David Satter, an American journalist, historian, and former Moscow correspondent, said Putin’s recent statements should be considered potentially significant because they are uncommon, not because they necessarily signal a genuine change in Moscow’s objectives.

“It is serious because it is unusual, and it could be a signal to the Russian public that there may be some concessions Russia will have to make,” Satter told The Media Line. “But at this stage, I would not attach too much importance to it, because Russia also has a desire to appear reasonable.”

Satter suggested Moscow’s strategy may focus less on convincing Kyiv than on swaying Europe. In his assessment, Russia seeks to create the appearance of willingness to compromise to undermine European determination and isolate Ukraine from its supporters. “They want to separate Ukraine from its European supporters,” he said. “It is in their interest to give the impression that they are willing to compromise.”

Jason Jay Smart, an adviser on national security and geopolitics based between Kyiv and Washington, and an expert on Russia and Ukraine, provided a more pointed evaluation from the Ukrainian viewpoint. “Inside Ukraine, Putin’s statements are not taken as a serious offer,” Smart told The Media Line. “They are heard as messaging aimed at Washington and Europe, while Russia keeps attacking on the ground.”

Smart referenced recent ceasefire declarations as one reason Ukrainians evaluate Moscow based on actions rather than Kremlin rhetoric. “Moscow announced Easter and May 9 ‘Victory Day’ ceasefires, then violated them hundreds of times,” he said, “which is why Ukrainians judge the conduct, not the Kremlin wording.”

He also cited Ushakov’s statement on Donbas as proof that Moscow’s diplomatic language still depends on demands Ukraine cannot accept. “That is not negotiation,” Smart said. “It is surrender language packaged as diplomacy.”

Russia has captured territory, but it has not secured the political triumph it pursued. Satter characterized Ukraine’s accomplishment as “enormous” because, in his opinion, it prevented the country’s destruction. Ukraine, he said, blocked Russia from achieving its initial invasion objectives, maintained control of many major cities, and forced Russia to pay “a terrible price” for whatever advances it has made.

Russia’s successes, in contrast, are more difficult to characterize politically, Satter said. Moscow incorporated four Ukrainian oblasts—Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—into the Russian constitution, but it has not completely conquered the territory it claims. “In terms of their objectives, they have not been successful,” he said. Russia declared the regions part of the Russian Federation, but “they have not conquered those territories.”

He said Luhansk is the only one of the four under near-complete Russian control, while Donetsk remains only partially occupied, and Russia still lacks full authority over Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. For this reason, he argued, Moscow’s battlefield advances have not delivered the political victory the Kremlin proclaimed when it announced the incorporations.

Smart characterized Ukraine’s current situation as both weary and resolute. Years of missile attacks, funerals, mobilization, and occupation have placed tremendous strain on Ukrainian society, he said, but have not created acceptance of Russian authority. “Ukrainians are exhausted,” he said, “but they are not confused about what surrender would bring.”

Ukraine’s political stance, Smart argued, depends on a fundamental principle: an aggressor cannot invade another nation and then demand to retain the territory it managed to capture. “You cannot break into someone’s house and then demand to keep the rooms you managed to occupy,” he said. “The invader has to leave.”

He described Ukraine’s primary achievement as survival that has imposed genuine costs on Russia. “Ukraine preserved the state, defended Kyiv, kept democratic politics alive, reopened trade routes, struck Russian military infrastructure, and showed the limits of Russian power,” Smart said. “Its central achievement is survival with consequences.”

Ukraine’s endurance has relied on external assistance, but Smart warned against reducing the conflict to Western weapons alone. External aid mattered because Ukraine first made the national choice to resist. “Without that national decision,” he said, “no shipment of weapons would have saved the country.”

One of Ukraine’s most evident military achievements has been its employment of aerial drones, unmanned naval systems, electronic warfare, battlefield software, and locally modified technologies. These instruments have helped Ukraine partially counter Russia’s advantages in armor, artillery, and personnel by enabling Ukrainian forces to damage or destroy more expensive Russian equipment with cheaper, more adaptable systems.

“Drones and electronic warfare changed the economics of the battlefield,” Smart said. Unable to match Russia “tank for tank or shell for shell,” Ukraine used drones, sensors, and battlefield software to make Russian troops, armor, artillery, and supply lines easier to locate and attack. Innovation has not replaced artillery, air defense, or Western support, he said, but it has made Ukraine “more dangerous, more adaptable, and much harder for Russia to overwhelm.”

