Iran war triggers helium shortage, hits semiconductor supply
Rising tension in the Middle East is rattling high-end chipmakers. Among the latest geopolitical uncertainties for the industry is a shortage of helium that could slow global production.
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Social media makes people unhappy — World Happiness Report
The 2026 World Happiness Report found that life satisfaction among those under 25 in some English-speaking countries has fallen sharply over the past decade. Finland was once again the happiest country.
UK's King Charles praises UK‑Nigeria 'partnership of equals' on Tinubu state visit
Bola Tinubu became the first Nigerian president to deliver remarks at Windsor Castle, attending a state banquet held in his honor by King Charles. Tinubu is on a two-day state visit to the UK.
EU weighs options as Israel threatens Lebanon offensive
EU officials are warning Israel against a ground offensive in Lebanon. But can they compel Hezbollah to disarm or prevent Israeli military action?
Trump delays China trip during US-Israel war on Iran
Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing was meant to stabilize a fragile ceasefire in the trade and tech conflict with China. Now the war with Iran is reshaping his agenda — and the leverage wielded by Beijing.
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Russian Orthodox Church makes inroads in Africa
The Russian Orthodox Church is slowly but surely gaining a foothold in Africa. Experts say Russia is using its expansion as a form of ideological soft power.
Backlash against sex ed threatens Poland's health curriculum
The government's decision to introduce voluntary health education at schools caused uproar last year. Supporters say the subject prepares young people for life, but conservatives fear that it will lead children astray.
US-Israel war on Iran exposes fault lines in BRICS alliance
As the fallout from the US-Israeli war on Iran widens, BRICS countries face mounting pressure to respond — but internal rifts and competing interests have put the bloc's limitations on full display.
US-Israel war with Iran shows fault lines in BRICS alliance
As the fallout from the US-Israeli war on Iran widens, BRICS countries face mounting pressure to respond — but internal rifts and competing interests have put the bloc's limitations on full display.
Pete Hegseth has been loyal defense secretary for Trump
Pete Hegseth calls himself a Christian patriot; critics say hes a far-right agitator. Above all, Hegseth, a former soldier and television commentator, has served US President Donald Trump loyally as defense secretary.
Iran war exposes BRICS fault lines
As the fallout from the US-Israeli war on Iran widens, BRICS countries face mounting pressure to respond — but internal rifts and competing interests have put the bloc's limitations on full display.
Will Poland make health education compulsory or not?
The Polish government's decision to introduce voluntary health education at schools last fall caused uproar. Supporters say the subject prepares young people for life, but conservatives fear it will "corrupt" children.
North Korea watches and learns as US attacks Iran
Kim Jong Un has for years said nuclear weapons were critical to the survival of his regime. Experts say the war in Iran is a lesson for North Korea that nuclear deterrence works.
Pete Hegseth: Who is Trump's Secretary of War?
While he considers himself a Christian patriot, critics view Pete Hegseth as a far-right agitator. For Donald Trump, the former soldier and television commentator is, above all, a loyal Secretary of War.
President Sassou-Nguesso wins Congo-Brazzaville's election
Provisional results announced showed Nguesso with nearly 95% of the vote; his closest rival received less than 2%. Many political analysts had predicted victory for the longtime leader in power since 1979.
The internet was supposed to be free. What went wrong?
Thirty years ago, countercultural thinkers declared the internet an independent space. Today, it's controlled by a handful of corporations. Were we deceived?
Cuba vows 'unbreakable resistance' to any takeover attempt
Cuba's leader says the US is inflicting "collective punishment" on the Cuban people amid plans to seize the country. US President Trump has said it would be a "big honor" to take the island nation.
The German village running on its own juice
While war in the Middle East sends oil prices soaring and households brace for higher bills, one tiny German village has spent 30 years making itself immune to exactly this kind of shock.
Who was Ali Larijani, Iran's unofficial strongman?
Veteran politician Ali Larijani came from a powerful family — but was never fully embraced by Iranian hardliners.
No more big spenders: Iran war to dent Gulf state investment
Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE have invested, or promised to invest, trillions around the world, everywhere from America to Africa. The Iran war may see their money spent closer to home.
Has Europe's center-right started relying on the far right?
With the center-right increasingly teaming up with the far-right in the European Parliament, EU politics may be headed for a significant shift.
US: Counterterrorism chief Joe Kent resigns over Iran war
In his resignation letter, US National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent urged Donald Trump to avoid Israeli machinations and change course.
Nigeria tightens security in Maiduguri after suicide attacks
President Bola Tinubu has ordered security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, following Monday's suicide bombings that left at least 23 people dead. Authorities suspect Boko Haram militants as being behind the attacks.
War in Iran: Chronically ill fight for survival
As a consequence of the US-Israeli war against Iran, a new humanitarian crisis is looming. Millions of chronically ill people in Iran are at risk of losing access to medical care.
Belgian diplomat faces trial over 1961 DR Congo leader killing
Etienne Davignon, the only surviving suspect, is ordered to stand trial over war crimes tied to Patrice Lumumba's killing six decades ago. The case represents a historic moment in confronting Belgium's colonial past.
Belgian diplomat faces trial over 1961 Congo leader killing
Etienne Davignon, the only surviving suspect, is ordered to stand trial over war crimes tied to Patrice Lumumba's killing six decades ago. The case represents a historic moment in confronting Belgium's colonial past.
Vatican declares partial mistrial in cardinal's fraud case
A Vatican appeals court overturned the conviction in a landmark fraud case involving a senior Catholic cardinal. Angelo Becciu is appealing a five-and-a-half year jail term.
Starmer urges allies to keep focus on Ukraine amid Iran war
The British leader urged allies to stay focused on Ukraine as he met Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London and announced a new defense partnership, including UK support for an AI center in Kyiv.
Is Iran's regime at a breaking point?
Eighteen days into the conflict, Iran's Revolutionary Guards remain active despite major setbacks. Their flexible command structure sustains operations, yet analysts see signs of pressure within the power system.
Northern Ireland's Gerry Adams tells court he wasn't in IRA
The former leader of Sinn Fein is accused in London's High Court of being responsible for Irish Republican Army (IRA) attacks in England. But Gerry Adams said he was never a member, instead calling them his "neighbors."