Iraq’s prime minister is visiting Washington to ask for stronger economic cooperation between the two countries. The relationship between the United States and Iraq has been affected by almost 100 years of wars, changing partnerships, and outside influences.
Key Facts
Iraq’s prime minister is currently visiting Washington, D.C.
The main goal of the visit is to improve economic ties between Iraq and the U.S.
The U.S. and Iraq have a long history of conflict and cooperation that spans nearly 100 years.
This relationship has changed many times due to wars and shifting alliances.
Foreign countries have influenced the relationship between the two nations over the years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
People protested in Paris and Gaza to ask for the release of Hussam Abu Safia, a Palestinian doctor held by Israel since December 2024. The protesters also want other Palestinian healthcare workers detained by Israel to be freed.
Key Facts
Hussam Abu Safia is a Palestinian doctor.
He has been in Israeli custody since December 2024.
Protests took place in both Paris and Gaza.
Demonstrators are calling for the release of Abu Safia.
Protesters also want other Palestinian healthcare workers held by Israel to be released.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France's parliament has passed a law allowing assisted dying, moving the country closer to legalizing the practice. If approved by its highest constitutional court, France will become one of the few nations with laws permitting assisted dying.
Key Facts
France's parliament adopted a law legalizing assisted dying on July 15, 2026.
President Emmanuel Macron supported this law and promised it during his 2022 re-election campaign.
The law represents one of France’s major social reforms since legalizing same-sex marriage in 2012.
The new law requires approval from France’s highest constitutional authority before it can take effect.
Countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada already allow assisted dying.
Assisted dying means a person can choose help to end their own life under certain conditions.
The law is part of ongoing discussions about patient rights and end-of-life care in France.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
European countries are trying to reduce their dependence on the United States for military equipment and support. This effort has increased after President Trump’s plans to reduce U.S. troops in Europe and his threats to pull back from NATO. Europe is working to improve its own defense production and cooperation among countries to strengthen its military independence.
Key Facts
France held a large military parade on Bastille Day, showcasing 7,600 troops from across Europe and aircraft from 10 NATO countries.
Despite the show of strength, Europe still relies heavily on U.S. equipment, data, and funding for its military.
President Trump has threatened to reduce U.S. troop presence in Europe and limit NATO support.
The EU has created a Defense Industrial Strategy to increase defense production and simplify buying military equipment.
EU countries are encouraged to spend at least half of their defense budgets on products made in Europe.
The EU offers grants and tax breaks to help manufacturers increase military production and encourage countries to buy weapons together.
The U.S. can restrict European access to American defense technology under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), limiting Europe’s independence.
Europe’s air defense remains weak and less prepared against missile threats, as seen in the conflict in Ukraine.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The European Union and Ukraine have agreed on a deal to work together on making drones, a key technology used in warfare. This partnership will increase drone production and create joint business projects to help both sides.
Key Facts
The EU and Ukraine signed an agreement to boost drone production.
Drones are important technology used on battlefields.
Ukraine already has similar agreements with some EU countries and Gulf states.
The deal aims to create joint ventures, meaning businesses owned by both the EU and Ukraine.
The cooperation comes as Ukraine continues its conflict with Russia.
The announcement was made by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.
Ukraine has developed strong drone expertise during over four years of war with Russia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 14-year-old boy from south London has been charged with planning terrorist acts targeting two mosques in the Sutton area. Police found concerning documents during a search after arresting him on unrelated charges, and investigations are ongoing with support provided to the affected mosques.
Key Facts
The boy was arrested on July 9 for suspected vehicle damage but was later charged with planning terrorist acts.
The charge involves a plot to attack two mosques in south London’s Sutton area.
Police say no other suspects are being sought in connection to this case.
The affected mosques have been contacted and are receiving advice and support.
The boy also faces a charge for damaging a car window in June, related to racial motivation.
Authorities have increased patrols in the area to keep the community safe.
There are rising concerns about attacks on Muslim communities across the UK, including vandalism and violence at mosques.
The Muslim Council of Britain has advised mosques to improve security measures like lockdown drills and better CCTV after recent threats.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Firefighters have contained two wildfires in the Fontainebleau forest near Paris. Authorities are investigating the cause, with five people arrested for suspected arson, including a volunteer firefighter who admitted to starting a fire.
Key Facts
Two wildfires burned southeast of Paris in the Fontainebleau forest.
Firefighters have contained the fires, meaning the flames are under control but not fully out.
Five people have been arrested on suspicion of starting the fires on purpose.
One suspect, a volunteer firefighter, admitted to starting a fire.
Another suspect said he accidentally started a fire by throwing away a cigarette.
Investigators are focusing on how the wildfires began.
The forest of Fontainebleau is a historic area near Paris.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France’s parliament has passed a new law allowing assisted dying, marking an important change in how the country deals with end-of-life care. Experts say that good palliative care, which helps relieve pain for seriously ill patients, is very important alongside this law to provide compassionate support.
Key Facts
France adopted a new right-to-die law in its lower house of parliament.
The law changes France’s approach to end-of-life care.
