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The conflict in Lebanon has seen a significant escalation in recent days, with Israel conducting devastating airstrikes aimed at wiping out the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia. The violence has resulted in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. President Trump announced the 10-day ceasefire on Thursday, stating that it would take effect at midnight. He expressed hope that Hezbollah would act 'nicely and well' during this period, tweeting: 'I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be a GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE!' The ceasefire is seen as a crucial step towards de-escalating tensions in the region and potentially paving the way for a parallel peace agreement between the US and Iran. A meeting between Israeli and Lebanese leaders is scheduled to take place in Washington next Tuesday, marking the first Israeli-Lebanese summit in decades. The Israeli occupation is likely to be a key topic of discussion during the talks, with Trump indicating that he would visit Lebanon 'at the right time.' The US president has been involved in intense diplomatic efforts to broker a peace deal, with his administration urging other countries to join a 'trade over aid' push.

Real Madrid's season has been marked by disappointment, with the team facing a second consecutive trophyless year. Their elimination from the UEFA Champions League has intensified scrutiny on the club, with many calling for a 'revolution' in the team's management.Interim head coach Alvaro Arbeloa may not be the long-term solution, with his job uncertain despite his efforts to motivate the squad. Arbeloa's side showed promise in their recent match against Bayern Munich, but ultimately lost 4-3, resulting in a 6-4 aggregate defeat.The search for a new manager has sparked speculation, with several top coaches linked to the role. Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, is a favorite to replace Xabi Alonso, who was sacked in January. Other contenders include Zinedine Zidane, who has previously managed Real Madrid, Didier Deschamps, the current France manager, and Unai Emery, who has successfully led Aston Villa.Real Madrid's biggest challenge remains finding a way to integrate their star players, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, and Jude Bellingham, into a cohesive team. The club's president, Florentino Perez, faces a difficult decision in choosing a new manager who can lead the team to success.

Modern combat has been reshaped by the Russia‑Ukraine war, the Gaza clashes, India‑Pakistan skirmishes and the recent US‑Israel strikes on Iran, driving an unprecedented global appetite for drones, missiles and sophisticated air‑defence systems. Turkey, a leading military power in the Middle East, is positioning itself as a key supplier in this booming market. At the heart of Turkey’s push is Roketsan, a firm founded in 1988 to equip the Turkish Armed Forces. Today the company exports to roughly 50 nations and is counted among the fastest‑growing defence enterprises worldwide. Bypassing Western embargoes has been a catalyst for this growth. After the United States imposed CAATSA sanctions in 2020 and removed Turkey from the F‑35 programme, Ankara was forced to develop an indigenous defence ecosystem. The result is a network of nearly 4,000 small and medium‑sized enterprises that now supplies over 90 % of the components used in Turkish weapons. Financially, the strategy is paying off. In 2025 Turkish defence exports reached $10 billion. Roketsan’s General Manager Murat Ikinci told Al Jazeera the firm sits at 71st place among global defence firms and is targeting a climb into the top 50, then top 20, and ultimately the top 10 by the end of the decade. To fuel this ambition, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan inaugurated a suite of new facilities last week, including: Europe’s largest warhead production plant. A new R&D centre employing 1,000 engineers. The “Kirikkale” complex dedicated to rocket‑fuel research. Infrastructure for mass‑producing ballistic and cruise missiles. The construction represents a $1 billion outlay, with an additional $2 billion earmarked for scaling up production capacity. Roketsan’s R&D engine—the third‑largest in Turkey with 3,200 engineers—draws heavily on lessons from ongoing wars. The Ukraine conflict highlighted the effectiveness of cheap FPV and AI‑guided kamikaze drones, prompting Roketsan to field systems such as the ALKA and BURC air‑defences and the laser‑guided CIRIT missile. Recent US‑Israel operations against Iran have underscored the threat posed by low‑cost Iranian‑designed Shahed drones, now upgraded with Russian “Kometa‑B” anti‑jamming modules. These swarms have overwhelmed regional defences and even struck a British base in Cyprus in March 2026, while NATO intercepted three Iranian ballistic missiles that entered Turkish airspace. In response, Roketsan is advancing the “Tayfun” (Typhoon) missile family. The flagship Tayfun Block 4 is a hypersonic ballistic missile designed to pierce advanced air‑defence layers at extreme speeds. When pressed for specifics, Ikinci declined to disclose the exact range, noting only that it is “sufficient.” Strategically, Turkey is shifting away from Western dependence toward an “Eastern” partnership model. Roketsan now offers joint production and technology‑development agreements, establishing co‑located facilities and R&D centres across the Middle East, Far East and Europe. Qatar has been cited as a flagship example of this collaborative approach. Roketsan has identified five priority product lines to meet rising global demand: Long‑range ballistic and cruise missiles. Advanced air‑defence systems, including “Steel Dome”, Hisar‑A, Hisar‑O and Siper. Submarine‑launched cruise missiles leveraging the AKYA system. Smart micro‑munitions for armed drones. Long‑range air‑to‑air missiles, a capability highlighted by the recent India‑Pakistan clash. The timing is critical. Ongoing conflicts have depleted the stockpiles of high‑end air‑defence assets worldwide. During the US‑Israel‑Iran confrontation, the United States relied heavily on Patriot and THAAD systems, raising concerns that interceptor inventories could run low. Gulf states, which have logged over 1,000 drone sightings in their airspace, are actively seeking alternative solutions—an opening that Turkey’s self‑sufficient supply chain is poised to fill. Analysts warn that even major powers like the United States will need years to rebuild their air‑defence inventories due to the complexity of production. Turkey’s claim of near‑complete domestic manufacturing positions it as a ready supplier for nations eager to diversify away from traditional Western sources. As demand for missiles and drones surges, Roketsan is reinvesting its revenues into expanding production infrastructure, aiming to cement its place among the world’s elite defence exporters.

