INTERNATIONAL

China and the US have agreed to what Donald Trump described as a “done deal,” pending final approval from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The agreement, reached after two days of talks in London, includes China supplying rare earths and allowing more Chinese students to study in the US. “Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval with President Xi and me,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied, up front, by China. Likewise, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!).” Trump added, “We are getting a total of 55 per cent tariffs, China is getting 10 per cent. Relationship is excellent!” Negotiators described the meetin...

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has renewed its stark warning that the world may soon face a catastrophic cyber attack—one with the potential to cripple entire economies, infrastructure, and societies. In its Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 and recent briefings, the WEF noted that global vulnerabilities are deepening, especially with the rise of AI-driven threats, deteriorating international cooperation, and outdated critical systems. As of mid-2025, more than 45% of global organizations say they are not prepared for a large-scale cyber incident, particularly one that disrupts national infrastructure or financial systems. This warning comes at a time when the mysterious disappearance of Xiaofeng Wang, a prominent cybersecurity expert and professor at Indiana University already unset...

Israeli forces seized a Gaza-bound aid vessel early Monday, detaining Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others on board as the boat attempted to breach the naval blockade of the Palestinian territory. The seizure comes amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and mounting international concerns over humanitarian access to the besieged enclave. The boat, named Madleen, was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission to deliver essential aid—including baby formula, food, and medical supplies—to Gaza’s 2 million residents, many of whom face the risk of famine due to Israel’s blockade and bombardment. The coalition described the operation as a peaceful humanitarian mission, accusing Israeli forces of "unlawfully boarding the vessel," abducting the unarmed crew, and ...

Pakistan will chair the Taliban Sanctions Committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2025 and serve as vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the 15-nation U.N. body. According to a list of chairs of the subsidiary bodies of the UNSC, Denmark will chair the 1267 ISIL and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee of the UNSC, while Russia and Sierra Leone will be vice-chairs for 2025. Algeria will chair the 1373 Counter-Terrorism Committee, while France, Pakistan and Russia will be vice-chairs. Pakistan will chair the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee that imposes an assets freeze, a travel ban and an arms embargo on individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with the Taliban in constituting a threat to the peace, stability and security of Afghanistan. Guyan...

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has claimed that Saudi authorities barred him from performing the 2025 Hajj, despite holding a valid visa. The outspoken preacher, known for his critical views on regional and global politics, made the announcement via his official Facebook page. “For some obvious reasons—my views about world politics—the Saudi authorities are uncomfortable about my presence in the Hajj after giving me the Hajj visa,” Sheikh Gumi wrote. He thanked Nigerian officials, stating they have pledged to take up the matter with Saudi authorities on his behalf. Gumi’s political and religious views have often contrasted with Saudi Arabia’s official positions. He has criticized Wahhabism—the Kingdom’s dominant religious ideology—and has publicly opposed Saudi i...

On May 28, 2025, a massive landslide triggered by the collapse of the Birch Glacier tore through the Swiss alpine village of Blatten, burying nearly 90% of it under a torrent of ice, mud, and rock. At least 40 buildings—homes, barns, and public structures—were swallowed in seconds, transforming a centuries-old settlement into a wasteland of debris. One person remains missing, though the toll could have been far worse had residents not been evacuated on May 19 after scientists detected signs of imminent collapse. Drone footage and satellite imagery reveal the scale of destruction: what was once a scenic village at the foot of a glacier is now an uninhabitable scar in the landscape. But this is no mere natural tragedy. It is the culmination of decades of relentless human reshapin...

What began as a routine pilgrimage transformed into an extraordinary story of faith, perseverance, and destiny for Amer Al Mahdi Mansour Al Gaddafi, a young Libyan man determined to fulfill his lifelong spiritual dream of performing Hajj this year. However, his journey hit an unexpected roadblock at the airport. Immigration officials detained Amer due to security concerns linked to his surname—“Al Gaddafi.” Despite the fact that his group was allowed to board the plane, Amer was held back. His repeated pleas to join the flight were ignored, and the plane departed without him. The captain cited security protocols and strict schedules as reasons for leaving him behind. But fate had other plans. https://twitter.com/alzuqebe/status/1927121644713062807 Shortly after takeoff, the air...

Saudi Arabia has officially declared that Friday, June 6, 2025, will mark the first day of Eid Al-Adha, following the sighting of the crescent moon of Dhu al-Hijjah in the town of Tamir. This crescent sighting not only sets the start of the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar but also signals the beginning of the most sacred period in Islam — the Hajj pilgrimage and the festival of sacrifice. The Day of Arafah, which precedes Eid, will fall on Thursday, June 5, and millions of pilgrims from across the world are already making their way to the holy city of Mecca. Eid Al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command — a powerful symbol of devotion and ...

Saudi Arabia will begin allowing the sale and limited consumption of alcohol in select areas starting in 2026, marking a significant shift in the Kingdom's conservative policies. According to Saudi Moments, the plan includes legalizing alcohol at around 600 licensed locations, including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, diplomatic zones, and tourist hubs such as NEOM, Sindalah Island, and the Red Sea Project. The move comes as the Kingdom prepares to host major international events like Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, part of its broader Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and attract global tourism. Only drinks like beer, wine, and cider will be allowed—spirits with over 20% alcohol content remain banned. Alcohol will not be sold in public places, homes, or retai...

In a fresh escalation of his America-first economic policy rhetoric, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Friday publicly demanded that Apple Inc. shift iPhone manufacturing back to the United States—or face a minimum 25% tariff on products sold domestically. “I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.” Trump’s comments directly challenge Apple’s strategic move to expand manufacturing in India—a country that now assembles more than 14% of iPhones through partners like Foxconn and Wistron. The former president...