The conflict has also compelled Europe to examine its reliance on the US for security. With long-term American support for Ukraine uncertain, European governments and defense analysts are discussing whether the continent can keep Ukraine equipped while rebuilding its own depleted stockpiles, expanding defense production, and preparing to deter Russia with reduced dependence on Washington. The discussion is no longer theoretical; it involves shells, air-defense interceptors, production lines, and defense budgets.

Satter said Ukraine is already protecting the rest of Europe. If Ukraine were to collapse, he argued, much of the country’s mobilized capacity could be absorbed into or redirected by Russia, creating a far greater threat to NATO’s more vulnerable members.

For Satter, Europe has the capability to resist Russia alongside Ukraine, but only if it has the political determination. “The key question is whether Europe can now rearm and defend itself without the US,” he said. “Europe, together with Ukraine, can definitely resist Russia.”

Smart also said uncertainty over US support has made Ukrainians more urgent and realistic. Europe can do more, and Ukraine is expanding its own defense production, but American support remains crucial in specific areas, including air defense, intelligence, long-range capabilities, and advanced systems. “For Ukrainians, delays are measured in lives, not press statements,” Smart said.

Economic pressure on Russia is genuine, but whether it is adequate to alter Moscow’s behavior remains unclear. Sanctions, war expenditures, labor shortages, inflationary pressure, and long-term isolation from Europe all impose costs. Satter cautioned against expecting an immediate Russian collapse. “It is not at a breaking point,” he said, “but it is under pressure.”

Russia’s size and resources mean it can persist for some time, Satter said. That pressure matters, but, in his view, Russia is more likely to be stopped by military defeat than by economic collapse alone.

Conflicts beyond Ukraine also influence Russia’s ability to sustain the war, especially those that affect energy prices or strain Moscow’s partnerships. Higher oil prices linked to conflict involving Iran can benefit Russia financially, but Satter said the broader picture does not necessarily strengthen Russian influence. Russia may gain from rising prices, he argued, while still appearing less capable as a protector of its partners and clients. “As for their influence, I do not think it helps them,” he said. “They were not able to defend Assad in Syria.”

Asked about speculation that Iran could transfer enriched uranium to Russia, Satter was cautious. Russia already has its own uranium resources and nuclear weapons, he noted, and he said there is no clear indication Iran would send enriched uranium to Moscow. “This is all very hypothetical,” Satter said.

A possible ceasefire remains one of the war’s most politically sensitive questions. A ceasefire along the current line of contact would halt the fighting, at least temporarily, but it would not require Ukraine to formally recognize Russian sovereignty over occupied territory. That distinction is central to Kyiv’s position: Zelenskyy has said Ukraine will not recognize occupied territory as Russian.

Satter said Ukraine might accept a ceasefire based on the existing line of contact, but not a settlement that gives Russia legal recognition over conquered territory or territory it does not fully occupy.

Smart was even more categorical about Ukraine’s red lines. Formal recognition of Russian territorial conquest, imposed neutrality, or Moscow-dictated limits on Ukraine’s future alliances would be unacceptable, he said. “Anyone arguing for territorial concessions should ask how rewarding mass violence is supposed to deter the next invasion.”

“Ukraine is not asking for a special rule,” he said. “The normal rule is enough: the invader leaves, the victim survives, and aggression is punished rather than rewarded.”

Many Ukrainians are suspicious of a ceasefire that freezes Russian occupation without making Ukraine more secure. The memory of 2014 and the Minsk process remains central: for many in Ukraine, a frozen conflict can become the preparation period for a larger war.

“A ceasefire that leaves Ukrainians under Russian occupation is not peace for the people still trapped there,” Smart said. “Everyone wants the missiles, drones, artillery, and funerals to stop,” he added, “but stopping the shooting is not enough if Russia gets time to reload.”

He said the real test of any ceasefire would be whether Ukraine becomes safer. If a ceasefire freezes Russian occupation, abandons occupied communities, leaves abducted children in Russian hands, and gives Moscow time to rebuild, many Ukrainians will see it as “a pause before the next attack.”

This also limits Zelenskyy’s room for maneuver. Smart said the Ukrainian president can negotiate sequencing, guarantees, monitoring, sanctions, prisoner exchanges, and the mechanics of stopping the shooting, but cannot sell Ukrainians a deal that makes Russia’s invasion appear successful. “Ukrainians understand painful choices,” Smart said. “They will not accept being told that Russia gets rewarded because it was brutal enough.”

