Five years after President Kais Saied took control of Tunisia’s government, many Tunisians feel their hopes for democracy have faded. The economy has worsened, wildfires and power outages continue, and people protested in the capital against Saied’s strong control and poor living conditions.
Key Facts
President Kais Saied took power in 2021, ending Tunisia’s democratic transition.
Since then, political debate has decreased and been replaced by entertainment shows.
The economy is suffering, with damage caused by power cuts and wildfires.
The wildfires have destroyed about 4,400 hectares of land, despite help from Italy and Algeria.
Power cuts are happening due to high demand for electricity during a heatwave.
Journalists face threats and self-censorship due to government crackdowns on media.
Supporters of Saied blame earlier governments for political problems and call for reforms rather than major changes.
Thousands protested in Tunis, both against and in support of Saied’s rule.
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President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. will continue military strikes on Iran until it stops hostile actions. Meanwhile, Kuwait faced drone attacks linked to Iran, and a tanker was hit near the Strait of Hormuz. In Gaza, Israel carried out airstrikes after Hamas agreed to disarm under a U.S.-supported ceasefire plan.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S. wants to “win” against Iran and will strike until Iran cannot continue its actions.
The White House accused Iran of breaking a recent truce by attacking commercial ships and killing Americans.
Kuwait responded to drone attacks targeting important facilities; no casualties were reported.
A tanker was damaged near the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway, after an unknown projectile hit its engine room.
Another explosion occurred near a second tanker off Oman, with no reported casualties.
Iran has a history of attacking ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission.
Hamas announced it will disarm as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. last year.
Israel struck Gaza killing at least two people, even though Hamas confirmed its intent to disarm.
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Sri Lanka has given death sentences to a former police chief and a defense secretary because they did not stop the 2019 Easter Sunday church bombings. The attacks killed 279 people and injured many others.
Key Facts
Two top officials in Sri Lanka were sentenced to death.
The officials are a former police chief and a defense secretary.
This is because they failed to prevent the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019.
The bombings targeted churches in Sri Lanka.
279 people were killed in these attacks.
Hundreds more were injured during the bombings.
The incident was a major terrorist attack in Sri Lanka’s recent history.
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A 17-month-old toddler named Poppy has Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare genetic disorder that affects movement, the immune system, and increases cancer risk. Although she looks healthy, her condition is gradually worsening, and she requires weekly treatments to boost her immunity.
Key Facts
Poppy's disease, Ataxia-Telangiectasia, causes problems with balance, coordination, immune system, and cancer risk.
Poppy appears healthy but is showing early symptoms like unsteadiness and weak core strength.
She receives weekly antibody infusions because her body cannot make enough antibodies.
The disorder often starts in early childhood and worsens over time, with no cure available.
People with A-T may eventually need wheelchairs and face serious health issues like cancer and lung disease.
Poppy failed newborn immune screening tests, leading to early diagnosis and precautions.
Her family is working to provide her with the best quality of life despite the illness.
The condition is very rare, affecting about 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 100,000 people worldwide.
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Labour party in the UK has gained more support after Andy Burnham became its leader, showing a rise in polls and winning a recent mayoral by-election in Greater Manchester. However, the Reform party remains close behind in polls despite some recent difficulties, so Labour’s lead is not very strong yet.
Key Facts
Labour’s poll ratings increased from 19% to the mid-20s after Andy Burnham became leader.
Labour won the Greater Manchester Mayoral by-election with 47% of first preference votes.
Labour’s current poll rating is still lower than the 35% they got in the 2024 general election.
Other new UK prime ministers have also seen a "bounce" in support after taking office.
Reform party’s poll rating dropped from 27% to 24% after leader Nigel Farage announced his resignation and a new by-election.
Farage faces questions about some of the funding the Reform party received.
Labour’s holdings in the polls remain narrow compared to Reform despite their recent win.
Burnham has ruled out calling an early general election due to the close competition.