Anne Reynaud from the Association for the Right to Die with Dignity spoke about the law’s impact.
The law is more limited than what France’s Citizens’ Convention had recommended.
It balances personal choice, medical safety, and legal rules.
Assisted dying is seen as part of a wider care system, not a replacement for other healthcare.
Some legal and medical questions about the law will be decided in future cases.
Good palliative care is considered essential to make assisted dying laws work well.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New research shows that popular diabetes and weight loss drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists may slightly raise the risk of a rare eye problem called ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), which can cause sudden vision loss. Although the risk is small, patients should watch for sudden changes in vision and get medical help right away if symptoms appear.
Key Facts
GLP-1 drugs include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound).
The study found a small increase in ION risk for Type 2 diabetes patients starting GLP-1 drugs compared to other diabetes medicines.
ION happens when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced, possibly causing sudden, painless vision loss.
The increase in risk was about three to four extra cases per 10,000 patients over 18 months.
Researchers used U.S. insurance data from adults aged 18 to 65 between 2017-2022.
Experts advise patients not to stop GLP-1 medications but to immediately report any sudden vision changes.
The study found an association but did not prove GLP-1 drugs cause ION.
GLP-1 drugs are known for benefits in diabetes, obesity, heart, and kidney health.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 14-year-old boy in London was charged with preparing to carry out a terrorist attack on local mosques, linked to extreme right-wing beliefs. Police said they do not see a wider threat but are working with the affected mosques to offer support and keep people informed.
Key Facts
The boy was arrested on July 9 after criminal damage to a car, which led to further investigation.
Police found documents during searches that connected him to planning a terrorism act.
The charge is related to preparing to carry out an act of terrorism inspired by extreme right-wing ideology.
The mosques targeted are in the Sutton area of south London.
Police have contacted the mosques to provide advice, support, and reassurance.
The boy is due to appear in a London magistrates’ court.
This case follows other right-wing extremist plots targeting Muslims in the UK recently.
Police emphasized the importance of supporting the Muslim community affected by these incidents.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US military carried out a series of daytime air strikes on Iran, targeting coastal defense and missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran attacked US military targets in Gulf countries and threatened to stop energy exports from the region.
Key Facts
The US launched a 90-minute wave of strikes on Iranian coastal defense systems and missile sites.
These strikes are part of a naval blockade reimposed on Iranian ports.
The US said the attacks aimed to weaken Iran’s ability to attack commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded by hitting US military targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Iran threatened to close more energy export routes that benefit the US and its allies.
An interim ceasefire from last month, meant to lead to peace talks, is currently stalled.
The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February and has disrupted global energy supplies.
Oil prices dropped slightly after reaching a one-month high amid ongoing tensions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More than 7,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, have been reported in 34 U.S. states since May 1, with over 3,000 cases in Michigan and Ohio alone. Officials are investigating contaminated food sources, possibly lettuce or salad greens, while warning consumers to be cautious as the outbreak continues into August. Experts also highlight other parasites that can be found in produce, water, and undercooked meat.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis causes severe diarrhea and spreads through contaminated food or water, not person-to-person.
The current outbreak mainly affects Midwest states such as Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
The CDC has confirmed or is investigating over 7,000 cases across 34 states since early May.
Lettuce or leafy greens are suspected sources, but investigations are ongoing.
Contamination often happens on farms or during food processing through contact with fecal matter.
Washing produce can remove about 80% of Cyclospora, but cooking kills it completely.
Other parasites of concern include Cryptosporidium, found in contaminated water or produce washed with dirty water, which can be dangerous for people with weak immune systems.
Symptoms might appear a week after exposure, making it hard to identify the exact source of illness.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Syrian authorities arrested Ahmed Habib Ali, a former officer responsible for sarin gas storage and chemical weapons manufacturing under President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. He is accused of supervising the production of sarin bombs used in attacks on Syrian cities between 2013 and 2017.
Key Facts
Ahmed Habib Ali is a former colonel and chemical weapons expert in Syria.
He managed sarin gas storage and made chemical weapons at a site near Damascus called Unit 417.
Ali supervised the manufacture of about 20 sarin-loaded bombs, each weighing 250 kg (550 lbs).
These bombs were used in attacks on Syrian towns in 2013 and 2017.
Syria was recently reinstated into the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The OPCW had stripped Syria’s rights in 2021 after finding its air force used sarin and chlorine gas.
The deadliest sarin gas attack happened in August 2013, killing over 1,400 people.
Since President al-Assad’s fall in December 2024, Syria has arrested dozens of people for war crimes during the civil war.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Shabana Mahmood is likely to become chancellor in Andy Burnham's upcoming government after debates about Ed Miliband taking the role. Burnham has not made a final decision yet but may assign Miliband to the Foreign Office instead.
Key Facts
Shabana Mahmood is expected to be named chancellor by Andy Burnham.
There was a disagreement over whether Ed Miliband or Mahmood should get the chancellor job.
Some party members and big businesses worry Miliband could face heavy criticism and harm market confidence.
Miliband might instead be appointed to the Foreign Office with a high-ranking title.
