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An American journalist has been kidnapped in Baghdad by a suspected Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group, the US said, as regional security deteriorates after the US-Israeli attack on Iran. The state department said it was working to ensure the American’s release 'as soon as possible'. “An individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hezballah believed to be involved in the kidnapping has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities,” Dylan Johnson, the assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, wrote on X. Iraq said that authorities intercepted a vehicle that overturned as they tried to flee. “Security forces were able to arrest one of the suspects and seize one of the vehicles used in the crime,” the Iraqi interior ministry said in a statement. The journalist was identified as Shelly Kittleson, a freelancer, by media advocacy groups as well as Al-Monitor, one of the news outlets for which she worked. Kittleson is a longtime freelancer in the region, reporting extensively from Syria and Iraq. Al-Monitor in a statement said it was “deeply alarmed” by Kittleson’s kidnapping and called for her “safe and immediate release”. “We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work,” the news organisation said. The US has warned Americans of rising risks in Iraq, where Iran has sway over several Shia armed groups, after the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February. Johnson said that the state department had “fulfilled our duty” to warn the journalist about threats and reiterated a warning for Americans to leave Iraq.

Qatar’s government has publicly declared that it is prepared to help facilitate any future negotiations between the United States and Iran. By positioning itself as a possible intermediary, Doha aims to contribute to de‑escalation efforts in a region long marked by tension over Iran’s nuclear program and broader geopolitical rivalries. The statement underscores Qatar’s strategic interest in maintaining stability and its growing reputation as a diplomatic conduit in Middle‑East affairs.

Caster Semenya, the two‑time Olympic 800‑metre champion, has pledged to fight the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) newly announced gender‑testing policy that would apply to all female athletes competing in strength, power or endurance events. The South African athlete says the rule "undermines women’s rights" and lacks scientific justification. The IOC unveiled the policy last week, stating that including “androgen‑sensitive XY‑DSD athletes” in the female category "runs fundamentally counter to ensuring fairness, safety and integrity in elite competition." The measure is expected to become a universal requirement across Olympic sports, replacing a patchwork of national regulations that have sparked controversy for years. Semanya, who has been embroiled in a long‑running legal dispute with World Athletics over her right to compete despite having a Difference of Sexual Development (DSD), told Reuters, "We’re going to be vocal about it, we’re going to make noise until we’re heard". She added, "Enough is enough – women will not be told how to compete". DSDs are rare conditions involving variations in genes, hormones and reproductive anatomy. Some individuals with DSDs are raised as female yet possess XY chromosomes and testosterone levels typical of males. The IOC’s testing protocol will involve a cheek‑swab or saliva sample to detect the SRY gene on the Y chromosome, with further investigation for any positive results. Semanya rejected the scientific premise of the rule, stating, "There’s no science that XY‑DSD gives an athlete an advantage". She emphasized that athletic success stems from hard work, not genetics, and criticized those who claim intersex conditions confer a performance edge. She also criticized IOC President Kirsty Coventry, the first woman and first African to hold the position, for failing to consult athletes with DSDs before issuing the policy. "They sent us a letter the day they were going to publish the new policy," Semanya said, urging genuine stakeholder engagement rather than a perfunctory "tick‑the‑box" approach. By labeling the policy as a breach of women’s dignity and rights, Semanya aims to rally broader support for intersex athletes and challenge what she describes as a historically flawed testing regime.

