Khitam, a seasoned journalist with over three decades of experience, currently serves as Chief News Editor, focusing on UAE, GCC, and Arab affairs. Beginning her career as a translator, she steadily advanced into editorial roles. Her responsibilities include monitoring breaking news in the UAE and Arab regions to ensure timely and accurate dissemination. A childhood encounter with Margaret Thatcher, where she shared her family’s displacement, shaped her dedication to journalism and highlighting stories impacted by regional conflicts.
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The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has officially attributed a cyberattack on a hydropower dam in Bremanger to Russia, marking the first time Oslo has formally accused Moscow. The attack, which occurred in April, allowed water to flow unnoticed for four hours, releasing 500 liters per second. PST’s head stated the incident exemplifies a shift in activity from pro-Russian cyber actors aimed at creating fear and chaos. Although no injuries or damage resulted, the PST is warning that Russian intelligence services are actively attempting to gather information and recruit contacts within Norway.
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On August 14th, Ukraine and Russia completed a prisoner of war exchange, resulting in the return of 84 individuals, including military personnel and civilians, some held captive since 2014. This 67th exchange involved individuals detained even before the full-scale invasion, facing lengthy prison sentences. Many of the released require significant medical attention and rehabilitation. Among those freed were defenders of Mariupol, Ukrainian Navy soldiers, State Border Guard, and three women from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, highlighting the varied backgrounds of those impacted.
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The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, reported that senior members of the Trump administration met Australia’s decision to recognize Palestine with “disgust” and disappointment. He argued the timing was “terrible” and would negatively impact hostage negotiations and any prospects for a peaceful resolution with Hamas. Huckabee also suggested that Australia’s actions might inadvertently push Israel toward annexing the West Bank, despite an earlier non-binding motion on annexation passed by the Israeli Knesset. Huckabee defended Trump’s actions regarding the war in Gaza and the starvation crisis.
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Following a video call with various world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron stated the U.S. is prepared to offer security guarantees to Ukraine post-war, though not through NATO membership, a key point for Russia. This stance from Trump was communicated just before his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. A joint statement from Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reaffirmed readiness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and stated that Russia should not hold veto power over Ukraine’s potential EU and NATO membership. Territorial discussions will involve Zelensky, which Trump supports.
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Greek Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis announced the country’s intention to prepay loans from its initial bailout program. This strategic move aims to accelerate repayment by a decade, significantly lessening Greece’s future debt obligations. By repaying these loans early, Greece anticipates alleviating its overall financial burden and potentially improving its economic standing. The accelerated repayment strategy is a positive development for the country.
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A recent British Army inquiry has revealed that despite a ban, some soldiers at the British Army Training Unit Kenya (Batuk) have continued to engage sex workers. The investigation, prompted by an ITV investigation and spanning over two years, found transactional sex occurring at a “low to moderate” level. The report details 35 suspected instances of soldiers paying for sex since 2022, with further cases under investigation. In response, the Army plans to implement recommendations to curb these activities, including additional training and stricter disciplinary measures.
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North Korea is reportedly preparing to send a new contingent of approximately 6,000 military engineering personnel and between 50 to 100 pieces of military equipment, including tanks and armored personnel carriers, to Russia. Ukrainian intelligence suggests that while officially for demining and reconstruction in the Kursk region, this deployment may have broader implications. Furthermore, North Korea is already supplying a substantial portion of the Russian army’s ammunition needs, alongside hundreds of artillery systems and missiles, some of which have been upgraded for improved effectiveness. These actions follow previous deployments of North Korean troops to the frontlines, and align with the Kremlin’s efforts to address labor shortages in occupied territories.
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Germany has committed $500 million for military equipment and munitions sourced from the US to support Ukraine. This aid, focused on air defense, comes as President Trump plans a summit with Putin, after which he may arrange a second meeting including Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, the British prime minister stated that there is now a “viable” chance for a ceasefire. Russia, as part of negotiations, has requested a reduction in NATO troops. Finally, a Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire at a Russian oil refinery.
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On August 7, 2025, ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities mobilized in protest against the Israeli government’s attempts to conscript their youth. The demonstrations, sparked by the arrest of religious school students who evaded the draft, were framed as a defense of their religious way of life. Rabbis called for religious disobedience, urging followers to prioritize yeshivas over military service. Thousands responded to the call, expressing their commitment to the Torah and rejection of government authority.
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John Q. Hosedrinker