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On 26 April 2026, a coordinated assault on Bamako resulted in the death of Mali's defence minister, Souleymane Doumbia, along with several security personnel. The attack, claimed by an Al‑Qaeda affiliate, underscores the deepening crisis in the Sahel and raises urgent questions about the government's capacity to contain insurgent groups. Coordinated Assault on Bamako Claims Mali's Defence Minister The militants launched a multi‑pronged operation targeting the Ministry of Defence headquarters, a nearby UN peacekeeping base, and a major market district. Witnesses reported heavy gunfire, improvised explosive devices, and a brief siege that lasted four hours before security forces regained control. Location: Ministry of Defence, Bamako, Mali Perpetrators: Al‑Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) affiliate Casualties: 1 minister, 12 security officers, 8 civilians killed; 27 injured Damage: Partial destruction of the ministry building and nearby market stalls Casualties and Economic Toll of the Assault Preliminary estimates place the immediate economic loss at $12 million, factoring in infrastructure damage, medical costs, and disrupted commerce. The death of a senior cabinet member also triggers a succession cost, with an estimated $3 million allocated for interim security arrangements. Implications for Mali's Security Landscape The killing of Doumbia removes a key architect of Mali's recent security reforms, including the integration of UN peacekeepers with national forces. Analysts warn that the power vacuum could embolden rival militias and weaken the government's negotiating position with regional partners such as the G5 Sahel. Potential slowdown in joint patrols with French and EU forces Risk of increased recruitment for extremist groups amid perceived government weakness Heightened pressure on President Assimi Goïta to declare a state of emergency What Lies Ahead for the Sahel Conflict In the coming weeks, the Malian government is expected to appoint a new defence minister while seeking accelerated support from the United Nations and the African Union. If the security breach is not swiftly addressed, the region could see a surge in cross‑border attacks, prompting neighboring states to reconsider their own defence postures. Short‑term: Emergency security briefing and possible curfew in Bamako Mid‑term: Revision of counter‑terrorism strategy with increased foreign assistance Long‑term: Potential restructuring of the Sahel joint command to improve intelligence sharing

Raghu Rai’s Life and Legacy SummarizedThe photography world mourns the loss of Raghu Rai, who passed away at 83 after a six‑decade career documenting India’s social, political, and cultural evolution. His images have become the visual memory of the nation, praised by leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor for preserving history through the lens.Chronicle of a Visual Historian: Key MilestonesPre‑1947: Born in a village now in Pakistan’s Punjab province before the Partition.1960s‑70s: Transitioned from construction engineering to photojournalism, joining leading Indian media houses.1971: Documented the Bangladesh independence war.1972: Awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors.1970s‑80s: Joined Magnum Photos after nomination by Henri Cartier‑Bresson.1984: Captured the Bhopal gas tragedy, producing defining visual records of the disaster.1990s‑2020s: Published dozens of photo‑books, including a celebrated volume on the Taj Mahal and intimate portraits of Mother Teresa.2026: Family announced his death on Sunday, prompting nationwide tributes.Accolades and Numbers: Awards, Publications, and ReachPadma Shri (1972) – national recognition for artistic contribution.Inaugural Academie des Beaux‑Arts Photography Award – cemented global stature.Member of Magnum Photos – elite cooperative of world‑renowned photographers.Dozens of photo‑books published; extensive archive spanning film and digital formats.Photographs featured in major international outlets and museum exhibitions worldwide.Impact on Indian Visual Culture and Global PhotojournalismRai’s work bridged elite politics and everyday life, shaping how India is visualised both domestically and abroad. His images of Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and Mother Teresa are repeatedly cited in textbooks, documentaries, and exhibitions, influencing generations of photojournalists. As Shashi Tharoor noted, Rai’s vision will remain “the lens through which India is seen.”Future of Documentary Photography in IndiaRai’s extensive analog archive is being digitised, offering new research opportunities and inspiring emerging photographers to blend traditional storytelling with modern technology. Institutions are likely to create dedicated scholarships and mentorship programmes in his name, ensuring that the documentary spirit he championed endures in the digital age.

