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Pat Cummins-led Australia have named their 15-man squad for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final as they take on South Africa in the only Test. The final set to take place at the iconic Lord&rsquo;s Cricket Ground in London will see the return of Cameron Green. The Aussie all-rounder missed the Sri Lanka series and the Champions Trophy along with the Indian Premier League, but has now recovered from the back issue to feature.
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Cameron Green returns for Australia<o:p></o:p></h2>
One of the best Australian all-rounders in recent times, Green had recovered well for the Aussies, having missed cricket for the majority of the last year. Green last played for the Aussies in September 2024 against England and was missing from the squad thereafter due to injury. His last Test appearance came in March 2024 against New Zealand, after which he was largely troubled by injuries. <o:p></o:p>
The injury forced Green to miss the key series against India and Sri Lanka, while he also played no part in the Champions Trophy 2025, where Australia lost in the semis to India. He has represented Australia in 28 Test matches, scoring 1377 runs, including two hundreds. He has also scalped 35 wickets during the period. He recently returned to competitive action in English County cricket, representing Gloucestershire.<o:p></o:p>
ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-releases-ipl-2025-revised-schedule-tournament-to-restart-on-may-17-final-in-june-9062057" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">BCCI releases IPL 2025 revised schedule, tournament to restart on May 17, final in June</a> 
On the other hand, the squad also features the return of Matt Kuhnemann, but is expected to play second fiddle to Nathan Lyon. Sam Konstas will also return to the squad for Australia as the selectors showed faith in him. He had earlier returned midway from the Sri Lanka series in January to play in the Sheffield Shield. He had a mixed India tour where Konstas was in and out of the squad. Brendan Doggett has been named a travelling reserve in case any injury affects the squad. <o:p></o:p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Australia squad for WTC final<o:p></o:p></h2>
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett<o:p></o:p>

Pat Cummins-led Australia have named their 15-man squad for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final as they take on South Africa in the only Test. Cricket | Sports

Pat Cummins-led Australia have named their 15-man squad for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final as they take on South Africa in the only Test. The final set to take place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London will see the return of Cameron Green. The Aussie all-rounder missed the Sri Lanka series and the Champions Trophy along with the Indian Premier League, but has now recovered from the back issue to feature. Cameron Green returns for Australia One of the best Australian all-rounders in recent times, Green had recovered well for the Aussies, having missed cricket for the majority of the last year. Green last played for the Aussies in September 2024 against England and was missing from the squad thereafter due to injury. His last Test appearance came in March 2024 against New Zealand, after which he was largely troubled by injuries. The injury forced Green to miss the key series against India and Sri Lanka, while he also played no part in the Champions Trophy 2025, where Australia lost in the semis to India. He has represented Australia in 28 Test matches, scoring 1377 runs, including two hundreds. He has also scalped 35 wickets during the period. He recently returned to competitive action in English County cricket, representing Gloucestershire. ALSO READ | BCCI releases IPL 2025 revised schedule, tournament to restart on May 17, final in June On the other hand, the squad also features the return of Matt Kuhnemann, but is expected to play second fiddle to Nathan Lyon. Sam Konstas will also return to the squad for Australia as the selectors showed faith in him. He had earlier returned midway from the Sri Lanka series in January to play in the Sheffield Shield. He had a mixed India tour where Konstas was in and out of the squad. Brendan Doggett has been named a travelling reserve in case any injury affects the squad. Australia squad for WTC final Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. Travelling reserve: Brendan Doggett

WTC Final: Pat Cummins-led Australia name 15-man squad, Cameron Green returns after back injury

French President Emmanuel Macron was seen picking up a white-coloured item from the table in a video shot inside a train from Poland to Kyiv. He was accompanied by Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Rumours started circulating that Macron hid a packet of cocaine.&nbsp;
Some Kremlin officials further fuelled them, openly alleging that the leaders were intoxicated. The &Eacute;lys&eacute;e Palace has slammed the claims as "disinformation", saying that it was only a piece of tissue paper.
Marcon, Merz, and Starmer were visiting Ukraine to show their support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The cocaine claims first popped up on pro-Russian social media channels. Later, a Kremlin spokesperson and another official also talked about it.
&ldquo;This fake news is being spread by France&rsquo;s enemies, both abroad and at home. We must remain vigilant against manipulation,&rdquo; the &Eacute;lys&eacute;e posted on X.
The video shows the three leaders around a table as the cameras start rolling. Macron then picks up a white object from the table and later puts it in his pocket.&nbsp;
&ldquo;This is a tissue. For blowing your nose,&rdquo; the &Eacute;lys&eacute;e posted alongside an image from the meeting. &ldquo;This is European unity. To build peace."
&ldquo;When European unity becomes inconvenient, disinformation goes so far as to make a simple tissue look like drugs.&rdquo;
<h2>Video of Macron allegedly picking up "cocaine"</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-malvbkke-f8ui9aui-txxk36by">
🚨 BREAKING! Macron, Starmer, and Merz caught red handed with a bag of coke on the table as Macron tries to hide it! Thoughts? <a href="https://t.co/lZ9CfTpV0D">pic.twitter.com/lZ9CfTpV0D</a>
&mdash; Liberal Tear Creator&trade; (@LibTearCreator1) <a href="https://twitter.com/LibTearCreator1/status/1921559791542956437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
The cocaine story received a further boost from user claims that Merz was holding a white cocaine spoon. In the video, he can be seen holding the alleged object fully in his hand.&nbsp;
<h2>Russian spokesperson claims the European leaders did cocaine</h2>
Among those who promoted the cocaine claim was the Kremlin&rsquo;s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, who posted about it on her Telegram channel.
&ldquo;After pushing Zelensky into yet another hellish scheme to derail a settlement and prolong the bloodshed in Europe, it&rsquo;s like a joke: a Frenchman, an Englishman, and a German got on a train &ndash; and did a line,&rdquo; Zakharova wrote on Sunday.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-be-waiting-for-putin-ukraines-zelensky-ready-for-talks-but-only-if-russia-agrees-to-a-ceasefire-9058550" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ukraine's Zelensky ready for talks, but only if Russia agrees to a ceasefire</a>
&ldquo;Apparently, they were so out of it they forgot to hide the paraphernalia &ndash; a small bag and a spoon &ndash; before the journalists arrived. Europe&rsquo;s fate is in the hands of placeholders who are dependent, in every sense of the word.&rdquo;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1205_WION_TALK_9PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1205_WION_TALK_9PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=183&amp;tags=Russia, Ukraine, World News, WION" title="Russia opens door for Ukraine peace talks amidst EU pressure" id="PL_iframe_block-malvebuz-8lb45wl9-q3j6tys9"></iframe>
Kirill Dmitriev, another Russian official, wrote under the video on X, &ldquo;Is this footage AI or real? If it&rsquo;s real &ndash; are we looking at sugar or something entirely different? If it&rsquo;s something else, it explains a lot of recent ideas and proposals."
According to the western media, Russia is trying to sour relations between the US, Europe and Ukraine over pressure for a ceasefire.
Zakharova and other Russian officials had earlier claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was an &ldquo;unstable cocaine addict&rdquo;. They have often claimed that European leaders use cocaine.&nbsp;

Did Macron hide a packet of cocaine? A video on social media shows the French president picking up something from the table that people think is cocaine. World Trending

French President Emmanuel Macron was seen picking up a white-coloured item from the table in a video shot inside a train from Poland to Kyiv. He was accompanied by Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Rumours started circulating that Macron hid a packet of cocaine. Some Kremlin officials further fuelled them, openly alleging that the leaders were intoxicated. The Élysée Palace has slammed the claims as "disinformation", saying that it was only a piece of tissue paper. Marcon, Merz, and Starmer were visiting Ukraine to show their support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. The cocaine claims first popped up on pro-Russian social media channels. Later, a Kremlin spokesperson and another official also talked about it. “This fake news is being spread by France’s enemies, both abroad and at home. We must remain vigilant against manipulation,” the Élysée posted on X. The video shows the three leaders around a table as the cameras start rolling. Macron then picks up a white object from the table and later puts it in his pocket. “This is a tissue. For blowing your nose,” the Élysée posted alongside an image from the meeting. “This is European unity. To build peace." “When European unity becomes inconvenient, disinformation goes so far as to make a simple tissue look like drugs.” Video of Macron allegedly picking up "cocaine" 🚨 BREAKING! Macron, Starmer, and Merz caught red handed with a bag of coke on the table as Macron tries to hide it! Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/lZ9CfTpV0D — Liberal Tear Creator™ (@LibTearCreator1) May 11, 2025 The cocaine story received a further boost from user claims that Merz was holding a white cocaine spoon. In the video, he can be seen holding the alleged object fully in his hand. Russian spokesperson claims the European leaders did cocaine Among those who promoted the cocaine claim was the Kremlin’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, who posted about it on her Telegram channel. “After pushing Zelensky into yet another hellish scheme to derail a settlement and prolong the bloodshed in Europe, it’s like a joke: a Frenchman, an Englishman, and a German got on a train – and did a line,” Zakharova wrote on Sunday. Also Read: Ukraine's Zelensky ready for talks, but only if Russia agrees to a ceasefire “Apparently, they were so out of it they forgot to hide the paraphernalia – a small bag and a spoon – before the journalists arrived. Europe’s fate is in the hands of placeholders who are dependent, in every sense of the word.” Kirill Dmitriev, another Russian official, wrote under the video on X, “Is this footage AI or real? If it’s real – are we looking at sugar or something entirely different? If it’s something else, it explains a lot of recent ideas and proposals." According to the western media, Russia is trying to sour relations between the US, Europe and Ukraine over pressure for a ceasefire. Zakharova and other Russian officials had earlier claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was an “unstable cocaine addict”. They have often claimed that European leaders use cocaine.

'Did a line' and 'forgot to hide': ‘Cocaine’ conspiracy theory accuses Macron, Starmer and Merz of drug use on train to Kyiv

US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, believed to be the last living US citizen held hostage in Gaza, was released by Hamas on Monday as President Donald Trump departed Washington for a trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Alexander was being escorted out of the Gaza Strip by the IDF and brought to the facility near Re&rsquo;im when reports last came in.
Alexander, who is now 21, grew up in New Jersey before moving to Israel, where he was serving in the Israeli military when he was abducted during the Hamas-orchestrated attack on Oct. 7, 2023 that sparked the war in Gaza.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-executive-order-aiming-to-slash-drug-costs-in-us-by-50-9061909">Trump signs executive order aiming to slash drug costs in US by 50%</a>
Hamas said on Sunday evening that it would release Alexander without conditions in the hope of working for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and renewing the flow of vital humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian territory.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said in a post on X that the release of Edan Alexander by Hamas &ldquo;marks the beginning of the end to this terrible war.&rdquo;
&ldquo;We demand the immediate release of all remaining hostages,&rdquo; the envoy added.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the news of Alexander&rsquo;s release and said they&rsquo;d be organising a march at the U.S. embassy in Israel on Monday to demand &ldquo;a breakthrough and comprehensive agreement&rdquo; to bring the remaining hostages home.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-we-demolished-global-universities-of-terrorism-at-bahawalpur-muridke-pm-modi-9061746" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Operation Sindoor | &lsquo;We demolished global universities of terrorism at Bahawalpur, Muridke&rsquo;: PM Modi</a> Hamas said Sunday the decision to release Alexander came after &ldquo;contacts with the US administration over the past few days,&rdquo; and that it was ready to &ldquo;immediately begin intensive negotiations for ending the war, establish a mutually agreed-upon prisoner exchange, and have the Gaza Strip administered by an independent professional body.&rdquo; In a post on Truth Social, President Trump called the move &ldquo;a step taken in good faith towards the US and the efforts of the mediators&mdash;Qatar and Egypt&mdash;to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict.&rdquo;
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-struck-missile-site-at-malir-cantt-near-pakistans-port-city-of-karachi-9061396" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Indian Air Force struck missile site at Malir Cantt near Pakistan&rsquo;s port city of Karachi</a> The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement saying, &ldquo;Israel did not commit to any ceasefire or to the release of terrorists, but only to a safe corridor that would allow for Edan&rsquo;s release.&rdquo; &ldquo;Negotiations will continue under fire and while preparations are being made to intensify the fighting,&rdquo; the prime minister&rsquo;s office said. Israel has been preventing the entry of food and medical aid into Gaza for nearly three months.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-downed-pakistani-mirage-jet-during-operation-sindoor-army-shares-proof-watch-9060787" rel="noopener" target="_blank">India downed Pakistani Mirage Jet during Operation Sindoor, Army shares proof | Watch</a>

Middle East | World: Alexander, who is now 21, grew up in New Jersey before moving to Israel, where he was serving in the Israeli military when he was abducted during the Hamas-orchestrated attack on Oct. 7, 2023 that sparked the war in Gaza.

US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, believed to be the last living US citizen held hostage in Gaza, was released by Hamas on Monday as President Donald Trump departed Washington for a trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Alexander was being escorted out of the Gaza Strip by the IDF and brought to the facility near Re’im when reports last came in. Alexander, who is now 21, grew up in New Jersey before moving to Israel, where he was serving in the Israeli military when he was abducted during the Hamas-orchestrated attack on Oct. 7, 2023 that sparked the war in Gaza. Also Read | Trump signs executive order aiming to slash drug costs in US by 50% Hamas said on Sunday evening that it would release Alexander without conditions in the hope of working for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and renewing the flow of vital humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian territory. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said in a post on X that the release of Edan Alexander by Hamas “marks the beginning of the end to this terrible war.” “We demand the immediate release of all remaining hostages,” the envoy added. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum welcomed the news of Alexander’s release and said they’d be organising a march at the U.S. embassy in Israel on Monday to demand “a breakthrough and comprehensive agreement” to bring the remaining hostages home. Also Read | Operation Sindoor | ‘We demolished global universities of terrorism at Bahawalpur, Muridke’: PM Modi Hamas said Sunday the decision to release Alexander came after “contacts with the US administration over the past few days,” and that it was ready to “immediately begin intensive negotiations for ending the war, establish a mutually agreed-upon prisoner exchange, and have the Gaza Strip administered by an independent professional body.” In a post on Truth Social, President Trump called the move “a step taken in good faith towards the US and the efforts of the mediators—Qatar and Egypt—to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict.” Also Read | Indian Air Force struck missile site at Malir Cantt near Pakistan’s port city of Karachi The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement saying, “Israel did not commit to any ceasefire or to the release of terrorists, but only to a safe corridor that would allow for Edan’s release.” “Negotiations will continue under fire and while preparations are being made to intensify the fighting,” the prime minister’s office said. Israel has been preventing the entry of food and medical aid into Gaza for nearly three months. Also Read | India downed Pakistani Mirage Jet during Operation Sindoor, Army shares proof | Watch

US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander released after 584 days in Hamas captivity

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday that aims to cut prescription drug costs in the US by aligning what the government pays for certain medications with the prices paid in other countries. The order, experts say, is far more aggressive than the one during Trump&rsquo;s first term to cut drug costs, which was blocked by a federal judge and failed hence. Health policy experts feel the order will meet significant opposition from the drug industry. The new order directs Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to come up with price-cutting goals within 30 days, White House officials said on Monday.&nbsp; The move will kick off a round of negotiations between the health secretary and the drug industry and if the talks fail, Kennedy will move to enforce the &ldquo;most favoured nation&rdquo; pricing model, capping the drug prices in the US at the lowest rates paid by other wealthy nations.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-reacts-to-india-pakistan-ceasefire-agreement-operation-sindoor-nuclear-war-pahalgam-terror-attack-9061528">'Could have been a bad nuclear war': Trump reacts to India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement</a> Officials highlighted that this time the policy will not be limited to certain drugs under Medicare, as in the previous version, but will also target medications covered by Medicaid and private insurance. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m doing this for the American people,&rdquo; Trump said at the White House, discussing the executive order. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m doing this against the most powerful lobby in the world probably, the drug lobby.&rdquo;
The administration hasn&rsquo;t picked any specific class of drugs for price cuts, but officials said that drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound will also be included.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-we-demolished-global-universities-of-terrorism-at-bahawalpur-muridke-pm-modi-9061746">Operation Sindoor | &lsquo;We demolished global universities of terrorism at Bahawalpur, Muridke&rsquo;: PM Modi</a> Last month, the Trump administration rejected a Biden-era proposal for Medicare to cover weight loss drugs. The plan would have saved patients money but cost the government about $25 billion over 10 years. The Food and Drug Administration will also consider importing prescription drugs from countries besides Canada, where prices are often lower than in the US. The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission will be directed to act against &ldquo;anti-competitive&rdquo; actions by drugmakers that keep drug prices high, said officials.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-struck-missile-site-at-malir-cantt-near-pakistans-port-city-of-karachi-9061396" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Indian Air Force struck missile site at Malir Cantt near Pakistan&rsquo;s port city of Karachi</a> Prescription drug prices are notoriously high in the US, which has less than 5% of the global population but accounts for nearly three-quarters of global pharmaceutical profits. Rand Corporation, a public policy think tank, says Americans pay up to 10 times more for medications than people in other similarly wealthy nations. Many experts back Trump&rsquo;s approach but doubt how the administration would pursue price reductions for drugs under private insurance.&nbsp; Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-downed-pakistani-mirage-jet-during-operation-sindoor-army-shares-proof-watch-9060787" rel="noopener" target="_blank">India downed Pakistani Mirage Jet during Operation Sindoor, Army shares proof | Watch</a> In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump claimed that prescription drug costs would be reduced &ldquo;almost immediately&rdquo; by 30% to 80% and that the US &ldquo;will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World.&rdquo; In a follow-up post Monday, Trump said drug prices would be cut by 59%. At the White House later on Monday, Trump claimed drug prices would be reduced by 50% to 90%.