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Wildfires broke out near Athens, Greece, leading to evacuation orders for areas west and northwest of the city. Firefighters worked to control the fires, but strong winds made it harder for water-dropping planes to help. Other fires in the country were mostly contained, but the risk of new fires remains high.
Key Facts
New wildfires started near Athens, Greece.
Authorities ordered evacuations west and northwest of Athens on Friday.
Firefighters are actively fighting the fires.
Winds of about 50 miles per hour slowed firefighting efforts from aircraft.
Fires in other parts of Greece are mostly under control.
The chance of more wildfires starting is still very high.
These events are related to seasonal fire risks and possibly climate conditions.
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About 50,000 migrants crossed by sea from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Most have returned to Morocco, but 57 people died trying to cross the border. Italy and France increased border controls, with Italy temporarily stopping free travel with Spain under the Schengen agreement.
Key Facts
Around 50,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco by sea.
More than 48,000 migrants returned to Morocco after arriving in Ceuta.
57 people reportedly died while crossing the border.
The border between Morocco and Ceuta is heavily fortified and dangerous to cross.
Ceuta is part of Spain and the Schengen free movement zone, but special rules limit migrants’ travel from there.
Italy temporarily suspended free movement with Spain under the Schengen agreement in response.
France and Italy increased border checks after the migrant crossings.
Human Rights Watch called the return process chaotic and said exact migrant numbers are uncertain.
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A large number of migrants crossed into the Spanish city of Ceuta, equal to about 70% of its population. The reason for this sudden movement is not clear, but social media posts encouraged people to enter Ceuta shortly before the event.
Key Facts
The number of migrants who arrived in Ceuta was about 70% of the city's residents.
Ceuta is a Spanish enclave located on the northern coast of Africa.
Many migrants hoped to reach European Union territory by entering Ceuta.
The exact cause of the mass crossing is unknown.
Social media was filled with messages urging people to go to Ceuta before the crossing.
Most migrants returned to Morocco after the event.
At least 57 people died while trying to cross into Ceuta.
The situation raised concerns about migration and border control between Spain and Morocco.
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Violence involving Israeli settlers in the West Bank has reached a record level, with Israeli forces shooting and wounding a Palestinian and arresting others while protecting settlers. The village of Tell near Nablus was sealed off by troops after frequent raids and arrests in recent days.
Key Facts
Israeli forces protected settlers marching through West Bank villages.
At least one Palestinian was shot and wounded by Israeli forces.
Three Palestinians were arrested on the same day.
The village of Tell near Nablus was sealed off by Israeli troops.
Israeli troops have conducted nearly daily raids and arrests in Tell since last weekend.
The situation has been described as an all-time high in settler violence.
The article mentions related Middle East topics including President Trump’s involvement and Hamas disarmament discussions.
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The conflict between the US and Iran has grown larger and spread to several Middle Eastern countries, involving attacks and counterattacks. President Trump’s actions have turned a limited conflict into a wider regional war that could affect global energy supplies and cause economic problems around the world.
Key Facts
The US and Iran conflict has spread to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, and Egypt.
The Pentagon has conducted frequent airstrikes on Iran, with Iran responding against US bases.
Saudi Arabia joined US airstrikes inside Iraq targeting Iranian-backed militias called the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).
Iraqi leaders denied being informed about the US and Saudi strikes on their territory.
The PMF is a network of mostly Shia militias supported by Iran, formed in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group.
The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 removed a Sunni regime and allowed Iran to increase its influence there.
Iran’s General Qassem Suleimani, who led operations supporting these militias, was killed by a US drone strike ordered by President Trump in 2020.
Saudi Arabia may launch a large attack against the Houthi militia in Yemen, an ally of Iran, which threatens shipping routes in the Red Sea.
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India decided to pause its involvement in the Indus Waters Treaty after a terrorist attack by Pakistan-based militants killed 26 people in Indian-controlled Kashmir. The treaty, signed in 1960, allocates river water between India and Pakistan, but India says Pakistan has repeatedly violated the agreement and supported terrorism.
Key Facts
India paused the Indus Waters Treaty after a deadly terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, that killed 26 people.
