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Estonian officials called in Russia’s top diplomatic representative on Thursday following an unauthorized incursion by a Russian military aircraft into the Baltic nation’s sovereign airspace earlier this week.

According to Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, a Russian SU-30 fighter aircraft illegally crossed into Estonian territory on March 18 in the vicinity of Vaindloo Island, located in the Gulf of Finland off the country’s northern coastline. The military aircraft spent approximately one minute within Estonian borders before departing, the foreign ministry reported.

“The violation was responded to by a unit of the Italian Air Force, and there was no threat to Estonia’s security,” Tsahkna stated.

The diplomatic summons of Russia’s charge d’affaires represents Estonia’s formal protest of the airspace violation, which occurred amid ongoing tensions in the region.

MOSCOW – Russian government officials on Thursday accused Ukrainian forces of escalating strikes against natural gas infrastructure that supports crucial export pipelines to Europe.

State energy giant Gazprom reported that Ukrainian forces had launched multiple attacks this week targeting three facilities that support the TurkStream and Blue Stream pipeline systems, though the company stated all assaults were successfully defended against.

These pipeline networks transport Russian natural gas underneath the Black Sea to Turkey, where portions of the supply continue onward to European nations such as Hungary, Slovakia and Serbia.

The infrastructure represents Moscow’s final remaining pipeline connections to European markets during a period when energy costs have surged due to ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.

Ukrainian officials did not immediately respond to the allegations. Throughout the ongoing four-year war, Ukraine has consistently struck Russian energy facilities as part of efforts to weaken Moscow’s military capabilities and reduce war funding.

Russia has similarly targeted Ukrainian power infrastructure, including electrical systems, regularly disrupting electricity and heating services.

Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov stated that the recent Ukrainian operations posed additional risks to energy markets during what he termed “extreme destabilisation” from Middle Eastern warfare.

“Our military is doing everything possible to eliminate this threat. But this is a threat to critical infrastructure. It is a threat to international energy routes,” Peskov told reporters.

“And at a time when global energy markets are feeling, to put it mildly, uneasy, such irresponsible, thoughtless actions by the Kyiv regime are capable of further destabilising the situation.”

GOMA, Congo (AP) — Representatives from Congo and Rwanda participated in meetings held on U.S. soil this week, reaching agreement on coordinated measures designed to reduce escalating tensions in eastern Congo, where government forces continue battling Rwanda-supported rebel fighters, according to a joint government statement.

The announcement, released jointly by Congo, Rwanda, and the United States, revealed that officials from both African nations conducted talks Tuesday and Wednesday aimed at advancing peace initiatives in eastern Congo. These discussions came as diplomatic efforts spearheaded by the U.S. and partner nations like Qatar have reached an impasse while fighting persists.

Eastern Congo, a region abundant in valuable minerals, has endured ongoing conflict for decades as government military units clash with over 100 different armed factions. The most formidable of these groups is M23, a rebel organization receiving support from Rwanda. Last year, M23 launched an extraordinary offensive throughout the area, capturing important urban centers while rapidly expanding territorial control.

President Donald Trump has positioned himself as a central mediator in peace negotiations, working to secure commitments from both nations for a lasting ceasefire while simultaneously creating opportunities for U.S. businesses to access Congo’s mineral resources, which are essential components in global technology ranging from aircraft to smartphones.

During this week’s discussions, both Congo and Rwanda pledged to pursue initiatives based on the framework that Trump helped broker between the two countries’ leaders in the previous year.

The parties reached consensus on particular measures, though unspecified in the statement, designed to uphold mutual sovereignty and territorial boundaries. Additionally, they endorsed the “planned withdrawal of military forces along with Rwanda’s removal of protective measures” within designated areas of Congolese territory.

While neither Rwanda nor M23 has openly confirmed the deployment of Rwandan military personnel, United Nations investigators have documented proof of their participation. Rwanda characterizes its involvement as protective actions necessary to safeguard its borders from Hutu militants who carried out the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The American-mediated discussions resulted in Congo’s commitment to “enhanced operations” targeting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), according to the statement. This militant organization consists primarily of Hutus who escaped to Congo following the genocide.

Chinese officials have taken their most significant enforcement action yet against fentanyl-related trafficking, announcing the arrest of seven individuals and subjecting 12 others to what state media described as “criminal compulsory measures” in a targeted operation against those dealing in precursor chemicals.

The enforcement campaign represents a major shift for Beijing, which had previously responded to years of American pressure with only industry advisories and website shutdowns rather than arrests of those selling the chemicals used to manufacture the lethal synthetic drug responsible for tens of thousands of overdose fatalities annually in the United States.

According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, the specialized operation conducted in Hubei province resulted in 22 criminal cases involving fentanyl precursor chemicals. The comprehensive effort targeted every aspect of the supply network, from manufacturing facilities to storage operations and export activities.

Chinese authorities launched this initiative in December following orders from the public security ministry, the news agency reported. The timing coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Beijing on trade and security issues.

The enforcement action comes as the first widely reported legal proceedings resulting in arrests of fentanyl traffickers in several years. President Donald Trump had previously implemented 20% tariffs on Chinese goods, citing Beijing’s lack of action on fentanyl networks, though those tariffs were later reduced by half following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

This development follows recent trade negotiations between American and Chinese officials as both nations work to address various bilateral concerns, including the ongoing fentanyl crisis that has devastated communities across the United States.

A resourceful Cuban mechanic has turned to an unconventional fuel source to keep his car running amid severe gasoline shortages on the island nation.

Juan Carlos Pino, 56, has successfully converted his 1980 Polish-made Fiat Polski to operate on charcoal rather than gasoline, demonstrating the type of creative problem-solving that many Cubans have mastered during decades of US economic sanctions. The mechanic, who completed only eighth grade, developed this solution after Washington halted oil deliveries to the Caribbean nation in January.

Working from his repair shop in Aguacate, a community of 5,000 residents located approximately 45 miles east of Havana, Pino has become a local sensation. The town previously prospered around a sugar refinery that has since closed, leaving the area surrounded by cattle ranches and stone quarries where workers carry long hand saws as they walk to their jobs.

Residents now flock to see Pino’s modified two-cylinder Polski as it travels through the town’s damaged streets, easily recognizable by its custom-built 15-gallon fuel container welded to the rear. People stop to photograph themselves with the vehicle, with some expressing amazement while others inquire about having their own cars converted.

“In a crisis like this, it’s the best option we have,” said Pino, who wants to modify a tractor next. “We need mobility, we need to be able to plant crops.”

INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION

Pino constructed his charcoal-burning system entirely using salvaged materials and discarded parts. The charcoal combusts within a repurposed propane cylinder that he sealed using a transformer cover. His filtration system consists of a stainless steel milk container packed with worn clothing.

Material shortages have been a persistent challenge in Cuba under its government-controlled economy. Conditions have deteriorated further since the US removed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power, eliminating Venezuelan petroleum supplies while warning other nations against providing fuel to Cuba.

Rolling electrical outages have become routine occurrences. Gasoline distribution is severely limited through rationing. Black market fuel now costs $8 per liter, equivalent to $30 per gallon in US currency – six times higher than government-set prices.

This situation sparked Pino’s innovation. The inventor previously designed a motorcycle-based apparatus capable of milking three cows simultaneously. He explained that he had been considering the charcoal vehicle concept for years, initially inspired by his deceased uncle. Pino also acknowledged assistance from open-source technology shared by Edmundo Ramos, an Argentine inventor who operates DriveOnWaste.com.

During a separate interview, Ramos revealed that additional Cubans have contacted him seeking guidance, including someone operating a 50-kilowatt generator to supply electricity to an entire neighborhood.

“An ice maker contacted me first and said he cannot make ice. Then an ice-cream guy contacted me, then a shop owner,” Ramos said.

According to Ramos, virtually any motor can be adapted to burn charcoal by redirecting heated gas rather than gasoline into the carburetor system.

‘INVENTION OF THE YEAR’

Pino unveiled his charcoal-fueled Polski on March 4. During an initial road test, the vehicle successfully completed a 53-mile journey and achieved maximum speeds of 43 mph.

Fellow Cubans have reacted with astonishment.

“This is amazing. It’s left me speechless,” said Yurisbel Fonseca, 27, who stopped his motorcycle to get a closer look and take pictures.

Narvis Cruz, 53, called it “the invention of the year.”

Cruz understands Cuban mechanical improvisation well. He operates a 1953 Pontiac powered by a 1940s Perkins motor combined with a Mercedes transmission, steering components from Czech manufacturer AVIA, and a differential produced by East German company Ifa.

“That’s Cuba,” Cruz said. “A salad made of everything.”

BRUSSELS — European Union officials delivered sharp criticism Thursday toward Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, claiming he’s exploiting Ukraine’s desperate need for assistance to boost his domestic political standing.

In an unusual public confrontation among EU leadership, officials demanded that Orbán honor the bloc’s December commitment to provide financial support to Ukraine’s military and devastated economy over the coming two years. The Hungarian leader had initially backed what many consider essential support for the war-torn nation.

“He’s using Ukraine as a weapon in his election campaigning, and it’s not good. We had a deal, and I think that he betrayed us,” Finland Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated to media during the Brussels summit gathering.

Ukraine faces economic collapse, with EU officials warning that a substantial portion of the 90-billion-euro ($103-billion) loan package must reach the country before May begins. Meeting this timeline requires advancing the EU agreement within the next two to three weeks.

Orbán — widely regarded as Vladimir Putin’s strongest European ally and a nationalist figure praised by Donald Trump — currently lags in polling before Hungary’s April 12 elections. His campaign strategy includes depicting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a fundamental danger to Hungarian interests.

The Hungarian prime minister has claimed that Zelenskyy, working alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, seeks to pull Hungary into the conflict with Russia, now entering its fifth year. Orbán maintains his electoral victory represents the sole path to maintaining peace and stability.

Other EU leaders are now challenging Orbán directly, dismantling his narrative that Brussels institutions oppose him.

“I have the impression that this is part of his electoral campaign, but in any case we have to respect the decisions that were taken here,” Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever explained to reporters. “It’s unacceptable to decide with the leaders and then after say ‘but I’m not ready to execute what I decided.’”

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker emphasized that “what we decide — and what he has agreed to —must be implemented.” He added that using elections as justification “is not a valid argument given the situation in Ukraine, the plight of the people in Ukraine, and what we ourselves have decided.”

This dispute exposes significant flaws in EU decision-making systems, which frequently demand complete consensus among all 27 member nations. Hungary represents nearly 10 million residents within the bloc’s total population of 450 million.

Relations between Ukraine and Hungary have deteriorated since January, when Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia stopped due to Druzhba pipeline damage in Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian authorities attribute the pipeline damage to Russian drone strikes, while Orbán claims Zelenskyy intentionally disrupted oil deliveries. Hungary has not only rejected the loan agreement but also prevented new EU sanctions targeting Russia.

Attempting to resolve the impasse, von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa proposed this week to fund pipeline repairs. An EU technical delegation remains in Kyiv awaiting security approval to examine the damaged site.

However, Orbán pledged to maintain his loan blockade until Hungarian oil deliveries resume.

“What we are talking about is not politics, it is existential for Hungary. To get the oil is existential for the Hungarians,” declared Orbán, who has led Hungary since 2010 and is pursuing a fifth term. “It’s not a joke, it’s not a political game. Zelenskyy should understand it.”

Iranian officials are exploring new legislation that would charge transit fees to ships navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, according to statements from a member of parliament on Thursday. The move would capitalize on Iran’s strategic control over the crucial shipping corridor that handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transportation.