The US House of Representatives has rejected a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's power to wage war with Iran. The vote, which took place on Thursday, resulted in 213 votes in favor and 214 against the resolution, highlighting the deep divisions within Congress on the issue.The narrow margin underscores the intense debate over Trump's military actions in Iran and the role of Congress in authorizing war. The resolution's defeat comes a day after a similar measure failed in the US Senate, with Republicans largely opposing efforts to constrain Trump's military authority.Democrats have accused Republicans of giving unchecked power to Trump, who has been engaged in a military conflict with Iran since February 28. The war has resulted in significant human and economic costs, including the loss of servicemembers' lives and soaring gas prices.Under the US Constitution, only Congress has the authority to declare war, although presidents may conduct military actions in instances of immediate self-defense. The Trump administration has maintained that Iran's actions since the 1979 Iranian Revolution constitute such a threat, while critics argue that the US and Israeli attack on Iran was unprovoked and violated international law.The failed resolution reflects the ongoing struggle between Congress and the executive branch over the power to wage war. Democrats have argued that Congress must assert its authority to prevent an unchecked expansion of presidential power, while Republicans have largely supported Trump's military actions in Iran.Ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran are ongoing, with both sides signaling a willingness to engage in further talks. However, significant issues remain unresolved, including control of the Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran's nuclear program.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has declared that his country is prepared to fight if necessary, despite not seeking conflict with the United States. This statement comes as Cuba marks the 65th anniversary of its socialist revolutionary character, amid heightened tensions with the US.Diaz-Canel's defiant remarks were made before a crowd commemorating Fidel Castro's declaration of the socialist nature of the Cuban Revolution and the failed Bay of Pigs invasion by US-aligned forces. He emphasized Cuba's readiness to confront serious threats, including military aggression, stating, 'We do not want it, but it is our duty to prepare to avoid it and, if it becomes inevitable, to defeat it.'The US, under President Donald Trump, has been increasing pressure on Cuba, threatening the island nation's government and tightening energy restrictions. Trump has suggested that the US could overthrow the Cuban government, following the US-Israel conflict with Iran. These actions have contributed to fuel shortages and energy blackouts in Cuba, straining workers and businesses.Cuba's economy has long suffered from a US economic embargo, economic mismanagement, and political repression, prompting many Cubans to leave the country. A United Nations vote in 2025 saw 165 countries demand an end to the US embargo, with only seven countries, including the US, Israel, Argentina, and Hungary, voting against.Diaz-Canel has strongly defended Cuba, stating, 'Cuba is not a failed state. Cuba is a besieged state,' facing multidimensional aggression through economic warfare and an intensified blockade.

The US State Department has introduced visa restrictions for individuals from countries in the Western Hemisphere who support US adversaries, undermining America's interests in the region. This move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to expand US influence across the Western Hemisphere.The policy change comes as President Donald Trump seeks to assert US dominance in the region through his 'Donroe Doctrine', a modern interpretation of the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine. The doctrine aims to counter growing Chinese influence in Latin America and combat drug trafficking.The State Department has identified 26 individuals who have already had their visas revoked under this new policy. These individuals are accused of 'knowingly directing, authorizing, funding, or providing significant support to' US adversaries in the Western Hemisphere.Activities that could lead to visa restrictions include enabling adversarial powers to acquire strategic resources, destabilizing regional security efforts, undermining American economic interests, and conducting influence operations to undermine the sovereignty and stability of nations in the region.This move continues a trend under the Trump administration of revoking visas from foreign critics and political opponents. Examples include the revocation of visas for pro-Palestine protesters and individuals with ties to the Iranian government.The Trump administration has also taken a more militaristic approach towards Latin American governments deemed adversarial, including a recent attack on Venezuela and a fuel blockade against Cuba. These actions have resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, including dozens of deaths in Venezuela and at least 177 people killed in lethal strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats.