World: Prescription drug prices are notoriously high in the US, which has less than 5% of the global population but accounts for nearly three-quarters of global pharmaceutical profits.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday that aims to cut prescription drug costs in the US by aligning what the government pays for certain medications with the prices paid in other countries. The order, experts say, is far more aggressive than the one during Trump’s first term to cut drug costs, which was blocked by a federal judge and failed hence. Health policy experts feel the order will meet significant opposition from the drug industry. The new order directs Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to come up with price-cutting goals within 30 days, White House officials said on Monday. The move will kick off a round of negotiations between the health secretary and the drug industry and if the talks fail, Kennedy will move to enforce the “most favoured nation” pricing model, capping the drug prices in the US at the lowest rates paid by other wealthy nations. Also Read | 'Could have been a bad nuclear war': Trump reacts to India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement Officials highlighted that this time the policy will not be limited to certain drugs under Medicare, as in the previous version, but will also target medications covered by Medicaid and private insurance. “I’m doing this for the American people,” Trump said at the White House, discussing the executive order. “I’m doing this against the most powerful lobby in the world probably, the drug lobby.” The administration hasn’t picked any specific class of drugs for price cuts, but officials said that drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound will also be included. Also Read | Operation Sindoor | ‘We demolished global universities of terrorism at Bahawalpur, Muridke’: PM Modi Last month, the Trump administration rejected a Biden-era proposal for Medicare to cover weight loss drugs. The plan would have saved patients money but cost the government about $25 billion over 10 years. The Food and Drug Administration will also consider importing prescription drugs from countries besides Canada, where prices are often lower than in the US. The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission will be directed to act against “anti-competitive” actions by drugmakers that keep drug prices high, said officials. Also Read | Indian Air Force struck missile site at Malir Cantt near Pakistan’s port city of Karachi Prescription drug prices are notoriously high in the US, which has less than 5% of the global population but accounts for nearly three-quarters of global pharmaceutical profits. Rand Corporation, a public policy think tank, says Americans pay up to 10 times more for medications than people in other similarly wealthy nations. Many experts back Trump’s approach but doubt how the administration would pursue price reductions for drugs under private insurance. Also Read | India downed Pakistani Mirage Jet during Operation Sindoor, Army shares proof | Watch In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump claimed that prescription drug costs would be reduced “almost immediately” by 30% to 80% and that the US “will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World.” In a follow-up post Monday, Trump said drug prices would be cut by 59%. At the White House later on Monday, Trump claimed drug prices would be reduced by 50% to 90%.

Trump signs executive order aiming to slash drug costs in US by 50%

Afghanistan sees yet another ban, this time Taliban outlaws playing chess, citing concerns of gambling.
Ever since the Taliban took over, Afghans have had one ban after another. Speaking to news agency AFP, Atal Mashwani, spokesperson for the Taliban&rsquo;s sports directorate said, "Chess in sharia (Islamic law) is considered a means of gambling."
He added, "Until these considerations are addressed, the sport of chess is suspended in Afghanistan. There are religious considerations regarding the sport of chess."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-leader-warns-pashtuns-against-being-used-in-india-pakistan-conflict-9048205">Taliban leader warns Pashtuns against being used in India-Pakistan conflict</a>
Not too long ago, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) was under the Taliban's radar for it wasn't compatible with Islamic laws. The officials said&nbsp;it was too "violent" and "problematic with respect to sharia".
Since 2021, Afghanistan has been no stranger to such bans, all of which are cited as not acceptable under Islamic law. From women's education to their free movement, a lot is at stake. Women's voices, their rights have been silenced like never before.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Afghanistan sees yet another ban, this time Taliban outlaws playing chess, citing concerns of gambling. World

Afghanistan sees yet another ban, this time Taliban outlaws playing chess, citing concerns of gambling. Ever since the Taliban took over, Afghans have had one ban after another. Speaking to news agency AFP, Atal Mashwani, spokesperson for the Taliban’s sports directorate said, "Chess in sharia (Islamic law) is considered a means of gambling." He added, "Until these considerations are addressed, the sport of chess is suspended in Afghanistan. There are religious considerations regarding the sport of chess." Also read: Taliban leader warns Pashtuns against being used in India-Pakistan conflict Not too long ago, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) was under the Taliban's radar for it wasn't compatible with Islamic laws. The officials said it was too "violent" and "problematic with respect to sharia". Since 2021, Afghanistan has been no stranger to such bans, all of which are cited as not acceptable under Islamic law. From women's education to their free movement, a lot is at stake. Women's voices, their rights have been silenced like never before.

Taliban strikes again, this time bans playing chess in Afghanistan because...

US President Donald Trump is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny after reports of his plans to accept as a "gift" an expensive Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar emerged.
ABC News and The New York Times first reported that Qatar's royal family was offering the aircraft as a "gift", potentially making it the most expensive ever received by the US government.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-vehemently-reject-trumps-mediation-offer-on-kashmir-not-a-biblical-1000-year-old-conflict-9059730">Congress vehemently rejects Trump's mediation offer on Kashmir; 'not a biblical 1000-year-old conflict'</a>
<h2>Donald Trump defends 'gift'</h2>
Amid concerns of a violation of the US Constitution &ndash; its emoluments' clause prohibits government officials from accepting gifts "from any King, Prince or foreign State" &ndash; and concerns about foreign influence, Trump defended the move on social media.
On Sunday, posting on his social media platform Truth Social, the 78-year-old US president claimed that the Boeing jet was only a temporary "gift" that would replace the existing four-decade-old model. However, he also insisted that the reports describing it as a gift were "inaccurate".
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<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

He claimed that the gifting process was unfolding as a "transparent transaction" but did not specify if Qatar was getting/expecting something in return.
<h2>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/donald-trump-plans-major-move-to-cut-drug-prices-by-up-to-80-9059338">Donald Trump plans major move to cut drug prices by up to 80%</a></h2>
Trump also insisted the jet would temporarily be handed to the Department of Defense before being transferred to his presidential library after he leaves office.
Slamming Democrats for what he called the "Crooked" Democrats' push for an unnecessarily expensive new Air Force One, he said, "they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane."
"Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!!," he added.
Qatar also moved to quickly distance itself from the perception of a political gift. Ali Al-Ansari, the country&rsquo;s media attach&eacute; in Washington, said the "possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration between Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-tone-deaf-disrespectful-behaviour-at-popes-funeral-ignites-online-hate-moron-embarrassed-us-on-world-stage-9006273">'Tone-deaf' Trump's disrespectful behaviour at Pope's funeral ignites online hate: 'Moron embarrassed us on world stage'</a>
<h2>What critics are saying</h2>
Lawmakers across the political spectrum are raising red flags about the incoming "gift".&nbsp;
Labelling it "wildly illegal," Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). "This isn&rsquo;t a good idea even if the plane was being donated to the US government. But Trump GETS TO KEEP THE PLANE??? It&rsquo;s simply a cash payment to Trump in exchange for favours. Just wildly illegal," he said.
Representative Kelly Morrison (D-MN) called the arrangement "corruption in plain sight," while even Trump ally Laura Loomer blasted the move, saying, "We cannot accept a $400 million 'gift' from jihadists in suits," and said that "The Qataris fund the same Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah who have murdered US Service Members."

The gift, potentially the most expensive received by the US government, was defended by Trump as a temporary replacement for the ageing Air Force One, sparking debate.

US President Donald Trump is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny after reports of his plans to accept as a "gift" an expensive Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar emerged. ABC News and The New York Times first reported that Qatar's royal family was offering the aircraft as a "gift", potentially making it the most expensive ever received by the US government. Also read | Congress vehemently rejects Trump's mediation offer on Kashmir; 'not a biblical 1000-year-old conflict' Donald Trump defends 'gift' Amid concerns of a violation of the US Constitution – its emoluments' clause prohibits government officials from accepting gifts "from any King, Prince or foreign State" – and concerns about foreign influence, Trump defended the move on social media. On Sunday, posting on his social media platform Truth Social, the 78-year-old US president claimed that the Boeing jet was only a temporary "gift" that would replace the existing four-decade-old model. However, he also insisted that the reports describing it as a gift were "inaccurate". He claimed that the gifting process was unfolding as a "transparent transaction" but did not specify if Qatar was getting/expecting something in return. Also read | Donald Trump plans major move to cut drug prices by up to 80% Trump also insisted the jet would temporarily be handed to the Department of Defense before being transferred to his presidential library after he leaves office. Slamming Democrats for what he called the "Crooked" Democrats' push for an unnecessarily expensive new Air Force One, he said, "they insist we pay, TOP DOLLAR, for the plane." "Anybody can do that! The Dems are World Class Losers!!!," he added. Qatar also moved to quickly distance itself from the perception of a political gift. Ali Al-Ansari, the country’s media attaché in Washington, said the "possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration between Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense". Also read | 'Tone-deaf' Trump's disrespectful behaviour at Pope's funeral ignites online hate: 'Moron embarrassed us on world stage' What critics are saying Lawmakers across the political spectrum are raising red flags about the incoming "gift". Labelling it "wildly illegal," Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). "This isn’t a good idea even if the plane was being donated to the US government. But Trump GETS TO KEEP THE PLANE??? It’s simply a cash payment to Trump in exchange for favours. Just wildly illegal," he said. Representative Kelly Morrison (D-MN) called the arrangement "corruption in plain sight," while even Trump ally Laura Loomer blasted the move, saying, "We cannot accept a $400 million 'gift' from jihadists in suits," and said that "The Qataris fund the same Iranian proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah who have murdered US Service Members."

'Wildly illegal': Trump slammed for Boeing 747-8 jet 'gift' from Qatar royal family; US president defends present

The United States will suspend livestock imports from Mexico for 15 days over a pest control row between the major trade partners, officials said Sunday.
US President Donald Trump's administration warned late April that Washington would introduce restrictions unless Mexico acted to help control a screwworm fly outbreak, whose flesh-eating larvae can kill cattle.
Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue said Sunday his US counterpart Brooke Rollins had told him "the border would be closed to the export of livestock for 15 days to review the joint strategy against the screwworm."
"We do not agree with this measure, but we are confident that in a shorter time we will be reaching an agreement," Berdegue added on X.
Rollins said in a statememt: "Once we see increased surveillance and eradication efforts, and the positive results of those actions, we remain committed to opening the border for livestock trade."
"This is not about politics or punishment of Mexico, rather it is about food and animal safety," she added.
In 2024, the United States applied a similar blockade on livestock from Mexico due to similar concerns about a screwworm outbreak.
The row comes against a backdrop of increased trade tensions between the neighboring countries as a result of US tariffs.
Mexico exported just over one million head of cattle to the United States last year, according to estimates by both governments.
&nbsp;

World | The United States will suspend livestock imports from Mexico for 15 days over a pest control row between the major trade partners, officials said Sunday.

The United States will suspend livestock imports from Mexico for 15 days over a pest control row between the major trade partners, officials said Sunday. US President Donald Trump's administration warned late April that Washington would introduce restrictions unless Mexico acted to help control a screwworm fly outbreak, whose flesh-eating larvae can kill cattle. Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue said Sunday his US counterpart Brooke Rollins had told him "the border would be closed to the export of livestock for 15 days to review the joint strategy against the screwworm." "We do not agree with this measure, but we are confident that in a shorter time we will be reaching an agreement," Berdegue added on X. Rollins said in a statememt: "Once we see increased surveillance and eradication efforts, and the positive results of those actions, we remain committed to opening the border for livestock trade." "This is not about politics or punishment of Mexico, rather it is about food and animal safety," she added. In 2024, the United States applied a similar blockade on livestock from Mexico due to similar concerns about a screwworm outbreak. The row comes against a backdrop of increased trade tensions between the neighboring countries as a result of US tariffs. Mexico exported just over one million head of cattle to the United States last year, according to estimates by both governments.