Tehran has already been interfering with ship movements through the waterway since the current Middle East conflict began, targeting vessels it believes are connected to opposing nations and their supporters.

The Iranian Students’ News Agency reported that parliamentary members are reviewing proposed legislation requiring nations that use the strait for commercial shipping, energy transportation, and food deliveries to pay fees and taxes to Iran.

A senior advisor to Iran’s supreme leader indicated that once the current war concludes, Tehran plans to implement “a new regime for the Strait of Hormuz” that would allow the country to impose maritime limitations on nations that have imposed sanctions against it.

“By using the strategic position of the Strait of Hormuz, we can sanction (the West) and prevent their ships from passing through this waterway,” Mohammad Mokhber stated on Thursday, as reported by the Mehr news agency.

Food delivery driver Hamza Hareb has developed a new survival strategy while working the streets of Beirut: he avoids any vehicle with darkened windows. Word on the street suggests Hezbollah operatives travel in such cars, and Hareb doesn’t want to be nearby when Israeli forces launch their next attack on the militant organization.

Israeli military operations have intensified across previously untouched areas of Beirut over recent days, demolishing apartment complexes and leveling entire structures in what officials describe as targeted operations against Hezbollah. The armed group dragged Lebanon into the broader regional conflict on March 2 when it began launching attacks into Israeli territory.

Wednesday’s strikes hit multiple districts in central Beirut, creating massive debris piles just hundreds of meters from government offices, dining establishments and typically busy thoroughfares.

While frightened residents remain indoors, they’re increasingly relying on food delivery services for their evening meals — creating dangerous working conditions for drivers like Hareb who must traverse the hazardous urban landscape.

“Of course, we are afraid. That is ever-present,” Hareb explained. He’s among 3,000 delivery workers employed by Toters, one of Lebanon’s leading food delivery platforms. Like other gig economy workers, Toters drivers earn money based on completed deliveries.

For many workers, these jobs represent crucial income sources in the debt-ridden nation, which has endured years of economic turmoil and governmental instability since its financial system collapsed in 2019.

“You don’t know when the strikes will come, so we have adapted to everything,” Hareb noted.

Israeli forces occasionally broadcast evacuation alerts before conducting strikes, instructing civilians to evacuate targeted zones. However, three of Wednesday’s four Beirut attacks occurred without any advance warning.

“Right now they’re increasingly striking without warning, and of course this is instilling a sense of fear among us (since) we spend most of our time out in the street,” Hareb told reporters.

When unexpected explosions rock Beirut, drivers immediately stop to determine which area was hit and modify their delivery routes accordingly. When evacuation notices are issued, workers share the information through company communication systems so colleagues can stay away from dangerous zones.

Roland Ghanem, Toters’ operations director, confirmed the company suspends deliveries to any neighborhoods covered by Israeli evacuation orders and prohibits drivers from using potentially dangerous routes near likely targets.

“These drivers navigate into uncertainty… just to make sure that others can still have access to food and basic needs,” Ghanem stated. “They understand that behind every order, there is a family that has been displaced, or an elderly person that cannot go to the store and get some food, or just a regular person trying to get through the day.”

Lebanese officials report that Israeli military actions have resulted in nearly 1,000 deaths and forced another million people from their homes across Lebanon.

Some delivery workers have experienced the conflict’s impact directly on their personal lives.

Mahmoud al-Benne, 34, was forced to abandon his residence in Beirut’s southern suburbs earlier this month after Israeli forces issued comprehensive evacuation orders for the entire district and commenced intensive bombing campaigns.

Despite his displacement, he continues working.

“Whether you are displaced or not displaced, you need to earn money,” Benne explained. “You have responsibilities. We are in a state of war, but at the end of the day we want to work.”

Marie Katanjian represents an unusual presence among her peers as one of the few female delivery drivers. Her spouse also works for Toters, inspiring her to join the profession.

“We have to work in this situation because we have families. We’re helping each other out, hand in hand,” she said.

Nevertheless, she dreams of returning to normal conditions in her city.

“We want the war to end, so we can take a breath.”

BRUSSELS — Top officials from the 27-nation European Union convened Thursday in Brussels to address mounting concerns over escalating oil and gas costs triggered by ongoing conflict in critical Middle Eastern energy regions and shipping corridors.

Most European leaders have resisted calls from U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy military resources to protect the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil, gas and fertilizer shipments. The combination of surging energy costs from the conflict and concerns about potential refugee flows has elevated Middle Eastern issues to the forefront of the summit agenda.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed significant concern before the European Council gathering, stating: “We are very worried about the energy crisis.” He noted that energy costs were already elevated prior to the conflict, but the fighting “created another spike.”

“If that becomes structural, we’re in deep trouble,” De Wever continued. “At a European level, some measures can be taken to address the problem of the high energy prices.”

The European Commission has presented leaders with various financial mechanisms that individual member states could implement to reduce energy expenses, which will be a key discussion topic. Officials acknowledge that no single approach will likely be sufficient to address the economic disruption across the diverse markets spanning from Romania to Ireland.

European officials have found it challenging to establish a unified position regarding the conflict involving Iran and Lebanon. Though they have criticized Iran’s government, they have not offered military assistance.

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten characterized the situation, saying: “This is a war that was started by the United States and Israel against Iran on reasons that I can understand because the Iranian regime is brutal not only for its own people, but also for the broader region and a security threat for Europe.”

“But it’s not a war that we are part of,” Jetten added, advocating for increased sanctions against Iran and greater support for opposition movements.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A prominent banned Pakistani militant organization responsible for multiple armed attacks and bombings declared a three-day halt to hostilities early Thursday before an important Muslim celebration, coming just hours after Pakistan and Afghanistan also announced a temporary suspension of intensifying combat. Officials reported no gunfire exchanges, representing the first quiet period since fighting broke out again in late February.

Mohammad Khurasani, speaking for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), explained the halt in fighting was designed to enable people to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking Ramadan’s conclusion.

The TTP operates independently from Afghanistan’s Taliban while maintaining an alliance, and has increased violent operations within Pakistan following the Afghan Taliban’s 2021 return to control. Both the United States and United Nations have classified the TTP as a terrorist entity. Pakistani officials claim Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership provides sanctuary to TTP commanders and thousands of fighters who launch attacks across the border, while Kabul rejects these accusations.

The organization stated their ceasefire will begin on Eid’s opening day, anticipated to start Friday in Pakistan depending on moon visibility.

Pakistan and Afghanistan revealed Wednesday their plans for a temporary combat suspension lasting through Monday evening.

Both nations indicated the truce came following appeals from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. These three countries have worked as intermediaries to halt the conflict since cross-border combat restarted in February and previously helped negotiate a ceasefire in October.

The declarations came after a large funeral service for casualties from a Pakistani military strike on a drug treatment facility in Kabul this week. Afghan Taliban officials reported the assault caused 408 deaths and injured 265 people, though independent confirmation of these numbers was not possible.

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated Wednesday that military forces did not attack any medical facility, explaining the Kabul strikes targeted an ammunition storage site. Tarar simultaneously announced the temporary fighting suspension with Kabul.

A diplomatic mission aimed at freeing political prisoners brought President Trump’s special envoy John Coale face-to-face with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko in the capital city of Minsk on Thursday.

Coale’s assignment from Trump focuses on securing freedom for what human rights organizations estimate to be more than 1,100 individuals currently imprisoned in Belarus due to their political activities or human rights work.

The Lukashenko government shared a photo from Thursday’s diplomatic meeting through its official Telegram account.

Earlier negotiations between the two men have yielded significant results, with dozens of political detainees freed last September followed by another 123 releases in December. Among those freed were Nobel Peace Prize recipient Ales Bialiatski along with opposition leaders Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka.

These prisoner releases prompted the United States to lift sanctions on Belarus potash exports, a crucial component for fertilizer production. Washington is also considering reopening its Minsk embassy, which shuttered in 2022 following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s use of Belarusian territory to launch his Ukraine invasion.

Lukashenko has maintained power since 1994 and was previously shunned by Western nations due to his human rights violations and support for Russia’s military actions. However, Trump’s diplomatic approach has provided the Belarusian leader with opportunities to reduce his international isolation.

American officials recognize the strategic value in building relationships with Lukashenko, particularly given his close connections to Putin, and credit him with providing valuable counsel as the United States works toward ending the four-year conflict in Ukraine.

Reuters reports that U.S. officials hope their engagement strategy might gradually distance Lukashenko from Putin’s influence.

Belarus opposition leaders living in exile dismiss such efforts as futile, arguing that Lukashenko relies too heavily on Putin’s political and economic backing. Nevertheless, they have thanked Trump and Coale for their work in securing prisoner releases.

In December, Lukashenko indicated that Belarus was working toward a comprehensive agreement with the United States to restore diplomatic relations. He mentioned this could include a presidential summit with Trump, while emphasizing it would not compromise his alliance with Russia.

Under normal circumstances, Lilian Jamaan would be busy purchasing new outfits for her daughter and stocking up on meat and sweets to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic festival that concludes the holy month of Ramadan.

Instead, speaking from a converted school shelter in Sidon, Lebanon, where her family has taken refuge, Jamaan expressed her despair: “there’s no joy for Eid or for Ramadan or for anything.”

“Everything is difficult,” she added.

While Muslims around the globe prepare for what is traditionally a celebration filled with happiness, Lebanon has reached a devastating threshold. More than 1 million residents have been forced from their homes due to Israeli military strikes, Lebanese officials report.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, 968 individuals have lost their lives in Israeli attacks since fighting resumed between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant organization.

The Iranian-supported Hezbollah joined the broader regional conflict by launching rocket attacks against Israel, prompting intense Israeli bombardment of southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern districts, forcing countless families to abandon their residences.

“A lot of the kids that I at least spoke to, their biggest wish was to just spend Eid at home,” explained Basma Alloush, who speaks for the International Rescue Committee. “Eid is a time where all families come together, people celebrate with their relatives, and it usually brings a lot of peace and joy to families. … It could be that many of them just spend Eid in shelters, in displacement.”

The crisis has unfolded throughout Ramadan, with images of families fleeing their residences and resorting to sleeping in street tents or vehicles. While some found space in schools converted to shelters or stayed with family members, many others struggled to secure temporary arrangements. Approximately 130,000 people are currently housed in official shelters.

For Jamaan, the difficult displacement conditions prevented her from maintaining many Ramadan observances—typically a period of fasting, enhanced prayer, and festive community meals with family.

At her home, she explained, she would fast, pray, and study the Quran, Islam’s sacred text.

Currently, she has discontinued fasting and plans to compensate for missed days upon returning home. “Some people fast and some are unable to fast; there’s psychological stress and we’re not sleeping well. … Food is the last thing on my mind, but the circumstances are difficult.”

She described how she and her daughter share sleeping space with others in the school building while her husband sleeps in their car. “There’s no stability.”

She yearns for her family and her usual Ramadan practices. “We would break our fast, pray, make and drink coffee and I would go to the neighbors or they would come over after iftar,” she remembered, referring to the evening meal that breaks the daily fast.

Asmahan Taleb, another displaced person in Sidon, said the approach of Eid has been overshadowed by suffering.

“How can we celebrate Eid when we’re displaced from our homes and our land? Where is the Eid? Where is the happiness?” she questioned. “It will be Eid when we can return to our homes.”

