Israel and Saudi Arabia meet in Washington amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions

WASHINGTON — Senior Israeli and Saudi officials are holding separate talks in Washington this week as U.S.-Iran tensions rise and President Donald Trump weighs possible military action, officials said. Israel’s military intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, met Tuesday and Wednesday with senior officials at the Pentagon, the CIA and the White House, according to people familiar with the meetings. The discussions centered on updated intelligence assessments and potential targets inside Iran should strikes be…

Senegal and Morocco Fined After Tumultuous AFCON Final

CAF on Thursday announced a string of suspensions and fines against players, coaches and federations after an investigation into the chaotic scenes that marred the AFCON 2025 final in Morocco, and dismissed a Moroccan challenge to the result. The Confederation of African Football’s Disciplinary Board said it had penalized both Senegal and Morocco following a stoppage-time penalty award that provoked protests and a walk-off by the Senegalese team. Head coach Pape Thiaw was hit with a five-match suspension from all CAF…

Somalia Hosts First-Ever Horn of Africa Finance Ministers Forum

Somalia hosts Horn of Africa finance ministers in Mogadishu, with energy trade at center of agenda MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday closed the 27th Horn of Africa Initiative Forum of finance ministers, the first time the high-level regional meeting has been held in Mogadishu, in a session that put regional energy trade at the heart of economic integration efforts. Officials said convening the forum in the Somali capital signaled growing international confidence in Somalia’s security and…

South Africa Pulls Melania Trump Film, Citing Growing Political Tensions

Major cinema chains in South Africa have pulled a documentary about Melania Trump just before its scheduled release, citing concerns over "the current climate," the exhibitors said Friday. The film, which follows Melania Trump in the weeks leading up to her husband Donald Trump's second inauguration, was withdrawn from listings by multiple theatres only days before it was to premiere, according to distribution notices and exhibitor statements. Organisers did not provide further detail on specific security or diplomatic…

Cameroon Stunned by Alleged Assault from Separatist Groups

Brutal Separatist Attack Rocks Northwest Cameroon, Escalating Ongoing Conflict Cameroonians have been left in shock following a brutal separatist attack on a remote village in the country's Northwest region, resulting in more than a dozen people dead or injured. Residents describe harrowing scenes of entire families being slain and homes reduced to ashes—an escalation that highlights the relentless violence plaguing the Anglophone regions. According to estimates from the International Crisis Group, the toll of the…

Somalia’s federal government drops arrest warrant for Jubaland president Ahmed Madoobe

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government has canceled an arrest warrant for Jubaland President Ahmed Madoobe, clearing the way for him to attend high-level talks in Mogadishu on Feb. 1 and potentially easing a long-running standoff between federal and regional authorities. The Banadir Regional Court issued the warrant in November 2024 after Madoobe secured a third-term victory in Kismayo, a re-election the federal government deemed illegal under the country’s shift toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system. The order…

Yamal shines as Barcelona seal Champions League round of 16 spot

Lamine Yamal’s star turn powered Barcelona past Copenhagen 4-1 on Wednesday, clinching a top-eight finish in the Champions League’s new league phase and an automatic berth in the round of 16. The 18-year-old winger set up Robert Lewandowski’s equalizer and then struck the go-ahead goal before Raphinha and Marcus Rashford added late finishes to cap a dominant second half. Barcelona, winners in 14 of their last 15 matches in all competitions, finished fifth in the 36-team table to avoid February’s playoff round. Final:…

Tourism at risk as U.S. screens visitors’ social media, survey finds

US plan to expand social media screening for foreign visitors could strip as much as $15.7 billion from tourism spending this year, the World Travel and Tourism Council warned, as prospective travelers say the policy would make the country less welcoming. In a survey of people in visa-exempt countries considering trips to the United States, 34% said they would be somewhat or much less likely to visit in the next two to three years if the measures take effect, according to the council. Based on that sentiment, the group…

4 Easy Snacks to Naturally Flatten Your Stomach After 60

Based on the content provided, the most suitable format for the text is Healthy Eating. The text focuses on nutrition and practical tips for daily snacks that support fat loss, muscle preservation, and metabolism, particularly for individuals over sixty. It offers evidence-based insights and recommendations from a nutritionist, aligning perfectly with the Healthy Eating theme. Structure Simple Daily Snacks for Adults Over Sixty This article highlights nutritious snack options that can help adults over sixty manage weight and…

IShowSpeed Concludes African Journey with Approval of Ghanaian Passport

IShowSpeed Gains Ghanaian Passport Amid Tour Celebrating African Culture Darren Jason Watkins Jr., known globally as IShowSpeed, has officially received his Ghanaian passport following a significant visit to the West African nation. This milestone not only marks a personal achievement for the acclaimed content creator but also symbolizes a deeper connection to his roots, as he revealed that his mother is Ghanaian. Ghana served as the penultimate destination on IShowSpeed's extensive African tour, which encompassed 20…