US restricts Mexico livestock imports for 15 days

Who are the PKK and who is its jailed founder, Abdullah &Ouml;calan? What you should know: On Monday (May 12), the Kurdish militant group PKK announced that it will cease its war against Turkey after 40 years of fighting. The PKK, or the Kurdistan Workers&rsquo; Party will disband and lay down arms. If it happens, it will be the end of a long and bloody fight for a separate nation of Kurdistan, and could lead to the release of PKK's charismatic&nbsp;founder Abdullah &Ouml;calan, who has been lodged in a Turkish jail for over three decades.
&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/3004_TURKEY_9PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/3004_TURKEY_9PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=125&amp;tags=Iraq, UK, World News, WION" title="Iraq warns of unprecedented Turkish expansion post-PKK ceasefire" id="PL_iframe_block-makvji69-sxyir77g-3kqqpcka"></iframe>
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<h2>Story of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK)&nbsp;</h2>
&nbsp;
Started as a political party, the PKK was established on 27 November 1978, in F&icirc;s, Lice, Diyarbakır, Turkey.
Along with Abdullah &Ouml;calan, the founders and top leaders of PKK include Murat Karayılan, Cem&icirc;l Bayik, Duran Kalkan, Bes&ecirc; Hozat, Nuriye Kesbir, Bahoz Erdal and Mustafa Karasu.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-kurdistan-workers-party-who-attacked-turkish-defence-industry-770762">What is Kurdistan Workers&rsquo; Party (PKK), the group behind attack on Turkish defence company?</a>
 The party was founded on Marxist-Leninist ideology and advocated Kurdish nationalism. Its primary aim was the establishment of an independent Kurdish state (More about Kurdistan later).&nbsp;
Earlier, the PKK stood for autonomy and cultural rights for Kurds - a proud people spread across the regions of present-day Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria.&nbsp;
<h2>PKK: From a political party to the terror organisation</h2>
&nbsp;
The PKK armed and trained fighters, including a fierce female group, and carried out a series of attacks, leading to its designation as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US, and the European Union, among others.
&nbsp;
The PKK has carried out an armed insurgency against the state of Turkey since 1984.
An estimated 40,000 deaths are attributed to this insurgency and its supression by the Turkish forces.&nbsp;Most of the casualties were Kurdish civilians.
<h2>PKK's regions of operation, tactics</h2>
PKK's military and political wings are active mainly in regions bordering and inside southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, and northeastern Syria.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-war-what-is-the-turkish-asisgard-songar-drone-used-by-pakistan-to-attack-india-9053055">What is the Turkish Asisgard Songar drone used by Pakistan to attack India</a>
The group has an estimated 7,000 fighters, operating mostly out of northern Iraq&rsquo;s Qandil Mountains. The PKK was known for its asymmetrical war: guerrilla warfare, bomb explosions, ambushes, and targeted killings.
It has also been reportedly involved in arms smuggling, extortion and drug trafficking, as alleged by Turkey&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Kurdish lands are a hostile terrain, including the Qandil Mountains, which gives strategic bases for PKK's operations.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-abdullah-ocalan-calls-for-pkk-to-disband-and-lay-down-arms-in-landmark-declaration-8763768">Turkey: Abdullah Ocalan calls for PKK to disband and lay down arms in landmark declaration</a>
&nbsp;
<h2>Major PKK attacks</h2>
PKK fighters have been behind a number of major attacks in the Middle East, mostly targeting&nbsp; Turkish security forces, government officials, and infrastructure.
In&nbsp; 2016, a car bombing in Cizre killed 11 policemen and injured 78.
In October 2024, the PKK attacked a state-owned arms company near Ankara, killing five and injuring 22.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-war-operation-sindoor-pahalgam-terror-attack-turkey-azerbaijan-airlines-turkish-airlines-ban-9049675">#BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan trends: Indian travel agencies say no to Turks, end tie up with Turkish airlines | Here's why</a>
&nbsp;
A bombing in 2012 in Gaziantep killed eight and wounded 66. In an ambush of 2014 in Diyarbakır-Bitlis, three police officers were killed.
The group is alleged to have conducted several kidnappings, notable among them being the 2014 abduction of three Chinese engineers in Silopi. They were subsequently released.
<h2>Abdullah &Ouml;calan, the jailed leader of PKK</h2>
Abdullah &Ouml;calan is the founder and ideological leader of PKK. He has been lodged in a jail after being captured by Turkish intelligence in 1999 in Kenya.
Sentenced to life for treason, Ocelan has been kept in a &nbsp;high-security prison on İmralı Island.
Over the years, Ocelan has favoured a ceasefire, issuing calls for it from his jail cell, the last such being in February this year.
The PKK, under Ocalan's leadership, stood for &ldquo;democratic confederalism.&rdquo;
This was a model of local self-administration as opposed to statehood for the Kurdish people.&nbsp;
The key question after PKK's laying down of arms would be whether Turkey would release its charismatic leader, Abdullah &Ouml;calan.
The release of &Ouml;calan has been a key demand of PKK, for which dozens of rallies were held across various cities in the world by Kurds and Kurdish expatriates.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>What is Kurdistan, and Kurdish nationalism?</h2>
&nbsp;
Kurdistan is the name given to a region that spans&nbsp;eastern Turkey, northern Iraq, western Iran, and parts of Syria where the Kurds live. Their population is estimated to be 30 million.
While it has no formal statehood, Kurds have always thought of this region as their historic and cultural homeland. The Kurds are considered in some accounts as among the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world.
Kurds account for nearly 20 per cent of the population of Turkey, and live mainly in the southeast of the nation.&nbsp;
An autonomous region has been created by the Kurds in northern Iraq, led by the Kurdistan Regional Government or KRG. President Nechirvan Barzani is the leader of KRG, whose capital is in Erbil.
KRG, along with PKK, worked for the Syrian Kurds who fought in the Syrian Civil War.
&nbsp;

What is PKK and who is its jailed founder Abdullah Öcalan? Kurdistan Workers Party declares end to war against Turkey, to lay down arms. Trending | World

Who are the PKK and who is its jailed founder, Abdullah Öcalan? What you should know: On Monday (May 12), the Kurdish militant group PKK announced that it will cease its war against Turkey after 40 years of fighting. The PKK, or the Kurdistan Workers’ Party will disband and lay down arms. If it happens, it will be the end of a long and bloody fight for a separate nation of Kurdistan, and could lead to the release of PKK's charismatic founder Abdullah Öcalan, who has been lodged in a Turkish jail for over three decades. Story of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) Started as a political party, the PKK was established on 27 November 1978, in Fîs, Lice, Diyarbakır, Turkey. Along with Abdullah Öcalan, the founders and top leaders of PKK include Murat Karayılan, Cemîl Bayik, Duran Kalkan, Besê Hozat, Nuriye Kesbir, Bahoz Erdal and Mustafa Karasu. What is Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), the group behind attack on Turkish defence company? The party was founded on Marxist-Leninist ideology and advocated Kurdish nationalism. Its primary aim was the establishment of an independent Kurdish state (More about Kurdistan later). Earlier, the PKK stood for autonomy and cultural rights for Kurds - a proud people spread across the regions of present-day Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. PKK: From a political party to the terror organisation The PKK armed and trained fighters, including a fierce female group, and carried out a series of attacks, leading to its designation as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US, and the European Union, among others. The PKK has carried out an armed insurgency against the state of Turkey since 1984. An estimated 40,000 deaths are attributed to this insurgency and its supression by the Turkish forces. Most of the casualties were Kurdish civilians. PKK's regions of operation, tactics PKK's military and political wings are active mainly in regions bordering and inside southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, and northeastern Syria. What is the Turkish Asisgard Songar drone used by Pakistan to attack India The group has an estimated 7,000 fighters, operating mostly out of northern Iraq’s Qandil Mountains. The PKK was known for its asymmetrical war: guerrilla warfare, bomb explosions, ambushes, and targeted killings. It has also been reportedly involved in arms smuggling, extortion and drug trafficking, as alleged by Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Kurdish lands are a hostile terrain, including the Qandil Mountains, which gives strategic bases for PKK's operations. Turkey: Abdullah Ocalan calls for PKK to disband and lay down arms in landmark declaration Major PKK attacks PKK fighters have been behind a number of major attacks in the Middle East, mostly targeting Turkish security forces, government officials, and infrastructure. In 2016, a car bombing in Cizre killed 11 policemen and injured 78. In October 2024, the PKK attacked a state-owned arms company near Ankara, killing five and injuring 22. #BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan trends: Indian travel agencies say no to Turks, end tie up with Turkish airlines | Here's why A bombing in 2012 in Gaziantep killed eight and wounded 66. In an ambush of 2014 in Diyarbakır-Bitlis, three police officers were killed. The group is alleged to have conducted several kidnappings, notable among them being the 2014 abduction of three Chinese engineers in Silopi. They were subsequently released. Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of PKK Abdullah Öcalan is the founder and ideological leader of PKK. He has been lodged in a jail after being captured by Turkish intelligence in 1999 in Kenya. Sentenced to life for treason, Ocelan has been kept in a high-security prison on İmralı Island. Over the years, Ocelan has favoured a ceasefire, issuing calls for it from his jail cell, the last such being in February this year. The PKK, under Ocalan's leadership, stood for “democratic confederalism.” This was a model of local self-administration as opposed to statehood for the Kurdish people. The key question after PKK's laying down of arms would be whether Turkey would release its charismatic leader, Abdullah Öcalan. The release of Öcalan has been a key demand of PKK, for which dozens of rallies were held across various cities in the world by Kurds and Kurdish expatriates. What is Kurdistan, and Kurdish nationalism? Kurdistan is the name given to a region that spans eastern Turkey, northern Iraq, western Iran, and parts of Syria where the Kurds live. Their population is estimated to be 30 million. While it has no formal statehood, Kurds have always thought of this region as their historic and cultural homeland. The Kurds are considered in some accounts as among the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world. Kurds account for nearly 20 per cent of the population of Turkey, and live mainly in the southeast of the nation. An autonomous region has been created by the Kurds in northern Iraq, led by the Kurdistan Regional Government or KRG. President Nechirvan Barzani is the leader of KRG, whose capital is in Erbil. KRG, along with PKK, worked for the Syrian Kurds who fought in the Syrian Civil War.

What is PKK and who is its jailed founder Abdullah Ocalan? Group declares end to war against Turkey, to lay down arms

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on Monday announced its dissolution, saying it was ending its armed struggle against the Turkish state and drawing a line under its deadly four-decade insurgency.
Founded in the late 1970s by Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK took up arms in 1984, beginning a string of attacks against the Turkish state that would cost more than 40,000 lives.
"The 12th PKK Congress has decided to dissolve the PKK's organisational structure and end its method of armed struggle," the group said in a statement published by the pro-Kurdish ANF news agency.
The move was welcomed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP party as an "important step", but it warned the process would be "meticulously monitored" by the government.
The historic announcement came after an appeal by Ocalan, who on February 27 urged his fighters disarm and disband in a letter from Istanbul's Imrali prison island, where he has been held since 1999.
He also asked the PKK to hold a congress to formalise the decision, which it did last week in Iraq's Kandil mountains, when it declared a ceasefire.
There its leader took "decisions of historic importance concerning the PKK's activities", ANF had reported on Friday.
"This is not the end, it is a new beginning," PKK executive committee member Duran Kalkan told delegates in remarks quoted by the pro-Kurdish Mezopotamya news agency.
AKP spokesman Omer Celik said if the decision were "implemented in practise and realised in all its dimensions" it would open the door to a new era.
<h2><hl2>'Huge win for Erdogan'</hl2></h2>
"The PKK's decision to dissolve itself and lay down its arms following the call from Imrali is an important step towards a terror-free Turkey," Celik said.
"The full and concrete implementation of the decision to dissolve and surrender arms... will be a turning point," he added, saying the process would be "meticulously monitored" by the government.
The declaration was the culmination of seven months of work to renew long-stalled talks that began in October when Ankara offered Ocalan an unexpected olive branch.
"If the PKK announces it is disbanding and finalises the process without any road accidents, that will be a huge win for Erdogan," Gonul Tol of the Washington-based Middle East Institute told AFP.
She said seeking a rapprochement with the Kurds was very much related to domestic politics, coming just months after Erdogan's AKP suffered a blow at the ballot box.
Analysts say a deal with the Kurds could allow Erdogan to amend the constitution and extend his term in office, while simultaneously driving a wedge between pro-Kurdish parties and the rest of Turkey's opposition.
"The main driver behind this Ocalan opening has always been about consolidating Erdogan's rule. Because if this whole process succeeds, he will go into the 2028 elections as a stronger candidate who is facing a divided opposition," Tol said.
In a weekend speech, Erdogan hinted the dissolution could be announced at any moment, saying that "We are advancing with firm steps on the path toward the goal of a terror-free Turkey".
The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Ankara, Washington and Brussels, has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984.
Its original aim was to carve out a homeland for Kurds, who make up about 20 percent of Turkey's 85 million people.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Founded in the late 1970s by Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK took up arms in 1984, beginning a string of attacks against the Turkish state that would cost more than 40,000 lives.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on Monday announced its dissolution, saying it was ending its armed struggle against the Turkish state and drawing a line under its deadly four-decade insurgency. Founded in the late 1970s by Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK took up arms in 1984, beginning a string of attacks against the Turkish state that would cost more than 40,000 lives. "The 12th PKK Congress has decided to dissolve the PKK's organisational structure and end its method of armed struggle," the group said in a statement published by the pro-Kurdish ANF news agency. The move was welcomed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP party as an "important step", but it warned the process would be "meticulously monitored" by the government. The historic announcement came after an appeal by Ocalan, who on February 27 urged his fighters disarm and disband in a letter from Istanbul's Imrali prison island, where he has been held since 1999. He also asked the PKK to hold a congress to formalise the decision, which it did last week in Iraq's Kandil mountains, when it declared a ceasefire. There its leader took "decisions of historic importance concerning the PKK's activities", ANF had reported on Friday. "This is not the end, it is a new beginning," PKK executive committee member Duran Kalkan told delegates in remarks quoted by the pro-Kurdish Mezopotamya news agency. AKP spokesman Omer Celik said if the decision were "implemented in practise and realised in all its dimensions" it would open the door to a new era. 'Huge win for Erdogan' "The PKK's decision to dissolve itself and lay down its arms following the call from Imrali is an important step towards a terror-free Turkey," Celik said. "The full and concrete implementation of the decision to dissolve and surrender arms... will be a turning point," he added, saying the process would be "meticulously monitored" by the government. The declaration was the culmination of seven months of work to renew long-stalled talks that began in October when Ankara offered Ocalan an unexpected olive branch. "If the PKK announces it is disbanding and finalises the process without any road accidents, that will be a huge win for Erdogan," Gonul Tol of the Washington-based Middle East Institute told AFP. She said seeking a rapprochement with the Kurds was very much related to domestic politics, coming just months after Erdogan's AKP suffered a blow at the ballot box. Analysts say a deal with the Kurds could allow Erdogan to amend the constitution and extend his term in office, while simultaneously driving a wedge between pro-Kurdish parties and the rest of Turkey's opposition. "The main driver behind this Ocalan opening has always been about consolidating Erdogan's rule. Because if this whole process succeeds, he will go into the 2028 elections as a stronger candidate who is facing a divided opposition," Tol said. In a weekend speech, Erdogan hinted the dissolution could be announced at any moment, saying that "We are advancing with firm steps on the path toward the goal of a terror-free Turkey". The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Ankara, Washington and Brussels, has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984. Its original aim was to carve out a homeland for Kurds, who make up about 20 percent of Turkey's 85 million people. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Kurdish militant PKK says disbanding, ending armed struggle

Trending | Photos | New year celebrations update in pictures | As the year 2025 arrives, people took part in the New Year celebrations across the world with fireworks and traditional eventss, bidding farewell to 2024.  Celebrations embraced cultural diversity, with traditional dances and music echoing through streets, highlighting rich heritage and fostering global camaraderie.

New Year in pics | World welcomes 2025 with fireworks, celebrations

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has caused a stir within the company by ordering the removal of tampons and sanitary pads from men&rsquo;s bathrooms at its offices, including in Silicon Valley, Texas and New York.&nbsp;
The move, reported by The New York Times, follows a broader shift in the company&rsquo;s internal policies, sparking significant controversy among employees.
Previously, tampons and sanitary products were available in men's bathrooms to support non-binary and transgender employees who might need them. However, according to two employees, facilities managers were recently instructed to remove these products as part of a company-wide policy change.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-revises-policies-to-permit-mentally-ill-labels-for-lgbtq-people-8602519">Meta revises policies to permit 'mentally ill' labels for LGBTQ people</a>
<h2>Employees' reactions</h2>
The decision has led to frustration among employees, especially within Meta's Pride group on the company&rsquo;s internal platform. Many employees voiced objections, and some even threatened to resign in protest.&nbsp;
<h2>Wider shift: DEI programmes and political influence</h2>
This move to remove tampons is part of a larger overhaul of Meta's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Reports suggest that the company has also discontinued several DEI programmes and removed LGBTQ+ themes from its Messenger app. These changes appear to align with political shifts as Meta prepares for the incoming US administration, which has been vocal about its stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canine-heroes-how-dogs-are-protecting-worlds-vineyards-from-threats-8612545">Canine heroes: How dogs are protecting world's vineyards from threats</a>
<h2>Meta&rsquo;s content moderation changes</h2>
In addition to the DEI adjustments, Meta has been revising its content moderation policies, replacing its fact-checkers with a new "Community Notes" programme. Zuckerberg defended this change, claiming the old fact-checking system was seen as politically biased.
Meta&rsquo;s decisions reflect a wider trend among major companies reevaluating their DEI strategies following the election of President-elect Donald Trump. As corporate America adapts to a changing political landscape, the backlash from employees highlights the tension between business practices and social issues.