This displacement marks a repeated experience for Jamaan and many others. Her daughter was born during a previous displacement period from earlier fighting that ended with a fragile ceasefire in November 2024. Israel has continued conducting almost daily strikes in Lebanon after the ceasefire, claiming these target Hezbollah’s rebuilding efforts.

“Lebanon for us is really now the epicenter of the more immediate humanitarian fallout of this broader regional crisis,” stated Carl Skau, deputy executive director and chief operating officer of the U.N. World Food Program. “People here have endured crisis after crisis. They’ve been displaced before. But that doesn’t make it any easier.”

He noted that people he encountered appeared exhausted and hadn’t recovered from previous displacements.

“There was this real sense of uncertainty this time. How is this gonna end? When is it gonna end?”

Current conditions present additional challenges beyond previous crises.

“My concern is that the funding is not coming forward like it did last time,” he told The Associated Press. “We know there is less money available. We know there is also competing priorities. … We will need to make an effort that really donors step up.”

The World Food Program has served over half a million hot meals to displaced individuals in Lebanese shelters since March 2 as part of its relief efforts.

Various volunteers, organizations, and businesses have launched online initiatives to prepare, package, and distribute iftar meals while donating essential items including blankets, clothing, baby formula, and medications.

The requirements are extensive and diverse.

“There is a dire need for shelter,” Alloush noted. “There was a massive thunderstorm. We’re just thinking about the people that were sleeping outside, sleeping in tents that are not waterproof, sleeping on the mud.”

The International Rescue Committee has been providing mattresses, pillows, blankets, and coloring books for children.

“People don’t have enough clothes. Children fled with no toys or no activities to kind of get their minds off of the war.”

Eman Abo Khadra, who owns a hair salon in Sidon, attempted to bring some Eid happiness to displaced children through her skills by offering free haircuts.

“It’s a morale thing. What does a child know about war or no war. … It’s just about planting some joy in their hearts.”

Despite her efforts, she recognized the impact of ongoing tensions on young people.

“I was telling them, ‘Come on, clap; be happy; laugh,’ but … tensions are high,” she observed. “People are tired.”

Taking shelter in Sidon, Alia Ismail said maintaining proper Ramadan observance or finding Eid joy has become nearly impossible.

“We no longer can fast or buy anything for Ramadan,” she stated.

Regarding Eid preparations, her children ask for “We want clothes; we want to go out; we want sweets,” she said. “I tell them, ‘I can’t get you that. There’s no money.’”

Under typical circumstances, she would be cleaning her house and purchasing clothing, meat, and sweets for the holiday.

“Can you imagine that we are staying in a school corridor?” she asked during a phone conversation, explaining that she uses clothing as a pillow since none are available.

At a Beirut school housing hundreds of displaced people, some families attempted to recreate Ramadan traditions and remember their former lives. Corridor walls displayed holiday decorations, and one family arranged desks together to hold a small gas burner and charity meal packages.

Shaker Araqa, staying at the school, mourned how his extended family has been scattered. “We used to gather. We were in one building. Now, everyone is at a different place.”

Nabila Hijazi mentioned that her children ask about Eid, and she promised to purchase clothing for them.

“They want to live their lives,” she said. “We tell them ‘God Willing, Eid comes and we return to our homes.’”

She has managed to observe Ramadan normally at the school and acknowledges her situation is better than many others’.

Back in Sidon, Jamaan said she prays “for God to stop the war, for us to return to our homes and for there to be peace.”

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan joy carries a unique intensity. It resonates more powerfully, sounds more thunderous, and cuts more profoundly than ordinary celebration.

Perhaps this stems from its rarity. Maybe it’s because authorities have suppressed such expressions, forcing citizens to silence themselves to avoid imprisonment. Or it could be that genuine happiness has seemed impossible to achieve, both personally and as a nation.

Yet the entire country experienced this profound emotion Wednesday. Citizens wept, cheered, danced, embraced, and toasted following Venezuela’s stunning 3-2 triumph over the United States in the World Baseball Classic championship the night before.

“We couldn’t express this joy that we wanted to proclaim,” said hairdresser Deyanira Machado while standing outside a Caracas beauty salon.

Unlike many situations in the country, this televised result was definitive. The outcome wouldn’t shift in upcoming hours or days. No one could dispute its meaning. Citizens of all ages, regardless of political involvement or economic status, finally released years of pent-up tension.

“We had that happiness stored away to unleash it properly one day, like last night, and even better than last night,” Machado explained.

This championship came during two turbulent months for Venezuelan citizens.

The year began with their authoritarian leader of nearly 13 years, Nicolás Maduro, being secretly taken by U.S. forces and appearing in handcuffs in New York City. Subsequently, they watched the White House collaborate with government supporters rather than opposition leaders to attempt national reform.

While thousands of Venezuelans living overseas celebrated Maduro’s removal, no one within the country dared publicly show even slight approval. Severe government crackdowns, especially following the 2024 presidential race, had conditioned them to suppress any statements or feelings that might seem hostile.

Joy, like dissent, faced surveillance. Citizens who celebrated what substantial credible proof demonstrated was an overwhelming opposition victory became government targets after election officials proclaimed Maduro victorious without providing supporting evidence. Social media activity and WhatsApp updates were sufficient grounds for imprisonment.

Anxiety, rage, and disillusionment grew. Even local community chats fell silent as conflicts with neighbors became too dangerous.

Venezuelans adjusted once more, constantly anticipating the next crisis. Adults concentrated entirely on “resolver” — managing daily survival by working multiple jobs just to purchase food. Extreme inflation transformed everything beyond basic needs into luxuries.

Acting president Delcy Rodríguez proclaimed a national “day of joy” following the game’s conclusion, establishing a holiday for all except essential personnel. Not that anyone required official permission to skip obligations. The decision was automatic once the final out was recorded and celebrations erupted.

Residents throughout Caracas banged cookware as honking vehicles and motorcycles created chaos on roadways. Venezuelans gathered in public squares sang their national anthem with tears flowing. The capital appeared completely awake long after midnight. Shopping carts at all-night markets overflowed with beer purchases.

Pure elation flooded streets and online platforms well into Wednesday. The national colors of red, yellow, and blue decorated windows, fluttered from motorcycles, and served as makeshift scarves.

“This championship isn’t just about a baseball game, as people may think,” said hospital worker Lanjhonier Lozada while walking to his job Wednesday, carrying a Venezuelan flag and celebrating with equally ecstatic strangers.

“This game is historic. Words fail me,” he continued. “We are world champions! Who would have imagined it?”

Who indeed would have predicted this? The countless young players in community leagues who aspire to Major League careers certainly dreamed of it. However, their parents might have found such possibilities harder to envision. Adults have been worn down by a crisis that forced over 7.7 million Venezuelans to abandon their homeland and led global leaders to use their country’s name as shorthand for disaster.

When the team hoisted their trophy, they elevated Venezuelan spirits worldwide.

“This triumph isn’t just celebrated in Venezuela. In every corner of the world, there is a Venezuelan,” observed Yenny Reyes, mother of two young baseball enthusiasts.

“I’m convinced that this is Venezuela’s year,” she declared. “This is the beginning of many good things to come for Venezuela.”

KARACHI, Pakistan — A devastating storm swept through Pakistan’s most populous city during overnight hours, claiming at least 15 lives and leaving numerous others wounded when structures gave way under intense weather conditions, according to emergency response teams and medical facility representatives who spoke Thursday.

The severe weather event started Wednesday and persisted through nighttime hours across Karachi, which serves as the provincial capital of Sindh in southern Pakistan. Local officials recommended that citizens limit travel to essential trips only.

Medical facilities in the metropolitan area received at least 15 fatalities, while more than 24 individuals required hospital treatment following weather-related accidents, according to statements from police surgeon Summaiya Tariq and emergency response coordinators.

The intense weather system also toppled numerous street-side trees and created significant transportation delays, rescue teams and law enforcement agencies reported.

Weather monitoring officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded sustained winds reaching 90 kilometers per hour (56 miles per hour) that continued for extended periods. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab issued public advisories encouraging citizens to remain in their homes and limit outdoor activities, noting that numerous trees had been downed and repair crews were actively working to restore roadway access.

Weather prediction services indicated that additional precipitation and severe thunderstorms accompanied by powerful winds and potential isolated hail could persist across Karachi and surrounding areas of Sindh province as a western atmospheric system continues moving through the region.

Emergency response agencies documented similar storm conditions and precipitation affecting numerous other regions throughout the nation.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confronts a significant political challenge as citizens prepare to cast ballots in a referendum that could reshape the country’s judicial system and alter the political landscape before next year’s national elections.

The March 22-23 vote centers on whether to divide the roles of judges and prosecutors, creating separate governing bodies for each profession with members selected through a lottery system instead of elections. This would fundamentally restructure Italy’s High Council of the Judiciary, known as the CSM.

What began as a debate over court administration has evolved into a fierce political battle, with Meloni’s administration championing the ‘Yes’ position while opposition parties rally behind ‘No’ votes. Unlike many referendums, this one requires no minimum voter participation to be considered valid.

Political experts believe most citizens will base their decisions on party loyalty rather than understanding the complex legal issues involved, following an intense campaign filled with questionable assertions from both sides.

“Only a small minority of Italians knows much about the issue. Many will look instead to party and coalition leaders, who are all trying to mobilise their voters to win,” explained Fabrizio Masia, who leads the EMG polling organization.

Recent surveys conducted before the mandatory two-week campaign silence showed an extremely tight race, with reform opponents appearing to gain traction as some conservative voters seemed increasingly disengaged.

Meloni has publicly stated she will not step down if voters reject the proposal, a declaration many interpret as strategy to reduce opposition turnout among those hoping to force her from office.

Her governing alliance, which brings together the Brothers of Italy, the League, and Forza Italia parties, maintains stronger overall support than the fragmented left-wing opposition still working to unite the Democratic Party with the 5-Star Movement.

“A ‘no’ win could give fresh momentum to efforts to build a centre-left bloc, also causing trouble within Meloni’s ranks,” Masia noted.

Conversely, approval of the reforms would provide Meloni with crucial political capital as she approaches the final phase of her term while managing challenges from the expanding Middle East conflict and Italy’s sluggish economic performance.

“A government victory would strengthen its longer-term political project, also in view of the 2027 election,” said Emanuele Massetti, who teaches political science at Trento University.

The judicial system has remained contentious in Italian politics since former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who passed away in 2023, faced numerous legal proceedings related to his business operations and frequently criticized judges for alleged political motivations.

Massetti characterized the referendum as the most recent development in an ongoing clash between conservative politicians and the court system, with public opinion split along ideological lines since Berlusconi’s era.

The campaign has also created tension between Meloni and the magistrates’ union ANM, which argues the changes would undermine judicial autonomy and invite greater political meddling.

Government officials dismiss these concerns, contending the reforms are necessary to eliminate partisan politics from CSM member selection following corruption scandals that revealed secret negotiations over high-level prosecutor positions.

“The reform aims to make the justice system more modern, fair, accountable and independent, free from political pressure and from the factionalism that has damaged its credibility and authority,” Meloni stated in an interview with Il Dubbio newspaper this week.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced it will convene foreign ministers from multiple Arab and Islamic nations in Riyadh on Wednesday to address regional security concerns stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict, according to the Saudi foreign ministry.

According to a Turkish diplomatic source, the gathering will include delegates from ten nations: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has now stretched into its third week with little indication of winding down, creating widespread regional instability and causing major disruptions to worldwide energy markets.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan plans to travel to additional countries following the Riyadh meeting to emphasize the importance of finding a diplomatic resolution to end the hostilities peacefully. The Turkish diplomatic source noted that continued warfare could cause permanent harm to relationships between nations in the region.

