The article critiques the recurring 'forever war' pattern in US foreign policy, drawing parallels between the failures in Afghanistan and Iraq and the current escalating conflict with Iran under Donald Trump, arguing that persistent misconceptions, political dishonesty, and ego drive costly, unwinnable entanglements.
The US-backed Board of Peace, established to oversee a Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction, has failed to achieve its mandate, instead providing cover for continued Israeli actions and land expansion. The article argues for its abandonment and the return of responsibility to the United Nations.
US President Donald Trump canceled a planned attack on Iran, stating a deal was reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's nuclear threat. However, Iranian officials disputed Trump's account, denying any agreement and insisting hostile actions by the US would keep the Strait closed. Saudi Arabia had also raised concerns about potential escalation.
Kansas voters will decide on a constitutional amendment to switch from gubernatorial appointment to electing state Supreme Court justices. Conservatives, citing disagreements on abortion, school funding, and the death penalty, push for the change, while opponents warn of increased partisanship and a power grab.
CPM leaders criticized Kerala CM V D Satheesan for attending a Youth League leader's private event and allegedly misusing a government helicopter during severe rain-related disasters across the state, while other ministers defended his actions.
AISA president Neha Bora stated that Left student organizations provided visual language and organizational support, including slogans and posters, for the month-long anti-paper leak agitation in New Delhi. She emphasized the protests were a continuation of years of campus activism, not a sudden revival, and highlighted the popularity of Left messaging among youth.
Heavy rainfall in Kerala has caused widespread devastation, leading to eight deaths, eight missing, and 13 injured. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed sorrow and urged party workers to assist relief efforts, while the state government confirmed 27 houses destroyed and 5,792 people moved to relief camps.
Iran's negotiating team, citing Fars, denies reports of agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz via Qatari mediation, stating the waterway remains closed due to "hostile US actions." This contradicts earlier Israeli TV reports about a US strike cancellation following such a deal.
Andy Burnham's plan to devolve power by allowing England's regional mayors a share of income tax aims to address regional inequalities. While economists support the principle, challenges include avoiding weaker economies falling behind, repairing damage from austerity, and a lack of local government expertise and resources.
The US-China AI competition has evolved from individual company innovation to a contest of entire innovation ecosystems. China's "ecosystem statecraft" strategy, integrating industrial policy, finance, and global standards, is yielding world-class AI capabilities, while the US often responds to isolated breakthroughs, risking its long-term technological leadership.
The UK Home Office is revoking post-Brexit residency rights for some EU citizens, citing "error" in granting pre-settled status. At least 100 people, including a Portuguese NHS worker, have been affected, raising concerns about the UK's compliance with the EU withdrawal agreement.
Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan has appointed Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister following the Civil Contract party's victory in the June 7 parliamentary elections, where they secured 49.75% of votes.
Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay postponed his Bengaluru visit for Cauvery water talks with Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar, following Shivakumar's request due to protests in Karnataka over a water release directive. Vijay accepted to maintain cordial inter-state relations.
Independent MP Pappu Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, and Awadhesh Prasad face FIRs in Varanasi and Delhi after a Parliament skit depicted alleged embezzlement of Ayodhya Ram Mandir donations. Yadav remains defiant, stating he is ready to face death to protect people's faith.
An analysis of India's pervasive corruption, tracing its historical roots from British colonial rule and the symbolic 'towel-chair' of government power, through the 'Inspector Raj' era, to its cyclical nature and proposed solutions involving high salaries and conviction rates.
The 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila provided a rare neutral platform for major powers like the US, China, and Russia to engage amidst global tensions, reaffirming ASEAN's centrality in regional diplomacy and addressing issues like the South China Sea and energy security.
Karnataka began releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu following heavy rainfall in Kerala's Wayanad district, which increased inflows into the Kabini reservoir. This action follows a directive from the Cauvery Water Management Authority, despite ongoing drought threats and protests in Karnataka, with the Mekedatu project proposed as a long-term solution.
Former Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae won a party-member primary in the country's southeast, bouncing back after a narrow loss to rival Kim Min-seok in the central region. The wins mark a competitive start to the party's leadership race, with the national convention scheduled for August 17 to elect a new leader.
President Lee Jae Myung met with the Korean community in Frankfurt, Germany, emphasizing their crucial role as a bridge between South Korea and Germany, especially given the active presence of South Korean companies in the region.
The head of Europe's professional football leagues, Claudius Schafer, stated FIFA President Gianni Infantino's position is untenable after his failed plan to sell World Cup commercial rights sparked widespread protest and a lack of transparency within FIFA.
The BJP is implementing a multi-pronged strategy to expand its influence in Punjab ahead of the next state elections. This includes outreach to the Ravidassia community, acquiring leaders from rival parties like AAP and Congress, appointing a Jat Sikh as state chief, and Prime Minister Modi's 'double-engine' development pitch while attacking the AAP and Congress governments.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) core members will meet on August 5 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to discuss future plans, following their month-long agitation against the NEET paper leak. Decisions will be announced post-meeting.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of planned strikes on Iran, stating a rapid agreement had been reached with Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries to end the conflict. The deal reportedly includes opening the Hormuz Strait and ending Iran's nuclear threat, with Israel's support. Iran has not yet confirmed the agreement.
