Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel for the first time in over three years, driven by the ongoing war impacting Middle Eastern production and shipping routes critical to global supply. The conflict has led to significant production cuts in Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE, as well as the near cessation of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for oil and gas transport. This disruption is already fueling inflation concerns and negatively impacting financial markets, with stock futures pointing to a lower opening on Monday.
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Human Rights Watch has called for an investigation into the bombing of a primary school in Minab, Iran, which killed an estimated 160 civilians, mostly children, on February 28. Evidence, including satellite imagery and videos, suggests the attack was carried out with precision-guided munitions. Human Rights Watch found no evidence that the school was being used for military purposes. The incident occurred on the first day of “Operation Epic Fury,” with the US denying responsibility.
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In response to widespread flight disruptions affecting over 1,500 flights across the region, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has mandated hotels to extend necessary support to stranded tourists. This includes allowing guests to extend their stays under the original booking conditions and preventing any evictions. Hotels are instructed to inform the DET if a guest cannot cover extension costs, with the authority to then potentially cover these expenses, mirroring similar directives from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority.
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New York Times-verified images depict a horrific scene at a school in southern Iran, showing child victims and destruction following an attack. This incident involved the deaths of elementary-aged schoolgirls, whose hopes and dreams were tragically cut short. While the perpetrators remain unclear, reports indicate a significant number of casualties from the strike near a military installation. The devastating event has sparked global outrage and raises questions about the justification and consequences of the ongoing military operations.
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While the Dutch government expresses an understanding of initial strikes against Iran due to ongoing threats, it stresses the necessity of upholding international law and pursuing diplomacy. A key concern remains the undefined ultimate objective of the military campaign, with the Netherlands awaiting clarification on the intentions and goals before offering further support. France has requested Dutch assistance for its aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean, a request under governmental consideration.
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This article reports the death of an American service member from injuries sustained during an Iranian attack on troops in Saudi Arabia on March 1. This marks the seventh American casualty in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The deceased is identified as an Army soldier, bringing the total number of Army soldiers killed to seven, with six Army reservists previously lost in a drone strike in Kuwait on the same day.
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In an era where the administration challenges established institutions like the Court and Congress, independent reporting serves as a crucial bulwark against misinformation. These journalists bravely ask difficult questions, ensuring that vital truths are not suppressed. Membership is presented as the essential financial support that empowers this courageous pursuit of accuracy, directly defending both truth and democracy.
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Republican Senator Thom Tillis has publicly stated that White House adviser Stephen Miller “should go” and has been a “big problem” for the Trump administration. Tillis believes Miller has an outsized and problematic influence over cabinet operations, often prioritizing form over substance and causing embarrassments for the President. While Tillis supports the nomination of Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, hoping for a departure from Miller’s directives, Democratic leaders argue that personnel changes are insufficient. They demand significant policy reforms to ensure agencies like ICE operate ethically and do not harm American citizens, advocating for a change in policy rather than just leadership.
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When questioned about reports of a girls’ school being hit during joint Israeli-U.S. strikes in Iran, President Trump dismissed the claims outright, asserting that Iran was responsible due to its military’s inaccuracy. In contrast, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the matter was under investigation, stating that only Iran targets civilians. This divergence in statements led to Hegseth being sidelined, as preliminary assessments from anonymous U.S. officials and independent analysis by The New York Times suggest American forces may have carried out the strike. The incident occurred during the ongoing conflict, which has already resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of at least 165 schoolgirls.
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Despite promises of massive spending cuts from figures like Elon Musk and Trump allies, federal spending has continued to rise. The ongoing conflict in Iran is now a significant drain on resources, costing billions daily. This surge in spending stands in stark contrast to the alarm raised about fiscal responsibility, highlighting a palpable hypocrisy within Washington’s deficit panic.
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John Q. Hosedrinker