World | Business & Economy | Trending: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has caused a stir within the company by ordering the removal of tampons and sanitary pads from men’s bathrooms at its offices.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has caused a stir within the company by ordering the removal of tampons and sanitary pads from men’s bathrooms at its offices, including in Silicon Valley, Texas and New York. The move, reported by The New York Times, follows a broader shift in the company’s internal policies, sparking significant controversy among employees. Previously, tampons and sanitary products were available in men's bathrooms to support non-binary and transgender employees who might need them. However, according to two employees, facilities managers were recently instructed to remove these products as part of a company-wide policy change. Also Read | Meta revises policies to permit 'mentally ill' labels for LGBTQ people Employees' reactions The decision has led to frustration among employees, especially within Meta's Pride group on the company’s internal platform. Many employees voiced objections, and some even threatened to resign in protest. Wider shift: DEI programmes and political influence This move to remove tampons is part of a larger overhaul of Meta's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Reports suggest that the company has also discontinued several DEI programmes and removed LGBTQ+ themes from its Messenger app. These changes appear to align with political shifts as Meta prepares for the incoming US administration, which has been vocal about its stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Also Read | Canine heroes: How dogs are protecting world's vineyards from threats Meta’s content moderation changes In addition to the DEI adjustments, Meta has been revising its content moderation policies, replacing its fact-checkers with a new "Community Notes" programme. Zuckerberg defended this change, claiming the old fact-checking system was seen as politically biased. Meta’s decisions reflect a wider trend among major companies reevaluating their DEI strategies following the election of President-elect Donald Trump. As corporate America adapts to a changing political landscape, the backlash from employees highlights the tension between business practices and social issues.

Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta order for removal of tampons from men's bathrooms sparks backlash

The incoming US Vice President JD Vance Saturday (Jan 11) reiterated President-elect Donald Trump&rsquo;s promise to pardon Jan 6 Capitol riot protesters, but added those who were involved in violence should &ldquo;obviously&rdquo; not receive any relief. Trump has repeatedly said he would offer presidential pardons to Jan 6ers on the very first day of his administration.
&ldquo;If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn&rsquo;t be pardoned,&rdquo; Vance said while talking to Fox News. He added, &ldquo;If you protested peacefully on January 6, and you had Merrick Garland&rsquo;s Department of Justice treat you like a gang member, you should be pardoned.&rdquo;
<h2>Jan 6 Capitol riots</h2>
Trump loyalists had laid siege to the US Capitol following the 2020 loss to Democratic candidate Joe Biden in an attempt to stop the certification of the elections. The ruckus ended up claiming five lives and causing injuries to the hundreds, including 174 police officers. Later, at least 127 defendants were handed over convictions. According to the US Justice Department, about 1,580 people had been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot.
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The Washington Post reported that among those convicted, at least 13 are linked to the far-right Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who face charges of seditious conspiracy. At least 379 people faced charges related to assaulting police or members of the media. At least 287 people are facing less serious charges, primarily less violent or nonviolent felonies.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-posts-throwback-image-from-capitol-riots-ahead-of-his-certification-as-2024-election-winner-8596663">Donald Trump stirs 2021 Capitol riot memories ahead of his certification as US election winner</a>
If Trump decides to pardon the Jan 6 rioters, it will lift all the punishments but also restore their civil rights, such as the right to vote and possess a gun.
In November, after winning the elections, Trump said he would go &lsquo;case by case&rsquo; regarding issuing pardons. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m going to do case-by-case, and if they were non-violent, I think they&rsquo;ve been greatly punished,&rdquo; Trump told Time magazine. Later, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team said that Trump &ldquo;will pardon Americans who were denied due process and unfairly prosecuted by the weaponised Department of Justice.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trump loyalists had laid siege to the US Capitol following the 2020 loss to Democratic candidate Joe Biden in an attempt to stop the certification of the election.

The incoming US Vice President JD Vance Saturday (Jan 11) reiterated President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to pardon Jan 6 Capitol riot protesters, but added those who were involved in violence should “obviously” not receive any relief. Trump has repeatedly said he would offer presidential pardons to Jan 6ers on the very first day of his administration. “If you committed violence on that day, obviously you shouldn’t be pardoned,” Vance said while talking to Fox News. He added, “If you protested peacefully on January 6, and you had Merrick Garland’s Department of Justice treat you like a gang member, you should be pardoned.” Jan 6 Capitol riots Trump loyalists had laid siege to the US Capitol following the 2020 loss to Democratic candidate Joe Biden in an attempt to stop the certification of the elections. The ruckus ended up claiming five lives and causing injuries to the hundreds, including 174 police officers. Later, at least 127 defendants were handed over convictions. According to the US Justice Department, about 1,580 people had been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot. Also read: Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta orders removal of Tampons from Men's bathrooms sparks backlash The Washington Post reported that among those convicted, at least 13 are linked to the far-right Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who face charges of seditious conspiracy. At least 379 people faced charges related to assaulting police or members of the media. At least 287 people are facing less serious charges, primarily less violent or nonviolent felonies. Also read: Donald Trump stirs 2021 Capitol riot memories ahead of his certification as US election winner If Trump decides to pardon the Jan 6 rioters, it will lift all the punishments but also restore their civil rights, such as the right to vote and possess a gun. In November, after winning the elections, Trump said he would go ‘case by case’ regarding issuing pardons. “I’m going to do case-by-case, and if they were non-violent, I think they’ve been greatly punished,” Trump told Time magazine. Later, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team said that Trump “will pardon Americans who were denied due process and unfairly prosecuted by the weaponised Department of Justice.” (With inputs from agencies)

JD Vance tells ‘who shouldn’t be pardoned’ as fate of Jan 6 rioters hangs in balance

A woman in Australia used a supermarket rewards programme to catch her husband who was cheating on her. In a video on TikTok, the woman's private investigator revealed details about exactly what happened, Australian media reported early Sunday (Jan 12).
The private investigator, identified as Cass, said that her client wanted to find out how her husband was cheating. According to a report by news.com.au, the woman and her husband lived in Queensland.&nbsp;
However, the man had been making frequent trips to New South Wales (NSW) to visit his family, something he rarely did before.
<h2>How the extramarital affair was discovered</h2>
As her husband was making these frequent trips to NSW, his wife checked their joint bank accounts, the news.com.au report said.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-wife-makes-cheating-husband-walk-in-mall-with-i-had-affair-board-hanging-from-his-neck-778898" rel="dofollow">Wife makes cheating husband walk in mall with 'I had affair' board hanging from his neck</a>
The woman found transactions from the grocery store named Coles and a hardware store named Burnings, but as there were no specific locations attached to them, she could not prove anything.
Cass advised her to check if they had any joint rewards accounts, such as Everyday Rewards or Flybuys.
The couple had an account on Flybuys, and this is where all the beans were spilt following a revelation of the transactions on the app.
The purchases from Coles and Bunnings were listed with the suburbs where each store was located, and they turned out to be in a Queensland suburb where the husband&rsquo;s ex-girlfriend lived.
<h2>The reactions</h2>
There were several reactions to the TikTok post shareworldd by Cass, where users shared their stories of discovering the secret affairs of their partners.
&ldquo;Nailed it! Caught mine the same way,&rdquo; a woman commented on the post.
&ldquo;I found out my now ex-husband bought condoms and kids&rsquo; stuff at Big W when I was looking for a transaction on my Everyday Rewards account. We don&rsquo;t have kids,&rdquo; another user commented.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | Trending: A private investigator said the woman wanted to find out how her husband was cheating. His affair was revealed through transactions on a joint rewards account system.

A woman in Australia used a supermarket rewards programme to catch her husband who was cheating on her. In a video on TikTok, the woman's private investigator revealed details about exactly what happened, Australian media reported early Sunday (Jan 12). The private investigator, identified as Cass, said that her client wanted to find out how her husband was cheating. According to a report by news.com.au, the woman and her husband lived in Queensland. However, the man had been making frequent trips to New South Wales (NSW) to visit his family, something he rarely did before. How the extramarital affair was discovered As her husband was making these frequent trips to NSW, his wife checked their joint bank accounts, the news.com.au report said. Also read | Wife makes cheating husband walk in mall with 'I had affair' board hanging from his neck The woman found transactions from the grocery store named Coles and a hardware store named Burnings, but as there were no specific locations attached to them, she could not prove anything. Cass advised her to check if they had any joint rewards accounts, such as Everyday Rewards or Flybuys. The couple had an account on Flybuys, and this is where all the beans were spilt following a revelation of the transactions on the app. The purchases from Coles and Bunnings were listed with the suburbs where each store was located, and they turned out to be in a Queensland suburb where the husband’s ex-girlfriend lived. The reactions There were several reactions to the TikTok post shareworldd by Cass, where users shared their stories of discovering the secret affairs of their partners. “Nailed it! Caught mine the same way,” a woman commented on the post. “I found out my now ex-husband bought condoms and kids’ stuff at Big W when I was looking for a transaction on my Everyday Rewards account. We don’t have kids,” another user commented. (With inputs from agencies)

Woman in Australia uses supermarket rewards programme to catch cheating spouse

A viral video has surfaced showing an unexpected incident at a Russian airport, where a woman mistakenly stepped onto a luggage conveyor belt, believing it was the path to her plane. The footage, which has quickly gained widespread attention, captures her precarious 10-minute ride, causing both confusion and concern among onlookers.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/woman-in-australia-uses-supermarket-rewards-program-to-catch-cheating-spouse-8612821">Woman in Australia uses supermarket rewards program to catch cheating spouse</a>
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A family from Vladikavkaz, Russia, went to the airport to travel. While they were at the baggage area, their grandmother thought the conveyor belt for luggage was the way to the airplane. So, she got on it and went along for a 10-minute ride. They later found her with the bags&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/piE3JQi8K9">pic.twitter.com/piE3JQi8K9</a>
&mdash; Ibra ❄️ (@IbraHasan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/IbraHasan_/status/1877305300203565404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Here's what happened</h2>
As soon as she stepped onto the conveyor belt, the woman lost her balance and fell, continuing to move along the belt. Within seconds, she was sucked into a hidden area behind the check-in counters, heading toward the baggage section. The conveyor belt, which didn't stop, carried her through a maze of airport facilities for several minutes before she was finally rescued by airport staff. The exact time and location of the incident remain unverified, but the footage continues to spread online, leaving viewers baffled at the surreal moment at the airport.
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<h2>Woman mistakes luggage belt for boarding path</h2>
The unusual event occurred at an airport in Vladikavkaz, Russia, when a senior citizen, preparing to board an S7 Airlines flight to Moscow, mistakenly mistook the luggage conveyor belt for the entrance to the aircraft. While her family waited nearby in the baggage area, the elderly woman, dressed in a mustard yellow coat and a pink hat, stepped onto the belt.
<h2>Onlookers left stunned&nbsp;</h2>
As the woman continued her unexpected ride, three women sitting nearby at a desk turned around in shock, witnessing the unfolding scene. Fortunately, the elderly traveller was not seriously injured and was safely retrieved from the baggage area after her unusual journey.
Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media.

World | Trending: The footage, which quickly gained widespread attention, captures the woman's precarious 10-minute ride, causing both confusion and concern among onlookers.

A viral video has surfaced showing an unexpected incident at a Russian airport, where a woman mistakenly stepped onto a luggage conveyor belt, believing it was the path to her plane. The footage, which has quickly gained widespread attention, captures her precarious 10-minute ride, causing both confusion and concern among onlookers. Also Read | Woman in Australia uses supermarket rewards program to catch cheating spouse A family from Vladikavkaz, Russia, went to the airport to travel. While they were at the baggage area, their grandmother thought the conveyor belt for luggage was the way to the airplane. So, she got on it and went along for a 10-minute ride. They later found her with the bags… pic.twitter.com/piE3JQi8K9 — Ibra ❄️ (@IbraHasan_) January 9, 2025 Here's what happened As soon as she stepped onto the conveyor belt, the woman lost her balance and fell, continuing to move along the belt. Within seconds, she was sucked into a hidden area behind the check-in counters, heading toward the baggage section. The conveyor belt, which didn't stop, carried her through a maze of airport facilities for several minutes before she was finally rescued by airport staff. The exact time and location of the incident remain unverified, but the footage continues to spread online, leaving viewers baffled at the surreal moment at the airport. Also Read | Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta order for removal of tampons from Men's bathrooms sparks backlash Woman mistakes luggage belt for boarding path The unusual event occurred at an airport in Vladikavkaz, Russia, when a senior citizen, preparing to board an S7 Airlines flight to Moscow, mistakenly mistook the luggage conveyor belt for the entrance to the aircraft. While her family waited nearby in the baggage area, the elderly woman, dressed in a mustard yellow coat and a pink hat, stepped onto the belt. Onlookers left stunned As the woman continued her unexpected ride, three women sitting nearby at a desk turned around in shock, witnessing the unfolding scene. Fortunately, the elderly traveller was not seriously injured and was safely retrieved from the baggage area after her unusual journey. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media.