Before the conflict erupted, Turkey, which is a NATO member and shares a border with Iran, had attempted to serve as a mediator between Tehran and Washington.

Turkey has denounced both American and Israeli military actions against Iran as violations of international law, while simultaneously criticizing Iran’s strikes against Gulf nations as unacceptable behavior.

LONDON – British authorities have filed espionage charges against two individuals accused of conducting surveillance operations targeting Jewish community sites and individuals on behalf of Iran, according to prosecutors who announced the charges Tuesday.

The defendants, identified as 40-year-old Nematollah Shahsavani, who holds dual Iranian-British citizenship, and 22-year-old Alireza Farasati, an Iranian citizen, face accusations stemming from alleged monitoring activities conducted in northern London during a five-week period spanning July and August of last year.

The case represents part of ongoing concerns about Iranian threats to British security that have been highlighted by government officials and the MI5 intelligence service for years, with multiple arrests and foiled plots uncovered prior to the military operations between the U.S. and Israel that began nearly three weeks ago.

Vicki Evans, who serves as senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Police, emphasized that the investigation demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to protecting Jewish communities from security threats.

“These are extremely serious charges under the National Security Act, which have come about following what has been a very complex investigation,” Evans stated.

Both suspects were taken into custody earlier this month and are scheduled for their initial court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this Thursday.

Authorities also confirmed that two additional men who were detained during the same operation have been released without facing any charges.

DAKAR, Senegal — A young man met with reporters at a high-end hotel in Senegal’s capital city, displaying clear signs of anxiety as he avoided direct eye contact and positioned himself with his back to the wall while watching the entrance. He explained that he had gone into hiding after his family rejected him for being gay and authorities questioned one of his friends.

Originally from Touba, a city that serves as the heart of Senegal’s Sufi Muslim tradition, he now stays with another friend who remains unaware of his sexual orientation. His experience reflects a growing pattern in this nation where same-sex relationships are prohibited by law, and officials are on the verge of implementing extended prison sentences for such conduct.

“There’s a lot of fear,” the young man said.

The Associated Press was unable to independently confirm his story or verify accounts from other individuals who requested anonymity due to concerns about potential retaliation.

Senegal joins a growing list of African nations — where more than half have criminalized homosexuality — that are pursuing stricter punishments for same-sex conduct. Uganda recently implemented capital punishment for “aggravated homosexuality,” sparking widespread international condemnation.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced plans earlier this year to enhance penalties for “unnatural acts,” the legal terminology used in Senegalese statutes to describe homosexuality, expanding the maximum sentence from five years imprisonment plus fines to ten years behind bars.

Parliamentary approval came on March 11, and the legislation awaits President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s signature to take effect, with expectations that he will endorse the measure.

Article 319 of the Penal Code currently criminalizes consensual same-sex behavior, prohibiting “acts against nature.” This conservative, predominantly Muslim nation adopted these anti-homosexuality provisions from colonial French legal codes, though enforcement has historically been inconsistent.

Neither Senegal’s justice ministry nor the presidential office provided responses to inquiries regarding the push for harsher sentencing. Multiple local experts declined to discuss the matter, expressing concerns about possible retaliation.

News outlets have documented numerous detentions since early February, including the arrest of well-known local journalist Pape Biram Bigué Ndiaye, who was subsequently freed. Dakar law enforcement officials confirmed they are investigating multiple related cases.

Following the detention of twelve gay men in Dakar, Human Rights Watch documented the escalation of anti-LGBTQ+ messaging, highlighting that Senegalese lawmakers unsuccessfully attempted to strengthen homosexuality penalties in both 2022 and 2024.

The human rights organization reported that public hostility toward homosexuality has sometimes turned violent: In October 2023, residents of Kaolack “a mob exhumed the body of a man they believed to be gay, dragged it through the streets, and burned it in the town square.” Video of the incident spread widely online.

During a February demonstration in Dakar protesting what organizers termed the “intentional transmission of HIV,” participants shouted anti-gay chants. “Intentional transmission of HIV” represents a frequent allegation in Senegal targeting any sexual activity involving someone who is HIV-positive.

The organization And Samm Djiko Yi, which translates to “Together for the Preservation of Values,” has coordinated recent demonstrations and spearheaded efforts to extend prison terms.

Organization founder Serigne Ababacar Mboup characterized his opposition to “the homosexual agenda” as crucial, claiming that Western nations and the United Nations are forcing LGBTQ+ acceptance onto Senegal as these entities increasingly embrace gay rights.

“Homosexuality is contrary to our customs, our values, and our beliefs,” Mboup told the AP. “We are not trying to impose anything on you, so in turn, learn to respect people and their positions, especially on societal issues.”

Free Senegal, an organization dedicated to helping relocate LGBTQ+ individuals facing legal action, reported that conditions have worsened. The group maintained a secure residence in Dakar until 2025, when they shut it down over concerns that local residents would alert law enforcement.

A representative for the organization attributed the growth of anti-gay groups and the “freedom to express hatred towards the LGBT community” to politicians courting voter support during campaign seasons.

Free Senegal represents one of several organizations working to safeguard Senegal’s LGBTQ+ population. The spokesperson identified insufficient financial resources as another significant obstacle.

Some individuals choose to leave the country entirely. One man who escaped to France in 2000 after facing backlash for appearing in a gay rights documentary now assists Free Senegal’s operations from abroad.

His voice became emotional during his conversation with the AP as he recalled the confrontation with neighbors and the persistent opposition to LGBTQ+ people in his homeland.

“I cannot return to Senegal,” he said.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Top European Union officials are convening in Brussels Thursday to address the ongoing conflict with Iran, soaring energy costs, immigration concerns, and a massive financial assistance package for Ukraine that Hungary continues to obstruct.

Several European leaders have turned down requests from U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy military resources to protect the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for worldwide shipments of oil, natural gas, and fertilizer. Escalating energy costs due to the conflict and concerns about a potential new wave of refugees have prompted officials to prioritize Middle East issues during this gathering.

The European Commission, which serves as the EU’s administrative arm, has proposed a comprehensive set of strategies to reduce energy costs for discussion among leaders. According to an unnamed senior European diplomat who requested anonymity, no single approach will effectively address the diverse economic challenges across all 27 member countries affected by the conflict.

Thursday’s meeting will also address an ongoing dispute between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the majority of other EU member states.

During the previous EU gathering in December at a Belgian castle, leaders including Orbán approved a 90 billion-euro ($104 billion) financial package to help Ukraine address its budget deficit while continuing its prolonged conflict with Russia.

However, Orbán reversed his position a month afterward when the Druzhba oil pipeline was damaged in January in what Ukrainian authorities described as a Russian drone strike. The pro-Russia leader, who has governed Hungary since 2010, is conducting an intense media blitz criticizing both Brussels and Kyiv while campaigning for reelection next month.

“If there is no oil, there is no money,” Orbán stated in a social media post on Tuesday.

To secure the critical funding for Ukraine, EU officials and diplomats plan to pressure Orbán and Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, whose administration has also adopted pro-Russia positions.

On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that the EU would fund repairs to the Druzhba pipeline and help develop alternative fuel supply routes for Hungary and Slovakia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called any interference with the loan “absolutely unfair” and emphasized that his war-torn nation has “no alternative” to these funds as it confronts a serious budget emergency due to the conflict that started on Feb. 24, 2022.

“There may be alternatives in terms of financing mechanisms, but there is simply no alternative to strengthening our army,” Zelenskyy stated on Wednesday.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed lawmakers in Berlin Wednesday, emphasizing that the EU must quickly finalize the 20th round of Russian sanctions and approve the Ukrainian loan.

He promised to “advocate for that emphatically” in Brussels and declared that “we must not take into consideration a single country in the European Union that is currently setting up this blockade in Europe now for domestic political reasons and because of an election campaign that is being conducted there.”

Merz urged additional sanctions, stating that “the needs of the moment call for us to increase the pressure on Moscow together – the U.S. and the European partners together.”

BALTI, Moldova — A Russian military strike on a Ukrainian power facility has left tens of thousands of people in Moldova without access to clean water after oil contamination spread through a crucial river system shared by both nations.

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu has placed blame squarely on Russia for contaminating the Dniester River following the March 7 assault on Ukraine’s Novodnistrovsk hydroelectric facility, stating it poses a danger to Moldova’s water infrastructure in the nation seeking European Union membership.

The Ukrainian facility sits approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) north of Moldova’s border and provides water resources to roughly 80% of Moldova’s 2.5 million residents. Russia has consistently attacked Ukraine’s essential civilian infrastructure, including dams and river facilities, throughout its full-scale invasion that began in 2022.

“Russia bears full responsibility,” Sandu declared Sunday in a social media statement.

Moldovan environmental officials announced a 15-day emergency environmental alert on Sunday, providing legal authority to enhance technical responses and implement temporary water restrictions.

“We are taking this decision to make sure we prevent any risk to the population’s health,” officials stated. “Because of the continuous wave of pollution with oil products, the risk of the pollution spreading, and the exceedance of contaminant levels in the northern area of the Dniester River.”

Although petroleum-based pollutants have been detected in the waterway after the attack, officials have not yet determined the precise origin of the contamination.

The crisis has compelled officials to suspend water service to multiple regions, including Balti, Moldova’s second-most populous city with approximately 90,000 residents. Moldova’s armed forces have deployed 10-tonne water trucks to deliver drinking water to the northern city, supplemented by humanitarian assistance from Romania.

“It’s very hard, very hard,” explained 84-year-old Balti resident Liuba Istrati, who has been hauling water buckets to her apartment. “We live on the fifth floor, it’s just the two of us, old people, my husband is sick in bed.”

Educational institutions have been forced to shut down and transition to remote learning due to the water shortage.

“It’s a complicated situation, I have to come every day to get water,” said Irina Mutluc, an educator from Balti. “Even for one person you need quite an amount of water to consume, for the bathroom and so on, so it’s really complicated.”

Officials are working urgently to eliminate contamination and conduct comprehensive water testing and monitoring. Romania, which maintains strong diplomatic ties with Moldova, has sent specialized teams and equipment including absorbent dam materials to assist with cleanup operations.

“The latest samples taken show an improvement in the water indicators, which confirms the effectiveness of the filters and barriers for the capture and disposal of pollutants,” the Environment Ministry reported Wednesday.

The ministry emphasized that officials are “working at an accelerated pace” to restore water service, “but this decision will be made exclusively on the basis of at least two consecutive sets of analyses, taken on two different days… Protecting the health of citizens remains the absolute priority.”

Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder announced Wednesday during a news conference that three key river monitoring locations had “reached the admissible limit” of oil contamination for the first time since the emergency began.

He noted that if testing shows similar or better results within the next 48 hours, officials may reopen a pumping facility on the northeastern Ukrainian border that serves multiple districts and Balti.

“It is clear evidence that upstream oil diversions have been greatly mitigated, and the absorbing dams have had their effect,” he stated.

The Dniester River begins in southwestern Ukraine and extends over 1,300 kilometers (846 miles), flowing through Moldova before returning to southern Ukraine and reaching the Black Sea.

“Although at some points values may temporarily return within acceptable limits, matter continues to come in waves, making it difficult to accurately anticipate evolution,” environmental officials said.

Moldova’s chief prosecutor announced Tuesday the opening of a criminal investigation into the incident, while the foreign ministry called in Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov to Chisinau, presenting him with a bottle containing brownish water.