For Europe, such a settlement would shape future defense spending, sanctions policy, energy relations, and the credibility of deterrence. For Russia, it would determine whether the Kremlin emerges from the war isolated and constrained or partially normalized despite the invasion. For other powers, the outcome would send a message about whether territorial conquest can be rewarded if the aggressor can absorb enough costs.

Satter warned that Western governments should not rush to normalize ties with Moscow simply because the fighting stops. “I think the relationship with the West is going to be ruined for a long time,” he said. He argued that easing sanctions without clear signs of changed Russian behavior would be unwise if the same government remains in power.

Smart framed the question in global terms. “A just end strengthens deterrence,” he said, because it shows that “borders cannot be erased by force, civilians cannot be bombed into submission, and nuclear threats do not grant the right to steal land.”

“A weak pause teaches the opposite lesson,” he warned. “Every dictatorship is watching whether Russia is punished for conquest or paid for it. If Moscow is rewarded, this war becomes a precedent. If Moscow is punished, it becomes a warning.”

For now, Putin’s language has changed more than Russia’s demands. Moscow says it is open to talks while insisting that Ukraine withdraw from territories Russia claims but does not fully control. Ukraine remains under severe pressure, but it is not defeated. The question facing Kyiv and its partners is not only whether the war can be stopped, but whether any ceasefire would make Ukraine safer—or merely give Russia time to prepare for the next phase.

Violence erupted Thursday in Bolivia’s capital city as law enforcement officers deployed tear gas against a group of miners who detonated small explosive charges while attempting to storm the presidential palace during the second week of countrywide protests.

The confrontation marks another escalation in mounting civil disorder that has challenged President Rodrigo Paz’s government since he took office late last year, beginning a new chapter for the South American country following almost two decades under single-party control.

Large numbers of miners flooded downtown La Paz demanding workplace reforms and fuel supplies, but as time went on, they started shouting demands for the president to step down.

Road blockades and protest marches have brought Bolivia’s capital to a standstill over recent days. Earlier Thursday, teachers from rural areas marched through the city’s center demanding increased pay, adding to the pressure on the capital.

The current protest movement began when agricultural workers called for the elimination of legislation allowing farmland to be used as mortgage collateral. Despite the president issuing an order Wednesday evening to cancel the law and appealing for calm, the demonstrations have kept expanding.

Officials in Egypt have put on display a remarkable plaster wall from King Tutankhamun’s burial chamber and opened two newly restored ancient tombs in Luxor that showcase scenes from daily life and burial customs from the New Kingdom era.

The plaster wall, which sealed the famous pharaoh’s tomb, represents an extraordinary piece of history that cannot be found anywhere else, according to Abdelghaffar Wagdy, director-general of Luxor Antiquities. He explained that this uniqueness stems from the fact that nearly all pharaonic burial sites were robbed throughout history.

“Therefore, it is a one-of-a-kind artifact — the only one currently on display more than 100 years after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb,” Wagdy stated during the Luxor exhibition. “It is the only surviving artifact of Tutankhamun that the world had never seen before. Recently, an Egyptian team reconstructed it.”

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities describes the original plaster barrier as one of the most significant elements connected to the sealing of the tomb that British archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered in 1922.

Making its public debut at the Luxor Museum, the wall served to protect the burial chamber entrances and featured official markings that represented funeral ceremonies and governmental authority related to the monarch’s interment, the ministry noted.

According to Wagdy, the barrier displays seals from Tutankhamun along with markings from cemetery guardians who were responsible for safeguarding the tombs and preventing robbery.

The western side of the Nile River at Luxor houses the Valley of the Kings, where rulers and aristocrats from the New Kingdom period were laid to rest in chambers carved from stone.

Tutankhamun, commonly called King Tut, was among the numerous New Kingdom pharaohs interred in this location. His 14th-century B.C. burial site and complete contents were discovered in 1922.

The newly opened burial chambers belong to Rabuya and his son Samut from the 18th Dynasty, which marked the beginning of the New Kingdom dynasties. Both men worked as doorkeepers for the deity Amun, the ministry reported.

“Today we are inaugurating two very important tombs that were discovered by chance in 2015,” announced Hisham El-Leithy, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities.

The burial chambers feature depictions of various activities such as farming, harvesting, craftsmanship, bread making, pottery creation, and wine production.