Wes Streeting could replace Mahmood as home secretary.
The appointment of the chancellor is seen as crucial because it shapes government economic policies.
Investors reacted positively to news about Mahmood becoming chancellor, with UK government borrowing costs dropping slightly.
Burnham’s cabinet choices are not finalized and he is keeping details limited until he officially takes office.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In the occupied West Bank, residents of Khirbet Umm al-Khair say an Israeli military order has blocked access to parts of their homes, including their sheep pen and bathroom. This order came after attacks by settlers and has made life harder for the families living there.
Key Facts
Khirbet Umm al-Khair is a village in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli military issued an order restricting access to parts of residents’ homes.
The restrictions affect areas like sheep pens and bathrooms.
The order followed several attacks by settlers in the area.
Residents say the restrictions increase pressure on them to leave the village.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between Israeli forces, settlers, and Palestinian villagers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned the US government not to interfere in German elections after the US State Department announced funding for groups in Europe that support Maga-related causes. The US initiative offers grants up to $3 million to European charities, think tanks, and individuals addressing topics like national sovereignty and migration, raising concerns about foreign influence in European politics.
Key Facts
The US State Department launched a program to fund European groups aligned with Maga political ideas.
Grants can be as much as $3 million and are intended to address issues such as migration, censorship, and national sovereignty.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US should not interfere in Germany’s upcoming state elections in September.
It is illegal in Germany to finance political parties from foreign governments.
Former US officials say the funding is aimed to help far-right groups and possibly political parties in Europe.
The grant program includes ambiguous language on who can apply, including individuals and governmental institutions.
US officials have been connecting with social conservative and far-right parties in Europe.
Some US political figures have publicly criticized traditional Western European allies on topics like migration and abortion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sam Neill, a New Zealand actor known for his role in Jurassic Park and many other films and TV shows, died at age 78 in Sydney, Australia. He had a long career with diverse roles and was also involved in winemaking. Neill had been treated for blood cancer but died suddenly, with no clear cause of death provided.
Key Facts
Sam Neill was 78 years old when he died in Sydney, Australia.
He was famous for playing Dr. Alan Grant in Jurassic Park (1993) and its 2022 sequel.
Neill had many roles in movies such as Omen III, The Hunt for Red October, Thor: Ragnarok, and Peaky Blinders.
He received award nominations for TV roles, including Golden Globes and an Emmy.
Neill owned a winery called Two Paddocks in New Zealand and enjoyed winemaking.
He was diagnosed with stage 3 blood cancer after noticing swollen glands in 2022.
Neill underwent chemotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy, and was cancer-free before his death.
His immune system was weakened due to cancer treatments, and he had pneumonia before he died.
There were many tributes from colleagues praising his kindness and talent.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lebanese and Israeli officials finished a two-day round of US-led talks in Rome about creating "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon where Israeli forces would start to leave. The talks focused on a plan where the Lebanese army would replace Israeli troops and remove Hezbollah fighters, aiming to reduce conflict between the two sides.
Key Facts
The talks in Rome lasted two days and ended on Wednesday.
US officials described the meetings as "productive and positive."
The agreement involves Israel withdrawing from parts of southern Lebanon in exchange for Hezbollah disarming.
Pilot zones are specific areas where Israel would pull back and the Lebanese army would take control.
Names of some pilot zone towns under discussion include Zawtar al-Gharbiyah, Sarifa, and Burj Qalawiyah.
These talks are the sixth round since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began in March.
Over 4,000 Lebanese and at least 36 Israelis have died in the recent fighting.
The US aims to reach a comprehensive agreement and reduce violence, but the situation remains fragile.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iran has put up a large billboard in Tehran that shows US President Donald Trump lying in a coffin. Near the billboard, there is a statue of a fist representing the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was said to have been assassinated at the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Key Facts
A billboard in Tehran displays an image of President Donald Trump in a coffin.
The billboard is located in Iran’s capital city, Tehran.
A nearby statue shows the fist of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s late Supreme Leader.
The article claims Khamenei was assassinated at the beginning of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The imagery reflects ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States.
The article highlights symbolism used by Iran related to recent conflicts involving the US and Israel.
The billboard and statue appear to send a message linked to opposition against President Trump and his policies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet was released from police custody three days after his arrest on defamation charges. An investigation is still open, but his release followed pressure from international media rights groups.
Key Facts
Ali Lmrabet, a 66-year-old Moroccan journalist, was arrested at Tangier airport after returning from Spain.
He was held for three days on charges related to defamation and insulting individuals and institutions.
Lmrabet is known for independent journalism and has faced previous legal actions, including prison sentences and bans from working in Morocco.
Media rights organizations, such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists, pushed for his release.
It is unclear if Lmrabet can currently leave Morocco.
Separately, rapper and filmmaker Mehdi El Youbi was arrested in Casablanca, possibly due to his political views expressed in lyrics and social media.
Supporters warn that these arrests are part of a growing crackdown on critics in Morocco following recent youth protests.
Lawyers in Morocco are currently striking, which affected El Youbi’s court appearance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
