Sweden and the Netherlands urge halt to EU trade with Israel

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August 28, 2025

The troubled history of Irish involvement in Lebanon — UNIFIL armoured vehicles on patrol in Lebanon - the mission was created in 1978

Lebanon and Ireland: A Legacy of Peacekeeping and Sacrifice

On a brisk spring morning in 1978, as conflict smoldered in the hills and valleys of Lebanon, a group of Irish peacekeepers stepped onto foreign soil with a fragile hope: to carry forward a mission of peace amid chaos. Decades later, the UN Security Council voted decisively to draw down the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by 2027, marking the beginning of the end of an era. For Ireland, this is not just the closure of a chapter; it’s a story filled with courage, duty, tragedy, and enduring bonds that have spanned generations.

Roots of Ireland’s Commitment: The Dawn of a Peacekeeping Tradition

Ireland’s connection to Lebanon stretches back over 65 years. In 1958, a modest contingent of 50 Irish officers was dispatched as part of the United Nations Observer Group in Lebanon (UNOGIL), Ireland’s first foray into international peacekeeping. Amid tensions ignited by Lebanon’s internal conflicts and regional rivalries, these observers monitored the Armistice Demarcation Line between Lebanon and Israel—an early testament to Ireland’s enduring commitment to global peace efforts.

Back then, with modest resources and a clear but limited mandate, Irish soldiers patrolled volatile terrain, embodying a spirit that would come to define the nation’s approach to peacekeeping: low profile, measured, but unwavering.

The Bloodied Birth of UNIFIL

The year 1978 was a turning point. After a devastating Palestinian attack on northern Israel resulted in 30 civilian casualties, Israel launched a swift and decisive invasion into southern Lebanon. The United Nations responded with monumental urgency: Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426 established UNIFIL on March 19, 1978, aiming to restore peace, confirm Israeli withdrawal, and support Lebanese sovereignty.

For Ireland, that translated into a significant military commitment—a full battalion of 650 soldiers deployed for a six-month shift. Often lightly armed infantry, Irish troops were thrust into one of the world’s most entangled and dangerous conflicts, tasked with monitoring a fractured border where allegiances shifted daily, and violence lurked just behind every ridge.

Between Crossfire and Community: Life as an Irish Peacekeeper

Imagine patrolling small mountainous villages like Tibnin, Bra’shit, and At-Tiri, where lush olive groves conceal battle scars and wary eyes watch from the hillsides. Irish peacekeepers found themselves walking a razor’s edge—a line between armed militias like Hezbollah and Amal, the Israel-backed South Lebanon Army (SLA), and Palestinian factions. Their mission was perilous. They were instruments of peace in a war zone, but also, at times, inadvertent pawns in a broader regional conflict.

“Our job was simple in theory, near impossible in practice,” retired Captain Emer O’Connell recounted in an interview. “You were trying to keep peace while being under fire from groups who didn’t want peace. You became part guardian, part medic, part neighbor.”

Indeed, beyond their military duties, the Irish soldiers became pillars of the local communities. They provided vital healthcare through makeshift clinics—dental care, emergency treatment, sometimes just a reassuring presence that transcended language and culture.

But the risks were brutal. Between 1978 and 2000, 47 Irish peacekeepers lost their lives in Lebanon—15 of them killed in hostile fire, others victims of tragic accidents that added a grim cadence to the mission’s toll. Their sacrifices whispered through the hills alongside the echoes of gunfire and mortar blasts.

A Tragic Breach Within

The mission was not without its darkest moments. In 1982, a horrific episode unfolded when Private Michael McAleavey, under opaque and tragic circumstances, fatally shot three fellow Irish soldiers at a checkpoint. This rare instance of internal violence shocked both Ireland and the international community, casting a somber shadow on an already fraught mission.

Despite such tragedies, the Irish resolve remained firm, underscored by the belief that despite the violence, their presence saved countless lives and deterred wider conflict.