In a Wednesday online response, Russia’s embassy in Moldova disputed that Moldovan officials had provided evidence of Russian involvement, dismissing “a container with an unknown murky liquid, with no markings regarding where and when it was obtained,” claiming it “by definition cannot be proof of anything.”

The embassy statement accused Moldovan authorities of “publicly claim a lack of precise information about the nature of the incident, the type, and the amount of pollutants,” while advancing “conflicting theories.”

Ilya Trombitsky, a researcher with Eco-TIRAS, an environmental organization network spanning Moldova and Ukraine, noted that while determining immediate or future impacts remains challenging, the fact that “several cities are without water is an evident social damage.”

“It depends on the nature of the pollutant… we still do not know either the source or the substance of pollution,” he explained to reporters. “It is evident that it is not healthy for birds, wetland birds. It is evident that some invertebrates were killed, especially upstream… crustaceans, but small ones, (which) can be food for fish.”

“Moldova does not have experience in such spills,” he added.

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — The bustling capital city of Bangladesh is witnessing a dramatic transformation as its population begins a massive exodus.

Countless internal workers who migrated to the city are now making their way back to their ancestral homes to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the religious celebration that concludes the month of Ramadan.

Striking images show a young child wearing festive bright pink clothing sitting above crowds of people attempting to board ferry vessels. The nighttime boats illuminate the darkness with colorful signage displaying the names of various cities where these travelers originated.

Similar pandemonium unfolds at the capital’s train terminals. Passengers force themselves through small windows while others scale the tops of railway cars. Extended families transport overhead luggage filled with presents intended for relatives and community members back home.

Temporarily, the metropolis experiences a rare stillness. This urban center that continuously grows with workers seeking employment and education opportunities now releases its population annually for spiritual observance and family reunification. The capital attracted these individuals with employment prospects, educational institutions, and advancement possibilities, but now sends them back to rural communities throughout the nation.

Every trip represents both routine travel and remarkable significance.

These striking images document the movement and celebration of Eid as more than just a religious observance, but as a massive reunion for countless people.

NEW YORK (AP) — The ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has placed the Strait of Hormuz at the center of international attention once more.

Iran has brought maritime traffic through this vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters to a near-complete standstill, blocking a crucial route for global petroleum transport. Commercial vessel attacks and additional strike warnings have prevented most tankers carrying oil, natural gas and other cargo from navigating the passage. Major oil-producing nations have also reduced output since their petroleum products cannot reach markets.

The weaponization of the Strait of Hormuz represents a recurring pattern throughout history. Maritime seizures and regional conflicts have previously created hazardous conditions for commercial vessels, sometimes severely limiting their passage capabilities. Tehran has made repeated closure threats regarding the strait when facing sanctions and diplomatic tensions over many years, though it previously avoided completely blocking maritime traffic. Despite most shipping being suspended during the present conflict, maritime tracking systems show dozens of vessels continue crossing the waterway.

Although both Iran and Oman possess territorial claims within the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow shipping lanes are considered international waters open to all maritime traffic. However, Tehran maintains substantial control over the passage through its military installations and authority over strategic islands in the region.

The current confrontation, entering its third week following U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran that resulted in the death of its supreme leader, has created significant energy market impacts: approximately 20 percent of global oil shipments previously transited the Strait of Hormuz before hostilities began, and supply constraints have caused fuel costs to spike dramatically.

Several historical incidents demonstrate previous disruptions or threats to Strait of Hormuz navigation.

Throughout the devastating eight-year conflict between Iran and Iraq during the 1980s, both nations targeted tankers and commercial vessels within and around the Strait of Hormuz, deploying naval mines to block traffic periodically. American forces became involved in what became known as the Tanker War — including a single-day naval engagement with Iran in 1988, followed by the accidental downing of an Iranian passenger aircraft mistaken for a military plane, resulting in 290 civilian deaths.

Complete closure of the strait never occurred. During wartime, American naval vessels provided escort protection for Kuwaiti oil tankers against Iranian assault. Nevertheless, the waterway became extremely hazardous and maritime operations faced significant disruption.

Between late 2011 and early 2012, Iran issued closure threats against the Strait of Hormuz responding to Western sanctions targeting its nuclear activities. The European Union implemented a prohibition on Iranian oil purchases — while the United States similarly sanctioned the nation’s energy industry and blocked central bank transactions. These measures subsequently discouraged other countries from purchasing Iranian petroleum.

Iran eventually softened these threats, and government officials ultimately chose not to shut down the Strait of Hormuz. Market instability and supply changes nonetheless caused oil price fluctuations. Brent crude — the global benchmark — traded above $100 throughout December 2011 and much of 2012, reaching peaks exceeding $126 per barrel in March 2012, before declining later that year.

In May 2018, during his initial presidential term, Donald Trump abandoned an Obama administration nuclear agreement with Iran and reimposed sanctions. Despite certain exemptions, Trump pledged to eventually eliminate all Iranian oil exports. Responding to this action, then-Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated previous Strait of Hormuz closure threats.

Once again, Iran chose not to close the strait. Although market volatility occurred throughout the year, particularly affecting OPEC producer output, Brent concluded the year trading near $54 per barrel, declining from approximately $75 per barrel when Trump announced the withdrawal in May 2018.

American naval officials attributed a series of limpet mine attacks damaging tankers near the strait in 2019 to Iran, along with a deadly drone strike on an Israeli-connected oil tanker in 2021. Tehran rejected responsibility at the time. Regardless, such conflicts increased insurance costs and heightened shipping company concerns.

Iran also captured multiple vessels in the waterway, including several international oil tankers allegedly transporting smuggled fuel at the end of last year, according to state media reports. The country additionally seized a Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel in 2024 and detained two Greek tankers for months in 2022, among other captures. The strait remained operational throughout these incidents.

Concerns about potential Strait of Hormuz closure also intensified during last year’s 12-day Israel-Iran war, especially after American forces joined the conflict with bombing strikes on three Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

Iran did not close the strait, and oil prices avoided sustained increases. Although costs rose during the conflict’s initial days, petroleum markets actually experienced significant selling as traders questioned the probability of attacks on crude shipments. By the war’s conclusion, Brent was trading below $67 per barrel, several dollars lower than pre-conflict levels.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran launched an escalated campaign of missile strikes against Gulf Arab energy infrastructure Thursday, igniting blazes at Qatari natural gas facilities in direct retaliation for Israeli attacks on Iran’s primary gas field, marking a significant expansion of Middle East hostilities that has driven worldwide fuel costs dramatically higher.

Maritime vessels caught fire near the United Arab Emirates coastline while another sustained damage off Qatar’s shores, highlighting the persistent threats facing shipping due to Iran’s control over the critical Strait of Hormuz.

Qatar, which serves as a crucial global natural gas supplier, reported that emergency crews extinguished flames at a major LNG plant following Iranian missile bombardment. While production had previously ceased due to earlier strikes, officials said the most recent missile barrage created “sizeable fires and extensive further damage.”

The facility damage could potentially postpone Qatar’s ability to resume market deliveries even following the conclusion of the Iran conflict.

Officials in Abu Dhabi announced the nation was compelled to cease operations at both its Habshan gas facility and Bab field, characterizing Iran’s overnight strikes on these locations as a “dangerous escalation” of the ongoing war.

Air raid warning systems activated across multiple Gulf regions, while Israel issued alerts regarding approaching Iranian missile fire.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all condemned Iran’s attacks, with Saudi Arabia’s chief diplomat stating that assaults on the kingdom meant “what little trust there was before has completely been shattered.”

During early market activity, Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, climbed above $110 per barrel, representing an increase of more than 50% since Israel and the United States initiated the conflict February 28 with strikes against Iran.

Iran’s missile offensive followed Israel’s attack on South Pars, the planet’s largest gas field situated offshore in the Persian Gulf and jointly controlled by Iran and Qatar.

Given that approximately 80% of Iran’s electricity generation relies on natural gas, according to the Paris-based International Energy Agency, the strike directly jeopardizes the nation’s power grid. Natural gas also provides household heating and cooking throughout the Islamic Republic.

Targeting the gas field represents a “clear expansion of the conflict,” the New York-based Soufan Center stated in an analysis.

“Israel’s target selection in this war has heavily focused on the institutions, leaders and infrastructure …” the research organization noted. “It now seeks to inflict additional pressure on the regime by making the living conditions for civilians intolerable.”

Iran denounced the South Pars attack, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian cautioning of “uncontrollable consequences” that “could engulf the entire world.”

From Washington, President Donald Trump indicated that Israel would not strike South Pars again, but cautioned via social media that continued Iranian attacks on Qatar’s energy infrastructure would prompt U.S. retaliation to “massively blow up the entirety” of the field.

“I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran,” Trump posted on social media.

Qatar Energy announced on X that a missile strike on its extensive Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility triggered the early Thursday fire.

A vessel also sustained damage off the nation’s coastline, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. Officials remained uncertain whether the ship was intentionally targeted or struck by falling debris as Qatar deployed missile interceptors against incoming Iranian attacks.

Saudi Arabia similarly reported destroying Iranian drones aimed at its natural gas installations overnight, while Abu Dhabi authorities said they were forced to halt operations at the Habshan gas facility and Bab field following interceptions above these sites.

Another vessel ignited early Thursday near the United Arab Emirates coast. The UKMTO indicated uncertainty regarding whether it was deliberately targeted or hit by debris.

The organization said the ship was positioned just off Khor Fakkan in the UAE, close to the Strait of Hormuz entrance, through which one-fifth of global oil typically passes.

More than 20 vessels have suffered attacks throughout the Iran war as Tehran maintains strict control over shipping traffic through the waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters.

Iran maintains the waterway remains open, though not to the U.S. or its allies, and while some ships have successfully transited, the volume has been minimal.

Iran’s judicial system announced Thursday the execution of three individuals detained during January’s nationwide protests, marking the first known implementation of such sentences.

Iran’s Mizan news agency confirmed the executions. Iran typically implements capital punishment through hanging.

Mizan named those executed as Mehdi Ghasemi, Saleh Mohammadi and Saeed Davvodi. The agency claimed the three men had fatally stabbed two police officers in Qom, approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Tehran, during the demonstrations.

Iran’s judiciary had been threatening to execute those arrested during the protests.

Iran suppressed the demonstrations through severe violence that resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of detentions.

Over 1,300 people in Iran have died during the war. Israeli strikes have forced more than 1 million Lebanese to flee their homes — roughly 20% of the population — according to the Lebanese government, which reports 968 fatalities.

In Israel, 14 people have died from Iranian missile attacks. At least 13 U.S. military personnel have been killed.

MOSCOW – Russian state newspaper Izvestia reported Thursday that diplomatic negotiations between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine have been temporarily suspended due to warfare involving Iran, according to Russian government sources.

The Moscow-based publication stated that Kremlin officials confirmed the suspension and suggested that Iran’s military involvement could influence Ukraine to adopt a more flexible negotiating stance.

According to the report, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that while Russian presidential representative Kirill Dmitriev will maintain his focus on investment and economic partnerships, the three-nation diplomatic discussions have been put on hold.

“Kirill Dmitriev continues work. The trilateral group is on pause,” Peskov stated, as reported by Izvestia.

Thailand’s legislative body commenced voting Thursday to select a new prime minister, as Anutin Charnvirakul pursues approval to establish a government that might bring uncommon political stability to the Southeast Asian nation after years of governmental turmoil.

