UNIFIL's phase-out raises questions about who will maintain security in southern Lebanon. The peacekeeping mission has long served as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah. Its withdrawal could leave a dangerous vacuum and heighten regional tensions.

Pete Hegseth, the nominee for defense secretary, has chosen aides with ties to Trump family business ventures, prompting concerns over potential conflicts of interest. Watchdogs and lawmakers are asking whether these appointments could blur lines between national security and private commercial interests. The scrutiny matters as the Senate weighs confirmation and broader Pentagon ethics.

Bangladesh and India are working to preserve their upcoming cricket series despite recent political turmoil in Bangladesh. The instability threatened the schedule, but both sides are seeking to proceed. The series holds significance for regional cricket relations and fan engagement.

South Carolinians are voting to elect the state's next U.S. senator, filling the seat currently held by Lindsey Graham. The race is seen as a test of the state's independent political mood. The outcome could affect the balance of power in the Senate.

Voters in Minnesota head to the polls in primaries that could reshape the political landscape for Democrats and Republicans in the state. The outcomes are seen as a potential indicator of shifting party strategies and voter priorities ahead of the next general election.

Wisconsin Democrats are considering a democratic socialist candidate for governor, following a wave of progressive wins across the US. This signals growing left-wing influence within the party and could reshape the state's 2026 race. The outcome would test whether progressive policies resonate beyond solidly blue enclaves.

Israel’s UN envoy said recent Gaza nutrition data disproves accusations that Israel caused starvation, calling the allegations a “blood libel.” The comments push back against international criticism over aid access during the war.

An Al Jazeera opinion piece argues that Amazon's Jeff Bezos and SpaceX's Elon Musk are exerting outsized control over the Global South's digital infrastructure, from cloud services to satellite internet. The authors contend this risks a new form of dependence where developing nations trade data sovereignty for access. It matters because it raises urgent questions about who should govern the internet's expansion and whether these regions can secure truly independent digital futures.

Vietnamese aerospace company VinSpace announced a deal with SpaceX to launch its first satellite. The partnership marks a step forward for Vietnam’s space capabilities, giving the country access to commercial orbital services and boosting its technological ambitions.