The treaty divides control of six rivers, with Pakistan getting control over 80% of the water and India 20%.
India claims Pakistan has violated the treaty by supporting terrorism and blocking Indian water projects.
Pakistan accused India of being a "water aggressor," but India says Pakistan mismanages its water supply.
The treaty was meant to promote goodwill, but India says Pakistan has caused conflicts and terrorism instead.
India has tried to negotiate changes to the treaty due to technological changes and development needs but was blocked by Pakistan.
Past India-Pakistan conflicts include wars in 1965, 1971, and 1999, and multiple terror attacks.
Indian Prime Minister Modi stated that terrorism and talks, trade, or water sharing cannot happen at the same time.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants to sell part of FIFA’s World Cup rights to private investors through a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise, aiming to raise about $4.2 billion. Many soccer organizations, including UEFA and CONCACAF, strongly oppose this plan and have threatened or started boycotts of FIFA competitions, saying it could change how often the World Cup happens and hurt the sport.
Key Facts
FIFA plans to create a new company to handle World Cup commercial rights and sell a minority stake to investors.
The deal could be worth up to $4.2 billion and was developed with JPMorgan.
FIFA wants member groups to approve the plan by September 19, offering higher payments to each association.
UEFA and CONCACAF voted to boycott FIFA events if the plan moves forward.
The Asian Football Confederation also criticized FIFA, calling for changes in governance.
A top FIFA adviser resigned in protest, calling the plan bad for football.
FIFA staff said they felt misled about the project and called it the work of one person.
The conflict puts pressure on Infantino as he seeks a fourth term as FIFA president in 2027.
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President Donald Trump announced that Hamas has agreed to disarm as part of a U.S.-led peace plan for Gaza. While Trump said Israel is pleased with the deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet approved it, and both sides disagree on the order of actions needed to move forward.
Key Facts
Hamas reportedly agreed to disarm according to President Trump's announcement.
This agreement is part of a peace plan brokered by the United States.
President Trump stated that Israel is "very happy" with the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly supported the deal.
Israeli officials insist their forces will not withdraw without real disarmament from Hamas.
Hamas demands that Israel must withdraw its forces before it disarms.
The situation remains uncertain with ongoing disagreements between Israel and Hamas.
The announcement comes amid broader tensions and recent violence in the region.
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Russian missile strikes hit the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, causing at least nine deaths and injuring 28 people. These attacks come as both Russia and Ukraine have increased their attacks on various cities in recent months.
Key Facts
At least nine people died in missile strikes in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Twenty-eight others were injured in the attacks.
The strikes were carried out by Russia using ballistic missiles.
Both Russia and Ukraine have been increasing attacks recently.
Moscow has focused on long-range strikes targeting Ukrainian towns and cities.
The attacks occurred overnight leading into Saturday.
Kyiv is the capital city of Ukraine.
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A Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv killed nine people and injured 22, with Ukraine struggling due to low supplies of air defence missiles. President Zelenskyy asked allies to send more interceptor missiles to protect civilians. Meanwhile, Spain reported 67 deaths in a migration crisis at the Ceuta border with Morocco and plans to build a barrier to stop crossings.
Key Facts
Russian forces launched 35 missiles, including 27 ballistic missiles, and 185 attack drones at Ukraine overnight.
Kyiv managed to intercept only one ballistic missile because of low stocks of US-supplied Patriot interceptor missiles.
Nine people died and 22 were injured in the attacks on Kyiv, with other strikes hitting regions like Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Poltava.
President Zelenskyy called for urgent delivery of more Patriot interceptors to reduce civilian casualties.
Spain’s death toll in the Ceuta border crisis rose to 67 amid tens of thousands of migrants entering from Morocco.
Spain announced plans to build a barrier extending into the sea to prevent more migrants from crossing.
Spanish officials said almost all migrants who entered Ceuta have returned to Morocco.
Over 300 firefighters are fighting a wildfire near Porto Germeno, Greece, with several homes damaged and other wildfires burning in Europe due to heat and drought.