The LeadIn a revealing account from his autobiography 'Saved', legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has opened up about a career-threatening panic attack that struck him during a Juventus match in 2004. The incident, which occurred during a challenging period for both the player and the club, forced Buffon to confront mental health issues that few professional athletes of his era dared to acknowledge.The Panic AttackThe incident occurred before a Juventus-Reggina match in February 2004, a particularly difficult period when the team was six points off the top of the table. During the warm-up, Buffon experienced breathing difficulties, dizziness, and a tightness in his diaphragm that made him feel as if he had been hit. 'I felt slightly dizzy. What scared me, however, was the tightness I felt in my diaphragm, between chest and stomach, as if I had been hit,' Buffon recalls.His goalkeeping coach Ivano Bordon immediately recognized something was wrong. 'When you have a panic attack, you don't know you're having a panic attack. When you have a panic attack you think you're going to die,' Buffon explains. The coach's simple words—'You aren't obliged to play'—provided the psychological release Buffon needed to manage the situation.The Mental StruggleIn the aftermath of the incident, Buffon faced months of uncertainty and anxiety. He experienced sleep disturbances, negative thoughts about disappointing his fans and family, and a growing sense of fear that extended beyond football. 'I was afraid to go out, to talk to the people who loved me. I woke up groggy with a tiredness that affected my body, my legs were lacking in energy and I began to lose a sense of certainty in my movements,' he writes.The legendary goalkeeper initially struggled to understand what was happening to him, interpreting his feelings as a lack of courage rather than recognizing them as symptoms of a panic disorder. The stigma surrounding mental health in professional sports made it difficult for him to seek help or even acknowledge his condition to teammates.The Turning PointBuffon's journey to recovery began when he confided in Juventus team doctor Riccardo Agricola. During one of their conversations, the doctor suggested what Buffon had been unwilling to admit: 'Gigi, it could be depression.' This moment of clarity marked the beginning of his acceptance and eventual management of his condition.Despite the ongoing challenges, Buffon found ways to continue his career, learning to manage his anxiety while maintaining his legendary status as one of football's greatest goalkeepers. His experience highlights the importance of mental health awareness in professional sports and the courage required to confront such issues publicly.The LegacyBy sharing his experience in his autobiography, Buffon has joined a growing movement of athletes breaking the silence around mental health. His story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges and contributes to the broader conversation about psychological wellbeing in high-pressure professional environments.The incident, which could have ended his career, ultimately became a pivotal moment in Buffon's life and career. 'I talked about this with my closest friends, and then with Juve's doctor,' he writes, demonstrating the importance of seeking help and support when facing mental health challenges.

Executive Summary: A Fracturing AllianceRecent disputes over arms sales, membership criteria, and burden‑sharing have exposed a serious fissure within NATO, raising questions about the alliance's ability to present a united front against external threats.Key Disagreements Driving the NATO RiftUS‑Turkey arms sales: Washington’s push to sell F‑16s to Turkey clashes with Ankara’s purchase of Russian S‑400 systems.Sweden’s accession: Delays and political conditions imposed by Turkey have stalled the final ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership.Burden‑sharing debates: Eastern European members demand higher defense spending, while the U.S. calls for equitable contributions.Financial Stakes: Defense Spending and Budget GapsCurrent NATO defense spending totals $1.1 trillion, with the U.S. contributing ≈71% of the budget.Turkey’s defense budget stands at $20 billion, below the alliance’s 2 % GDP target.Sweden plans to raise its defense budget to 2.5 % of GDP by 2029, aligning with NATO expectations.Strategic Implications for the Alliance and Global SecurityThe discord undermines NATO’s deterrence credibility, emboldening adversaries such as Russia, which may interpret the split as an opportunity to test the alliance’s resolve in Eastern Europe. Divergent national priorities also risk slowing joint procurement projects and intelligence sharing, eroding the operational effectiveness that has defined NATO since its inception.Looking Ahead: Scenarios and Potential Reconciliation PathsDiplomatic reset: A high‑level summit could produce a compromise on Turkey’s S‑400 concerns and fast‑track Sweden’s membership.Incremental reforms: Adjusting the burden‑sharing formula to account for economic disparities while maintaining the 2 % target.Fragmentation risk: Continued stalemate may lead to a de‑facto split, with some members pursuing bilateral security arrangements.For NATO to retain its strategic relevance, member states must balance national interests with collective security imperatives, ensuring that internal disputes do not compromise the alliance’s core mission.