A Senate vote on Wednesday failed to block a proposed sale of military bulldozers to Israel, with the measure losing 40‑59. Only seven Democrats crossed party lines to side with the Republican majority, underscoring a notable, though limited, shift in congressional sentiment.Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders introduced the bill amid mounting outrage over Israel’s use of bulldozers to raze villages in Gaza and Lebanon—actions described by rights groups as ethnic cleansing. While the resolution did not pass, 36 Democratic senators also backed a separate effort to stop 1,000‑lb bombs from reaching Israel, more than double the support such measures received last year.Advocacy organizations seized on the vote as a historic moment. Hassan el‑Tayyab of the Friends Committee on National Legislation said the tally shows a majority of Senate Democrats now oppose unconditional aid, aligning with broader American opinion. A recent Pew Research Center poll found 60 % of U.S. adults hold unfavorable views of Israel, with even higher negativity among voters under 50.Republican senators remained uniformly opposed. Senator Rick Scott accused the Democratic supporters of siding with terrorism, arguing that the blocked sales would have helped allies confront threats. The partisan divide highlights the political risk for Republicans who break with former President Donald Trump on Israel policy.Prominent lobbying groups also weighed in. The pro‑Israel lobby AIPAC warned that curbing arms sales would jeopardize Israel’s security, while liberal Zionist organization J Street welcomed the growing willingness to question unconditional assistance. Jewish Voice for Peace’s political director Beth Miller called the vote an "inflection point," suggesting it reveals "massive cracks" in the long‑standing U.S.–Israel alliance.Within the Democratic caucus, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faced criticism for voting against the resolution, prompting calls from progressive lawmakers like Rep. Ro Khanna for his resignation. Demonstrators outside Schumer’s and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s offices demanded they support the bill, reflecting intensified grassroots pressure.The episode signals a potential realignment in U.S. foreign‑policy calculations. As public fatigue with the Gaza war, the Lebanon conflict, and the stalled Iran confrontation grows, lawmakers appear increasingly wary of using American tax dollars to fund overseas military operations that could entangle U.S. troops and erode domestic support.

In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, lawmakers across the US Congress are demanding greater accountability for sexual misconduct. This week, two US representatives, Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, resigned amid a flood of allegations. Their departures have been hailed as a significant step towards addressing the issue.Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat, and Lauren Boebert, a Republican, have been at the forefront of the calls for accountability. Ocasio-Cortez described the resignations as “an important turning point” and emphasized that “abuse of power should never be accepted, especially in public office”. She also named Republican Cory Mills, who is under investigation for sexual misconduct, as the next lawmaker who should resign.Boebert has taken steps to strip Swalwell and Gonzales of their federal pensions and has urged those facing harassment in Congress to come forward. She said, “If your boss is mistreating you, or someone else in the office, tell somebody – come to my office. If you want to remain anonymous, remain anonymous”.The allegations against Swalwell and Gonzales are serious. Five women have publicly accused Swalwell of sexual abuse, with one accuser claiming he drugged and raped her in 2018. Gonzales admitted to having an affair with a staff member in 2024, which is prohibited by the House code of conduct.Lawmakers are now pushing for stricter rules and a safer environment for reporting misconduct. Representative Jackie Speier condemned the tendency for Congress to “basically look the other way” and called on leadership to take action.This movement towards accountability has been likened to the bipartisan push to compel the administration of US President Donald Trump to release investigative documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The effort to hold lawmakers accountable for their actions marks a significant shift in the culture of Congress.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to prolong Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an estimated 350,000 Haitian nationals residing in the United States, marking a clear departure from President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. In a tightly contested vote, the measure passed 224 to 204, with ten Republicans breaking ranks to join the Democratic majority. The legislation would keep TPS in place for an additional three years, citing the persistent violence and political instability that continue to plague Haiti. Following House approval, the bill proceeds to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. Should it clear that chamber, Trump has signaled he would veto the extension, setting up a direct showdown between the executive branch and a bipartisan Congress. Democratic Representative Ayanna Pressley, co‑chair of the House Haiti Caucus, hailed the vote as “a monumental victory” and emphasized that the decision reflects both practical policy and humanitarian responsibility. The legislation advanced through a bipartisan discharge petition, a procedural tool that circumvents the Republican leadership’s control of the House agenda, underscoring the urgency lawmakers feel about protecting Haitian residents. President Trump and his administration have repeatedly sought to roll back TPS designations, arguing that prior extensions exceeded executive authority and conflicted with U.S. “national interests.” This stance is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls, including proposals to deport Haitian legal permanent residents alleged to have gang ties. TPS, by design, shields foreign nationals already in the U.S. from removal when their home countries face temporary crises such as natural disasters or armed conflict, while also granting limited work authorization. Haiti’s deteriorating security situation—exacerbated since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse—has seen powerful gangs dominate large swaths of Port‑au‑Prince, prompting the State Department to issue travel warnings for U.S. citizens. Advocacy groups warn that the looming threat of deportation adds severe stress to Haitian communities in the United States, urging Congress to act swiftly to prevent further trauma. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is slated to hear a case that could accelerate the administration’s push to rescind deportation protections for both Haitians and Syrians, adding another layer of legal uncertainty to the issue.