Turning Points: Israeli Withdrawal and Mission Transitions

By 2000, two decades of protracted strife had taken a heavy toll. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak decided to pull Israel’s military forces back from southern Lebanon, effectively ending a 22-year occupation. This withdrawal prompted chaos: roughly 5,000 members of the SLA and their families fled to Israel, fearing reprisals from advancing Lebanese forces.

This seismic shift meant Irish peacekeepers were withdrawn too, with UNIFIL significantly downsized. Yet, Lebanon’s simmering instability pulled Ireland back into the fray in 2011 with a renewed, albeit leaner, contingent. Operated in partnership with Polish and other international forces, Irish troops now operate closer to the border than before, maintaining a vigilant peacekeeping presence amid a region that remains as complex as ever.

The Personal Cost Continues: Remembering Private Seán Rooney

The peacekeepers’ sacrifices are painfully tangible even in recent memory. In December 2022, Private Seán Rooney was killed when his armored vehicle was attacked near the village of Al-Aqbiya, close to the main highway into Beirut. A stark reminder that the fog of war still shrouds the region, Rooney’s death hit close to home in Ireland.

Mohammad Ayyad, convicted in absentia for the killing and sentenced to death in Lebanon, remains at large—a haunting symbol of the unfinished business that continues to stalk UNIFIL’s mission.

Reflecting on Legacy: What Does Peacekeeping Mean Today?

As the countdown to 2027 begins and UNIFIL prepares to withdraw, one must ponder what legacy peacekeeping leaves behind—not only in Lebanon but in the hearts of those who served and the communities they touched.

Where does peacekeeping fit in a world growing increasingly complex, where the lines between conflict and peace blur more than ever? Ireland’s journey—from tentative observer to frontline peacekeeper—offers a deeply human narrative of bravery amidst uncertainty, service amidst strife.

“It’s about more than just soldiers or strategies. It’s about human connection,” reflects Nora Hassan, a Lebanese schoolteacher from Tibnin. “Those men and women who came from so far away—we saw them not just as peacekeepers, but as friends. They carried the heavy weight of hope for a better future.”

In the sweeping tides of history that have marked Lebanon’s tortured landscape, the story of Irish peacekeepers is a poignant thread—woven with loss, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of peace.

What Will the Future Hold?

Will the withdrawal leave Lebanon more vulnerable to renewed conflict? Or can the seeds of stability planted over decades take root and flourish? For the global community, the answer may come in how we understand and support peacekeeping—not as a static mission, but a living promise to those caught in the crossfire.

As you read this, consider the countless unsung people who embody that promise, far from home, standing watch while history unfolds around them.

What does peace mean to you?

Madaxweyne Xasan oo Wasiirka Arrimaha Dibadda Jabuuti kula kulmay magaalada Muqdisho

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August 28, 2025

Aug 28 (Jowhar)-Madaxweynaha Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya Mudane Xasan Sheekh Maxamuud ayaa maanta Madaxtooyada ku qaabilay Wasiirka Arrimaha Dibadda dalka aan walaalaha nahay ee Jabuuti Mudane Cabdulqaadir Xuseen Cumar oo booqashadiisii ugu horreysay ku yimid dalka.

Israeli military kills 16 amid ongoing attacks in Gaza City

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August 28, 2025

Israeli forces kill 16 as Gaza City attacks continue — Israeli strikes targeted the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City

The Siege Tightens: Gaza’s Heartbeat Amidst Rising Devastation

It’s dawn in Gaza City, but the light struggles to break through the haze of smoke and uncertainty. In neighborhoods like Shejaia, Zeitoun, and Sabra, the distant rumble of bombardment is no longer distant—it is relentless, closing in. The suburb streets that once echoed with children’s laughter now ripple with fear, footsteps pounding against the cracked pavement as families clutch their few belongings and flee towards the coast. What remains is a fragile city gripped by a mounting crisis, a humanitarian nightmare unfolding in real time.

