EU: von der Leyen affirms commitment to international law
Ursula von der Leyen has reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to international law after her remarks on 9 March about a changing global order sparked controversy. She had said that Europe could ‘no longer be a custodian for the old world order’, suggesting that shifting geopolitical realities require new approaches. Some supporters viewed the comment as a realistic assessment of global tensions, while critics feared it might weaken Europe’s defence of international rules. Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez responded that the key challenge is maintaining an international order rather than allowing disorder. Von der Leyen clarified that recognising global changes does not lessen the EU’s principles. She emphasised that the EU remains committed to peace, multilateral cooperation, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. Her remarks come as European leaders are sharply split over the legality of the US-Israeli war against Iran.
Hungary / Ukraine: heated accusations ahead of election
Tensions have risen between Hungary and Ukraine ahead of Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary election on 12 April. Viktor Orbán has accused Ukraine of attempting to influence the vote and even preparing hostile actions against his country. Ukrainian officials reject the claims, saying the accusations are part of a political campaign intended to rally support for Orbán’s Fidesz party, which currently is behind in the polls. Meanwhile, reports suggest a Kremlin-linked group may also be planning disinformation efforts aimed at influencing Hungarian public opinion. A key issue in the dispute is the disruption of oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline after Russian drone strikes damaged infrastructure in western Ukraine in January. Orbán claims that the pipeline is intact and that Ukraine is deliberately withholding supplies, a claim rejected by Ukrainian officials. Campaign messaging inside Hungary has increasingly focused on the war and fears of wider conflict.
USA: White House videos mixing war footage with video games
A series of videos shared by the White House has sparked debate after mixing footage of the war with Iran with scenes from films, video games, and professional sports. The posts combine real explosions with clips from entertainment franchises and popular culture, including action movies and gaming titles. Critics say the approach risks turning a deadly conflict into spectacle. Actor Ben Stiller and voice actor Steve Downes both objected to the use of their work without permission, calling for the clips to be removed. Church leaders also voiced concern, including Blase J Cupich, the Catholic archbishop of Chicago, who warned that portraying war like a video game diminishes the suffering experienced by those affected. Supporters of the videos argue they highlight the actions of American forces and communicate messages in a digital age shaped by media and entertainment. Meanwhile, Trump has said his ‘excursion’ will soon be over, but ‘not yet’: see
Iran: a new Supreme Leader
Iran’s clerical leaders have moved quickly to appoint a new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and American strikes on the opening day of the conflict. His successor is his 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei. For years he has been influential behind the scenes, often described as a gatekeeper to his father and closely connected to key centres of power. His wife Zahra was reportedly killed in the same Israeli air strike that killed his father. Although he lacks broad public recognition and has never held elected office, reports indicate he has the backing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful security force which underpins the state. His appointment is likely to reinforce the existing direction of Iran’s leadership during a period of intense regional conflict and internal pressure. Observers note that many Iranians who have called for reform will see little sign of change in this appointment, which might give Donald Trump a strategic advantage in his war of words with Tehran. Breaking news: on 12 March, a message was read out on state television, said to come from the new Supreme Leader, vowing that Iran would fight on. See
Nigeria: hundreds abducted by militants in Borno state
More than 300 people, including many women and children, have been abducted after militant fighters attacked the town of Ngoshe in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state. Local officials say the assault likely came in retaliation for the recent killing of three Boko Haram commanders by Nigerian forces. The attack forms part of a wider wave of violence across the region, with additional assaults reported in several nearby communities. Although the military says troops repelled some attacks, soldiers were also killed during the fighting. Mass kidnappings have become increasingly common in Nigeria, particularly in remote areas where security is limited. Armed groups often arrive on motorbikes, raid villages quickly, and disappear into remote bushland before troops can respond. Among the militant groups operating in the region are Boko Haram, IS, and other armed gangs which engage in kidnapping and illegal mining. Analysts warn that cross-border militant cooperation and new technologies such as drones are strengthening these groups, while many communities remain vulnerable to ongoing violence.