An explosive drone attack injured four Israeli civilians Thursday in a parking lot in the Rosh Hanikra region, coinciding with the start of fresh US-facilitated peace discussions between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington as hostilities persist in southern Lebanon.

Medical officials at Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya reported treating one victim in critical condition and another with moderate injuries from the drone attack. The facility also received two additional injured civilians in good condition, with one already discharged and the other expected to leave the hospital shortly.

Meanwhile, Israeli and Lebanese delegates launched new discussions at State Department facilities in Washington with American mediators. An Israeli official confirmed the negotiations had begun earlier and were scheduled to continue Friday.

Combat operations along the northern border persisted as the Israel Defense Forces documented further Hezbollah assaults on Israeli military personnel deployed in southern Lebanon. The IDF Spokesperson reported that Hezbollah fired surface-to-air missiles Thursday morning at Israeli Air Force planes conducting operations over southern Lebanon. Military officials stated the missile launches were unsuccessful.

The IDF Spokesperson additionally announced that Israeli troops eliminated 20 Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon over the past day and attacked roughly 65 Hezbollah infrastructure locations through air and ground campaigns.

Strike targets encompassed weapons storage sites, surveillance positions, command facilities, and other infrastructure that officials said Hezbollah operatives had utilized to develop terror operations.

Officials from both Lebanon and Syria are working together regarding approximately 100 former Syrian military and intelligence personnel connected to the fallen government of Bashar Assad who are currently in Lebanon, as Damascus pursues legal channels to go after individuals who escaped across the border when the previous regime crumbled.

According to a senior Syrian security source who spoke with The Media Line, these former officers crossed into Lebanon using unofficial border points in the Bekaa Valley and northern Lebanon, then established themselves primarily in regions with political, sectarian, or security connections to Assad’s previous supporters. The source stated that Lebanese agencies are tracking their activities, while Beirut and Damascus explore potential extradition processes and broader judicial collaboration.

This matter has emerged as one of the most delicate topics in renewed Lebanese-Syrian communications. The situation involves border security, wartime responsibility, the position of Hezbollah in eastern Lebanon, and Lebanon’s extensive history of participation in Syria’s domestic matters. This development occurs as Syria’s new leadership works to strengthen control following Assad’s downfall, while Lebanon’s administration attempts to prevent becoming a support base for former regime networks.

The Syrian source indicated that some of these former officers are thought to be residing in Jabal Mohsen, a mainly Alawite neighborhood in Tripoli historically connected with pro-Assad attitudes. Additional individuals are reportedly staying in villages in the Akkar plain near the Syrian border, including locations close to the Nahr al-Kabir River. Another group is believed to be in the Baalbek-Hermel area, where Hezbollah maintains significant political and military control.

The source explained their locations were not coincidental, characterizing the arrangement as connected to local networks favorable to the former Syrian government. Lebanese security services, according to the source, have put the group under careful surveillance as authorities evaluate whether any of the former officers represent an operational danger.

The matter of handling wanted former Syrian officials came up during recent communications between Lebanese and Syrian officials, the source reported. Both nations are exploring a combined legal structure that would establish guidelines for extradition, information exchange, and judicial-security collaboration. The justice and interior ministries in both countries are anticipated to have key roles in developing this framework.

The source noted that Lebanon does not want its land used for hostile actions against Syria or any other Arab nation. Beirut, according to the source, is attempting to handle the situation through legal processes that safeguard Lebanon’s domestic stability while preventing actions that would violate international law.

Legal expert Fadi al-Hawari explained to The Media Line that the most feasible approach would be to implement the 1951 Lebanese-Syrian judicial agreement, which governs extradition and legal cooperation between the two neighboring nations.

Al-Hawari stated that Damascus would need to submit official requests through the justice ministries, identify the people being sought, and supply evidence connecting them to criminal cases already proceeding through the Syrian courts. He noted that Lebanese law prohibits extradition in matters that are political in character, requiring Syria to demonstrate that any accusations involve criminal behavior rather than political association, speech, or service in the previous government.

This distinction may prove crucial. Numerous former Syrian officers face accusations from rights organizations of participation in repression, torture, forced disappearances, and wartime violations. However, Lebanese courts would still require clear documentation, ongoing proceedings, and charges that satisfy extradition criteria. Without these elements, Beirut might encounter legal challenges or claims of handing over opponents of Syria’s new leadership for political motives.