The Bhumjaithai party, led by Anutin, delivered an unexpected and commanding performance in February’s elections, marking a dramatic shift for a political organization that previously held minimal influence in Thai governance. The party’s success stemmed from tapping into nationalist sentiment that emerged following military clashes with Cambodia in the previous year.

Anutin’s political rise largely resulted from strategic maneuvering during the decline of the previously powerful Pheu Thai party. He first withdrew from their coalition government before quickly positioning himself to establish his own administration after judicial decisions removed a second prime minister within just over twelve months.

The Bhumjaithai party has formed an agreement with the weakened Pheu Thai and joined forces with various smaller political groups, creating a coalition that would command 292 out of 499 parliamentary seats.

During a Thursday press conference at parliament, Anutin stated: “The government coalition is ready to perform its duty in the legislature and executive smoothly to bring prosperity to the country.”

He added: “We’ll quickly form a cabinet and give a policy statement to solve the problems of the country.”

To secure the prime ministerial position, the 59-year-old Anutin requires support from more than half the chamber, meaning at least 251 votes are needed for victory.

His competition comes from 38-year-old Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who leads the People’s Party that finished second in the elections.

The extent of Natthaphong’s backing remains uncertain beyond his party’s 120 seats, and whether he has negotiated agreements with other political factions is unknown.

As a devoted royalist, Anutin has maintained a consistent presence in Thai political circles for two decades, successfully navigating periods of instability by strategically positioning Bhumjaithai between competing elite factions locked in ongoing power disputes. This approach secured the party’s participation in multiple coalition governments.

Should Anutin succeed, he would gain his first clear leadership mandate in a nation struggling with economic stagnation, overwhelming household debt, urgent need for structural changes, and challenges from trade uncertainties and consequences of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Political observers suggest Anutin’s adaptability and skill at bridging political divisions could serve as his greatest strengths, noting that Bhumjaithai has avoided confrontation with Thailand’s influential military and judicial institutions, which have previously orchestrated the collapse of numerous governments and parties.

Napon Jatusripitak, a political expert at Singapore’s ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, indicated that with Bhumjaithai positioned to influence both parliamentary chambers and Thailand’s institutional power centers apparently supporting Anutin, the outlook for medium-term stability appears positive.

“People have strong reasons to believe that this government can last, particularly because it’s the first time in a long while that the referee and the players are on the same side,” Napon explained.

“There’s control,” he continued. “And we have a highly fragmented opposition.”

Israel has systematically eliminated numerous high-ranking Iranian officials through airstrikes in an effort to destabilize the Islamic Republic. However, defense analysts point to Israel’s historical experience with targeted eliminations, suggesting this approach has limitations and may sometimes produce unintended consequences.

Despite Israel eliminating Hezbollah commander Hassan Nasrallah, the organization continues launching rocket attacks.

Although Israel eliminated Hamas leadership, the organization maintains control over portions of Gaza and continues armed resistance.

Military strategists note that targeted eliminations have seldom been used against nation-states. While such operations may deliver concrete results that officials can present as successes — particularly in conflicts without clear conclusions — they typically fail to resolve the fundamental issues driving these disputes.

Jon Alterman, chair of Global Security and Geostrategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explained that the effects of targeted eliminations typically diminish over time.

Alterman observed that Iran’s administration and armed forces consist of multiple interconnected organizations that have withstood repeated devastating American and Israeli attacks. “Even dictators need to rely on entire networks that support them,” he said.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was eliminated during the conflict’s initial phase. His successor, son Mojtaba, is considered even more hardline. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has maintained missile barrages against Israel and nearby Gulf nations — and successfully disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — despite losing senior commanders or forcing them into hiding.

Throughout its existence, Israel has conducted numerous targeted eliminations, yet Palestinian and Lebanese militant organizations have frequently survived and sometimes emerged stronger following the deaths of key figures.

Consider Hezbollah’s experience. An Israeli strike eliminated then-leader Abbas Musawi in southern Lebanon during 1992. Under his charismatic successor Nasrallah, Hezbollah developed into the region’s most formidable armed organization and battled Israel to a costly deadlock in 2006.

Nasrallah and virtually all his senior deputies perished during the 2024 Israeli-Hezbollah conflict. The Iran-supported organization sustained additional significant casualties that year, yet renewed missile and drone operations against Israel within days of the current conflict’s beginning.

Hamas has lost multiple leaders. Israel eliminated founder and spiritual guide Sheikh Ahmed Yassin through a 2004 airstrike. Nearly every planner of the organization’s Oct. 7, 2023, assault on Israel has subsequently been eliminated.

Both organizations have persevered, driven by longstanding grievances rooted in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute.

America has similarly employed targeted eliminations against al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization, eliminating Osama bin Laden during a 2011 Pakistan operation and IS founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019. While both groups suffered major setbacks, this occurred only after extended conflicts involving ground troops.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states that eliminating Iran’s leadership aims to weaken the government sufficiently for Iranians to revolt and replace it, preferably with a friendly administration similar to the pro-Western monarchy toppled in 1979.

No such uprising has materialized since the conflict began, following Iranian authorities’ suppression of widespread protests in January.

U.S. President Donald Trump has occasionally indicated the conflict seeks to promote a more moderate leader from within Iran’s administration, though the outcome might be a more radical figure — or complete disorder if the state collapses.

In contemporary times, one nation rarely assassinates another’s leaders.

Congo’s Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba was overthrown and killed in 1961 through a CIA and Belgian-supported conspiracy. The African nation subsequently endured decades of authoritarian governance, civil conflict and instability.

NATO’s 2011 Libya intervention enabled rebels to capture and kill longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Following more than ten years of conflict and instability, that nation remains fragmented. Iraq experienced similar turmoil when the 2003 U.S.-led invasion dismantled Saddam Hussein’s administration and resulted in his capture and eventual execution.

Yossi Kuperwasser, former director of Israel’s military intelligence research division, described targeted eliminations as potentially effective tools but not a “cure for all problems.”

“These operations by themselves don’t dramatically change the ability of those organizations to cause damage and to carry out attacks,” he said. “But it’s important for Israel to weaken its enemies.”

Regarding Gaza, Lebanon and now Iran, he noted that Israel has eliminated dozens of officials, permanently altering leadership structures. Concerning Iran, “maybe there’s not ‘regime change’ yet, but there is ‘change in regime.’ The people are not the same people,” he said.

A senior Israeli intelligence official informed The Associated Press that Israel’s leadership elimination strikes in Iran had compromised political leaders’ capacity to command military forces, develop policy and reach decisions. The official requested anonymity to discuss classified evaluations.

However, eliminating leaders may also produce negative consequences, radicalizing supporters, promoting more extreme replacements or transforming deceased leaders into martyrs with lasting influence.

Northeastern University political scientist Max Abrahms noted that data from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Israel and Palestinian territories demonstrates civilian violence increases following targeted eliminations.

“Leadership decapitation is risky,” he said. “When you take out a leader that prefers some degree of restraint and had influence over subordinates, then there’s a very good chance that, upon that person’s death, you’re going to see even more extreme tactics.”

Targeted eliminations may create leadership gaps and opportunities for change, but only when combined with a comprehensive political approach, explained Mohanad Hage Ali, deputy director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut.

“You can decapitate an organization or defeat it militarily, but if you don’t follow through politically, it doesn’t work. And it’s hard to see how this goes much further,” he said.

Following the deaths of thousands of Iranian protesters during a government crackdown in January, Iranian Americans nationwide are observing their cherished spring celebration with heavy hearts this year.

Shima Razavi Gacek, a 46-year-old Los Angeles woman, chose not to host her usual Nowruz house party with its traditional large bonfire. Instead, she coordinated a memorial gathering at a neighborhood park Tuesday evening, where photographs of killed demonstrators were on display and dozens of community members lit candles while participating in a modified version of Chaharshanbe Suri, the customary fire-jumping ritual using small tea lights.

“It is such a beautiful and joyous time of year,” expressed Razavi Gacek, who has called the United States home since age 5. “This year, it’s not, but we need our community more than ever.”

Across the nation, Iranian American communities are observing Nowruz through a combination of mournful remembrances and traditional elements like flowers, music and dancing. Numerous groups have called off their planned celebrations in response to January’s violent suppression of protesters, while others have arranged more intimate, subdued versions of what is typically an exuberant festival.

This year’s observance occurs less than a month following attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Regional conflict has expanded since that time.

The term Nowruz translates to “new day” in Farsi, Iran’s primary language. This celebration, which aligns with the spring equinox, has its origins in ancient Zoroastrian customs spanning thousands of years and extends from Afghanistan through Turkey. Iranians from various religious backgrounds observe Nowruz despite occasional discouragement from Iran’s strict government.

The holiday is also widely celebrated throughout the United States, particularly in Los Angeles, where nearly one-third of America’s 750,000 Iranian Americans reside, and in Nashville, Tennessee, which hosts the nation’s largest Kurdish population.

Numerous communities have called off scheduled Nowruz gatherings and activities following Iran’s violent suppression of protests.

In New York, a group of senior Iranian American women decided against their usual celebration, typically held at a suburban shopping center 25 miles from Manhattan.

“People are not in the mood to celebrate the New Year,” explained Marjan Khalili, who leads the Long Island Ladies Association. “That’s what Nowruz is — we welcome the New Year, and now we really don’t have much to welcome, you know?”

Shani Moslehi, who heads the Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce in Southern California, said her organization abandoned plans for their yearly celebration and instead partnered with a mental health facility to offer assistance to community members struggling with war-related stress and their inability to contact relatives in Iran.

“Everyone I hear from is not doing well,” Moslehi stated. “The dancing and singing lasted a day, and people realized just killing that one guy is not going to solve the problem.”

Several community groups decided to continue Nowruz customs but modified them to reflect current circumstances.

At New York University, the student-led Persian Cultural Society organized a memorial service featuring speeches and poetry instead of their typical Nowruz festivities, requesting participants wear black clothing rather than the bright colors usually associated with the holiday.

In Los Angeles, planners canceled an outdoor festival that normally attracts thousands, replacing it with a concert called “Light Always Prevails.” The event featured an Iranian female singer who was prohibited from performing after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and an Iranian-American artist singing in Persian for the first time, according to Shahab Paranj, who serves as artistic director for the Iranshahr Orchestra.

Celebrating Nowruz now serves as an act of resistance against the Islamic government, according to Hedi Yousefi, who organized a Norooz Bazaar in Manhattan featuring vendors and artists, along with a memorial display listing approximately 3,000 individuals killed in January.

“They want us to be quiet. They want us to shut up and don’t talk and celebrate,” she stated. “But we have to talk about our culture, we have to keep our tradition alive.”

In the Nashville region, where local Kurdish residents come from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey, organizers are preparing an event designed to demonstrate support for people throughout the conflict-affected area.

“It’s not going to be a grief celebration or a sad celebration,” said Tabeer Taabur, who heads the Tennessee Kurdish Community Council.

At the Los Angeles park, dozens of attendees shared meals at picnic tables draped with white linens and decorated with displays of sprouts, fruit and flowers. Participants took turns leaping over small fires burning in containers to mark the year’s transition.

Mojan Gabbay, age 50, placed a candle at the memorial table honoring Iranian protesters, then crossed the patio to jump over an aluminum container filled with burning bark, smiling afterward. She mentioned that while she doesn’t typically observe Chaharshanbe Suri, she felt compelled this year to maintain the tradition for her two children.