Watch: Russian airport scene goes viral as woman mistakes conveyor belt for boarding path

With the fall of the Assad regime, Syria&rsquo;s new government now controls almost the entire country, except for the northeast, where the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), once a key partner of the US in the fight against ISIS, continues to hold power. Although the region is often referred to as Kurdish-controlled, it is primarily home to an Arab tribal population. Understanding the region&rsquo;s demographics is critical to preventing policy that could destabilize the region and lead to unforeseen geopolitical consequences.
<h2>The Demographics of Northeast Syria</h2>
 The M4 highway, which runs parallel to the Turkish border and extends toward Iraq, is one of Syria&rsquo;s two major economic routes and divides northeast Syria into two regions. Except for a few Assyrian villages, the area south of the M4 predominantly houses Arab tribes. The population is more ethnically diverse north of the M4, including Arabs, Kurds, Assyrian Christians, Turkmen, and Circassians. For example, Qamishli, a major city in the region, consists of eight predominantly Kurdish neighbourhoods, six Arab neighbourhoods, two primarily Christian neighbourhoods, and seven mixed neighbourhoods.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aastha-ke-sthambh-84-red-sandstone-pillars-to-greet-devotees-at-maha-kumbh-8612838" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Aastha Ke Sthambh&rsquo;: 84 red sandstone pillars to greet devotees at Maha Kumbh</a> Apart from Qamishli, the historically Kurdish town of Ayn al-Arab (Kobane) is also home to a mix of Arab tribes and Turkmen clans. The 2004 Syrian census data shows that the region had 2.4 million people, of which around 19 per cent were Kurdish. This suggests that Kurds represent a minority, with Arabs making up a significant portion of the population in areas controlled by the SDF.
<h2>The Syrian Kurdish Political Landscape</h2>
 The Syrian Kurdish population is divided among various political factions, most notably the Syrian Kurdish National Council (KNC) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD). The KNC has ties to the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Iraq, and its military wing, the Rojava Peshmerga, has received training from the United States. In contrast, the PYD, which is linked to the PKK, leads the SDF; a group considered a terrorist organisation by the US, NATO, and Turkey. Many Kurds view the PYD and its armed wing, the YPG, as extensions of the PKK, with significant decision-making power based in the Qandil Mountains of Iraq.
<h2>Who are the Kurds, and why is Turkey targeting them?</h2>
 The Kurds have a long history, with distinct cultural and ethnic identities, but they have never had an independent nation. In the aftermath of World War I, the Kurdish diplomat Mehmet Sherif Pasha proposed the creation of a Kurdistan that spanned parts of modern Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. However, the Treaty of S&egrave;vres in 1920 proposed a much smaller Kurdistan, all within modern Turkey. The Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 replaced it and effectively ended the idea of an independent Kurdish state.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerbergs-latest-move-meta-orders-removal-of-tampons-from-mens-bathrooms-sparks-backlash-8612818" rel="dofollow">Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta order for removal of tampons from Men's bathrooms sparks backlash</a> After Syria&rsquo;s civil war broke out in 2011, Kurdish forces declared autonomy over parts of northeastern Syria in November 2013, where they are in majority. An estimated 30 million Kurds live across northern Iraq, western Iran, and northern Syria, and make up about 18% of Turkey&rsquo;s population. The Kurds have long faced persecution in Syria and other regions as the largest ethnic group without a homeland. Despite their cultural and diasporic significance, Kurds have faced decades of repression. They have repeatedly tried to establish a self-governing Kurdistan but have been met with harsh crackdowns, resulting in bans on Kurdish language and cultural practices. For instance, in Iraq, Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons against them, and in Iran, their uprisings in the 1980s and 1990s were violently suppressed. In 1978, Abdullah &Ouml;calan founded the Kurdistan Workers&rsquo; Party (PKK) to pursue an independent Kurdish state, leading to decades of armed conflict with Turkey. The PKK&rsquo;s insurgency lasted from 1984 until &Ouml;calan&rsquo;s capture in 1999. This resulted in the deaths of approximately 40,000 Kurdish civilians. A ceasefire declared in 2013 collapsed when Turkey began targeting PKK positions in 2015 during the war against the Islamic State. 
<h2>Kurds and the Islamic State</h2>
 As the Islamic State advanced through Syria and Iraq, the Kurdish militias, particularly the People&rsquo;s Protection Units (YPG), were among the few forces able to resist them. The Kurds, primarily located along Syria&rsquo;s border with Turkey, began defending their territories as the Syrian civil war escalated in 2011-12. In 2014, when the US joined the fight against ISIS, it found a valuable ally in the YPG. Experts opine that the Kurds also served as a counterbalance to Iranian and Russian influence in the region, offering leverage in a potential post-war settlement.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-state-owned-hsl-in-talks-with-vietnam-for-submarine-refits-8612776" rel="dofollow">India&rsquo;s state-owned HSL in talks with Vietnam for submarine refits</a> Once the Kurds expelled ISIS from northern Syria, they took control of areas along the Syria-Turkey border which is home to Kurds, Arabs, and other ethnic groups. The YPG&rsquo;s ties to the PKK, however, made it a target for Erdogan&rsquo;s regime, which views it as a significant security threat. The US faced the challenge of balancing its alliances with Turkey, a NATO member, and the Kurds, who had lost over an estimated 10,000 fighters in the battle against ISIS. Historically, under the Obama administration, the Syrian Kurdish militia sought to downplay its connection to the PKK, rebranding itself as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and recruiting more non-Kurdish fighters. By 2016, it was estimated that around 40% of SDF fighters were from non-Kurdish backgrounds. The US worked to maintain peace along the Turkish border, conducting joint patrols with the Turkish army.
<h2>The Way Forward</h2>
 Analysts suggest that Turkey stands as one of the key beneficiaries of the collapse of the Assad regime, while the Kurds are poised to suffer the most, particularly in terms of their autonomy and the safety of their communities. Analysts have also warned that the Kurds are in a precarious position following this shift. Turkey, which shares a nearly 900-kilometre border with Syria, has historically opposed the Assad regime and supported various armed factions in Syria, including Sunni jihadist groups. Additionally, Turkey has taken in around 3.6 million Syrian refugees, which has resulted in domestic unrest back home.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/give-your-head-a-shake-canadas-former-pm-chretien-offers-blunt-advice-to-trump-8612717" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Give your head a shake!&rsquo;; Canada&rsquo;s former PM Chretien offers blunt advice to Trump</a> Since 2016, Turkey has carried out several military operations in Syria, aimed at preventing the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region along its border. In 2019, Turkey attempted to establish a 30-kilometre buffer zone but failed. Despite this setback, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pushed for the creation of this defensive area. After the fall of Assad, Turkish-backed fighters quickly moved in to seize the territory previously controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), furthering Turkey&rsquo;s long-standing objectives.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

World | Middle East: The Kurds have a long history with distinct cultural and ethnic identities but have never had an independent nation. After World War I, Kurdish diplomat Mehmet Sherif Pasha proposed the creation of a Kurdistan.

With the fall of the Assad regime, Syria’s new government now controls almost the entire country, except for the northeast, where the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), once a key partner of the US in the fight against ISIS, continues to hold power. Although the region is often referred to as Kurdish-controlled, it is primarily home to an Arab tribal population. Understanding the region’s demographics is critical to preventing policy that could destabilize the region and lead to unforeseen geopolitical consequences. The Demographics of Northeast Syria The M4 highway, which runs parallel to the Turkish border and extends toward Iraq, is one of Syria’s two major economic routes and divides northeast Syria into two regions. Except for a few Assyrian villages, the area south of the M4 predominantly houses Arab tribes. The population is more ethnically diverse north of the M4, including Arabs, Kurds, Assyrian Christians, Turkmen, and Circassians. For example, Qamishli, a major city in the region, consists of eight predominantly Kurdish neighbourhoods, six Arab neighbourhoods, two primarily Christian neighbourhoods, and seven mixed neighbourhoods. Also Read | ‘Aastha Ke Sthambh’: 84 red sandstone pillars to greet devotees at Maha Kumbh Apart from Qamishli, the historically Kurdish town of Ayn al-Arab (Kobane) is also home to a mix of Arab tribes and Turkmen clans. The 2004 Syrian census data shows that the region had 2.4 million people, of which around 19 per cent were Kurdish. This suggests that Kurds represent a minority, with Arabs making up a significant portion of the population in areas controlled by the SDF. The Syrian Kurdish Political Landscape The Syrian Kurdish population is divided among various political factions, most notably the Syrian Kurdish National Council (KNC) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD). The KNC has ties to the Kurdistan Democratic Party in Iraq, and its military wing, the Rojava Peshmerga, has received training from the United States. In contrast, the PYD, which is linked to the PKK, leads the SDF; a group considered a terrorist organisation by the US, NATO, and Turkey. Many Kurds view the PYD and its armed wing, the YPG, as extensions of the PKK, with significant decision-making power based in the Qandil Mountains of Iraq. Who are the Kurds, and why is Turkey targeting them? The Kurds have a long history, with distinct cultural and ethnic identities, but they have never had an independent nation. In the aftermath of World War I, the Kurdish diplomat Mehmet Sherif Pasha proposed the creation of a Kurdistan that spanned parts of modern Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. However, the Treaty of Sèvres in 1920 proposed a much smaller Kurdistan, all within modern Turkey. The Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 replaced it and effectively ended the idea of an independent Kurdish state. Also Read | Zuckerberg's latest move: Meta order for removal of tampons from Men's bathrooms sparks backlash After Syria’s civil war broke out in 2011, Kurdish forces declared autonomy over parts of northeastern Syria in November 2013, where they are in majority. An estimated 30 million Kurds live across northern Iraq, western Iran, and northern Syria, and make up about 18% of Turkey’s population. The Kurds have long faced persecution in Syria and other regions as the largest ethnic group without a homeland. Despite their cultural and diasporic significance, Kurds have faced decades of repression. They have repeatedly tried to establish a self-governing Kurdistan but have been met with harsh crackdowns, resulting in bans on Kurdish language and cultural practices. For instance, in Iraq, Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons against them, and in Iran, their uprisings in the 1980s and 1990s were violently suppressed. In 1978, Abdullah Öcalan founded the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to pursue an independent Kurdish state, leading to decades of armed conflict with Turkey. The PKK’s insurgency lasted from 1984 until Öcalan’s capture in 1999. This resulted in the deaths of approximately 40,000 Kurdish civilians. A ceasefire declared in 2013 collapsed when Turkey began targeting PKK positions in 2015 during the war against the Islamic State. Kurds and the Islamic State As the Islamic State advanced through Syria and Iraq, the Kurdish militias, particularly the People’s Protection Units (YPG), were among the few forces able to resist them. The Kurds, primarily located along Syria’s border with Turkey, began defending their territories as the Syrian civil war escalated in 2011-12. In 2014, when the US joined the fight against ISIS, it found a valuable ally in the YPG. Experts opine that the Kurds also served as a counterbalance to Iranian and Russian influence in the region, offering leverage in a potential post-war settlement. Also Read | India’s state-owned HSL in talks with Vietnam for submarine refits Once the Kurds expelled ISIS from northern Syria, they took control of areas along the Syria-Turkey border which is home to Kurds, Arabs, and other ethnic groups. The YPG’s ties to the PKK, however, made it a target for Erdogan’s regime, which views it as a significant security threat. The US faced the challenge of balancing its alliances with Turkey, a NATO member, and the Kurds, who had lost over an estimated 10,000 fighters in the battle against ISIS. Historically, under the Obama administration, the Syrian Kurdish militia sought to downplay its connection to the PKK, rebranding itself as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and recruiting more non-Kurdish fighters. By 2016, it was estimated that around 40% of SDF fighters were from non-Kurdish backgrounds. The US worked to maintain peace along the Turkish border, conducting joint patrols with the Turkish army. The Way Forward Analysts suggest that Turkey stands as one of the key beneficiaries of the collapse of the Assad regime, while the Kurds are poised to suffer the most, particularly in terms of their autonomy and the safety of their communities. Analysts have also warned that the Kurds are in a precarious position following this shift. Turkey, which shares a nearly 900-kilometre border with Syria, has historically opposed the Assad regime and supported various armed factions in Syria, including Sunni jihadist groups. Additionally, Turkey has taken in around 3.6 million Syrian refugees, which has resulted in domestic unrest back home. Also Read | ‘Give your head a shake!’; Canada’s former PM Chretien offers blunt advice to Trump Since 2016, Turkey has carried out several military operations in Syria, aimed at preventing the establishment of an autonomous Kurdish region along its border. In 2019, Turkey attempted to establish a 30-kilometre buffer zone but failed. Despite this setback, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pushed for the creation of this defensive area. After the fall of Assad, Turkish-backed fighters quickly moved in to seize the territory previously controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), furthering Turkey’s long-standing objectives.

Explained: Kurds face growing threat to autonomy amid regional dynamics shift in post-Assad Syria

The recent events that unfolded following the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack sponsored by Pakistan, tested India's resolve
"Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of efforts towards a ceasefire," said Palestinian militant group Hamas in its statement.
India and Pakistan agreed on a ceasefire on Saturday (May 10), hours after the announcement, Pakistan violated it. Two days after, the Indian Army said 'the night remained largely peaceful.'
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-operation-sindoor-to-truce-indias-strategic-resolve-and-the-high-stakes-ceasefire-9058850" rel="dofollow">Pahalgam to Truce: India&rsquo;s strategic resolve and the high-stakes ceasefire</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/09/qD0qdLE243m1E2Ib4sI9.png" alt=" Operation Sindoor | Indian Army releases FIRST official video of destroying Pakistani military posts Photograph: (X) " style="width: 1280px;">
The recent events that unfolded following the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack sponsored by Pakistan, tested India's resolve, strategic maturity, and military acumen in the face of relentless provocation. Operation Sindoor, was a multidomain, multi-phased response to a provocation that could have easily spiralled into a prolonged conflict.
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-to-release-us-israeli-hostage-edan-alexander-amid-ceasefire-talks-with-washington-israel-hamas-war-9058898" aria-label="Gaza war: Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander amid ceasefire talks with Washington">Gaza war: Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander amid ceasefire talks with Washington</a></h2>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/12/CthYsHAA0ksMs2Yvsm5L.png" alt=" This handout picture provided by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters, shows an image grab from a video released by Hamas's armed wing Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades on April 12, 2025, of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, held in the Gaza Strip since the October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel. The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades released the more than three minute clip, in which the hostage is seen sitting in a tiny place. AFP was unable to immediately verify the authenticity of the footage or when it was filmed. Photograph: (AFP) ">
Hamas, in a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, has announced that it would release a US-Israeli hostage, as it revealed that it was engaged in direct talks with the United States in ceasefire negotiations.
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-toxic-hate-must-stop-indian-politicians-come-to-defence-of-vikram-misri-after-online-attacks-on-him-india-pak-news-9058954" aria-label="'This toxic hate must stop': Indian politicians come to defence of Vikram Misri after online attacks on him">'This toxic hate must stop': Indian politicians come to defence of Vikram Misri after online attacks on him</a></h2>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/12/lsZWSg3fdsZjpe6jYd29.png" alt=" 'This toxic hate must stop': Indian politicians come to defence of Vikram Misri after online attacks on him Photograph: (ANI) ">
Indian politicians and diplomats have come to the defence of&nbsp;India's&nbsp;Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri after he received immense trolling on the social media platform X. People on the internet attacked the foreign secretary, who is on the post since 2024, after Misri gave a stetement on Saturday (May 10) that India and Pakistan has reached an agreement.&nbsp;
<h2 class="gh-archive-page-post-title"><a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-pahalgam-terror-attack-first-calm-night-says-the-indian-army-two-days-after-ceasefire-9058959" aria-label="'First calm night' says the Indian Army two days after announcement of ceasefire">'First calm night' says the Indian Army two days after announcement of ceasefire</a></h2>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2022/04/14/254731-army.jpg" alt=" 'First calm night' says the Indian Army two days after announcement of ceasefire">
India and Pakistan agreed on a ceasefire on Saturday (May 10), hours after the announcement, Pakistan violated it. Two days after, the Indian Army said 'the night remained largely peaceful.'
<h1 class="gh-post-page__title">WATCH | India-Pakistan: US's Rubio, UK's Lammy discuss India-Pakistan situation, call to maintain ceasefire</h1>
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Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief

The recent events that unfolded following the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack sponsored by Pakistan, tested India's resolve "Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of efforts towards a ceasefire," said Palestinian militant group Hamas in its statement. India and Pakistan agreed on a ceasefire on Saturday (May 10), hours after the announcement, Pakistan violated it. Two days after, the Indian Army said 'the night remained largely peaceful.' Click on the headlines for more Pahalgam to Truce: India’s strategic resolve and the high-stakes ceasefire The recent events that unfolded following the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack sponsored by Pakistan, tested India's resolve, strategic maturity, and military acumen in the face of relentless provocation. Operation Sindoor, was a multidomain, multi-phased response to a provocation that could have easily spiralled into a prolonged conflict. Gaza war: Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander amid ceasefire talks with Washington Hamas, in a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, has announced that it would release a US-Israeli hostage, as it revealed that it was engaged in direct talks with the United States in ceasefire negotiations. 'This toxic hate must stop': Indian politicians come to defence of Vikram Misri after online attacks on him Indian politicians and diplomats have come to the defence of India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri after he received immense trolling on the social media platform X. People on the internet attacked the foreign secretary, who is on the post since 2024, after Misri gave a stetement on Saturday (May 10) that India and Pakistan has reached an agreement. 'First calm night' says the Indian Army two days after announcement of ceasefire India and Pakistan agreed on a ceasefire on Saturday (May 10), hours after the announcement, Pakistan violated it. Two days after, the Indian Army said 'the night remained largely peaceful.' WATCH | India-Pakistan: US's Rubio, UK's Lammy discuss India-Pakistan situation, call to maintain ceasefire