This situation follows previous reports that Syrian authorities provided Lebanon with a list of approximately 200 former military and security personnel who escaped after Assad’s fall. The worry in Damascus is that former regime supporters might reorganize in Lebanon, particularly in border areas where Hezbollah and other pro-Assad groups have historically maintained power.

Lebanon and Syria have a permeable border, strong family and business connections, and a past influenced by Syrian military control in Lebanon from the civil war period until Syrian forces withdrew in 2005. Throughout Syria’s civil war, Lebanon took in large numbers of refugees and became a logistical, political, and military battleground for competing Syrian-aligned forces. Hezbollah participated openly on Assad’s behalf, while numerous Lebanese communities became involved in the conflict through sectarian, political, or security connections.

The present disagreement puts Lebanon’s leadership in a challenging situation. Working with Damascus might enhance border security and decrease the possibility of armed actions by former regime members. Simultaneously, extradition proceedings involving Syrians accused of political or military connections to the Assad administration could worsen domestic tensions and attract examination from human rights organizations.

The matter received additional focus after Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam traveled to Damascus on May 9 with a ministerial delegation. The trip was viewed as an attempt to restart Lebanese-Syrian relations after years of tension and to address unresolved security issues between the two nations.

During the visit, Salam stated that “senior figures of the Assad regime are not in Lebanon,” noting that many are thought to be in Russia and other nations, while only a small number stay inside Lebanon. He also mentioned that Beirut is working to stop Lebanese territory from being used for political or military actions against Syria’s new leadership.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights recently cautioned that dozens of former Syrian military and intelligence officials accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity continue to be in Lebanon. The organization stated that Lebanon should enhance judicial cooperation with Damascus and international organizations to prevent impunity, while ensuring that any action follows legal requirements.

Currently, the future of the former officers seems connected to whether Beirut and Damascus can convert their initial agreements into a working legal procedure. If the matter is managed quietly through courts and ministries, it might become part of broader normalization of relations between the two governments. If it becomes politicized, it could reopen previous Lebanese divisions regarding Syria, Hezbollah, accountability, and sovereignty.

President Trump’s diplomatic trip to China has resulted in a managed improvement in relations between the two nations, with both countries announcing intentions for enhanced trade cooperation, potential significant Chinese acquisitions of Boeing planes, and an invitation for Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit the White House, though major disagreements concerning Taiwan, trade duties, cutting-edge technology, rare earth materials, and Iran remain unaddressed.

The American president and Xi conducted meetings Thursday at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People during President Trump’s initial China visit since 2017. These discussions occurred after President Trump’s Wednesday arrival in Beijing and took place as both administrations attempted to steady their relationship following extended periods of commercial tensions and strategic competition.

Chinese leadership characterized the session as an attempt to establish a more steady partnership in the coming years. According to official summaries of the discussions, Xi informed President Trump that China and the US ought to function as ‘partners, rather than rivals.’ Simultaneously, the Chinese leader cautioned Washington to approach Taiwan with ‘utmost caution,’ stating the matter could create an ‘extremely dangerous situation’ if handled improperly.

Taiwan continues to represent the most delicate political disagreement between both nations. Beijing considers the independently governed island territory as Chinese property and has not eliminated the possibility of military action to bring it under Chinese authority. Taiwan’s leadership disputes China’s assertion and maintains that only the island’s residents can determine their destiny. Washington keeps informal ties with Taipei and provides Taiwan with military equipment, while officially acknowledging Beijing as China’s legitimate government.

The commercial aspects of the trip seemed to generate the most apparent progress. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated he anticipated a substantial Chinese purchase order for Boeing aircraft to be revealed during the journey. He additionally mentioned that both nations were exploring Chinese acquisitions of US energy and farming goods, along with potential Chinese investments in non-critical areas of the American economy.

According to Bessent, Washington and Beijing were considering establishing a joint ‘Board of Trade’ and ‘Board of Investment’ to coordinate future economic cooperation. He also dismissed reports suggesting the administration was pursuing $1 trillion in Chinese investment, clarifying that such figures were not part of the negotiations.

Technology continued to be among the most scrutinized topics. The US has allegedly authorized sales of Nvidia H200 artificial intelligence processors to multiple prominent Chinese corporations, including Alibaba, Tencent, ByteDance, and JD.com, although shipments have not yet commenced. Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang accompanied President Trump’s group in Beijing, demonstrating the crucial role of semiconductors and artificial intelligence in bilateral relations.

