Staff Exodus Deepens Bhutan’s Health Sector Crisis

Bhutan’s health sector is facing a growing workforce crisis, particularly at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), due to the continued loss of medical professionals. In 2025, 92 staff resigned, with 45 more giving notice and 31 applying for Extra Ordinary Leave (EOL)—many of whom are unlikely to return as they seek [...]

Iran Sentences Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi to Prison

Iranian authorities have sentenced Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi to a total of six years in prison for “gathering and collusion to commit a crime,” according to her lawyer. She also received an additional one-and-a-half-year sentence for propaganda-related activities, along with a two-year travel ban and two years of internal exile to the [...]

Gender-Based Violence Persists Despite Women’s Political Gains

A 2024 survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and UNFPA found that 76% of ever-married women aged 15 and above have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with 49% facing violence in the past year. Violence against women and girls spans physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, as well as controlling behaviors, [...]

Malian Army Reports Deadly Strikes on Suspected Militants Near Ségou

MALI: The Malian army says dozens of suspected militants were killed in military strikes near the central region of Ségou. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb armed groups operating in rural areas. Officials described the strikes as targeted actions aimed at restoring security. However, such operations continue to raise concerns about civilian [...]

Online Religious Debates Stir Sensitive Questions in Egypt

EGYPT: Online religious debates are gaining momentum in Egypt, opening space for discussion but also raising difficult and sensitive issues. Social media platforms have become arenas where beliefs, interpretations, and authority are openly challenged. While some welcome the conversations as a sign of greater openness, others fear misinformation and rising social tension. Authorities and religious [...]

China Positions Itself to Capitalize on Shifting Global Uncertainty

CHINA: China has signaled that it sees new opportunities emerging from growing disorder in the global system. Officials argue that economic fragmentation and geopolitical tension are reshaping international power dynamics. Beijing appears intent on expanding its influence through trade, diplomacy, and strategic partnerships. Supporters frame this as adaptation to a changing world, while critics warn [...]

Algeria Moves to Cancel Air Services Agreement with the UAE

ALGERIA: Algeria has begun procedures to cancel its air services agreement with the United Arab Emirates, signaling a shift in bilateral aviation relations. The decision follows rising tensions over regulatory and commercial issues in the aviation sector. Failure to reach alternative arrangements could cause disruptions for airlines and travelers. Officials have not ruled out future [...]

Drug Mules Arrested as International Trafficking Thwarted

Three anti-narcotics operations led to drug seizures worth nearly RM200 million, according to Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Crime Investigation Department. The first raid in Bentong on Jan 30 resulted in the arrest of three men and the seizure of 255 packages of suspected methamphetamine valued at RM13.25 million, with syndicates using car parks as drop-off [...]

Police Arrest 410 in Major Anti-Trafficking Crackdown

National and Military Police dismantled hundreds of human trafficking and sexual exploitation networks in 2025, resulting in the arrest of 410 suspects, according to the Ministry of Interior. Authorities intervened in 272 cases nationwide, with those arrested—including 53 women and 43 foreign nationals—referred to provincial and municipal courts for legal action. The National Committee [...]

ITFC Boosts Djibouti Partnership with $35 Million Trade Financing Facility

DJIBOUTI: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation has strengthened its partnership with Djibouti through a new $35 million financing facility. The support is aimed at improving trade flows and ensuring access to essential commodities. Officials say the facility will help stabilize supply chains and support economic activity in the country. It also reflects growing confidence [...]

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