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The West's relentless pursuit of oil has been a driving force behind its involvement in the Middle East for over a century. This greed for oil has led to numerous conflicts, coups, and interventions, shaping the region's politics and economies.The 1953 coup against Iran's democratically elected government, led by Mohammad Mossadegh, is a prime example. The UK and US orchestrated the coup to prevent Iran from nationalizing its oil industry, which was controlled by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (now BP). This event set the stage for decades of repression under the shah's dictatorship and ultimately contributed to the 1979 revolution, which was hijacked by the ayatollahs.The article argues that capitalism and 'free markets' are often misconstrued. The pursuit of profit has led to the plunder of resources, exploitation of labor, and intimidation of communities. The fossil fuel industry, in particular, has extended and empowered capitalist systems, often at the expense of human lives and the environment.The world's military power exists largely to ensure the flow of oil and other resources to banks, shareholders, and commodity traders. This has led to a concentration of power in the hands of a few, undermining democracy and fueling autocratic regimes.To address these issues, the article calls for a reduction in oil dependency and a transition to greener, cleaner energy sources. This would help to defuel dictatorships, war machines, and climate breakdown. The author argues that an emergency program to phase out fossil fuels is necessary, with the same urgency and mobilization as wartime efforts.

The world is currently experiencing unprecedented levels of global instability and insecurity, with multiple conflicts erupting in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Lebanon. In response, the UK has increased its defence spending at the fastest pace since the end of the Cold War. This increase is being funded partly through a reduction in overseas aid spending over the next three years, a decision also made by several allied countries. Despite this, the Labour government emphasizes that its commitment to international development remains strong, viewing it as a fundamental part of its moral purpose and national interest. The reduction in aid does not signify a withdrawal from global responsibilities, but rather a strategic shift in prioritizing spending. The government plans to focus on areas with the greatest needs, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected countries such as Sudan, Palestine, Ukraine, and now Lebanon. Support for these regions is crucial for preventing humanitarian crises and promoting global stability. The new approach to development will prioritize: Innovative development strategies that deliver more impactful results Partnerships over paternalism, working closely with countries to build their own capacities Conflict prevention and resolution, particularly through education in conflict zones Climate and nature action to mitigate the effects of extreme weather Unlocking new sources of finance to drive growth and economic development The UK aims to lead reforms in international development, modernizing multilateral institutions and increasing investment in critical areas such as women's health and the BBC World Service. The government asserts that its values have not changed, and it remains committed to justice and global stability, even in the face of new security challenges.

In a bid to make housing more affordable, some Seattle families are embracing a communal living model. This approach allows them to share resources and split costs, providing a more sustainable and economical way to live. The rising cost of living in Seattle has prompted many to seek alternative housing solutions. By pooling their resources, these families can enjoy a better quality of life while reducing their financial burden. Communal living arrangements can take many forms, from shared housing to cooperative living. These setups often involve shared responsibilities and resources, such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare. While this lifestyle may not be for everyone, it offers a unique solution to the affordability crisis in Seattle's housing market. As the city continues to grapple with rising housing costs, communal living arrangements are likely to become an increasingly popular option.

In 1986, thrash metal reached a critical point with landmark albums from Slayer, Megadeth, and Metallica. However, across the Atlantic, a group of teenagers were forging their own path in the genre. Kreator, Sodom, Destruction, and Tankard, dubbed the 'big four' of German thrash metal, were faster and meaner than their American counterparts.These bands made up for their lack of finesse and professionalism with sheer aggression. Destruction vocalist and bassist Marcel 'Schmier' Schirmer notes that they focused on writing songs that 'punched hard' rather than striving for musical perfection.The German thrash metal scene was marked by its rough and violent approach, with bands drawing inspiration from English heavy metal albums and American thrash metal bands like Slayer. The scene was also influenced by the political climate of the time, with the presence of the Berlin Wall and the Cold War.Bands like Formel 1 from East Germany, who released their live album Live Im Stahlwerk in 1986, were also part of the thriving metal scene. Despite the challenges faced by these bands, including limited resources and censorship, they managed to create a lasting impact on the metal genre.Today, bands like Kreator, Sodom, and Destruction continue to tour and produce new music, with Kreator's 16th album, Krushers of the World, and Destruction's upcoming US tour with Overkill and Testament. The legacy of German thrash metal remains strong, with its unbridled aggression and brutal sound continuing to influence metal musicians to this day.

The USAID agency was a primary financial backer of Liberia's eco-guards, who help protect species from poaching and trafficking. The eco-guards, all of whom live in forest communities, patrol for signs of illegal activity and share their findings with rangers from nearby parks and forests.In late January 2025, the SCNL learned that USAID, the eco-guards' primary financial backer, was being dismantled by the Trump administration and that funding had been abruptly suspended. The SCNL programme manager, Michael E Taire, a Liberian who lives in the capital, Monrovia, spent several days travelling over rough forest roads to break the news to the eco-guards, who were shocked and distraught.Conservation organisations large and small lost tens of millions of dollars, forcing some to function with a fraction of the resources they had expected and others to shut down programmes entirely. Efforts to address the root causes of wildlife trafficking across the globe were axed, as was USAID's forest-protection programme in the Congo basin of central Africa, one of the agency's largest and most enduring endeavours.David Kaimowitz, a longtime advocate of community-led conservation in the Amazon basin and Central America, puts it bluntly: 'We’re talking about an end to a whole era of conservation.'Diane Russell, an American anthropologist who has worked for USAID in the Congo basin since the 1980s, says the agency helped draw international attention and funding to the region’s remarkably rich remaining forests, which are home to mountain gorillas and forest elephants. It also enabled conservation to continue through extraordinarily difficult conditions.'The callous glee with which [the Trump] administration choked off aid is something I will never forgive or forget,' Kevin Starr writes.'We cannot replace USAID, but we can do big things, because we, the locals, were the engine behind what USAID was doing in this region,' Dida Fayo says.