“I wanted my kids to know where their roots are from and everything that’s going on has really touched our hearts,” Gabbay said, fighting back tears. “These are your people and when you hear their pain and when you see their suffering, you feel it.”

Citizens across the globe will cast ballots in over 50 nations this year, facing decisions shaped by ongoing conflicts, trade disputes, and economic uncertainty that could send ripples through international financial markets.

Market analysts are keeping close watch on several pivotal elections that could reshape economic policies worldwide:

DENMARK

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen hopes to benefit from increased popularity following her firm response to U.S. pressure regarding Greenland in Tuesday’s parliamentary vote.

Greenland’s election results will indicate residents’ desire for independence and their reaction to Trump’s territorial ambitions. The current governing alliance supports gradual independence while maintaining ties with Denmark, but the opposition Naleraq party seeks complete separation – a division experts believe Washington might try to leverage.

HUNGARY

Viktor Orban faces his most serious electoral challenge in 16 years of leadership during the April 12 vote, with the center-right Tisza party ahead in most surveys.

The nationalist leader has reduced taxes and increased salaries to appease citizens in an economy that has underperformed compared to neighboring countries. His decision to block Ukrainian aid has also frustrated much of Europe.

Goldman Sachs economists stated in their analysis: “Should Tisza prevail, we would expect EU fund inflows to resume swiftly, and the prospect of potential euro membership would likely lead to a notable appreciation of Hungarian assets.”

UNITED KINGDOM

While local elections typically don’t capture international investor interest, the UK’s May 7 contests are an exception. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party is falling behind both the populist Reform UK and the left-leaning Green Party in polling, having failed to fulfill promises of economic expansion.

Bond markets are particularly watching for indicators that the fiscally conservative Starmer might face replacement, which could further weaken the pound.

Though the Middle East conflict has reduced speculation about Starmer’s immediate departure, the Polymarket prediction platform shows a 69% probability of his exit before year’s end. The next nationwide election is scheduled by August 2029.

ETHIOPIA AND ZAMBIA

Both Ethiopia and Zambia, having defaulted on their obligations, will conduct summer elections with economic issues taking center stage.

Market watchers have praised Zambia’s economic restructuring and expanding copper output, while Ethiopia’s increasing gold and coffee exports plus currency reforms have improved its outlook.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party appears virtually guaranteed victory in June due to opposition boycotts and security issues that may limit voter participation.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is favored to win in August, though energy and fertilizer cost increases linked to the Iran conflict could pose challenges. S&P ratings agency warns the election threatens policy stability just as government budget tightening begins showing results.

PERU AND COLOMBIA

Colombia’s May presidential contest remains competitive following mixed results in March’s congressional races.

Some investors are encouraged by center-right candidate Paloma Valencia’s improving prospects despite political divisions.

Barclays economist Alejandro Arreaza noted: “We are inclined to hold a constructive view, as political conditions still support a swing toward pro-market policies.”

In Peru, two conservative presidential hopefuls lead polling for April’s election, though Bank of America indicated most candidates “do not seem to represent a major threat” to Peru’s traditional economic approach.

Despite having eight presidents since 2018, growth across nearly all economic sectors has strengthened the country. Bank of America cautioned that election chaos, similar to 2021’s disputed race with turmoil and fraud claims, could prompt capital withdrawal.

ISRAEL

Israel’s parliamentary elections, anticipated in October, are seen as a judgment on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The timing could advance if the Knesset fails to approve the 2026 budget by March’s end.

Pre-war polling indicated Netanyahu’s right-wing alliance would face difficulty securing enough seats for government formation.

Tellimer’s Hasnain Malik observed that war casualties and expenses could make it difficult for Netanyahu’s coalition to recover support.

Israel’s economy had recovered in 2025 and was projected to continue improving in 2026 before the conflict began. This uncertainty may increase volatility in the shekel and government securities.

BRAZIL

Leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is tied in October’s race with right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Lower house seats, two-thirds of Senate positions, and all 27 state governorships are also contested.

While inflation has decreased and unemployment reached record lows in December, last year’s 2.3% economic growth was the slowest since the COVID pandemic.

Oxford Economics’ Felipe Camargo suggested a center-right Bolsonaro administration could create a “goldilocks scenario for markets” with emphasis on reducing inflation and addressing the rising debt-to-GDP ratio.

UNITED STATES

November’s U.S. midterm elections will decide congressional control, serving as a crucial test for President Donald Trump, particularly if Middle East conflicts continue.

Trump’s foreign policy approach may hurt Republican prospects as voters prioritize cost-of-living issues.

Reuters/Ipsos polling shows Democrats maintain a small advantage over Republicans on affordability matters, prompting the White House to implement measures like credit card interest rate caps.

Peter Ricchiuti, finance professor at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, explained: “The big issue in the mid-terms will be affordability and people in the middle-class income range will be most affected by higher oil prices.”

Experts suggest pre-election uncertainty could pressure the dollar and global equity markets.

HONG KONG (AP) — Evidence hearings have commenced for an independent investigation examining Hong Kong’s most catastrophic fire in recent history, which claimed 168 lives and destroyed seven buildings due to numerous safety breakdowns.

Survivors and families of victims have sought answers since the November 2025 tragedy that devastated Wang Fuk Court, a tightly-knit residential community in Tai Po’s suburban area where thousands resided.

During opening statements Thursday, committee lead attorney Victor Dawes indicated the blaze likely originated on a platform within a light well adjacent to two ground-floor units, where investigators discovered cigarette remnants on both the platform and nearby scaffolding.

According to Dawes, evidence reveals several contributing elements combined to create the disaster, including deactivated fire alarms and water hose systems, along with the installation of flammable scaffolding materials and foam board window coverings.

“On the day of the fire, nearly all fire safety systems meant to protect lives failed because of human factors,” he said.

The November 26 fire rapidly consumed seven of the complex’s eight residential towers. Authorities have detained multiple individuals on charges including manslaughter, fraud, and corruption.

The judge-appointed investigation panel, established in December, will also explore whether systematic issues like contract manipulation affected large construction maintenance and renovation projects. Officials estimated the committee’s work would require nine months to complete.

Following attorney presentations, the panel will collect testimony from witnesses, including Wang Fuk Court residents, with various government agencies participating in the proceedings.

Prior to Thursday’s session, Phyllis Lo, whose mother perished in the fire, expressed hope for hearing diverse perspectives to gain complete understanding of the incident.

Resident Seneca Lee stated her desire to understand how the flames spread across so many structures and caused such extensive loss of life.

Numerous former complex residents currently occupy temporary accommodations throughout the city. Hong Kong authorities recently announced plans to purchase homeownership rights from fire victims based on resident preference surveys, disappointing those hoping to reconstruct their homes on the original site.

Hong Kong leader John Lee announced Tuesday that officials are developing arrangements for affected residents to access their apartments and retrieve personal belongings in April.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The global K-pop phenomenon BTS is set to return to the stage Saturday evening with a highly anticipated performance at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, a historic location that symbolizes South Korea’s royal past and serves as a center for political and cultural activities.

The complimentary performance is anticipated to attract tens of thousands of supporters as the seven-member South Korean group showcases material from “ARIRANG,” their debut album release in almost four years. The album takes its name from Korea’s most cherished traditional folk song.

“‘ARIRANG’ is an album that embodies the origin and identity of BTS and carries the message that they want to convey now,” stated Hybe Corp., BTS’ parent management company, when responding to Associated Press inquiries. “Considering the symbolic significance of the word ‘Arirang,’ we’ve decided to hold a performance at Gwanghwamun, a place that represents Korea.”

The square derives its name from the massive entrance gate to the adjacent Gyeongbokgung palace, which served as the royal residence during Korea’s Joseon dynasty. This dynasty governed the peninsula for over five centuries before ending in 1910.

Situated at Seoul’s center, this expansive plaza regularly hosts artistic and cultural gatherings. Two monumental statues honor Korea’s most revered historical figures: King Sejong, creator of the Korean alphabet in 1443, and Admiral Yi Sun-shin, who successfully repelled Japanese forces during the 16th century.

The location also represents South Korea’s developing democracy, having witnessed large-scale demonstrations during recent political crises.

During late 2024, when former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration created the nation’s most serious democratic crisis in decades, citizens assembled at the square demanding his removal. These political gatherings uniquely merged activism with popular culture, featuring protesters carrying the colorful light sticks typically seen at K-pop events while singing tracks like Girls’ Generation’s “Into the New World.”

Analysts suggest the hour-long Gwanghwamun performance, which Netflix will broadcast live internationally, will reinforce BTS’ status as artists who successfully transitioned from Korean stars to global icons. The group had been inactive while members fulfilled their required South Korean military service.

Cultural analyst Ha Jae-keun noted that regardless of venue choice, any BTS comeback concert would succeed. However, as K-pop’s biggest stars, the group likely chose this symbolic Korean location as the “most meaningful” option, he explained.

Pop culture expert Jung Dukhyun suggested the Gwanghwamun selection reflects the belief that Korean traditional elements can achieve worldwide appeal, similar to the recent success of Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” which earned Oscar recognition for best animated feature and best song for “Golden” this week.

Government officials expect the concert will boost South Korea’s global cultural impact.

Extensive security measures are being implemented to avoid crowd-control problems.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung posted on X Wednesday, describing BTS as “a proud artist of the Republic of Korea” and expressing hopes the concert will showcase “our beautiful cultural heritage and the charm of K-culture.”

While approximately 20,000 ticket holders will attend at the square itself, an estimated 240,000 additional fans are expected to gather in surrounding areas to view the performance on temporary screens. Transportation authorities will redirect traffic, modify subway schedules at certain stations, and temporarily close Gyeongbokgung palace.

Some local residents have criticized what they perceive as special treatment for BTS and potential public disruption. However, many specialists emphasize the concert’s significant public benefit.

“BTS is the nation’s band. Now they intend to hold an open performance for the public free of charge. I think it would be very natural for the government to support it,” Ha stated.

BANGKOK (AP) — Thai lawmakers assembled Thursday to select the country’s next prime minister, following a general election held more than a month ago that revealed a notable conservative turn in the nation’s political landscape.

Current Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul appears positioned to gain sufficient backing from the 500-seat House of Representatives to continue leading the government. Securing a prime ministerial position requires a simple majority vote.

Official election results show Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party captured 191 parliamentary seats and has successfully assembled a coalition with multiple other parties to establish a governing majority. The populist Pheu Thai Party, which earned third place with 74 seats, stands among its coalition partners.

The progressive People’s Party, despite finishing in second place with 120 seats, has announced it will not participate in the Bhumjaithai-led administration. The party plans to put forward one of its own candidates during Thursday’s voting process, though it describes this as merely a symbolic challenge.

Anutin assumed the prime ministerial role just last September following his service in the cabinet under his immediate predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was removed from office due to ethics violations related to mismanaging relations with Cambodia. Facing the threat of a no-confidence motion, Anutin dissolved Parliament in December to trigger an early election.

His popularity has grown significantly after positioning himself as a national defender during the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, which fueled nationalist feelings among the electorate.

The two nations engaged in territorial conflicts twice during the previous year over disputed border areas.

Following the parliamentary vote, the newly selected prime minister will officially assume duties within days after receiving formal designation from King Maha Vajiralongkorn. Cabinet appointments are anticipated in the subsequent weeks.

The next administration will confront pressing challenges immediately. Middle Eastern warfare that erupted in February has pushed global energy costs higher, inflating commodity prices and sparking worries about potential oil supply shortages.

Additional political uncertainty emerged Wednesday when the Constitutional Court announced it would decide whether to invalidate last month’s election results.