President Trump announced the US and Israel will halt new attacks on Iran if a deal to end the conflict is reached quickly, citing a request from Iran and other Middle Eastern nations. Iran has denied this, stating its forces are on high alert.
The Trump administration's termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 330,000 Haitian immigrants in the US, including 13,000 nursing assistants, faces criticism for its impact on families, communities, and industries, despite Haiti's ongoing unsafe conditions.
Tens of thousands of migrants who swam into Spain's Ceuta exclave have mostly returned to Morocco, but the surge left 72 dead and exposed deep EU divisions over migration, particularly between Spain and Italy, amidst questions about social media's role.
US President Trump canceled a planned strike on Iran after Iranian FM Araghchi accepted a Qatari compromise proposal to resume Hormuz Strait operations, according to Israeli TV Channel 12, citing diplomats. The deal involves vessels using Iranian and Omani waters, with ongoing talks to secure IRGC support.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Ratna Singh spoke with the mother of a Noida teenager, booked for allegedly abusing PM Modi. The mother is upset the FIR remains active despite an apology video and PM's call for forgiveness, while CJP offers legal aid.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned rising anti-Ukrainian violence and hate crimes in Poland, citing a brutal attack in Wroclaw. The incidents, fueled by historical disputes over the UPA and fake news, threaten Poland's international image and support for Ukraine, despite Tusk's efforts to de-escalate tensions and maintain aid.
Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor alleged police misused powers and intimidated voters during the Bankipur bypoll in Bihar, filing complaints with the Election Commission and seeking an inquiry into Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma's role. The BJP rejected the allegations.
Donald Trump announced he cancelled planned strikes against Iran, claiming Iran and other Middle Eastern countries requested a halt as "perimeters" of a deal were agreed. This follows reports of US-Israeli strike plans and Iran's acting Defence Minister stating Tehran views threats as credible, despite past talks failing.
Epping, a historic market town, transformed into a site of intense protests and counter-demonstrations in July 2025 following an asylum seeker's arrest for sexual assault. The events have led to residents fearing for their safety, experiencing racism, and planning to move, while also igniting a national discussion on housing asylum seekers in hotels.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos commented on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposed pied-à-terre tax, calling it 'a fine thing' but cautioning against aggressive taxation. He criticized Mamdani's 'villain strategy' targeting individuals like Ken Griffin and slammed the city's public school spending and economic inefficiencies.
Ahmet Davutoglu, former Turkish foreign minister and prime minister, is withdrawing from party politics after his Future Party ceased activities. Once a key figure in the AK Party, he became a critic of Turkiye's "polluted political climate" and struggled to establish an independent political movement.
Harare experienced a quiet shutdown as residents awaited protests against constitutional amendments, which critics say could extend President Mnangagwa's term. Police deployed heavily, and while the city remained calm, the dispute continues in court.
The Indian diaspora in China voiced concerns over anti-India content on Chinese social media, declining work visas, and employment restrictions for spouses at an Indian Embassy Open House in Beijing. Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami addressed these issues, announced eased Indian visa rules for Chinese citizens, and outlined plans for legal aid and cultural outreach amidst efforts to improve bilateral ties.
President Trump claimed on social media that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries requested the US to halt an attack, citing agreed deal perimeters. This follows reports of potential US-Israel strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, with Iran's Mehr news agency dismissing Trump's claims as a "new lie."
A temporary deal between Peak District National Park and car firm Skoda, rebranding parts of the park as 'the Peaq District' for a week, has boosted park funds but ignited protests from campaigners concerned about commercialization amid declining government funding for national parks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Iranian regime faces a new US administration under President Trump, which takes action and demands accountability. His remarks came as Trump cancelled a planned military strike on Iran, conditional on Tehran moving quickly towards an agreement regarding its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.
Jeff Bezos criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's proposed pied-à-terre tax, calling it a 'fine thing' but cautioning against aggressive implementation. Bezos also slammed Mamdani's 'villain strategy' of targeting individuals like Ken Griffin and highlighted government spending inefficiencies.
Congress leader Pawan Khera defended Rahul Gandhi after an FIR was registered against him and other opposition MPs in Varanasi for a Parliament protest alleging corruption in Ram Temple donations. Khera also supported Gandhi's opposition to a proposed delimitation exercise, citing concerns over states losing political representation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the Lokmanya Tilak National Award to NSA Ajit Doval in Pune, praising Doval's role in strengthening India's security and foreign policy under PM Modi. Shah urged youth to emulate freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak for nation-building, a sentiment echoed by Doval, who also cautioned against internal and external challenges.
The Clacton parliamentary by-election, prompted by Nigel Farage's resignation, features the UK's longest-ever 90cm ballot paper with 34 candidates, costing Tendring District Council four times more to print than standard ballots.
Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra wrote to Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, urging cooperation on the Cauvery water dispute and support for the Mekedatu reservoir project. This follows renewed tensions after CWMA directed Karnataka to release water, leading to protests and a Supreme Court plea by DMK.
The Queensland government has released new concept images for the 2032 Olympic stadium precinct at Brisbane’s Victoria Park, aiming to ease concerns over parkland loss. Opponents, however, dismiss the "fantasy vision" for lacking details on crucial infrastructure like parking and transport links.