Morning news brief: Pahalgam to Truce: India’s strategic resolve; Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage, and more

Hamas, in a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, has announced that it would release a US-Israeli hostage, as it revealed that it was engaged in direct talks with the United States in ceasefire negotiations.
"Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of efforts towards a ceasefire," said Hamas in its statement, as reported by AFP.
Gaza militants still hold 58 people hostage, including 34 believed to be dead.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/progress-made-hamas-officials-hold-direct-gaza-talks-with-us-report-9058609">'Progress made': Hamas officials hold direct Gaza talks with US - Report</a>
<h2>Who is Edan Alexander?</h2>
As per the Palestinian militant group, the hostage, Edan Alexander, was an Israeli soldier and a dual US national.
The group described the release as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire and reopen humanitarian aid crossings into the war-ravaged territory.
21-year-old Israeli soldier Edan Alexander's family confirmed they had been notified that he might be released "in the coming days."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-video-of-two-israeli-hostages-alive-in-gaza-9057543">Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages alive in Gaza</a>
US President Donald Trump, on Truth Social, hailed the development as "monumental news", calling it a "good faith gesture" and an encouraging sign that negotiations may soon bear fruit.
"Hopefully, this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict," he added.
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114491594957458207/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

In a joint statement, Egypt and Qatar &mdash; key mediators in the long-running negotiations &mdash; also welcomed the move as "a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step toward a return to the negotiating table".
Speaking to AFP, a Hamas official confirmed that there was "progress made ... notably on the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip" during discussions with US representatives.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-makes-good-on-threat-as-israel-strikes-yemens-sanaa-airport-after-houthi-strike-on-tel-aviv-9041218">'There will be bangs': Netanyahu makes good on threat as Israel strikes Yemen's Sanaa airport after Houthi strike on Tel Aviv</a>
<h2>Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza</h2>
Despite the optimism, Israeli airstrikes continued across Gaza, reports AFP. The enclave's civil defence agency reported at least 12 deaths on Sunday, including four children, in ongoing bombardments of Khan Yunis and Gaza City.
Israel has once again vowed to keep fighting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reaffirmed that any future "negotiations will take place under fire, with a commitment to achieving all the objectives of the war".
Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-hamas-to-free-edan-alexander-last-us-hostage-amid-truce-talks-9058893">Israel-Hamas War: Hamas to free Edan Alexander, last US hostage amid truce talks</a>
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World news | Hamas announces release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander amid ongoing ceasefire talks with the US, marking a significant development in Gaza conflict.

Hamas, in a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, has announced that it would release a US-Israeli hostage, as it revealed that it was engaged in direct talks with the United States in ceasefire negotiations. "Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of efforts towards a ceasefire," said Hamas in its statement, as reported by AFP. Gaza militants still hold 58 people hostage, including 34 believed to be dead. Also read | 'Progress made': Hamas officials hold direct Gaza talks with US - Report Who is Edan Alexander? As per the Palestinian militant group, the hostage, Edan Alexander, was an Israeli soldier and a dual US national. The group described the release as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire and reopen humanitarian aid crossings into the war-ravaged territory. 21-year-old Israeli soldier Edan Alexander's family confirmed they had been notified that he might be released "in the coming days." Also read | Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages alive in Gaza US President Donald Trump, on Truth Social, hailed the development as "monumental news", calling it a "good faith gesture" and an encouraging sign that negotiations may soon bear fruit. "Hopefully, this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict," he added. In a joint statement, Egypt and Qatar — key mediators in the long-running negotiations — also welcomed the move as "a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step toward a return to the negotiating table". Speaking to AFP, a Hamas official confirmed that there was "progress made ... notably on the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip" during discussions with US representatives. Also read | 'There will be bangs': Netanyahu makes good on threat as Israel strikes Yemen's Sanaa airport after Houthi strike on Tel Aviv Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza Despite the optimism, Israeli airstrikes continued across Gaza, reports AFP. The enclave's civil defence agency reported at least 12 deaths on Sunday, including four children, in ongoing bombardments of Khan Yunis and Gaza City. Israel has once again vowed to keep fighting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reaffirmed that any future "negotiations will take place under fire, with a commitment to achieving all the objectives of the war". Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Hamas to free Edan Alexander, last US hostage amid truce talks

Gaza war: Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander amid ceasefire talks with Washington

Millions of Filipinos headed to the polls Monday in a mid-term election widely seen as a referendum on the explosive feud between President Ferdinand Marcos and impeached Vice President Sara Duterte.
Long lines were already forming at polling stations across the capital Manila before voting officially began at 7:00 am (2300 GMT Sunday), AFP journalists saw.
The race will decide more than 18,000 posts, from seats in the House of Representatives to hotly contested municipal offices.
It is the battle for the Senate, however, that carries potentially major implications for 2028's presidential election.
The 12 senators chosen Monday will form half the jury in a Duterte impeachment trial later this year that could see her permanently barred from public office.
Duterte's long-simmering feud with former ally Marcos exploded in February when she was impeached by the House for alleged "high crimes" including corruption and an assassination plot against the president.
Barely a month later, her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested and flown to the International Criminal Court (ICC) the same day to face a charge of crimes against humanity over his deadly anti-drugs campaign.
Sara Duterte will need nine votes in the 24-seat Senate to preserve any hope of a future presidential run.
Heading into Monday, seven of the candidates polling in the top 12 were endorsed by Marcos while four were aligned with his vice president.
Two, including the president's independent-minded sister Imee Marcos, were "adopted" as honorary members of the Duterte family's PDP-Laban party on Saturday.
The move to add Marcos and television personality Camille Villar to the party's slate was intended to add "more allies to protect the Vice President against impeachment", according to the resolution.
On Monday, the president cast his vote at an elementary school in his family's traditional stronghold of Ilocos Norte province. His mother Imelda, 95, was at his side.
At her final rally in Manila on Thursday, Duterte invoked the spectre of "massive" electoral fraud and once again referred to her father's transfer to the ICC as a "kidnapping".
Despite his detention at The Hague, the elder Duterte remains on the ballot in his family's southern stronghold of Davao city, where he is seeking to retake his former job as mayor.
At least one local poll is predicting he will win comfortably.
<h2><hl2>Election violence</hl2></h2>
A day before the election, at least two people were killed in a clash between supporters of rival political camps in southern Mindanao island's autonomous Muslim region, the Philippine army reported Monday.
An official who answered the phone at the Basilan province disaster office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region put the death toll at four.
The Philippines has a history of violent elections especially in the restive south, where armed clashes between groups of political rivals are common.
National police have been on alert for more than a week, and around 163,000 officers have been deployed to secure polling stations, escort election officials and guard checkpoints.
Thousands more personnel from the military, fire departments and other agencies have been mobilised to keep the peace in a country where battles over hotly contested provincial posts are known to erupt in violence.
A city council hopeful, a polling officer and a village chief are among the at least 16 people police say have been killed in attacks in the run-up to Monday's election.
On Saturday, a candidate for municipal councillor was one of two men in an "armed group" killed in a shootout with police and the military.
Further north, a group of men were arrested the same day at the Cebu airport while transporting 441 million pesos (nearly $8 million) in cash, a crime under election rules aimed at preventing the exchange of bribes for votes.
A special early voting window this year allowed the elderly and people with disabilities to begin casting votes at 5 am.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Explore the pivotal Philippine mid-term elections where the Marcos-Duterte feud takes center stage with millions voting on key positions from the House to municipal offices.

Millions of Filipinos headed to the polls Monday in a mid-term election widely seen as a referendum on the explosive feud between President Ferdinand Marcos and impeached Vice President Sara Duterte. Long lines were already forming at polling stations across the capital Manila before voting officially began at 7:00 am (2300 GMT Sunday), AFP journalists saw. The race will decide more than 18,000 posts, from seats in the House of Representatives to hotly contested municipal offices. It is the battle for the Senate, however, that carries potentially major implications for 2028's presidential election. The 12 senators chosen Monday will form half the jury in a Duterte impeachment trial later this year that could see her permanently barred from public office. Duterte's long-simmering feud with former ally Marcos exploded in February when she was impeached by the House for alleged "high crimes" including corruption and an assassination plot against the president. Barely a month later, her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested and flown to the International Criminal Court (ICC) the same day to face a charge of crimes against humanity over his deadly anti-drugs campaign. Sara Duterte will need nine votes in the 24-seat Senate to preserve any hope of a future presidential run. Heading into Monday, seven of the candidates polling in the top 12 were endorsed by Marcos while four were aligned with his vice president. Two, including the president's independent-minded sister Imee Marcos, were "adopted" as honorary members of the Duterte family's PDP-Laban party on Saturday. The move to add Marcos and television personality Camille Villar to the party's slate was intended to add "more allies to protect the Vice President against impeachment", according to the resolution. On Monday, the president cast his vote at an elementary school in his family's traditional stronghold of Ilocos Norte province. His mother Imelda, 95, was at his side. At her final rally in Manila on Thursday, Duterte invoked the spectre of "massive" electoral fraud and once again referred to her father's transfer to the ICC as a "kidnapping". Despite his detention at The Hague, the elder Duterte remains on the ballot in his family's southern stronghold of Davao city, where he is seeking to retake his former job as mayor. At least one local poll is predicting he will win comfortably. Election violence A day before the election, at least two people were killed in a clash between supporters of rival political camps in southern Mindanao island's autonomous Muslim region, the Philippine army reported Monday. An official who answered the phone at the Basilan province disaster office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region put the death toll at four. The Philippines has a history of violent elections especially in the restive south, where armed clashes between groups of political rivals are common. National police have been on alert for more than a week, and around 163,000 officers have been deployed to secure polling stations, escort election officials and guard checkpoints. Thousands more personnel from the military, fire departments and other agencies have been mobilised to keep the peace in a country where battles over hotly contested provincial posts are known to erupt in violence. A city council hopeful, a polling officer and a village chief are among the at least 16 people police say have been killed in attacks in the run-up to Monday's election. On Saturday, a candidate for municipal councillor was one of two men in an "armed group" killed in a shootout with police and the military. Further north, a group of men were arrested the same day at the Cebu airport while transporting 441 million pesos (nearly $8 million) in cash, a crime under election rules aimed at preventing the exchange of bribes for votes. A special early voting window this year allowed the elderly and people with disabilities to begin casting votes at 5 am. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Philippines heads to polls with Marcos-Duterte feud centre stage

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Sunday (May 11) that they reached "substantial progress" in high-stakes talks with China amid ongoing trade war. They also said that a deal with China has been reached to cut the trade deficit, but offered no details as two days of negotiations concluded in Geneva. Bessent and Greer did not mention any plans to cut US tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods and China's 125% tariffs on US goods.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/response-measured-non-escalatory-responsible-from-day-1-vice-admiral-an-pramod-9058675">"Response measured, non-escalatory &amp; responsible from day 1": Vice Admiral AN Pramod</a>
<h2>What the US said?</h2>
Greer said that the talks were "constructive". "It was done in a spirit of cooperation, shared interests, mutual respect," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tells reporters in Geneva. Bessent told reporters that details would be announced on Monday and that US President Donald Trump was fully aware of the results of the "productive talks" with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and two Chinese vice ministers. Greer described the Geneva meetings' conclusion as "a deal we struck with our Chinese partners" that will help reduce the $1.2 trillion US global goods trade deficit. He called Vice Premier He, Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang and Vice Finance Minister Liao Min "tough negotiators." "And this was, as the secretary pointed out, a very constructive two days," Greer said. "It's important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as maybe thought," Greer said.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-us-conclude-difficult-but-useful-fourth-round-of-nuclear-talks-iranian-prez-wont-dismantle-facilities-9058591">Iran, US conclude &lsquo;difficult but useful&rsquo; fourth round of nuclear talks, Iranian Prez won&rsquo;t &lsquo;dismantle&rsquo; facilities</a>
<h2>What China said?</h2>
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said that Beijing and Washington had agreed during weekend talks in Geneva to create a "consultation mechanism", as they strive to de-escalate trade tensions. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, He Lifeng said that the closed-door discussions with US Treasury Secretary&nbsp; Bessent and Trade Representative Greer resulted in agreement on "establishing a consultation mechanism". China's international trade representative Li Chenggang explained the mechanism would enable "regular and irregular communications related to trade and commercial issues".
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-donald-trump-xi-jinping-call-us-president-trade-war-9011352">'First stop threatening, blackmailing China': Beijing calls out Trump over 'fake' Xi call. Was US prez bluffing to end trade war?</a>
<h2>US-China Trade War</h2>
The meeting was the first face-to-face interaction between senior American and Chinese economic officials since Trump took office and launched a global tariff blitz that started with declaring a national emergency over the U.S. fentanyl crisis, imposing a new 20% tariff on Chinese goods in February. Trump followed with a 34% "reciprocal" duty on Chinese imports in April, and subsequent rounds pushed the rates into triple digits, bringing nearly $600 billion in two-way trade to a standstill.
This development comes after Trump said on Friday that an 80% tariff on Chinese goods "seems right," suggesting for the first time a specific reduction target.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-donald-trumps-middle-east-man-jared-kushner-working-behind-the-scenes-for-expansion-of-abraham-accords-9058520">Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords?</a>

World | US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that they reached "substantial progress" in talks with China on trade deal

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Sunday (May 11) that they reached "substantial progress" in high-stakes talks with China amid ongoing trade war. They also said that a deal with China has been reached to cut the trade deficit, but offered no details as two days of negotiations concluded in Geneva. Bessent and Greer did not mention any plans to cut US tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods and China's 125% tariffs on US goods. Read More | "Response measured, non-escalatory & responsible from day 1": Vice Admiral AN Pramod What the US said? Greer said that the talks were "constructive". "It was done in a spirit of cooperation, shared interests, mutual respect," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tells reporters in Geneva. Bessent told reporters that details would be announced on Monday and that US President Donald Trump was fully aware of the results of the "productive talks" with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and two Chinese vice ministers. Greer described the Geneva meetings' conclusion as "a deal we struck with our Chinese partners" that will help reduce the $1.2 trillion US global goods trade deficit. He called Vice Premier He, Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang and Vice Finance Minister Liao Min "tough negotiators." "And this was, as the secretary pointed out, a very constructive two days," Greer said. "It's important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as maybe thought," Greer said. Read More | Iran, US conclude ‘difficult but useful’ fourth round of nuclear talks, Iranian Prez won’t ‘dismantle’ facilities What China said? Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said that Beijing and Washington had agreed during weekend talks in Geneva to create a "consultation mechanism", as they strive to de-escalate trade tensions. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, He Lifeng said that the closed-door discussions with US Treasury Secretary Bessent and Trade Representative Greer resulted in agreement on "establishing a consultation mechanism". China's international trade representative Li Chenggang explained the mechanism would enable "regular and irregular communications related to trade and commercial issues". Read More | 'First stop threatening, blackmailing China': Beijing calls out Trump over 'fake' Xi call. Was US prez bluffing to end trade war? US-China Trade War The meeting was the first face-to-face interaction between senior American and Chinese economic officials since Trump took office and launched a global tariff blitz that started with declaring a national emergency over the U.S. fentanyl crisis, imposing a new 20% tariff on Chinese goods in February. Trump followed with a 34% "reciprocal" duty on Chinese imports in April, and subsequent rounds pushed the rates into triple digits, bringing nearly $600 billion in two-way trade to a standstill. This development comes after Trump said on Friday that an 80% tariff on Chinese goods "seems right," suggesting for the first time a specific reduction target. Read More | Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords?