The Global Citizen BirdShort-tailed shearwaters, known as yowli in the Wudjari Noongar language, are connecting Indigenous communities across the globe in an unprecedented conservation effort. These remarkable birds travel annually between the southern coast of Australia and Alaska, covering approximately 15,000km with newly fledged chicks in tow. Once so abundant they would darken the skies during Djilba season (August-September) in Australia and Arctic summer in Alaska, these birds are now facing unprecedented challenges that have prompted First Nations peoples to join forces across continents.Cultural Significance Across OceansFor the Wudjari Noongar people of Western Australia, the shearwaters are deeply woven into cultural identity and seasonal understanding. In their language, these birds are called yowli, and their arrival marks significant times in the calendar. Similarly, the Yup'ik people of Alaska have long recognized the importance of these birds' arrival, which coincides with the melting ice and teeming marine life in the Arctic summer.Jennell Reynolds, healthy country program coordinator and senior ranger with Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, shares: "It's so graceful seeing them skip across the water when they're feeding and diving. They are such inquisitive birds when they come into the land." This cultural connection forms the foundation of the cross-continental partnership.The Environmental Crisis UnfoldingBoth Indigenous communities have observed disturbing changes in the shearwaters' behavior and health. Birds are washing up on beaches emaciated, their bellies filled with microplastics instead of food. Others are appearing in locations far from their traditional migration routes, suggesting desperate searches for food in changing oceans.More than 30 million shearwaters return to breeding colonies off Australia's southern coastline each year, with significant numbers also returning to Western Australia's southern coast. The alarming decline in their health and numbers has prompted urgent action from those who have lived alongside them for generations.Building Cross-Continental PartnershipsThe collaboration between Tjaltjraak rangers from Australia and their Eyak, Iñupiaq, Yup'ik and Alutiiq counterparts in Alaska represents a powerful fusion of traditional knowledge and scientific methodology. The partnership was facilitated by David Guilfoyle, a coordinator with the Tjaltjraak rangers who has extensive experience living and working in Alaska."It was one of those things where you know that you've got this connection through this one bird," Reynolds explains. "It's a special moment because we are all on the same page in relation to taking care of country. We both have a kinship with the animals and wildlife and we're making sure that we have that same responsibility for looking after them."Blending Traditional Knowledge with ScienceThe global research project uniquely combines ecological monitoring, scientific analysis, and ancestral knowledge systems. Rangers from both regions are working together to track the birds' migration patterns, health conditions, and changing behaviors.Traditional ecological knowledge offers insights into long-term changes that scientific data might miss, while modern technology provides precise tracking capabilities that complement ancestral observations. This dual approach is proving essential for understanding the complex challenges facing the shearwaters in our rapidly changing environment.A Model for Future ConservationThis Indigenous-led initiative represents a new paradigm in conservation efforts—one that respects and integrates traditional knowledge systems with scientific approaches. As climate change and pollution continue to impact global ecosystems, such collaborations may offer our best hope for understanding and addressing environmental challenges.The shearwaters, in their remarkable journey across the Pacific, have become more than just研究对象—they have become symbols of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of cross-cultural cooperation in preserving our shared natural heritage.