“We hear the shells falling nearer,” says Layla, a 32-year-old mother of three huddled in a makeshift shelter near Gaza’s beach. “Every night, my children wake, scared, asking if this is where they will die. I have no answers—only prayers.”

Her fears are echoed in grim statistics: in just the last 24 hours, at least 71 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, with 16 dead in the south alone, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The wounded—dozens more—spill into overcrowded hospitals like the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah, where medics work under impossible circumstances.

The Military Advance and the Growing Humanitarian Crisis

Behind these statistics are stories of human resilience and tragedy underscored by a worsening military campaign. Israeli forces, having reiterated their intention to seize Gaza City—Palestine’s largest urban center—press ahead with a ground offensive that many fear will unleash untold casualties and displacements.

“The city is a labyrinth of communities, each with families, markets, mosques—and now, a battlefield,” explains Tariq al-Sheikh, a local journalist who has chronicled the conflict for years. “International voices ask for restraint, but the bombardment intensifies, and whole neighborhoods become ghost towns overnight.”

This strategy has stirred global concern. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently voiced deep alarm: the expanded assault would have “devastating consequences” not only for Gaza’s immediate survival but for the prospects of peace. His impassioned plea underscored a critical truth: humanitarian access must be unimpeded.

“No more excuses. No more obstacles. No more lies,” Guterres declared. His words hang heavy, spotlighting an often unseen war within the war—the blockade on aid, which blocks food, fuel, and medicine from reaching a population teetering on the brink of famine.

Starvation as a Weapon of War?

In Gaza’s hospitals, this blockade is more than a line in a statement—it is a silent killer. The Gaza health ministry reported four more deaths caused by malnutrition in recent days, including two children. Since October, as the conflict escalated, at least 317 Palestinians have died from starvation and malnutrition, with nearly 40% being children.

“It’s not just the bombs,” says Dr. Lina Mujahid, a pediatrician at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. “Every day, I see children whose bodies are as fragile as paper—victims not of violence alone, but of hunger and neglect.”

International organizations echo this humanitarian catastrophe. The Global Hunger Monitor’s latest report paints a bleak picture of Gaza as a man-made famine zone—a chilling label reflecting the scale and severity of the crisis. The UN’s human rights chief Volker Turk hands responsibility squarely to Israeli policies, calling the famine a direct consequence of enforced restrictions and blockades.

The Fractured Voices of a War-Torn Land

The narratives weaving through Gaza’s smoldering streets are complex—and contentious.

Israel’s Position: Officials deny accusations of deliberately starving the population, accusing Hamas of misappropriating aid shipments and blaming international actors for failures in distribution.
Hamas and Palestinian View: They highlight Israeli restrictions as the root cause of the humanitarian breakdown, pointing to rising starvation and a collapsing infrastructure.

Official denunciations fail to ease the human suffering. Doctors at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis recount the chilling moments when soldiers allegedly fired upon Palestinians queuing for aid distribution centers, leaving many wounded and critical.

Mohammad Saqer, the head of nursing, recounts, “They came to us with gunshot wounds to their upper bodies. They told us they were shot while simply trying to get food for their families. How have we come to this?”

Lives Torn Apart and Hostages Held

The ongoing war’s tally is staggering. Since October 7, 2023—when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages—the death toll on the Palestinian side has crossed 62,000.

Among the chaos, glimmers of negotiation flicker uncertainly. Several hostages have been released through diplomatic channels, but around 50 remain captive, with 20 reportedly still alive. While Hamas recently accepted a ceasefire proposal to facilitate hostage returns, Israel remains steadfast in its demand: the full release of hostages and Hamas’s unconditional surrender, a stance that leaves diplomacy precarious at best.

Understanding the Broader Context – Why This Matters to the World

Pause for a moment. Let that number—62,000 deaths—sink in. Behind every statistic is a life, a child lost, a family shattered, a neighborhood erased. What does this mean for global peace? How do we reconcile the cyclical nature of violence sustained by politics, history, and entrenched grievances?