Islamabad – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Beijing, reaffirming the “all‑weather strategic cooperative partnership” between the two nations, according to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The visit follows a high‑profile quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad that brought together foreign ministers from Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, all aiming to coax the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table amid a war that has already spiked global energy prices.Despite a recent hairline shoulder fracture, Dar pressed on with the trip, signalling the urgency of Pakistan’s diplomatic push. In a March 27 call, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised Islamabad’s “untiring efforts to cool down the situation,” a sentiment echoed by spokesperson Mao Ning, who said China is ready to “enhance communication… for a cease‑fire and peace in the region.”Analysts argue the mission is less about collecting praise and more about testing whether Beijing will move from rhetoric to concrete action in the US‑Iran mediation. The central question: can China become an active partner rather than a silent observer?Former Wilson Center fellow Baqir Sajjad Syed explains that Dar will brief Chinese leaders on the recent Islamabad quadrilateral and seek to turn five draft principles – immediate ceasefire, resumption of talks, civilian protection, maritime security, and UN Charter compliance – into a binding framework.Pakistani scholars view the outreach as classic intermediary behaviour: Pakistan leverages China’s permanent‑member status to stay relevant, while China, unlike the United States, mainly engages with Gulf states and Tehran.Iran specialist Vali Nasr suggested Tehran may be looking for a Chinese “guarantor” for any US‑Iran deal, a premise disputed by professor Ishtiaq Ahmad, who calls the expectation “analytically weak” given China’s reluctance to back a declining regime.The strategic stakes are stark. The Strait of Hormuz moves roughly 20 % of global oil. Kpler data show China imported about 1.38 million barrels per day of Iranian crude in 2025 – roughly 12 % of its total oil imports. The IEA estimates 15 million barrels per day passed through the strait in 2025, with China and India accounting for 44 % of that flow.China‑Iran trade hit about $41.2 billion in 2025, and a 2021 25‑year strategic cooperation pact promised up to $400 billion in Chinese investment for discounted Iranian oil, much of which remains unrealised due to U.S. sanctions.Syed describes China’s motivations as “clear and self‑interested”: protecting energy security, safeguarding Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, and bolstering its image as a global peace broker. A prolonged war would hurt China’s economy through higher oil prices and disrupted trade routes.While Beijing is unlikely to deploy military forces, it may employ diplomatic tools – public endorsements, joint statements, and economic levers – to push for a cease‑fire. Its pragmatic stance means it will weigh the benefits of deeper involvement against the risk of being drawn into a conflict.The diplomatic backdrop includes a postponed Trump visit to Beijing and a slated summit for mid‑May, as well as a future Xi‑to‑U.S. trip, which observers say could signal a broader alignment between the two great powers.Meanwhile, the United States continues to amass forces in the Gulf, with thousands of Marines and Army troops positioned for possible ground operations, underscoring the volatility that Pakistan and China are trying to mitigate.In sum, Dar’s Beijing mission tests whether China will remain a passive supporter or become an active broker in a war that threatens global energy markets and regional stability.

Turkey has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kosovo in the UEFA playoffs. The match, held in Pristina, was a highly intense and closely contested encounter.The decisive goal was scored by Kerem Akturkoglu in the second half, which proved to be the difference between the two teams. Kosovo pushed hard for an equalizer but ultimately fell short.The win marks Turkey's return to the World Cup after a 24-year absence. They will join the tournament in a little over two months' time. Kosovo, on the other hand, will have to wait for their next opportunity to make their World Cup debut.The match was an emotional affair for Kosovo, with their fans creating a fervent atmosphere in the stands. Despite their best efforts, Kosovo's technically exceptional side was unable to overcome Turkey's challenge.Turkey's victory was not without controversy, as Kosovo protested that Akturkoglu's goal was offside. However, the goal was ultimately given, securing Turkey's place in the World Cup.

Speaking at halftime of Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica in Turkey, FIFA president Gianni Infantino told AFP that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup and will play its group games on U.S. soil as originally planned. He emphasized his confidence after meeting the team and its coach, describing Iran as a "very, very strong" side. Infantino added that the tournament’s schedule will be respected "according to the draw," dismissing recent talks by the Iranian Football Federation about relocating its matches to Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly offered to host Iran’s first‑round fixtures if required. Iran, which secured its spot by topping the Asian qualifying group, is set to open Group G against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, followed by matches versus Belgium (21 June, Los Angeles) and Egypt (26 June, Seattle). The nation has qualified for four straight men’s World Cups but has yet to advance beyond the group stage in the last three editions. The certainty of Iran’s participation comes amid the ongoing war that erupted on 28 February between the United States, Israel, and Iran. While Infantino initially cited assurances from former President Donald Trump that the Iranian team would be welcome, Trump later warned that traveling to the tournament could endanger the players’ lives and safety. Responding to the diplomatic tension, Infantino reiterated FIFA’s commitment to a "fair‑play" tournament, stating that the organization cannot resolve geopolitical disputes but will use football’s global reach to foster dialogue and peace. In a symbolic gesture during a recent friendly against Nigeria in Turkey, Iranian players wore black armbands and carried school rucksacks to honor the victims of a devastating airstrike on a primary school in Minab, which killed at least 170 civilians, including children and teachers. U.S. military investigators have preliminarily concluded that a mis‑targeted Tomahawk cruise missile caused the strike. Infantino’s assurance that "all teams" will compete as scheduled underscores FIFA’s determination to keep the World Cup on track despite the broader geopolitical turmoil surrounding the event.