The Lead: Iran's Diplomatic HardeningTehran, Iran – Iran's authorities and state media project that they are less interested than before the war in negotiations with the United States if they go beyond their accepted terms, as mediated talks failed to materialise in Pakistan.Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met senior Pakistani officials in Islamabad on Saturday and left for Oman, to be later bound for Russia. The top diplomat, who was not joined by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf like in a previous round of negotiations earlier this month, said he was "yet to see if the US is truly serious about diplomacy".The Failed Negotiation in PakistanEnvoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had been expected in Pakistan after the White House said Iran asked for a second round of direct negotiations, but US President Donald Trump cancelled the trip and said, "we have all the cards, they have none" while reiterating his claim about "infighting and confusion" among Iran's leadership."If they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!" Trump wrote in an online post, continuing to put the onus on Iran's leadership.Iran's Projected Unity Amidst US ClaimsAmid a state-imposed near-total internet shutdown in Iran, nearing two months, officials and the supporters of the Islamic Republic emphasise that they are united in opposing any concessions to Trump.The US president said earlier this week he was in "no rush" to reach an agreement with Iranian leadership, whom he claimed, without evidence, were "fighting like cats and dogs" among themselves.Since Trump highlighted the perceived fractures, military, security, judiciary and government authorities in Iran have been releasing synchronised messages with near-identical wording to proclaim absolute unity.Iran's Military Posturing and ThreatsThe Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday afternoon that armed forces would retaliate against the US if it continues its "blockade, banditry and piracy" in Iran's southern waters."We are prepared and determined to monitor the behaviour and movement of the enemies in the region and maintain management and control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and to inflict more severe damages on the American-Zionist enemies in case of another aggression," read its statement.The IRGC on Saturday took a state television presenter to broadcast near two vessels seized days earlier in the strait to report that Iran exercised "total control" over the waterway.Domestic Show of Force and UnityThe authorities also claim that more than 30 million people – a third of Iran's total population – have registered in a state-run campaign to express readiness to "sacrifice" their lives if necessary, but they have not provided any documentation to prove this.The messages, circulated through state media and even using similar graphics and fonts but with different colours, claim that everyone in the country is "revolutionary" and exercises "complete obedience" to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.In a rally in downtown Tehran on Friday night, Meysam Motiei, a prominent state-backed religious singer with links to the supreme leader's office, told the crowds that anyone stuck in factional infighting during times of war "has not grown up yet".Hardening Stance Against Nuclear NegotiationsIranian state media reports indicate that the US naval blockade of Iran's ports is undermining the ceasefire extended by Trump and allowing the more hardline voices in Tehran to come out on top.The Tasnim and Fars news agencies, affiliated with the IRGC, argued against allowing any nuclear negotiations to take place with the US, even though Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started the war with the predominant goal of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran."The negotiations with the US are strictly to end the war, and Iran does not consider the nuclear issue to be part of the talks," Tasnim said, claiming that time was not on Washington's side due to the tumult in global markets resulting from the war.Regional Military Buildup and Escalation RisksIsrael's Defence Minister Israel Katz earlier this week adopted Trump's apocalyptic messaging, and said armed forces are awaiting a greenlight from the US to "return Iran to the age of darkness and stone by blowing up central energy and electricity facilities and crushing national economic infrastructure".There are currently three US aircraft carriers and their supporting vessels in the Middle East region, according to the US military, which marks the first time this has happened since the buildup to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.Khamenei has not directly commented on more negotiations, but Ali Khezrian, another representative of Tehran in the hardline-dominated parliament, told state media on Thursday that Khamenei was "opposed to any extension of negotiations" under threats from the US and Israel.Civilian Infrastructure Under ThreatThe government of relatively moderate President Masoud Pezeshkian has signalled concern about the potential impacts of systematic targeting of more civilian infrastructure, especially power plants, in case the war continues."We have a simple request from the people: to reduce their consumption of power and energy. For now, we have no need for these dear people to sacrifice their lives, but we need to control consumption," the president said on Saturday. "They have hit our infrastructure and blockaded us, so the people become dissatisfied."Mohammad Allahdad, the head of Tavanir, the government-owned mother company for development and operation of Iran's power grid, told state television that it would pay a reward to citizens who would report any theft and illegal use of electricity.Future Outlook: Stalemate or Escalation?First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref said, "We will build Iran back more glorious" through unity after previous infrastructure attacks that hit oil and gas facilities, steel producers, petrochemical firms, aluminium factories, energy facilities, as well as airports, naval ports, bridges and railway networks.The government reopened Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport for limited foreign-bound flights on Saturday, including those taking people to the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, despite the potential of war resuming.With both sides digging in their positions and showing little flexibility, the region appears to be heading toward either a prolonged stalemate or a potential escalation that could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and security.