This is not merely a conflict confined to geography; it is a mirror reflecting the urgent requirement for international accountability, humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians in war.

Moreover, the blockade and siege signal a broader pattern visible in conflicts worldwide—where starvation and restricted aid access are weaponized to break communities. It poses searing questions:

Can the world tolerate famine as a tactic?
What do we owe to civilians caught in the crossfire?
And crucially, how do humanitarian principles regain ground amidst political hardening?

As Gaza’s coastline stretches along the Mediterranean, many look to the sea for escape, hope, and survival. Yet, for many trapped in the enclave, the horizon is dark—obscured by violence, fear, and the looming specter of starvation.

Echoes of Hope: Education and the Future of Gaza’s Youth

Amid the headlines, stories of resilience emerge. Recently, 52 Gazans were selected to study at universities in Ireland, an island continent away but a beacon of opportunity. Education becomes a lifeline—a bridge to futures beyond siege and conflict. This movement of young minds seeking knowledge casts a poignant light on what is truly at stake: the right to life, to growth, to dreams free from the shadow of war.

As we watch, report, and reflect, we must ask ourselves: How will future generations in Gaza, and around the world, remember this time? As a moment of desolation, or a call for change?

Final Thoughts

The war in Gaza is more than news; it is a complex human drama filled with anguish, courage, and a desperate plea for compassion. As the siege tightens, and more families are uprooted, the question remains—how do we, as a global community, respond when humanity itself is under fire?

Like Layla and countless others, the residents of Gaza watch the skies with bated breath. They do not ask for much: safety, dignity, and the chance to rebuild. Their plight invites us all to listen carefully—not just to words or reports, but to the beating, fragile heart of a city on the edge.

Will the world rise to that challenge? Or will the silence between the shells be the story we leave behind?

Mareykanka oo beeniyay inuu wado qorshe lagu aqoonsanayo Somaliland

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August 28, 2025

Aug 28 (Jowhar)-Mareykanka ayaa beeniyay inuu wadahadalo kula jiro Somaliland, si loo lgu aqoonsado dal ahaan.

UN operation in Lebanon set to conclude in 2027

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August 28, 2025

UN mission in Lebanon on course to end in 2027 — Ireland's participation in UNIFIL dates back to 1978

As the Sun Sets on a Half-Century Legacy: UN Peacekeepers Prepare to Exit Lebanon by 2027

Nearly five decades have passed since Irish peacekeepers first stepped onto the rugged soil of southern Lebanon, a region long fraught with tension, volatility, and the fragile promise of peace. Now, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the emblem of this delicate stability, is charting a course for its gradual departure—planned to conclude within the next four years. For many around the world who have followed this story, it is the closing chapter of a mission that has seen immense courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to peacekeeping in one of the most challenging regions on Earth.

This week, a draft resolution, primarily brokered by France and set before the UN Security Council in New York, proposes extending UNIFIL’s mandate through 2026. It then calls for a deliberate and carefully managed drawdown throughout 2027. This approach marks a decisive shift from the more abrupt withdrawal previously sought by the United States and Israel—a move that could have had destabilizing reverberations across the region.

Peacekeeping at a Crossroads: The Stakes Behind the Resolution

For Ireland, UNIFIL has been more than just a distant UN mission; it has been a deeply ingrained part of the nation’s identity on the international stage. Since 1978, Irish soldiers have been a constant presence in southern Lebanon, often facing harsh conditions and grave risks. As Tánaiste Simon Harris poignantly reflected, “We have a very, very long and proud association with UNIFIL… today I want to pay tribute to the thousands upon thousands of Irish men and women who have served with absolute distinction, particularly the 47 who gave their lives in the cause of peace.”

Mr. Harris’s voice carries a particular weight this week. Only months ago, the prospect of an immediate cessation of the mission loomed large—a cliff edge that threatened to destabilize geopolitical balance in a region already tension-wracked. “An abrupt end would have been wholly irresponsible,” Harris warned, underscoring the caution with which the Irish government has approached the complex negotiations that have unfurled behind the scenes.

