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Latest Publications — Page 176

  1. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Lula Leads in Presidential Race; Lula vs Flávio in Second Round

    President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) maintains a significant lead in the first round of the 2026 presidential election, with 43.4% of voting intentions, according to multiple polls by Atlas/Bloomberg and Nexus/BTG. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) follows with 33.7%. In a simulated second round, Lula leads Flávio 47.1% to 42.6%. Other candidates include Augusto Cury (Avante), Renan Santos (Mission), Ronaldo Caiado (PSD), Romeu Zema (Novo), and Pablo Marçal (PRTB).
    8 sourcesSee all sources
  5. PoliticsMiddle East

    Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Establish Mecca Defense Alliance

    Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have established the Mecca Defense Alliance, a defensive pact that complements NATO and is open to expansion. The alliance aims to bring greater stability and reduce uncertainty in the region. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the alliance was created with the intention of expanding and that practical steps have been taken to build a practical security structure in the region. The first meeting of the alliance's Strategic Political and Defense Committee was held in Istanbul, with the participation of foreign and defense ministers and chiefs of staff of the three countries.
    54 sourcesSee all sources
  7. WorldMiddle EastChinaConflict

    Ukraine Facing Food Shortages After Russian Strikes on Warehouses

    Russian strikes on food distribution warehouses and logistics centers have led to widespread food shortages across Ukraine. Supermarket shelves are empty, with locals panic-buying essential goods. The Ukrainian government reports around 90% of food logistics networks have been damaged or destroyed. Shortages are being reported in cities including Kyiv, Lviv, and Kryvyi Rih. Authorities are struggling to manage the situation as people clear shelves and introduce purchase limits.
    53 sourcesSee all sources
  8. PoliticsPeaceGovernanceSanctionsWar

    Colombian President Ends Peace Talks with Armed Groups

    Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has officially ended peace talks with several illegal armed groups that were started during the administration of his predecessor, Gustavo Petro. The decision was made due to a lack of 'peace will' from the armed groups, including the National Bolivarian Army Coordinator (CNEB), the Conquistadors of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN), and structures under the command of Alexander Díaz Mendoza, alias 'Calarcá'. The government has revoked the appointments of government representatives and recognitions of delegates from the other side in these dialogues.
    17 sourcesSee all sources
  12. WorldLocal GovMiddle EastHealthcare

    Montenegro Closes Kindergartens to Unvaccinated Children

    Montenegro is closing its kindergartens to unvaccinated children as the new school year approaches. Pediatricians are in high demand, with parents eager to secure vaccines for their children to enable them to attend kindergarten. Children can only be enrolled if a pediatrician issues a certificate stating they have been vaccinated regularly. Exceptions may be made based on the pediatrician's assessment, but a parent whose child has not been vaccinated without a valid reason will not be allowed to attend kindergarten. Regular inspections and high fines are planned for those who do not comply with the law. A public debate is expected in September, after which the Constitutional Court will decide whether requiring kindergarten attendance to be conditional on vaccination is constitutional.
    5 sourcesSee all sources
  13. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastBudget

    Honduras Farmers Pray for Rain to Save Last Harvest Amid Severe Drought

    Farmers in southern Honduras are facing severe drought, with crops like corn, sugarcane, and okra failing due to lack of rain. The situation has led to a 100% loss of the first harvest (May) and is drying up wells, forcing water rationing. Farmers are praying for rain in September to save the last harvest of the year. The government is providing aid, including irrigation systems and food assistance, to support affected farmers and ranchers. The drought has also led to cattle deaths and is causing concern about the upcoming post-harvest season, with thousands of families dependent on farming for income and food.
    3 sourcesSee all sources
  15. SocietyMiddle EastFraudCyberattackBreach

    Suspicious Activities in Villa Area: Residents Report Large Number of Foreign Nationals

    Residents have reported a large number of foreign nationals moving into villas in an area, with frequent movement of people and goods such as mobile phones, computers, and daily necessities. Dedicated delivery services are observed during the day, and rooms are always lit, suggesting possible illegal activities. Residents urge local authorities to investigate the area and maintain public safety.
    13 sourcesSee all sources
  16. SocietyLocal GovMiddle EastWhite-collar

    Chiang Mai Couple Arrested for Making 52 ATM Withdrawals in Phone Scam Network

    On August 29, Thai police arrested a couple in Chiang Mai suspected of making ATM withdrawals for a phone scam network. They made at least 52 withdrawals in Chiang Mai, with 37 near Pa Muang Market and 15 near San Sai Lotus Supercenter. Police seized two mobile phones, three bank cards, three passbooks, and suspect clothing. The suspects confessed to receiving instructions from a LINE account called 'Black Duck' and transferring funds to a designated location for a 5% commission. Investigations revealed that this withdrawal chain was linked to an e-fraud network that transferred funds from Cambodia's 'Pob' or 'Poipet' to Chiang Mai. Police have filed charges and are pursuing the mastermind behind 'Black Duck', other suspects, and the flow of funds.
    23 sourcesSee all sources
  18. WorldMiddle EastConflictWeather

    Ukrainian Drones Attack Yekaterinburg; Wildberries Warehouse and Residential Buildings Hit

    Ukrainian drones targeted Yekaterinburg on August 31, striking a Wildberries warehouse and residential buildings. The attack resulted in damage to a high-rise apartment building and injuries to several people. Governor Denis Pasler confirmed the incident, stating that there were 'drone hits and debris' in residential buildings and a logistics center. Ukrainian monitoring channels reported that one drone crashed near the Wildberries warehouse. Emergency services are working at the crash sites.
    11 sourcesSee all sources
  19. WorldEuropeMiddle East

    Iranian, Kyrgyz Presidents Meet, Discuss Bilateral Ties

    Presidents of Iran and Kyrgyzstan met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek. They discussed bilateral relations, trade, energy cooperation, and cultural ties. Iran's President Masoud Mammadzadeh and Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov held talks, with Iran proposing to serve as a transit route for Kyrgyz goods and establishing a logistics center in Bandar Abbas.
    24 sourcesSee all sources
  20. SocietyMiddle EastDefenseWhite-collar

    South Korean Crime Syndicates Expand in Philippines After Crackdown on Chinese Online Gambling

    South Korean crime syndicates are taking advantage of regulatory gaps in the Philippines, building a parallel illegal gambling industry worth tens of billions of dollars after the government cracked down on Chinese online gambling companies (POGOs) suspected of human trafficking and fraud. Recent high-profile arrests have revealed the extent of this secret black market, with South Korean women like Kim Young-ae controlling multiple illegal online gambling websites and making billions in illegal profits. Experts warn that although the Marcos Jr. government ordered a ban on POGOs, the South Korean gambling black market remains active and deeply entrenched.
    18 sourcesSee all sources
  21. WorldMiddle East

    Kyiv Schools to Start Year in Mixed Format Due to Security Concerns

    Kyiv schools will commence the new academic year in a mixed format, combining in-person and remote learning, due to ongoing security concerns. Some schools may hold classes in shelters or introduce a second shift, with each institution determining its specific format based on the security situation and available resources. This change is a response to prolonged alerts and the evolving security situation in Kyiv.
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  23. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastNorth America

    Italy Extends Schengen Suspension with Spain for 15 Days

    Italy has decided to extend the suspension of the Schengen Agreement with Spain for another 15 days. This measure, initially introduced on August 1st following the migrant crisis in Ceuta, involves the restoration of border controls for air and sea travelers arriving from Spain. The Italian government has communicated its decision to the European executive and the Spanish government.
    23 sourcesSee all sources