David Attenborough’s voice returns to British screens in ‘Secret Garden’, a BBC One series launched to celebrate the network’s 100th birthday. Unlike his classic wildlife documentaries, the show turns the lens toward the UK’s own backyards, exploring how gardens can rival tropical rainforests in biodiversity.Series producer Bill Markham explains that the programme deliberately avoids the usual “lions and tigers” spectacle, aiming instead for a relatable, garden‑centred narrative. He notes that British gardens collectively cover more area than all national nature reserves combined, and that an average garden can host up to 2,600 different species.The series tackles the contentious issue of domestic cats. With 9.5 million pet cats in Britain, Attenborough reveals they may kill around 55 million birds each year. Simple measures—such as fitting cats with bells—can slash hunting success by one‑third, while raising bird feeders reduces fatalities further.Markham stresses that the current predator‑prey balance is “unfair on the prey”, noting that cats are “the biggest predator in our gardens” yet are constantly fed, leading to an unsustainable population. He cites ecologist Dr Davide Dominoni, who suggests that keeping cats indoors during the breeding months of April and May could dramatically lower bird deaths.Beyond cats, the series examines other garden‑linked wildlife challenges. Each year, over 30 million pheasants—an Asian species—are released into the countryside, where they prey on native insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Markham argues that despite the countryside lobby’s claim that pheasant shooting sustains rural jobs, the practice “mess‑es with the ecology”.‘Secret Garden’ also showcases rare footage, including a pine marten hunting sand martins, an otter preying on ducks, and intricate mayfly battles reminiscent of the famed “snakes vs. iguana” scene from Planet Earth II. These moments underline the hidden drama unfolding in everyday green spaces.Markham hopes the series will soothe the growing eco‑anxiety many feel about climate change. He points out that the UK boasts roughly 25 million gardens, with 80 % of the population having access. Simple actions—like planting a native tree to boost caterpillar supplies for birds—can make a measurable difference.While the show may provoke cat owners and countryside advocates, Markham believes the nation’s love for “animals, gardens and David Attenborough” will drive a collective re‑thinking of garden stewardship. As Attenborough reflects, his first encounter with nature likely occurred in his own garden, setting him on the path to becoming the world’s most renowned naturalist.‘Secret Garden’ airs from 5 April on BBC One and iPlayer.

The UK aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), has partially rejected Heathrow Airport's plans to significantly raise its landing fees to fund a multibillion-pound upgrade. The CAA argues that Heathrow can still invest in upgrades without steep rises in ticket prices. The CAA has proposed that the average charge for each passenger should rise from £28.40 to £28.80 between 2027 and 2031, a 1% increase. This is £5.40, or 16%, lower than the changes proposed by Heathrow, but £5.80 or 25% higher than the changes wanted by the airlines. Heathrow had proposed a 17% increase to £33.26, which resulted in criticism from airlines who said it would lead to higher ticket prices for passengers. The CAA's proposal aims to strike a balance between keeping passenger prices fair and enabling the airport to make necessary investments. Selina Chadha, group director of consumer markets at the CAA, said: “Our primary duty is to protect consumers and at the heart of today’s proposals is doing the right thing for passengers using Heathrow airport, while supporting sustainable growth, investment, and efficiency.” The CAA has proposed that Heathrow spend between £5.4bn and £6.1bn on projects, including upgrading the airport's electrical system. Heathrow had been seeking approval to spend up to £10bn to handle an extra 10 million passengers a year by 2031. Thomas Woldbye, the chief executive of Heathrow airport, said: “We will now review the CAA’s initial proposal in detail to fully understand the implications for delivering the innovation, progress and improvements customers expect. On the face of it, the CAA’s proposal may force choices that create trade-offs for service and delay delivery.” The CAA will publish its final proposals in November, with a final decision expected in April 2027.

The latest film from Chloé Robichaud, 'Two Women', is a remake of the 1970 French-Canadian sex comedy of the same name. Unfortunately, it hasn't aged well, coming across as silly, clumsy, and dated in its modern retelling.The story follows two unsatisfied women, Florence (Karine Gonthier-Hyndman) and Violette (Laurence Leboeuf), who live next door to each other in a suburban condo development. Both are unhappy in their marriages – Violette's husband Benoît (Félix Moati) is often away, supposedly on business, but actually having affairs, while Florence has a bland, sexless relationship with David (Mani Soleymanlou). The two women form a friendship and, without explicitly planning it, begin having sex with men they invite into their homes for repairs or odd jobs while their partners are away.The film's sex scenes feel both cynical and naive, lacking the eroticism of softcore erotica and the plausibility of drama. The movie attempts to draw comparisons to the 'Confessions of a Window Cleaner' series but falls short. One notable moment includes a discussion on how Tinder promotes addiction rather than love, but such insightful moments are few and far between.Overall, 'Two Women' is a tiring and mediocre film that fails to deliver on its promise of a modern take on female desire and infidelity. It is set to release in UK cinemas from 3 April.