Executive Summary of the Islamabad DialogueOn 25 April 2026, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif convened in Islamabad to address longstanding disputes and explore new avenues of collaboration. Both leaders emphasized the urgency of stabilising the border region and deepening economic interdependence.High-Level Talks Focused on Border Security and Energy CooperationThe agenda covered three core pillars:Strengthening joint patrols along the Iran‑Pakistan border to curb smuggling and militant infiltration.Negotiating a revised gas‑supply contract, with Iran offering up to 1.5 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually to Pakistan.Launching a bilateral task force to coordinate infrastructure projects, notably the Quetta‑Zahedan railway upgrade.Trade and Energy Figures Highlight Economic StakesRecent data underscore the commercial relevance of the meeting:Bilaterally, trade reached $2.3 billion in 2025, a 12 % increase from the previous year.Iran currently supplies 8 % of Pakistan’s total energy imports; the proposed gas deal could raise this share to 15 % by 2028.Infrastructure investment estimates for the railway and road links total $1.1 billion over the next five years.Shifting Geopolitical Landscape in South AsiaThe meeting reflects a broader realignment:Both nations seek to reduce reliance on Western‑led supply chains amid sanctions pressure on Iran.Improved Iran‑Pakistan ties could counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region.Stability along the border is viewed as essential for Afghanistan’s peace process, where both capitals have vested interests.Prospects for a Stabilized Iran‑Pakistan PartnershipAnalysts anticipate that the dialogue will lead to:Formalisation of the joint border‑security framework within six months.Signing of a new gas‑supply agreement by the end of 2026.Accelerated progress on the Quetta‑Zahedan railway, potentially operational by 2029.If these milestones are met, the partnership could usher in a more resilient South‑Asian economic bloc and diminish external geopolitical pressures.

The LeadMexican authorities have confirmed that two US federal agents killed in a car crash during an anti-narcotics operation in Chihuahua were not authorized to conduct activities on Mexican soil, escalating diplomatic tensions between the neighboring nations. The incident, which also claimed the lives of two Mexican officials, has sparked investigations into potential violations of Mexico's national security laws and raised questions about the extent of US intelligence operations within Mexico.The Unauthorized OperationMexico's security cabinet clarified in a statement that one of the deceased US citizens had entered the country as a visitor while the other possessed a diplomatic passport. Neither had formal accreditation to participate in operational activities within Mexican territory, the statement emphasized. "This is something that Mexicans shouldn't take lightly," President Claudia Sheinbaum remarked, indicating her government would probe whether Mexico's national security law had been violated. Under Mexican law, foreign agents must receive federal authorization to operate in the country and cannot work directly with local officials without approval.Mexico's Sovereignty StanceThe Mexican government has stressed the need for "absolute respect" for Mexican sovereignty in international cooperation matters. Sheinbaum, who has balanced US demands for aggressive anti-drug trafficking measures with firm insistence on national sovereignty, has explicitly ruled out any US military presence on Mexican soil. Mexico's security cabinet welcomed coordination with the US in the form of intelligence sharing, institutional coordination, and technical collaboration, but insisted that such cooperation must proceed from a place of mutual trust.US-Mexico TensionsUS Ambassador Ronald Johnson described the deceased individuals as "embassy personnel" following the crash, while the attorney general of Chihuahua referred to them as "instructor officers" from the embassy engaged in regular training work. The Trump administration has pledged a militaristic approach to Latin America to combat drug trafficking, reframing criminal organizations as "narco-terrorists" and designating several as "foreign terrorist organizations." This approach has included unilateral strikes on alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean and joint military operations with Ecuador against cartels.Future ImplicationsThe incident has exposed the complex and often contentious relationship between the US and Mexico in their shared fight against drug trafficking. While Mexico welcomes certain forms of US assistance, it remains firmly opposed to unauthorized foreign operations on its soil. The crash and subsequent revelations may lead to stricter oversight of foreign personnel in Mexico and potentially reshape the parameters of bilateral security cooperation. As both nations navigate this delicate situation, the balance between effective anti-narcotics efforts and respect for national sovereignty will likely remain a central point of contention.