This legal challenge originates from a complaint submitted by the Ombudsman’s Office against the Election Commission, claiming that barcodes and QR codes printed on voting ballots could undermine voter privacy, potentially violating election statutes mandating secret voting procedures.

WASHINGTON — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi heads into what she herself described as a “very difficult” White House meeting with President Donald Trump on Thursday, as tensions mount over Japan’s unwillingness to provide military support in the Strait of Hormuz.

What was initially planned as a strategic discussion before Takaichi’s trip to China has transformed into a potentially confrontational encounter. The ongoing conflict in Iran and Trump’s public frustration with allies who declined to assist in protecting the vital oil and gas shipping route have forced a delay in the China visit.

Trump has openly expressed his displeasure both in public statements and on social media regarding U.S. allies, particularly Japan, turning down his appeals for assistance in securing the strategically important waterway.

“In fact, speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!” Trump posted on Truth Social following the rejection of his initial assistance requests.

Before departing Japan, Takaichi conceded she anticipates a challenging discussion with Trump. Japanese officials have maintained that no formal request was made by Washington for Japanese naval vessels to participate in the U.S.-Israeli operation.

Japan stands among the nations Trump specifically criticized Tuesday during his public complaints about the lack of cooperation regarding the Strait of Hormuz, before ultimately stating such assistance was unnecessary.

Kurt Campbell, former deputy secretary of state under the Biden administration and current chair of The Asia Group, predicts Trump will apply “enormous pressure” on Takaichi during their meeting.

Campbell noted he has never witnessed a meeting between American and Japanese leadership carrying such significant consequences. He suggested that for Takaichi to advance Japan’s interests, she must find a method to demonstrate Japan’s participation in U.S. Middle East strategy.

“She’s going to want to come out of that as a partner in this case and realize that if she can do that, that she can translate that potentially into the president listening more to Japanese concerns about Taiwan or other issues,” Campbell explained.

Japan faces constitutional limitations regarding its participation in Iran operations, including post-World War II restrictions that prohibit using force except for territorial defense. The nation’s military operates under the name Self-Defense Force.

Christopher Johnstone, a partner at The Asia Group specializing in defense and national security, indicated Japan could potentially contribute through mine-clearing operations and has maintained “a small naval presence” in the area for anti-piracy efforts spanning over ten years. However, joining the U.S. mission would require Takaichi to overcome “an exceptionally high bar politically to invoke collective self-defense” — something never before accomplished.

Takaichi, who first met Trump in Tokyo last October, holds the distinction of being Japan’s first female prime minister and was mentored by former leader Shinzo Abe, who cultivated a strong relationship with Trump.

As a conservative hardliner and long-time Taiwan advocate, her statements regarding Japan’s potential military support for the island have increased tensions with China.

Prior to her Trump meeting, Takaichi had planned to concentrate discussions on trade relations, strengthening U.S.-Japan ties, and security issues. Japanese representatives indicated both nations would work toward enhanced cooperation in regional security, critical minerals, energy, and China-related matters.

China considers self-governing Taiwan, crucial to U.S. computer chip manufacturing, as its territory and has threatened military action if necessary to claim it.

However, questions surrounding Strait of Hormuz assistance and broader implications of the Iran conflict have placed the Japanese leader in a more challenging position with Trump as she works to secure U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.

Japan views China as an escalating security concern and has pursued military expansion on southwestern islands near the East China Sea. Yet the U.S. has relocated some Japan-stationed troops to the Middle East, reducing deterrence against Chinese influence.

Takaichi plans to address troop redeployment concerns with Trump, particularly as these moves coincide with China conducting numerous military exercises around Taiwan.

“This raises the prospect that — once again — the United States will be distracted and bogged down in the Middle East at a time when the deterrence problem in East Asia has never been greater,” Johnstone stated.

President Donald Trump declared that Israel struck Iran’s major South Pars gas facility in what he characterized as an angry and violent response to ongoing Middle East conflicts, but promised no additional Israeli attacks unless Iran strikes back.

The Wednesday assault on the massive gas installation caused oil prices to surge and led Iran to threaten attacks on energy infrastructure throughout the Gulf region, while launching missiles toward Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

This escalation increases the extraordinary disruption to worldwide energy supplies that has created political challenges for Trump, who entered the conflict alongside Israel approximately four weeks ago.

QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy company, described “extensive damage” following Iranian missile strikes on the Ras Laffan Industrial City, which handles roughly 20 percent of the world’s gas production.

Saudi officials announced they successfully intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh on Wednesday, along with stopping a drone assault on an eastern gas installation.

Iran continued its attacks Thursday, again striking Qatar’s gas infrastructure while also targeting the Saudi capital with additional missiles.

QatarEnergy reported “sizeable fires” and widespread destruction at multiple liquefied natural gas facilities hit during Thursday’s early morning missile strikes.

The President stated that America had no prior warning of Israel’s strike and emphasized that Qatar was not involved in the initial attack.

“Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran,” Trump wrote on X Wednesday.

“Unfortunately, Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility.

“NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar.

“In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before.”

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Trump had given approval for Israel’s planned assault on Iran’s natural gas infrastructure.

South Pars represents Iran’s portion of the planet’s largest natural gas reserve, shared between Iran and Qatar, a key U.S. partner that hosts America’s largest Gulf military installation.

Throughout this conflict, Tehran has attacked not only Israeli targets but also American diplomatic and military sites across the Gulf while warning neighboring countries against supporting strikes on Iranian territory.

With no signs of de-escalation, Trump is reportedly considering deploying thousands of additional U.S. military personnel to the Middle East, according to officials and sources familiar with the planning.

These forces could help ensure safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway handling one-fifth of global oil commerce.

Foreign ministers from six Islamic nations meeting in Riyadh condemned Iran’s attacks on Gulf neighbors and demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The ministers stated that Iran’s targeting of civilian areas and critical infrastructure including oil facilities, airports and water treatment plants cannot be justified under any circumstances.

“This pressure from Iran will backfire politically and morally and certainly we reserve the right to take military actions, if deemed necessary,” Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said during a press conference following the diplomatic meeting in Riyadh.

Defense systems were observed firing interceptors near the Riyadh hotel hosting the conference around the time ministers convened for their consultative session on the Iran conflict.

The UAE closed its Habshan gas facility after intercepting missiles in what its foreign ministry termed a “terrorist attack” by Iran.

The U.S.-based Iran human rights organization HRANA estimates that more than 3,000 people have died in Iran since the U.S.-Israeli attacks commenced on February 28.

Lebanese authorities report 900 deaths in their country and 800,000 people displaced from their homes.

Iranian strikes have caused casualties in Iraq and throughout Gulf states, while at least 13 U.S. service members have been killed in the conflict.

BEIJING – Top government officials from across Asia are preparing to attend China’s prestigious Boao Forum next week, organizers announced Thursday.

The annual economic gathering, frequently described as Asia’s equivalent to the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, will take place from March 24 through March 27 in China’s southern Hainan province.

Among the high-profile attendees will be South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Other notable participants include Sahiba Gafarova, who serves as speaker of Azerbaijan’s National Assembly, and Jagath Wickramaratne, the parliamentary speaker from Sri Lanka. Kazakhstan will be represented by Roman Skylar, the nation’s first deputy prime minister.

The forum traditionally features addresses from senior Chinese leadership. During last year’s event, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang delivered remarks promising enhanced policy measures to support China’s economy, which ranks as the world’s second largest.

A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked investors from searching for Argentine government assets within the United States as they attempt to collect on a massive $16 billion court judgment related to the South American nation’s takeover of its primary energy corporation in 2012.

The asset discovery process will remain suspended while appeals continue in the lengthy legal battle, where U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska previously ruled that Argentina must pay compensation to investors following the government seizure of majority control in YPF Energy.

According to court documents reviewed by The Associated Press, the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in New York blocked former shareholders Petersen Energía and Petersen Energía Inversora — supported by litigation financier Burford Capital — from gathering information about Argentine assets located in America, including central bank reserves like gold holdings.

On Wednesday, Argentine President Javier Milei called the court’s decision “historic” and “unprecedented” in favor of his country regarding the YPF litigation.

“This decision represents a historic milestone in the defense of the Argentine Republic in litigation that, for more than 12 years, has imposed enormous economic, legal and reputational costs on the country,” the president said in a statement. According to the government’s announcement, Argentine officials requested the discovery suspension on March 6.

However, a legal expert warned that Argentina’s procedural victory doesn’t guarantee the appeals court will reverse the $16.1 billion judgment — an amount that has grown beyond $18 billion when including interest.

Sebastián Maril, who analyzes Latin American litigation for Latam Advisors, explained to The Associated Press that Wednesday’s ruling merely suspends secondary legal proceedings like asset tracing until the court decides Argentina’s main appeal. Oral arguments took place in October, with a final decision still pending.

Last June, Judge Preska directed Argentina to hand over its 51% majority ownership in YPF as partial payment to the plaintiffs. The appeals court suspended that directive two months later.

President Milei, who faces challenges rebuilding Argentina’s diminished foreign currency reserves and has promised to sell off government-controlled enterprises, has attributed the legal case to his political rivals. In 2012, former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who led the country from 2007 to 2015, supervised the state acquisition of Argentina’s top energy firm, further damaging the nation’s international financial credibility.

The plaintiffs were able to file their lawsuit against YPF in American courts because the company maintains a listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Following the government takeover, YPF has intensified development of Argentina’s extensive shale gas deposits in the Vaca Muerta region of Patagonia. Oil production from Vaca Muerta has grown consistently, hitting nearly 600,000 barrels daily in January, representing about 68% of the country’s total output. YPF announced a $5 million profit in 2025, marking its best financial performance in a decade.

Two days of American-facilitated negotiations in Washington this week resulted in new commitments from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to take coordinated action toward reducing regional tensions.

The diplomatic sessions, held Tuesday and Wednesday, represented the initial face-to-face discussions between the two African nations following the US Treasury Department’s decision to impose sanctions on Rwanda’s military forces and four high-ranking officials on March 2nd.

American officials have accused Rwanda of providing support to the M23 rebel organization, which they say has fueled ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Rwandan leadership disputes these allegations of backing M23. The rebel group conducted a rapid military campaign in eastern Congo during January 2025 and continues to control significant territorial areas.

A tri-party statement issued Wednesday by the State Department announced that the DRC and Rwanda had “agreed to a series of coordinated steps to de-escalate tensions and advance progress on the ground.”

The statement detailed that “these efforts include a mutual commitment to specific measures to support each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the scheduled disengagement of forces/lifting of defensive measures by Rwanda in defined areas in DRC territory, time-bound and intensified efforts by the DRC to neutralize the FDLR, and the protection of all civilians.”

The FDLR organization originated from Hutu militants who escaped Rwanda following their involvement in the 1994 mass killings that claimed nearly one million lives among Tutsi and moderate Hutu populations. M23 leadership claims their military actions aim to defend ethnic Tutsi populations living in eastern Congo.

The two nations had previously committed to a peace agreement in Washington during December, as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to establish regional stability and encourage substantial Western financial investment.

However, within days of that diplomatic ceremony, M23 forces moved into Uvira, an eastern Congolese city located close to the Burundian frontier, representing the conflict’s most significant escalation in several months.

The rebel forces subsequently withdrew following American diplomatic pressure. This month, Washington officials warned that the rebels’ ongoing presence near Burundi’s border “carries the risk of escalating the conflict into a broader regional war.”