For Washington, semiconductor exports present concerns regarding profits, technological supremacy, and national security. For Beijing, this matter connects to China’s attempts to decrease reliance on US technology while preserving access to advanced equipment required for artificial intelligence advancement.

The trip also conveyed a significant business signal. Top executives from leading American corporations, including Nvidia, Tesla, and Apple, attended the Beijing meetings as Xi attempted to convince international investors that China remained welcoming to foreign business. This message arrives when international companies are evaluating Chinese market opportunities against regulatory risks, sluggish domestic consumption, and increasing geopolitical tensions.

President Trump also extended an invitation to Xi and his spouse, Peng Liyuan, to visit the White House on Sept. 24. Officials have indicated the two leaders might convene multiple times this year, including during the Group of 20 summit in Miami and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in Guangzhou.

Iran-related conflicts also featured in the discussions. Available public information suggests diplomatic positioning rather than significant Chinese commitments. Both sides addressed Middle East tensions, energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, China’s position in international oil markets, and US concerns regarding sanctions implementation. China continues as a principal purchaser of Iranian petroleum, while the US seeks Beijing’s cooperation in avoiding actions that undermine pressure on Tehran.

From a ceremonial perspective, the journey appears to have proceeded without incident, featuring an official reception, a Temple of Heaven tour, a state dinner, and high-level meetings intended to demonstrate stability. In terms of substance, the visit resembles a temporary halt in ongoing competition rather than a major breakthrough. Both administrations secured valuable public relations benefits and possible business agreements, but fundamental disagreements persist.

President Trump is scheduled to depart China on Friday, May 15.

A national public radio broadcast recently explored questions surrounding the adequacy of America’s military weapons supply during the current conflict with Iran.

The radio program featured host Ailsa Chang conducting an interview with Barbara Starr, who previously served as a Pentagon correspondent for CNN, discussing the current state of the nation’s weapons inventory.

The conversation centered on whether the United States maintains sufficient military equipment and armaments to sustain operations during the ongoing war with Iran.

HAVANA, May 14 – An aircraft belonging to the American government was observed taking off from Cuba’s main airport on Thursday afternoon, a Reuters reporter witnessed firsthand, occurring several days after President Donald Trump indicated that the two long-standing rival nations were “going to talk.”

When friends tried to predict where Golda Katz would settle after moving to Israel, Jerusalem wasn’t their first guess. Most people suggested Tel Aviv would be a better fit. They had their reasons. The 25-year-old from Monsey, New York, doesn’t match what many consider the typical Jerusalem newcomer profile.

“I have a lot of tattoos and piercings, and I’m kind of alternative looking,” Katz explained. Her background includes growing up in an ultra-Orthodox household, later attending public school, studying abroad in Taiwan, and spending years involved in progressive political movements in the United States.

Her perspective shifted during a trip to Israel following the October 7 attacks. While in Jerusalem on Independence Day, Katz encountered another young woman from Monsey who had also experienced the loss of friendships and political communities after the Hamas assault. The encounter resonated deeply because it marked the first time she met someone whose experience mirrored her own.

“I never met someone who looked like me, who was proud of being Jewish and a proud Zionist and who had the same experience,” Katz shared.

The conversation that followed included words that continue to stay with her. “Goldie, you need to make Aliyah,” the woman advised. “You will find your people here.” That statement transformed the concept of relocating to Israel from abstract to concrete for Katz. “If I met her after just one day in Israel, I’ll definitely meet more people like her,” she reasoned.

Katz completed her immigration to Israel in July 2025 and chose Jerusalem as her home. The decision caught some people off guard. “A lot of people told me because of how I look that I would suit Tel Aviv,” she noted. “I look like a very Tel Aviv type.” However, Jerusalem offered something Tel Aviv couldn’t provide. “There’s just something so special about Jerusalem,” Katz observed. “The people there are authentic, and they’re real.”

New statistics from Nefesh B’Nefesh reveal that Jerusalem has maintained its appeal for North American immigrants throughout the war period. The organization reports that more than 1,000 people have relocated to the city since the previous Jerusalem Day, representing a diverse group spanning young singles, families, and retirees. Since 2002, Nefesh B’Nefesh has helped over 100,000 North American Jews immigrate to Israel, with nearly 30,000 selecting Jerusalem as their destination.

The demographic breakdown demonstrates the movement’s breadth: approximately 70 families, around 400 young singles, and roughly 180 retirees. The age range tells its own compelling story, stretching from an 11-month-old infant to a 96-year-old new resident.