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The number of deaths during the border crisis at Ceuta, a Spanish territory next to Morocco, has risen to 67. The Spanish government is building a barrier along the sea fence to control the large flow of migrants crossing into Ceuta.
Key Facts
Ceuta is a small Spanish territory located on the coast of Morocco.
Recently, tens of thousands of migrants tried to enter Ceuta from Morocco.
At least 67 people have died during this border crisis.
The Spanish government is installing a new barrier along the breakwater fence in the sea.
Spanish army soldiers and police have been involved in managing the situation.
Some migrants have been returned to Morocco from Ceuta.
The crisis has drawn attention to migration issues between Morocco and Spain.
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A tanker near Oman was hit by an unknown object, damaging its engine but causing no injuries, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. The incident happened near the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States.
Key Facts
The tanker was struck about 11 nautical miles northeast of Lima, Oman.
The damage left the tanker unable to control itself but no people were hurt.
A second incident nearby involved an explosion seen close to another tanker with no damage reported.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping route used for about 20% of the world’s oil.
Kuwait reported destroying hostile drones believed to be part of an Iranian attack on vital facilities.
Iran’s military blamed the United States for increasing tensions in the Middle East.
The European Union said an Italian military ship safely escorted a merchant vessel through the Red Sea.
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis denied reports they planned to charge fees to ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
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Iran and its allied groups are attacking Saudi Arabia from multiple directions, creating serious security challenges for the kingdom. These attacks threaten Saudi Arabia’s key ports, energy exports, and the country’s long-term economic plan called Vision 2030.
Key Facts
Iran has been firing missiles and drones toward the Arabian Peninsula, including Saudi Arabia.
Iran’s attacks have disrupted operations at Saudi ports along the Persian Gulf, affecting global oil and gas trade.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement launched attacks on Saudi shipping routes along the Red Sea.
The Houthis also control territory near Saudi Arabia’s southern border and have carried out missile strikes into Saudi territory.
Iraqi militias allied with Iran have recently attacked Saudi Arabia from the north, prompting joint U.S.-Saudi airstrikes in response.
Saudi Arabia announced a 14-nation maritime security coalition to protect key waterways and shipping lanes.
These security threats challenge Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 economic plan aimed at modernizing Saudi Arabia.
Experts say security and economic development must go together for Saudi Arabia to achieve lasting peace and growth.
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Rescuers with military help have restarted the search for at least six climbers missing after an avalanche on Broad Peak in northern Pakistan. So far, rescuers have found three bodies and continue efforts despite low chances of survival.
Key Facts
At least six climbers from a 10-person team are missing after an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan.
Three bodies have been recovered: climbers from Oman, the United States, and Nepal.
The missing team lost contact with their base camp on Thursday after the avalanche.
The search involves experienced Pakistani climbers and army helicopters.
The expedition included climbers from Nepal, Oman, the United States, Pakistan, China, and another unidentified foreign climber.
The team was led by famous mountaineer Nirmal Purja, known for climbing the world’s 14 highest mountains in record time.
Avalanche and weather conditions in northern Pakistan make climbing dangerous and accidents common.
One climber, Mallory Geis, was attempting her first climb of an 8,000-meter peak.
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FIFA decided not to go ahead with its plan to sell part of the World Cup to private investors after strong opposition from regional football groups, including the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The AFC president stressed the importance of discussing any major decisions about global football in an open and timely way with all stakeholders.
Key Facts
FIFA planned to raise $4.2 billion by selling about 20% of a new unit that would manage FIFA events like the World Cup.
The plan was announced on a Tuesday and quickly faced criticism from regional football groups, including the AFC.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino canceled the investment plan following the backlash.
AFC President Sheikh Salman said such important plans should be shared and discussed with all football organizations involved.
Sheikh Salman called the way FIFA made the proposal "totally unacceptable."
The AFC runs football competitions in Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
Sheikh Salman wants future football decisions to be made through consultation and respect for football's governance rules.
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