The Rise of Take Back PowerEve Middleton was sitting on a picnic blanket in a park, sharing out vegan biscuits with six fellow activists, when she saw a squad of police bearing down on them. About 30 officers, she said, surrounded the seven young people, and one officer told them: "Don't run or you'll be cuffed." Another officer focused on gathering evidence. "Whose Oreos are these?" they asked, seizing the biscuits."It was pretty farcical, but it's still frightening when you see that amount of officers running towards you. It's pretty scary," said student Bridie Leggatt, another of the seven.The seven activists had gathered for a "nonviolence training event" – meeting in the park to enjoy the sunny weather. Leggatt, 22, and Middleton, 25, were among 13 people arrested last weekend in Salford and London as part of a national police crackdown on a new civil resistance group called Take Back Power.The Campaign of Mass ShopliftingA further 15 arrests had been made in March when police raided a "nonviolence training" event, this time at the Grade II-listed Quaker House in Westminster. They were all held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft, police said, linked to Take Back Power's campaign of "mass shoplifting" in supermarkets across Britain in a protest against inequality.On TikTok, the group's videos show activists of all ages "liberating" rice, pasta, beans, nappies, stock cubes and tinned fruit from supermarkets in Cornwall, London and Manchester. They pile the goods into cardboard boxes branded with the message: "These things are going to those who need them." The items are then distributed at local food banks – if they manage to get past security.Even by today's standards of shoplifting, when supermarket thefts have reached record highs, the mass looting is quite brazen.The Financial Impact on SupermarketsSteph Parker, an assistant chief constable at Greater Manchester police, said forces would take "robust action to disrupt this type of organised criminality and it will not be tolerated".Another of those arrested last weekend, who would only give his name as Mark, said mass shoplifting would have "no real effect" on supermarkets who make billions of pounds in profit."Supermarkets are profiting off other people's misery and we can't put up with that," said Middleton, pointing out that Tesco's chief executive, Ken Murphy, was paid £9.2m last year, about 400 times that of the shop's typical worker.What about the effect on low-paid staff? Will they not risk losing their jobs if mass shoplifting has an effect on company profits?"It shouldn't be staff that get cut," said Mark, 44, who works in education. "What should get cut are the obscene profits and salaries of the chief executives."The Changing Landscape of ActivismMany of those involved with the group are seasoned activists – despite being in their early 20s – having taking part in actions with Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil, Animal Rising and other groups in recent years. Neither Middleton or Leggatt wanted to say how many times they had been arrested as they feared a telling off from their parents.Take Back Power announced itself in December when activists threw custard and apple crumble at a case containing the crown jewels at the Tower of London. Eight people were charged with criminal damage over the stunts, with four due to appear before Westminster magistrates court on Monday. The group said a total of 50 people had been arrested since December, with the majority detained while taking part in "nonviolence training" events.On its website, activists are invited to join upcoming action in London "targeting the luxury lifestyle of the super-rich" by "occupying where they play and shop".A spokesperson for Take Back Power, who would only give his name as James due to the risk of arrest, said the group planned further headline-grabbing stunts this year with the aim of focusing attention on Britain's deepening inequality.The Future of Civil ResistanceJames said the organisation, which wants to see higher taxes levied on the rich and a legally binding citizens' assembly, has no leader "as such". It has raised more than £65,000 in donations in the past four months, according to a fundraising page.The vegan picnic raided by police last weekend was in Salford's Peel Park – named after Sir Robert Peel, the founder of modern law enforcement whose philosophy of "policing by consent" is a guiding principle of forces today, recognising that those in uniform operate on the basis of public trust rather than fear or force.Yet the arrests of activists at a training event – rather than for a specific act – appears to run counter to that principle, said Middleton. Parliament's joint committee on human rights has condemned legislative changes in recent years that it said have had "a chilling effect" on the right to protest in England and Wales.James, the Take Back Power spokesperson, said the group planned to build up its action with the aim of pushing inequality to the top of the agenda by the next general election, which has to be held by August 2029.Middleton believes the police crackdown is a sign that the authorities are scared."They can see that Take Back Power does speak to a lot of this country's people [who are] fed up with inequality. They are scared of what it could become."