Mayor Moshe Lion interpreted these numbers as proof that Jerusalem attracts people not merely as a historical or religious symbol, but as a genuine place to build lives. “Jerusalem is much more than a historic symbol or Israel’s capital city. It is a vibrant, growing city filled with opportunity, a place where people choose to build their future,” Lion stated. He highlighted “strong communities, excellent education, culture, employment opportunities, innovation, and a true sense of belonging unlike anywhere else.”

Lion also emphasized the broader significance of these immigration patterns. “Making Aliyah to Jerusalem is a powerful Zionist statement,” he declared, “and we are proud to open the doors of our city to everyone who chooses to build their lives and future in Israel’s capital.”

Katz’s upbringing was deeply connected to Israel and Judaism. Her ultra-Orthodox family remains close to her, she had Israeli relatives, and she visited for her bat mitzvah. However, as she matured, much of her identity developed within different environments, particularly leftist and progressive circles in America.

“I became very entrenched in that subculture and very passionate about social justice and a lot of progressive causes,” Katz told The Media Line.

The October 7 attacks marked a turning point. Katz anticipated that people within those circles would acknowledge what had happened to Israelis. Instead, she felt immediately rejected. A conversation with a college friend became the moment she realized something fundamental had changed.

The friend shared a video shortly after October 7, claiming that Israelis were taking pleasure in Gaza’s suffering. Katz reached out privately, attempting to explain that Israelis weren’t celebrating violence. She expected a compassionate, perhaps apologetic response.

“I expected a reaction of, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know that. Please, can you share with me more information or more resources to help me understand what’s actually going on?’” Katz remembered. That wasn’t what occurred.

“Instead, what I got was antisemitism and hatred telling me that I’m wrong, that I’m evil for supporting Israel, that I don’t know what I’m talking about,” she said. Katz described receiving accusations that Israel was stealing organs, attempting to seize Gaza, and that October 7 was fabricated. “It really shocked me how someone who I thought was intelligent and had a nuanced view on the world could be so, so ignorant and so closed-minded and, honestly, so mean when I thought she was my friend.”

The impact extended beyond personal relationships. Watching protests spread across New York and other locations, Katz sensed the change wasn’t temporary. “I realized like this time is different,” she said. “Talking to people on Instagram is not going to change it. And something bad is coming.”

When explaining her choice of Jerusalem over Tel Aviv, Katz repeatedly returned to the concept of authenticity. For her, Jerusalem’s appeal wasn’t its convenience or ease, but the intentionality of people who chose to live there. “There’s an authenticity and a realness to the people who feel drawn to Jerusalem, where they feel it in their heart that that’s where they belong,” she explained. “And I felt the same way, even though I don’t necessarily fit.”

Katz doesn’t claim to represent the typical Jerusalem immigrant. Her decision stands out because she doesn’t match the profile many Israelis might expect, either politically or socially. She isn’t simply a young American continuing a familiar religious path in a more traditional setting. She arrived after discovering that movements she had trusted couldn’t accommodate her Jewish and Zionist identity following the October 7 massacre.

The newcomer demographics prove more diverse than stereotypes suggest. Nefesh B’Nefesh reports that nearly 60% of North American immigrants settling in Jerusalem are women. Many originate from New York, New Jersey, California, and Florida, with Ontario, Canada, also representing a significant source. The professional backgrounds of new immigrants include doctors, educators, lawyers, social workers, business professionals, and engineers. Physicians lead this year’s list, with 35 doctors selecting Jerusalem.

For Tony Gelbart, co-founder and chairman of Nefesh B’Nefesh, this variety reinforces a key point: “Jerusalem is not only central to the Jewish people’s history, but also a vibrant center of life and community today.” Each new immigrant contributes to “the city’s evolving story.” He expressed pride that so many immigrants now consider Jerusalem home.

The organization’s physical presence has become part of Jerusalem’s immigration infrastructure. Its Jerusalem Campus, which opened in 2021 near many national institutions, has welcomed 150,000 visitors since launching. In the past year alone, it hosted over 8,000 visitors and organized more than 100 events, including professional networking programs, educational seminars, and initiatives for lone soldiers and young families.

For Katz, however, Jerusalem’s meaning isn’t primarily found in formal programs. She discusses buses, sidewalks, and the everyday proximity of people who might not encounter each other in the same spaces elsewhere. Even her morning commute, with its crowds and frustrations, has become part of how she understands the city.

