US spending on ‘reckless’ Iran war could have saved 87m lives, says UN Head of UN’s humanitarian agency frustrated that $2bn weekly cost of conflict comes amid big cuts to aid budgets The Guardian - UK · Apr 20
Europol 'hackathon' sleuths trace 45 Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly moved out of their country and to Russia, according to officials and independent experts. Euronews · Apr 20
Israel’s onslaught against Lebanon may strengthen Hezbollah – just when it’s at its weakest As the tentative ceasefire in Lebanon holds, people are returning to their homes in the south to find widespread destruction. Whole villages laid waste, roads and bridges ruined, hospitals and other civic infrastructure flattened. And the Israeli army still very much in evidence in many areas. The Conversation · Apr 20
UK varsities spying on pro-Palestine students? 12 universities paid over £440,000 to security firm - Report Twelve UK universities paid over £440,000 to a private firm run by former military intelligence officials to spy on student protesters and academics, including those supporting Palestine, a joint investigation by Al Jazeera English and Liberty Investigates has revealed. The Times of India · Apr 20
UN experts warn of 'deeply alarming detention practices' in Belarus' prison system There are more than 1,100 political prisoners in Belarusian jails, many arrested after a disputed 2020 election that triggered widespread protests. Euronews · Apr 20
UN welcomes progress on talks between DR Congo, M23 armed group MONUSCO, the UN's peacekeeping mission in DR Congo, has hailed progress after Kinshasa and rival M23 rebels agreed to ease humanitarian aid deliveries and release prisoners within 10 days, following talks last week in Switzerland. Radio France Internationale · Apr 20
Beyond the UK and US manosphere lies a deeper, darker global problem In this week’s newsletter: the rise of misogyny around the world; the Sudan war enters its fourth year; and a key vote on slave trade reparations The Guardian - UK · Apr 20
Is he or isn’t he? Trump officials flip-flop on whether Vance is leading Iran talks - or staying home Vance’s participation in upcoming U.S.-Iran peace talks has been in question for days after the last round, helmed by the vice president, failed to reach an agreement The Independent UK · Apr 19
Tehran has ‘no plans to participate’ in new talks, state media reports, as it accuses US of violating ceasefire Reported response comes hours after Trump announced delegation to Islamabad, having earlier threatened to raze Iran’s infrastructure The Guardian - UK · Apr 19
Talks, threats, and turbulence: Trump sends team back to Pakistan as defiant Iran stares him down A US delegation heads to Pakistan for crucial talks with Iran, despite President Trump's escalating threats to cripple Iran's infrastructure if a deal isn't reached. Tehran remains hesitant, demanding the lifting of sanctions and unblocking of assets. Trump's aggressive rhetoric, aimed at forcing negotiations, faces domestic criticism for its potential… The Times of India · Apr 19
UN and Rights Groups Say Rape Using Trained Dogs at Israel Detention Sites Is Systematic, Endorsed at the Highest Level A UN-backed report alleges systematic sexual violence against Palestinians in Israeli detention, including rape involving trained dogs, as part of an organised state policy. Israel denies the allegations. International Business Times UK · Apr 19
IDF map shows its advance into southern Lebanon – as it happened This blog is now closed. The Guardian - AU · Apr 19
Israel–Hezbollah CEASEFIRE OFFICIALLY BROKEN? IDF Conducted Precise Strikes Against Terrorists, Reports Reports indicate the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire has collapsed, with cross-border strikes and maritime tensions involving Iran raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict. International Business Times UK · Apr 18
Strait Of Hormuz: Expert Claims US Blockade Violates Laws Of Naval Warfare A legal expert argues that US naval pressure in the Strait of Hormuz amounts to an unlawful blockade, while Iran's tighter control of shipping lanes may still fall within disputed but arguable legal bounds. International Business Times UK · Apr 18
Radio France Internationale · Apr 18 Civilians count costs of war as they return to southern Lebanon People displaced by weeks of airstrikes have begun returning to Beirut and southern Lebanon as a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took hold on Friday. Residents described scenes of destruction and fears of further conflict as they arrived home.
International Business Times UK · Apr 18 Donald Trump Triggers 'Project Blue Beam' Speculation by Pledging Immediate Release of Classified Alien Life Documents Donald Trump's directive to release classified files on extraterrestrial life has sparked excitement and conspiracy theories, including the resurgence of the 'Project Blue Beam' theory.
Radio France Internationale · Apr 18 French soldier killed in Lebanon in attack on UN peacekeepers A French soldier was killed and three others were wounded in an attack on UN peacekeepers on Saturday, President Emmanuel Macron announced, saying that the evidence suggested Hezbollah was responsible. The militant group has denied involvement.
The Independent UK · Apr 18 Macron says 1 French soldier was killed and 3 injured in attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon French President Emmanuel Macron says a French soldier was killed and three others injured in an attack on U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon
Evening Standard · Apr 18 We must all work together to protect democracy, says Catherine Connolly The president was addressing an international democracy conference in Spain during her first overseas trip.
The Guardian - US · Apr 18 Is Meghan Markle really the most trolled person in the world? I have a lot of sympathy for Meghan but, at times, I do think that the Duchess of Sussex could do with putting her trials and tribulations in perspective
The Independent UK · Apr 18 Eyewitnesses recount three deadly Israeli strikes on medics in southern Lebanon Israeli strikes targeted three different medical teams in the span of mere minutes in southern Lebanon, killing four medics and wounding six
The Guardian - AU · Apr 18 More than 3,400 Iranians killed in war - as it happened This blog is now closed
The Guardian - AU · Apr 17 Five Great Reads: a month in tradwife land, Francesca Albanese’s ‘rollercoaster’ life, and the problem with six-second hugs Guardian Australia’s weekend wrap of essential reads from the past seven days, selected by Imogen Dewey
The Guardian - UK · Apr 17 Reparations and our hopes for the future Letters: Sunit Bagree calls for a collective effort to eliminate the scourge of illicit finance, while Dr Pat Ryan says those who benefited directly from the proceeds of slavery should pay
The Conversation · Apr 17 Why the ceasefire in Lebanon is unlikely to change much on the ground Following direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials, a ten-day ceasefire has been agreed between the two countries. It is currently unclear whether Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group that has been fighting Israel in southern Lebanon since early March, has agreed to observe the temporary cessation of hostilities.