Egypt: tourism has rebounded since Covid, but many struggling with living costs due to war
Egypt’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly in recent years, reaffirming its importance to the national economy. In 2025 the country welcomed nearly 19 million visitors, a 21% increase from the previous year, while tourism revenues reached €14.17 billion - more than 20% above pre-pandemic levels. This recovery follows the sharp decline in 2020 when travel restrictions caused revenues to fall dramatically. Authorities expect continued growth in 2026, supported by increased air travel, including a significant rise in charter flights, and the development of destinations such as El Alamein, Siwa and the North Coast. The government is investing in infrastructure, with plans for more than 200,000 new hotel rooms and expanded airport capacity. However, due to the new Middle East conflict many Egyptians are at present struggling with rising living costs: higher transport costs are pushing up food prices, leaving both vendors and families facing growing financial strain. See
Iran: six footballers seek asylum in Australia, fearing for their safety
Six members of Iran’s women’s national football team have chosen to remain in Australia after taking part in the Asian Cup, requesting humanitarian protection amid concerns for their safety if they returned home. The players had travelled to Queensland for the tournament shortly before the conflict involving Iran began. Attention focused on the team after they did not sing the national anthem before a match on 2 March, a moment which observers saw as either a gesture of protest or of mourning for the US-Israeli attacks on their country. Iranian media commentators have strongly criticised the silence, and reportedly threats have been voiced against them, regarding them as disloyal during wartime. After security assessments, the Australian authorities granted temporary humanitarian visas to six team members, allowing them to stay for twelve months while considering longer-term options. The other members of the squad chose to return to Iran with the rest of the delegation.
Haiti: government drone strikes kill many, including civilians
Haiti continues to face severe insecurity as armed gangs control large areas of the capital, Port-au-Prince. In efforts to confront the violence, Haitian security forces, supported by private contractors, have used quadcopter drones carrying explosives in anti-gang operations since March last year. According to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), these strikes have killed at least 1,243 people (including sixty civilians) and injured 738. Many of the attacks have occurred in densely populated neighbourhoods, raising serious concerns about civilian casualties. One strike reportedly killed nine people, including three children, and injured several others. Residents describe the devastating impact on families living in gang-controlled areas. HRW and UN officials have warned that some strikes appear disproportionate and may violate international law. The UN has also indicated that there are currently no clear signs that these incidents are being formally investigated.
How new-found faith is fuelling netballer Berri Neil
England netball international Berri Neil has spoken about how a painful sporting defeat led her to discover faith in God. The 23-year-old Loughborough Lightning player struggled emotionally after her team lost the 2025 Netball Super League Grand Final to London Pulse, a club she had previously played for. Feeling deeply discouraged and questioning her purpose, Neil accepted an invitation from her twelve-year-old brother to attend church. The experience became a turning point in her life. She describes encountering joy, peace, and a new perspective that helped her realise that success or failure in sport does not define her ultimate purpose. Neil says her new faith has brought freedom from pressure and anxiety, reminding her that God has a greater plan for her life. She has also been encouraged by discovering other Christian teammates who are helping her grow spiritually. As her team prepares for the new season after winning the Netball Super Cup, Neil believes the difficult loss ultimately became a blessing that led her to faith and renewed hope both on and off the court.
Pakistan: Christian minority proclaims faith through theatre
Christians in Pakistan are using theatre to proclaim the Gospel through a growing creative movement centred in Karachi. The Othniel School of Biblical Art (OSBA) is preparing its 2026 season of 'Journey to Salvation', a large-scale musical production presenting the story of Jesus from Creation to the Ascension using only Bible verses. Scheduled for 7–15 March at the National Academy of Performing Arts, the production combines drama, music, and worship to bring Scripture to life on stage. Since its launch, the ministry has expanded rapidly, reaching thousands through dozens of performances and launching a Christian art gallery to encourage faith-inspired creativity. Over 110 actors from diverse backgrounds have participated, reflecting the unity of Pakistan’s Christian community. Organisers expect the 2026 performances to reach more than 8,000 attendees, with potential media exposure to millions across the country. Despite financial and cultural challenges faced by Christians as a minority, the movement continues to grow. Leaders believe theatre can help younger generations encounter the message of Christ in powerful, memorable ways.