IRAQ: Iraq has partnered with Google and its AI platform Google Gemini as part of efforts to modernize Iraqi football ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking Iraq’s first appearance in the tournament in 40 years. The initiative, led by football federation chairman Adnan Dirjal, aims to improve the national team’s global image and [...]
The Committee on Academic Freedom of the Association for Iranian Studies warned that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has seriously affected Iran’s education system. In a letter sent to international leaders, the group accused the US and Israel of targeting universities, schools, and medical research centers, saying such attacks violate [...]
BHUTAN: Bhutan is facing growing concerns over suicide and mental health, with suicide remaining the country’s sixth leading cause of death. Reports show that suicide attempts and deaths continue to rise, prompting the government to make prevention a national priority. Through the National Mental Health Strategy 1.0 (2025), led by the PEMA Secretariat, Bhutan is [...]
BANGLADESH:A coalition of left-leaning student organisations under the banner of Gonotantrik Chhatra Jote staged a protest march toward the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh, demanding the cancellation of the Bangladesh-US trade agreement. Leaders from several student groups claimed the agreement was unequal and would negatively impact sectors such as poultry, dairy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and [...]
CAMBODIA: At the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu City, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a trilateral meeting with Anutin Charnvirakul and Hun Manet to promote peace between Thailand and Cambodia amid ongoing border tensions. The conflict, rooted in disputes surrounding the ancient Preah Vihear Temple, has caused many deaths and displaced thousands since May 2025. Marcos [...]
MALAYSIA: Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the Malaysia government is considering a new law that would legally require children to care for their ageing parents. The proposal aims to strengthen filial responsibility and preserve the nation’s moral and social values. Zahid has directed the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development to prepare a policy [...]
JORDAN: Yarub Qudah met with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi and Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro during the Make it in the Emirates in Abu Dhabi. The discussions focused on strengthening economic and trade ties, expanding industrial and investment partnerships, and increasing cooperation in sectors [...]
IRAQ: A severe dust storm caused by a “Khamsin” depression led to 1,133 cases of suffocation across Iraq on May 4, 2026. Most cases were mild to moderate, and no fatalities were reported. Al-Muthanna was the hardest hit with 576 cases, followed by Najaf (300) and Baghdad (200). Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and [...]
BHUTAN: Phuentsholing, Bhutan’s commercial hub, continues to face a persistent housing crisis that goes beyond high rent. A shortage of available housing—even for those who can afford it—has pushed many Bhutanese, including low-income families and civil servants, to live across the border in Jaigaon, India, despite poorer living conditions. The issue reflects deeper structural challenges, [...]
IRAN: In Iran, executions have continued quietly amid a backdrop of conflict, economic hardship, and uncertainty. Rights groups report at least 21 executions since late February, some tied to protests and others to alleged opposition links or espionage. Despite the rising pace and lack of transparency in trials, daily life appears outwardly normal, with many [...]