US-China trade deal finalised? Trump's trade representative says Geneva talks 'productive,' 'substantial progress' made

Hamas and US representatives have held direct talks in Doha in recent days, two officials from the Palestinian militant group told AFP on Sunday, with one saying there had been "progress" towards a truce in Gaza.
"Direct talks have taken place in Doha between the Hamas leadership and the United States regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, a prisoner exchange and the entry of humanitarian aid," said a senior Hamas official, adding that the talks "are still ongoing".
A second official from the Palestinian group said there was "progress made... notably on the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip" and the potential exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, "particular concerning Edan Alexander", a US-Israeli captive held by militants.
The second official also reported progress "on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip".
Gaza militants continue to hold 58 hostages seized during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
Israel ended the last ceasefire, which lasted two months, on March 18, launching a major offensive in Gaza and ramping up its bombardment of the territory.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-video-of-two-israeli-hostages-alive-in-gaza-9057543" rel="dofollow">Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages alive in Gaza</a>
It has also cut off all aid to Gaza, saying it would pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages.
Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, have taken place from the early months of the war without bringing it to an end.
Washington had for decades refused publicly to engage directly with Hamas, which it labels a terrorist organisation, before first doing so in March.
Hamas has continued to insist on a deal that ends the war and on April 18 rejected an Israeli proposal for a 45-day truce and hostage-prisoner exchange.
Hamas's 2023 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Sunday that at least 2,720 people have been killed since Israel resumed its campaign, bringing the overall death toll since the war broke out to 52,829.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Washington had for decades refused publicly to engage directly with Hamas, which it labels a terrorist organisation, before first doing so in March. World

Hamas and US representatives have held direct talks in Doha in recent days, two officials from the Palestinian militant group told AFP on Sunday, with one saying there had been "progress" towards a truce in Gaza. "Direct talks have taken place in Doha between the Hamas leadership and the United States regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, a prisoner exchange and the entry of humanitarian aid," said a senior Hamas official, adding that the talks "are still ongoing". A second official from the Palestinian group said there was "progress made... notably on the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip" and the potential exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, "particular concerning Edan Alexander", a US-Israeli captive held by militants. The second official also reported progress "on the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip". Gaza militants continue to hold 58 hostages seized during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel ended the last ceasefire, which lasted two months, on March 18, launching a major offensive in Gaza and ramping up its bombardment of the territory. Also read | Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages alive in Gaza It has also cut off all aid to Gaza, saying it would pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, have taken place from the early months of the war without bringing it to an end. Washington had for decades refused publicly to engage directly with Hamas, which it labels a terrorist organisation, before first doing so in March. Hamas has continued to insist on a deal that ends the war and on April 18 rejected an Israeli proposal for a 45-day truce and hostage-prisoner exchange. Hamas's 2023 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Sunday that at least 2,720 people have been killed since Israel resumed its campaign, bringing the overall death toll since the war broke out to 52,829. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Progress made': Hamas officials hold direct Gaza talks with US - Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/iran">Iran</a>&nbsp;and the United States concluded the fourth round of nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday (May 11) without any breakthrough in a public standoff over enrichment. However, both sides have confirmed plans for future negotiations.
Both sides have reported progress in the first three rounds of the nuclear talks. Following the recent discussions, Iran said that the meeting was &ldquo;difficult but useful&rdquo; while a senior US official said Washington was &ldquo;encouraged&rdquo;, according to an AFP report.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/irans-foreign-minister-arrives-in-india-to-meet-jaishankar-amid-indo-pak-rising-tension-9046393">Iran's foreign minister arrives in India to meet Jaishankar amid Indo-Pak rising tension</a>
The talks mark the highest-level contact between the two foes since the US withdrew a landmark nuclear deal in 2018 during President Donald Trump&rsquo;s first term.
Iran&rsquo;s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in an X post that the &ldquo;next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman&rdquo;, which in turn said &ldquo;the talks will take place once both parties... consult their leaderships&rdquo;.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-dont-want-to-fight-trump-says-us-will-stop-bombing-yemen-claims-iran-backed-houthis-have-surrendered-9042117">'Houthis don't want to fight': Trump says 'US will stop' bombing Yemen, claims Iran-backed Houthis have surrendered</a>
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday described calls by US officials for Iran to dismantle its nuclear facilities as &ldquo;unacceptable&rdquo;.
&ldquo;The discussion that has been raised about dismantling Iran&rsquo;s entire nuclear facilities is unacceptable to us,&rdquo; he said, adding that &ldquo;Iran will not give up its peaceful nuclear rights.&rdquo;
<h2>&lsquo;Agreement reached to move forward&rsquo;</h2>
According to the AFP report citing a US official, the talks were &ldquo;both direct and indirect, and lasted over three hours.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-for-total-dismantling-of-irans-nuclear-program-open-to-civilian-use-9037593">Trump calls for total dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, open to civilian use</a>
&ldquo;Agreement was reached to move forward&rdquo; and &ldquo;continue working through technical elements,&rdquo; the official added.
Baqaei had earlier stated that negotiators would push for relief from US sanctions.
<h2>&lsquo;Non-negotiable&rsquo; enrichment</h2>
Iran entered the discussions, stressing that its right to maintain uranium enrichment was &ldquo;non-negotiable&rdquo;. Meanwhile, Washington&rsquo;s chief negotiator Steve Witkoff has called it a &ldquo;red line&rdquo;.
Watch | Iran-US nuclear talks: Fourth round of Iran, US nuclear talks to convene in Muscat
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1105_WION_IRAN_5PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1105_WION_IRAN_5PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=170&amp;tags=Iran, US, Nuclear Weapons, World News, WION" title="Iran-US nuclear talks: Fourth round of Iran, US nuclear talks to convene in Muscat" id="PL_iframe_block-majzf5iy-ntri3r2s-woluvhg9"></iframe>
Following the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated the country&rsquo;s stance on enrichment, saying it &ldquo;must continue and there is no room for compromise on it&rdquo;. He said that the latest meeting with US officials was &ldquo;more serious&rdquo; than the previous round of talks.&nbsp;
Araghchi told the Iranian state TV that Tehran may be open to limit the rate of enrichment &ldquo;to help build trust&rdquo;.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday described calls by US officials for Iran to dismantle its nuclear facilities as “unacceptable”. World

Iran and the United States concluded the fourth round of nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday (May 11) without any breakthrough in a public standoff over enrichment. However, both sides have confirmed plans for future negotiations. Both sides have reported progress in the first three rounds of the nuclear talks. Following the recent discussions, Iran said that the meeting was “difficult but useful” while a senior US official said Washington was “encouraged”, according to an AFP report. Also read | Iran's foreign minister arrives in India to meet Jaishankar amid Indo-Pak rising tension The talks mark the highest-level contact between the two foes since the US withdrew a landmark nuclear deal in 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in an X post that the “next round will be coordinated and announced by Oman”, which in turn said “the talks will take place once both parties... consult their leaderships”. Also read | 'Houthis don't want to fight': Trump says 'US will stop' bombing Yemen, claims Iran-backed Houthis have surrendered Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday described calls by US officials for Iran to dismantle its nuclear facilities as “unacceptable”. “The discussion that has been raised about dismantling Iran’s entire nuclear facilities is unacceptable to us,” he said, adding that “Iran will not give up its peaceful nuclear rights.” ‘Agreement reached to move forward’ According to the AFP report citing a US official, the talks were “both direct and indirect, and lasted over three hours.” Also read | Trump calls for total dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, open to civilian use “Agreement was reached to move forward” and “continue working through technical elements,” the official added. Baqaei had earlier stated that negotiators would push for relief from US sanctions. ‘Non-negotiable’ enrichment Iran entered the discussions, stressing that its right to maintain uranium enrichment was “non-negotiable”. Meanwhile, Washington’s chief negotiator Steve Witkoff has called it a “red line”. Watch | Iran-US nuclear talks: Fourth round of Iran, US nuclear talks to convene in Muscat Following the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated the country’s stance on enrichment, saying it “must continue and there is no room for compromise on it”. He said that the latest meeting with US officials was “more serious” than the previous round of talks. Araghchi told the Iranian state TV that Tehran may be open to limit the rate of enrichment “to help build trust”.

Iran, US conclude ‘difficult but useful’ fourth round of nuclear talks, Iranian Prez won’t ‘dismantle’ facilities

United States President Donald Trump has embarked on a first major foreign trip in his second term to the Middle East and reports suggest that the 'Middle East man' -<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-embarks-on-middle-east-tour-with-focus-on-business-regional-tensions-9057057" rel="dofollow"> Jared Kushner</a> - from his first term might be involved privately.
Kushner, president&rsquo;s son-in-law, who served as a chief Middle East negotiator in Trump&rsquo;s first term has not joined him officially for the trip but CNN reported that he may have been heavily involved in discussions with Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, about signing agreements that would normalise diplomatic relations with Israel.
Kushner, who played a central role in brokering the Abraham Accords, a historic series of agreements that normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco is looking to expand the Abraham Accords in his second term.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-embarks-on-middle-east-tour-with-focus-on-business-regional-tensions-9057057">US President Trump embarks on Middle East tour with focus on business &amp; regional tensions</a>
<h2>Trump's 'Middle East man'</h2>
Though Jared Kusner was the chief negotiator who facilitated behind-the-scenes diplomacy in the Middle East for the Trump administration, he was heavily criticised for his lack of experience and perceived naivety regarding the complexities of the region. &nbsp;When Trump appointed him as a senior advisor tasked with one of the most volatile and diplomatically sensitive portfolios, many foreign policy experts and diplomats expressed concern. Kushner had no formal background in international relations, diplomacy, or Middle East studies&mdash;his prior experience was in real estate and business. Critics argued that he underestimated the depth of historical grievances, sectarian tensions, and regional dynamics, especially in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Kushner also led the development of the Trump administration&rsquo;s Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal, released in January 2020 under the title &ldquo;Peace to Prosperity.&rdquo; This was a key point of criticism against him. Palestinian leaders not only rejected the plan but also accused Kushner of being biased toward Israel, pointing to his family&rsquo;s personal and financial ties to Israeli institutions. Diplomats and analysts noted that the plan failed to address core Palestinian demands and ignored decades of nuanced negotiations, instead proposing what many saw as a transactional, top-down solution focused on economic incentives rather than political rights and sovereignty.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-marco-rubio-jd-vance-claiming-credit-for-india-pakistan-ceasefire-op-sindoor-9055817">From 'none of our business' to Trump claiming credit for Indo-Pak ceasefire: Here's what we know</a>
However, the Abraham Accords remained his major achievement in the region. He capitalised on shared regional concerns about Iran and a growing appetite for economic cooperation. He used strategic incentives&mdash;such as arms deals and U.S. policy concessions&mdash;to bring the parties to the table. The agreements marked a major shift in Middle East geopolitics and were widely seen as a diplomatic success, breaking with decades of Arab consensus that normalisation with Israel should only follow a resolution to the Palestinian issue.
In addition to peace initiatives, Kushner supported the administration&rsquo;s maximum pressure campaign against Iran. He backed President Trump&rsquo;s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018 and worked to unite Gulf Arab states and Israel in opposition to Iranian influence in the region. Though not the architect of Iran policy, Kushner played a supporting role in advancing this strategy through diplomatic alignment and security cooperation with U.S. allies in the region.
Kushner&rsquo;s approach to the Middle East also involved cultivating a close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS). Their direct communications and mutual support helped shape U.S.-Saudi relations during Trump&rsquo;s presidency. However, this relationship drew significant criticism, particularly after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.&nbsp;
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talk-with-putin-now-trump-urges-zelensky-to-sit-for-talks-proposed-by-putin-end-the-bloodbath-9058476">'Have the meeting NOW': Trump urges Zelensky to sit for talks proposed by Putin, end the 'bloodbath'</a>
&nbsp;

World | Trump has embarked on a first major foreign trip in his second term to the Middle East and reports suggest that the 'Middle East man' - Jared Kushner - might be involved privately.

United States President Donald Trump has embarked on a first major foreign trip in his second term to the Middle East and reports suggest that the 'Middle East man' - Jared Kushner - from his first term might be involved privately. Kushner, president’s son-in-law, who served as a chief Middle East negotiator in Trump’s first term has not joined him officially for the trip but CNN reported that he may have been heavily involved in discussions with Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, about signing agreements that would normalise diplomatic relations with Israel. Kushner, who played a central role in brokering the Abraham Accords, a historic series of agreements that normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco is looking to expand the Abraham Accords in his second term. Read More | US President Trump embarks on Middle East tour with focus on business & regional tensions Trump's 'Middle East man' Though Jared Kusner was the chief negotiator who facilitated behind-the-scenes diplomacy in the Middle East for the Trump administration, he was heavily criticised for his lack of experience and perceived naivety regarding the complexities of the region. When Trump appointed him as a senior advisor tasked with one of the most volatile and diplomatically sensitive portfolios, many foreign policy experts and diplomats expressed concern. Kushner had no formal background in international relations, diplomacy, or Middle East studies—his prior experience was in real estate and business. Critics argued that he underestimated the depth of historical grievances, sectarian tensions, and regional dynamics, especially in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Kushner also led the development of the Trump administration’s Israeli-Palestinian peace proposal, released in January 2020 under the title “Peace to Prosperity.” This was a key point of criticism against him. Palestinian leaders not only rejected the plan but also accused Kushner of being biased toward Israel, pointing to his family’s personal and financial ties to Israeli institutions. Diplomats and analysts noted that the plan failed to address core Palestinian demands and ignored decades of nuanced negotiations, instead proposing what many saw as a transactional, top-down solution focused on economic incentives rather than political rights and sovereignty. Read More | From 'none of our business' to Trump claiming credit for Indo-Pak ceasefire: Here's what we know However, the Abraham Accords remained his major achievement in the region. He capitalised on shared regional concerns about Iran and a growing appetite for economic cooperation. He used strategic incentives—such as arms deals and U.S. policy concessions—to bring the parties to the table. The agreements marked a major shift in Middle East geopolitics and were widely seen as a diplomatic success, breaking with decades of Arab consensus that normalisation with Israel should only follow a resolution to the Palestinian issue. In addition to peace initiatives, Kushner supported the administration’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran. He backed President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018 and worked to unite Gulf Arab states and Israel in opposition to Iranian influence in the region. Though not the architect of Iran policy, Kushner played a supporting role in advancing this strategy through diplomatic alignment and security cooperation with U.S. allies in the region. Kushner’s approach to the Middle East also involved cultivating a close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS). Their direct communications and mutual support helped shape U.S.-Saudi relations during Trump’s presidency. However, this relationship drew significant criticism, particularly after the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Read More | 'Have the meeting NOW': Trump urges Zelensky to sit for talks proposed by Putin, end the 'bloodbath'

Is Donald Trump's 'Middle East man' Jared Kushner working behind the scenes for expansion of Abraham Accords?