“I always come back to the diversity,” she said. “Being able to get on my bus on the way to my office in the morning, and there’s so many different people just sitting on the bus together, just enjoying, well, I don’t know about enjoying their commute, but experiencing their commute, it reminds me of how all of the Jews in Israel are so different, but yet we’re all here.”

This diversity transformed her understanding of Judaism itself. In America, she said, the Jewish communities she knew were primarily those closest to her family and background. “My family is ultra-Orthodox. Half of them are Chabad and half of them are Yeshivish,” she explained. Beyond that, she was familiar with Reform Judaism in America. Jerusalem revealed something broader.

“Honestly, moving to Jerusalem showed me just how much diversity there is amongst the Jewish people,” Katz said. “When I arrived to Jerusalem, I saw the most Orthodox of the most Orthodox, ultra-Orthodox. And then I saw people who looked like me, with tattoos, piercings, and dyed hair. People who were secular, people anywhere along the spectrum in between.”

She laughed slightly at not having understood this earlier, but emphasized the discovery was genuine. “I had no idea there was so much diversity amongst the Jewish people,” she said. “Jerusalem is very alive with all sorts of, I don’t know if contradictions is the right word, but we’re all part of the same people. We’re all Jewish people, but people are still so different from each other and have such different opinions and views.”

This gives the official immigration statistics more personal significance. The city isn’t simply absorbing people; it’s also reshaping what some understand Jewish belonging to mean. Katz said she feels “safe and at home” walking through the city because she’s surrounded by her people, even when those people don’t resemble one another.

“When push comes to shove, Israelis, for the most part, I understand there are certainly a few exceptions, but for the most part, when it comes down to it, Israelis will have your back when you need them,” she said. “Jewish people will have your back when you need them.”

This year’s Jerusalem Day also finds the city again at the center of Israel’s diplomatic efforts. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who also oversees the Jerusalem Affairs portfolio, used an official visit to Romania this week to request that the Romanian Embassy be relocated to Jerusalem. Speaking to a special joint session of the Romanian parliament marking the Day of Solidarity between Romania and Israel, Levin connected the city’s status to international recognition of Israel’s historical rights.

“The heart of the Holy Land is our eternal capital, Jerusalem,” Levin stated. “After many years of denial of our historical rights in our capital, President Trump moved the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. He was followed by other prominent leaders from a growing number of countries.”

Levin then made a direct request to Romanian leaders. “I believe that the Romanian flag deserves to be raised in the city of the great kings, David and Solomon,” he said. He also characterized Israel as defending democratic values and criticized those he said use international law against Israel while failing to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the fight against terror.

For Israeli officials, Jerusalem remains a diplomatic challenge. For municipal leaders and immigration organizations, it represents a city of growth, services, communities, and future residents. For Katz, the matter is more personal and, in some ways, more historical. She reflects on the generations of Jews who wanted to return to Jerusalem but couldn’t.

“For thousands of years, there were Jewish people around the world in the diaspora who wanted nothing more than to be able to return to Jerusalem safely,” she said. “It’s a privilege that I, from my comfy life in America, I live in a period of time where I can choose to just go to Jerusalem and live in Jerusalem and live in the land of my people.”

That privilege, she said, became impossible to ignore. “Who am I to not take this amazing opportunity?” Katz asked.

When asked why North American immigrants, including young people, would choose Jerusalem over places that might feel more familiar to an American lifestyle, Katz pointed to what she described as a spiritual attraction. “In the diaspora, obviously, we have synagogues, and we have Jewish community centers, but we’re very far removed from the center of Judaism,” she said. “When we have the chance to go to Israel, why not go right to the heart of it?”

Katz understands that Jerusalem is political. She knows it carries the weight of history and conflict. But when asked what the city means to her now, she didn’t start with policy. She began with a feeling of being close to the center of something she had inherited long before she arrived.

“Jerusalem is, I think, the beating heart of Israel,” she said. “You have everyone from everywhere. You’re in the center of it all. I mean, obviously, the political center of Israel, but like the cultural center and the spiritual center and just the authentic, like the center of authenticity, I feel is in Jerusalem.”

She then attempted to describe what it’s like to live near the Old City, in a place where so much of Jewish memory isn’t confined to books or prayers but exists just outside the door. Katz said she knows Israel isn’t literally the cradle of civilization, but Jerusalem feels that way to her.

“It feels like the center of the world to me,” she said.