Author: Naharnet Newsdesk

Iran is facing a critical runoff presidential election after only 39.9% of its voting public cast a ballot in the first round. The country’s economy is in turmoil, dissent is met with force, and tensions with the West are high due to Iran’s nuclear enrichment. Hard-line candidate Saeed Jalili faces reformist Masoud Pezeshkian in a tight race that will determine the future of the nation. The election law requires a candidate to get over 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Pezeshkian received 10.4 million votes in the first round, while Jalili got 9.4 million. The endorsement from third-place…

A recent lawsuit filed in federal court in New York claims that Iran, Syria, and North Korea provided support to Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, resulting in ongoing conflict in Gaza. The plaintiffs seek $4 billion in damages for their coordination of extrajudicial killings and hostage takings. While these countries are designated as state sponsors of terrorism, the lawsuit aims to hold them accountable under U.S. law. The complaint, drawing on previous court findings and government reports, alleges that Iran, Syria, and North Korea supplied weapons, technology, and financial support to Hamas. Despite denying knowledge of the…

Turkish police have detained 67 people following a violent mob attack in Kayseri, triggered by an accusation of harassment against a Syrian man. The incident involved the targeting of Syrian businesses and properties, with one grocery store being set on fire. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the violence, emphasizing that such acts are unacceptable and warning against the use of hate speech for political gain. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that the Syrian man, suspected of harassing a young girl, had been apprehended and stated that the actions of the mob were unlawful and not reflective of Turkey’s values. This…

In the windswept port town of Hartlepool, politicians have long promised change, but the problems persist. Higher unemployment, lower pay, and a deep sense of disillusionment plague the town. The fishing community feels betrayed after Brexit promises have gone unfulfilled, and a new crisis threatens their livelihood. Despite government efforts to revive the town, well-paid jobs are slow to come. Many residents, like retiree Sheila Wainwright, are skeptical of politicians’ promises. Labour’s election candidate, Jonathan Brash, acknowledges the widespread mistrust among voters. As Hartlepool looks to its maritime heritage for economic opportunities, the commercial port plays a role in the…

In a rural penal colony in southeast Ukraine, convicts are offered a chance at parole if they join the fight against Russia. Facing acute battlefield shortages after more than two years of fighting, Ukraine has extended its draft to include the country’s prison population. More than 3,000 prisoners have been released on parole and assigned to military units, with an estimated 27,000 inmates potentially eligible for the program. Inmates see this as an opportunity to return home as heroes and contribute to the defense of their country. The program involves screening, basic training, and integration into regular frontline units, unlike…

Former President Evo Morales accused President Luis Arce of staging a “self-coup” to gain political points, sparking a new controversy in their already strained relationship. Morales initially labeled the military’s actions as a coup attempt but later claimed that Arce orchestrated the incident to boost his plummeting popularity. The accusation was supported by former Gen. Juan José Zuñiga, who stated that Arce had betrayed him and planned the self-coup to raise his popularity. The theory was quickly dubbed a “self-coup” by Arce’s political opponents. The unraveling events led to conflicting statements from both sides, with Morales and Arce clashing over…

by Naharnet Newsdesk 01 July 2024, 11:31 During a recent tour, Free Patriotic Movement leader Jebran Bassil expressed concern about the threat posed by Israel and the possibility of war. He emphasized that the FPM is against any policy that may lead to war and reassured that Lebanon would emerge victorious, regardless of the outcome. Bassil also pledged unity in the face of foreign aggression and emphasized the importance of communication among differing political factions domestically. He stressed that while they work to prevent conflict, they will not surrender to threats. Bassil’s firm stance against war and commitment to solidarity…

French voters are at a crossroads in the upcoming parliamentary elections on July 7, facing the possibility of a far-right government for the first time since World War II. The runoff elections could also result in no clear majority emerging, adding uncertainty to the political landscape. The complex voting system in France has made the outcome unpredictable, with the far-right National Rally leading the first round with an estimated one-third of the votes. The New Popular Front coalition and President Macron’s centrist alliance closely follow behind. The runoff will determine the composition of the lower house of parliament, where over…

Recent drone footage from Ukraine’s military revealed bodies in a civilian area in the besieged town of Toretsk, under heavy Russian bombardment in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian rescue services are conducting a large-scale evacuation due to the attacks, with President Zelensky expressing concern over the use of over 800 glide bombs by Russia in the past week. The devastating impact of these Soviet-era glide bombs on civilian areas has caused immense destruction and loss of life, leading to a desperate need for international support for Ukraine. The ongoing conflict has exposed vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s front-line defenses, exacerbated by postponed military…

In the wind-whipped port town of Hartlepool, northeast England, promises of change from politicians have failed to deliver. The town faces higher unemployment, lower wages, shorter life expectancy, and a sense of disillusionment among its residents. Despite opinion polls favoring the center-left Labour Party in the upcoming election, many voters remain undecided and jaded, with a deep sense of mistrust towards politicians. Industrial decline has scarred Hartlepool, with shipyards, steelworks, and the fishing industry shrinking over the years. The town voted heavily to leave the European Union in 2016, hoping for a better future post-Brexit. However, little has changed, and…