A coupe of hours after US President Donald Trump made an appeal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to "immediately" agree to Vladimir Putin&rsquo;s proposal for direct talks in Turkey on May 15, Zelensky agreed saying "I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey personally"
He however, reiterated his demand for a 30-day ceasefire from Russia starting Monday (May 12) in order to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy.
Taking to the micro-blogging site X Zelensky wrote, "We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in T&uuml;rkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses.
<h2>'Have the meeting NOW' tells Trump to Zelensky</h2>
Earlier US president Donald Trump hailed Vladimir Putin&rsquo;s proposal for direct talks with Ukraine and said this will at least "determine whether or not a deal is possible." &nbsp;He called the move a "possible end to the BLOODBATH," and urged Ukraine to "immediately" agree to it.
"President Putin of Russia doesn&rsquo;t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY," Trump wrote.
&ldquo;At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the US, will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly! I&rsquo;m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who&rsquo;s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won [not even close!] without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!&rdquo; added Trump," he further said.
Earlier, President Zelenskyy demanded a 30-day ceasefire from Russia starting on Monday before agreeing to any talks with Putin.
Notably, Putin has offered direct talks to Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, &ldquo;without preconditions&rdquo; to reach to a solution to end the &nbsp;three-year conflict.

The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed for talks with Putin but, reiterated his demand for a 30-day ceasefire from Russia starting Monday | World

A coupe of hours after US President Donald Trump made an appeal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to "immediately" agree to Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct talks in Turkey on May 15, Zelensky agreed saying "I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey personally" He however, reiterated his demand for a 30-day ceasefire from Russia starting Monday (May 12) in order to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. Taking to the micro-blogging site X Zelensky wrote, "We await a full and lasting ceasefire, starting from tomorrow, to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy. There is no point in prolonging the killings. And I will be waiting for Putin in Türkiye on Thursday. Personally. I hope that this time the Russians will not look for excuses. 'Have the meeting NOW' tells Trump to Zelensky Earlier US president Donald Trump hailed Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct talks with Ukraine and said this will at least "determine whether or not a deal is possible." He called the move a "possible end to the BLOODBATH," and urged Ukraine to "immediately" agree to it. "President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY," Trump wrote. “At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the US, will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly! I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won [not even close!] without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!” added Trump," he further said. Earlier, President Zelenskyy demanded a 30-day ceasefire from Russia starting on Monday before agreeing to any talks with Putin. Notably, Putin has offered direct talks to Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, “without preconditions” to reach to a solution to end the three-year conflict.

'I will be waiting for Putin': Ukraine's Zelensky ready for talks, but only if Russia agrees to a ceasefire

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during talks with US Vice President JD Vance on May 9, said India will give a "devastating" reply to Islamabad if they do anything, said sources on Operation Sindoor.
The Indian Armed Forces, in a joint press conference on Sunday, said that on May 7, Indian air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan killed over a hundred terrorists.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-will-get-a-devastating-response-if-they-do-anything-pm-modi-told-jd-vance-9057840">'Pakistan will get devastating response if they do anything': PM Modi told JD Vance, reveal Indian govt sources</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/11/tck9FQE7bFLSQeTKgpsy.jpeg" alt=" PM Modi, US Vice President JD Vance Photograph: (ANI) ">
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during talks with US Vice President JD Vance on May 9, over the de-escalation agreement with Pakistan said India will give a "devastating" reply to Islamabad if they do anything, said sources on Operation Sindoor.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-india-confirms-killing-100-terrorists-in-air-strikes-including-planners-of-ic814-hijack-pulwama-attack-9058076">Operation Sindoor: India confirms killing over 100 terrorists in air strikes, including planners of IC-814 hijack, Pulwama attack</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/11/DR2e7wzVJRy3jMV7fD03.jpeg" alt=" DGMO Presser Photograph: (Others) ">
The Indian Armed Forces in a joint press conference on Sunday said that on May 7, after the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, Indian air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan killed over hundred terrorists. Among the dead were Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudassir Ahmed, all involved in the hijack of IC-814 aircraft and the Pulwama attack.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-stern-warning-to-pakistan-in-case-of-ceasefire-violation-our-response-will-be-fierce-and-punitive-9058256">India&rsquo;s stern warning to Pakistan in case of ceasefire violation: &lsquo;Our response will be fierce and punitive&rsquo;</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/11/U85IUKm03ZZphydDOHVX.jpeg" alt=" India gives stern warning to Pakistan during Armed Forces joint press conference on Sunday (May 11) Photograph: (X/Sidhant Sibal, Reuters) ">
During the Indian Armed Forces joint press conference on Sunday (May 11), Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai said that if Pakistan violates the ceasefire again, India&rsquo;s &ldquo;response will be fierce and punitive&rdquo; against them.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-lost-five-soldiers-in-operation-sindoor-ceasefire-violations-indian-armed-forces-dgmo-india-pakistan-9058131" rel="dofollow">'We lost five soldiers in Operation Sindoor, ceasefire violations': Indian Armed Forces pay tribute to bravehearts in DGMO briefing</a>
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The Indian Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) on Sunday (May 11) paid tributes to the Indian bravehearts who lost their lives in Operation Sindoor and ceasefire violations. The DGMOs also confirmed that as many as 100 terrorists were killed and the Pakistan Army also suffered casualties.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/11/wsnEWJ6Yooignhc31dGV.png" alt=" Muridke terror camp Photograph: (WION) ">
Air Marshal AK Bharti, in a detailed briefing on Sunday (May 11), outlined the Indian Air Force&rsquo;s (IAF) precise and strategic response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Speaking on Operation Sindoor, Bharti revealed how the IAF targeted key terrorist and military infrastructure deep within Pakistan with calculated force and precision.
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Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti is a decorated officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF), who is presently serving as the Director General Air Operations (DGAO) in Air Headquarters in New Delhi.
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The Indian Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) led by Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Air Marshal AK Bharti, Vice Admiral AN Pramod and Major General SS Sharda briefed the Indian media on Operation Sindoor on Sunday (May 11).&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-more-war-pope-leo-makes-his-first-sunday-address-appeals-for-peace-welcomes-india-pakistan-ceasefire-9057679">'No more war': Pope Leo makes his first Sunday address, appeals for peace, welcomes India, Pakistan ceasefire</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.publive.online/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/05/11/7Fx0JWULOH8UQ1XAVTO3.jpg" alt=" Pope Leo XIV Photograph: (AFP) ">
Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State gave his first blessing and address to a crowd in St Peter's Square in the Vatican on Sunday (May 11). He recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, in his first public address since being elected pope in the 2025 conclave on Thursday, May 8.
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What happens when an enthusiastic director meets up with an equally charged actor who wants to push his limits in the action genre? You get Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible films. Now that a new film from the franchise is up for release this May, director Christopher McQuarrie spoke about taking Mission Impossible underwater and exploring newer avenues.&nbsp;
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The BCCI is in talks to resume IPL 2025 as early as next week, having already asked all teams to assemble their players by Tuesday (May 13). According to the latest reports, they plan to include more doubleheaders in their revised schedule, which might see the tournament conclude on May 30, five days later than the original final date.

Here are the top 10 stories from across the world.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during talks with US Vice President JD Vance on May 9, said India will give a "devastating" reply to Islamabad if they do anything, said sources on Operation Sindoor. The Indian Armed Forces, in a joint press conference on Sunday, said that on May 7, Indian air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan killed over a hundred terrorists. Click on the headlines for more 'Pakistan will get devastating response if they do anything': PM Modi told JD Vance, reveal Indian govt sources Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during talks with US Vice President JD Vance on May 9, over the de-escalation agreement with Pakistan said India will give a "devastating" reply to Islamabad if they do anything, said sources on Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor: India confirms killing over 100 terrorists in air strikes, including planners of IC-814 hijack, Pulwama attack The Indian Armed Forces in a joint press conference on Sunday said that on May 7, after the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, Indian air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan killed over hundred terrorists. Among the dead were Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf and Mudassir Ahmed, all involved in the hijack of IC-814 aircraft and the Pulwama attack. India’s stern warning to Pakistan in case of ceasefire violation: ‘Our response will be fierce and punitive’ During the Indian Armed Forces joint press conference on Sunday (May 11), Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai said that if Pakistan violates the ceasefire again, India’s “response will be fierce and punitive” against them. 'We lost five soldiers in Operation Sindoor, ceasefire violations': Indian Armed Forces pay tribute to bravehearts in DGMO briefing The Indian Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) on Sunday (May 11) paid tributes to the Indian bravehearts who lost their lives in Operation Sindoor and ceasefire violations. The DGMOs also confirmed that as many as 100 terrorists were killed and the Pakistan Army also suffered casualties. Inside story of Operation Sindoor: Air Marshal AK Bharti explains how IAF coordinated strikes on Pakistan’s terror strongholds Air Marshal AK Bharti, in a detailed briefing on Sunday (May 11), outlined the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) precise and strategic response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Speaking on Operation Sindoor, Bharti revealed how the IAF targeted key terrorist and military infrastructure deep within Pakistan with calculated force and precision. Commander of the skies | Who is Air Marshal AK Bharti? IAF's architect behind Operation Sindoor Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti is a decorated officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF), who is presently serving as the Director General Air Operations (DGAO) in Air Headquarters in New Delhi. 'All our pilots back home': Indian Air Force says Operation Sindoor achieved its objectives The Indian Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) led by Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Air Marshal AK Bharti, Vice Admiral AN Pramod and Major General SS Sharda briefed the Indian media on Operation Sindoor on Sunday (May 11). 'No more war': Pope Leo makes his first Sunday address, appeals for peace, welcomes India, Pakistan ceasefire Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State gave his first blessing and address to a crowd in St Peter's Square in the Vatican on Sunday (May 11). He recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, in his first public address since being elected pope in the 2025 conclave on Thursday, May 8. Exclusive| Mission Impossible Final Reckoning director Christopher McQuarrie on what to expect What happens when an enthusiastic director meets up with an equally charged actor who wants to push his limits in the action genre? You get Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible films. Now that a new film from the franchise is up for release this May, director Christopher McQuarrie spoke about taking Mission Impossible underwater and exploring newer avenues. IPL asks teams to assemble all players by Tuesday; more doubleheaders in revised schedule – Report The BCCI is in talks to resume IPL 2025 as early as next week, having already asked all teams to assemble their players by Tuesday (May 13). According to the latest reports, they plan to include more doubleheaders in their revised schedule, which might see the tournament conclude on May 30, five days later than the original final date.

Top 10 world news: PM Modi told JD Vance 'Pak will get devastating reply'; India confirms killing of IC814 hijack planners

US president Donald Trump has reacted to Vladimir Putin&rsquo;s proposal for direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey on May 15. Taking to Truth Social, trump hailed the move by the Russian president and said this will at least "determine whether or not a deal is possible." &nbsp;He called the move a "possible end to the BLOODBATH," and urged the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;to "immediately" agree to it.
"President Putin of Russia doesn&rsquo;t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY," Trump wrote.
&ldquo;At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the US, will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly! I&rsquo;m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who&rsquo;s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won [not even close!] without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!&rdquo; added Trump," he further said.
Earlier, Zelenskyy demanded a 30-day ceasefire from Russia starting&nbsp; May 12 before Ukraine agreed to any talks with Putin.
Notably, Putin has offered direct talks to Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, &ldquo;without preconditions&rdquo; to reach to a solution to end the &nbsp;three-year conflict.

Trump hailed the proposal of talks made by the Russian president and said this will at least "determine whether or not a deal is possible" | World

US president Donald Trump has reacted to Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct talks with Ukraine in Turkey on May 15. Taking to Truth Social, trump hailed the move by the Russian president and said this will at least "determine whether or not a deal is possible." He called the move a "possible end to the BLOODBATH," and urged the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to "immediately" agree to it. "President Putin of Russia doesn’t want to have a Cease Fire Agreement with Ukraine, but rather wants to meet on Thursday, in Turkey, to negotiate a possible end to the BLOODBATH. Ukraine should agree to this, IMMEDIATELY," Trump wrote. “At least they will be able to determine whether or not a deal is possible, and if it is not, European leaders, and the US, will know where everything stands, and can proceed accordingly! I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin, who’s too busy celebrating the Victory of World War ll, which could not have been won [not even close!] without the United States of America. HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!” added Trump," he further said. Earlier, Zelenskyy demanded a 30-day ceasefire from Russia starting May 12 before Ukraine agreed to any talks with Putin. Notably, Putin has offered direct talks to Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, “without preconditions” to reach to a solution to end the three-year conflict.

'Have the meeting NOW': Trump urges Zelensky to sit for talks proposed by Putin, end the 'bloodbath'

Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State gave his first blessing and address to a crowd in St Peter's Square in the Vatican on Sunday (May 11). He recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, in his first public address since being elected pope in the 2025 conclave on Thursday, May 8.
The prayer is one of four prayers to the Virgin Mary, which is said throughout the Easter season.
After delivering Sunday mass, Pope Leo blessed the crowd gathered on the square outside.&nbsp;
Speaking in Italian the Pope said, &ldquo;Let us take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his Message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people."
&nbsp;&ldquo;And let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another," he further said, as reported by CNN.
Pope appeals for peace, end of wars
During his address, Pople Leo called for the world leaders to end the war in Ukraine and urged for a ceasefire in Gaza and release of hostages.
He also welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between India and Pakistan on Saturday (May 10) after four days of war following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. The terrorists had links to Pakistan, according to the investigation carried out by India.
''I have instead welcomed with satisfaction the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through upcoming negotiations, a lasting agreement can soon be reached. But how many other conflicts are there in the world? I entrust this heartfelt appeal to the Queen of Peace, so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace," said the pope.
<h2>About Pope Leo </h2>
Pope Leo XIV, 69 is the first American pope, taking the papal name Leo XIV. He is a moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru.
He was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 after being named to head the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the key departments of the Vatican.&nbsp;
Given his pastoral bent, global view and ability to navigate the central bureaucracy, Pope Leo XIV had the highest chances among the group of US cardinals of being pope.
He has been called &ldquo;the least American of the Americans&rdquo; for his soft-spoken touch by Italian newspaper La Repubblica.
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During his address, Pope Leo,  head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State  called for the world leaders to end the war | India News

Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State gave his first blessing and address to a crowd in St Peter's Square in the Vatican on Sunday (May 11). He recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, in his first public address since being elected pope in the 2025 conclave on Thursday, May 8. The prayer is one of four prayers to the Virgin Mary, which is said throughout the Easter season. After delivering Sunday mass, Pope Leo blessed the crowd gathered on the square outside. Speaking in Italian the Pope said, “Let us take up the invitation that Pope Francis left us in his Message for today: the invitation to welcome and accompany young people." “And let us ask our heavenly Father to assist us in living in service to one another," he further said, as reported by CNN. Pope appeals for peace, end of wars During his address, Pople Leo called for the world leaders to end the war in Ukraine and urged for a ceasefire in Gaza and release of hostages. He also welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between India and Pakistan on Saturday (May 10) after four days of war following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. The terrorists had links to Pakistan, according to the investigation carried out by India. ''I have instead welcomed with satisfaction the announcement of the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and I hope that through upcoming negotiations, a lasting agreement can soon be reached. But how many other conflicts are there in the world? I entrust this heartfelt appeal to the Queen of Peace, so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus to obtain for us the miracle of peace," said the pope. About Pope Leo Pope Leo XIV, 69 is the first American pope, taking the papal name Leo XIV. He is a moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru. He was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 after being named to head the Dicastery for Bishops, one of the key departments of the Vatican. Given his pastoral bent, global view and ability to navigate the central bureaucracy, Pope Leo XIV had the highest chances among the group of US cardinals of being pope. He has been called “the least American of the Americans” for his soft-spoken touch by Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

'No more war': Pope Leo makes his first Sunday address, appeals for peace, welcomes India, Pakistan ceasefire

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