Indeed, the Irish diplomats—along with French, Austrian, Polish, and EU counterparts—have invested weeks of behind-the-scenes diplomacy, engaging with US officials, Lebanese authorities, and UN representatives to chart a path that respects both operational security and local governance ambitions.

The Challenge of Stability in Southern Lebanon

To understand the gravity of the withdrawal, one must peer into the volatile mosaic of southern Lebanon. UNIFIL’s presence has been a buffer, monitoring ceasefires and acting as a stabilizing force amid the persistent shadow of Hezbollah, Israeli military posturing, and fragile Lebanese state authority.

Since the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu came to power in Israel in late 2022, there’s been mounting pressure to push UN forces out—criticism that peaked when Israeli Cabinet Minister Eli Cohen branded UNIFIL “a useless force” that had failed to curb Hezbollah’s entrenchment.

But the reality on the ground is far more complex. Hezbollah remains a powerful militia with deep social roots in Lebanon, intertwined with Iran’s regional influence. Lebanon’s government is now working on a sensitive proposal to coax these armed groups into disarmament through incentives rather than force. Simultaneously, Israel is poised to reduce its military footprint in southern Lebanon contingent on these disarmament steps.

A Fragile Peace, A Complex Dance

It is a precarious balance. The US envisions economic packages from Gulf allies, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, to offset the socioeconomic fallout for Hezbollah’s fighters if they disarm—a bold experiment in conflict resolution that transcends military might and delves into diplomacy and economic realities.

“This isn’t just about troop numbers,” explains Dr. Layla Haddad, a Middle East analyst based in Beirut. “It’s about whether a government can extend its authority, whether militias can lay down arms voluntarily, and whether international actors can hold their nerve in an unpredictable environment.”

The Irish Peacekeepers: Guardians of Hope in a Troubled Land

For the more than 300 Irish personnel currently stationed at Camp Shamrock in southern Lebanon, their mission stands as a testament to enduring commitment. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe recently spoke about bolstering support in this final phase and looking ahead to new opportunities for Ireland’s defense forces in other UN peacekeeping roles.

“We must support our troops up to 2026 and then explore future engagements,” Donohoe said during a visit to Limerick. “The Defence Forces have a proud, professional tradition in peacekeeping. They have navigated some of the most complex and risky environments globally.”

His words remind us of the human element behind the uniforms. Irish soldiers often share stories of laughter amid adversity, friendships forged across cultures, and a steadfast resilience born of a mission larger than themselves.

A veteran soldier, speaking anonymously from Camp Shamrock, offered this reflection: “We didn’t come here for glory. We came to make sure kids could play safely, families could tend their homes without fear. It’s hard work. But it’s work that matters.”

What Comes Next? A Moment to Reflect—and to Act

As the Security Council convenes and votes, the decision resonates far beyond diplomatic halls. It poses profound questions about the future of peacekeeping and international responsibility. Can regional governments assume full security control after decades of international oversight? What sacrifices will that transition demand? And what will happen to the locals who live under the perpetual threat of geopolitical strife?

History teaches us that peacekeeping missions do not function in a vacuum. They are not just about manning checkpoints or patrolling borders; they symbolize hope, international solidarity, and the persistent human yearning for stability in an unstable world.

Readers might pause to consider: what responsibility do we bear, as global citizens, to support peace—not just through boots on the ground, but through diplomatic vigilance, humanitarian aid, and sustained attention? How might today’s withdrawal shape tomorrow’s conflicts—or peace?

Final Thoughts: Closing One Chapter, Opening Another

As the sun sets on UNIFIL’s historic mission, we honor the tireless efforts of those who have served: soldiers, diplomats, and local civilians alike. Their stories, many of them untold, are woven into the tapestry of Lebanon’s modern history.

This transition affords an opportunity—a chance to rethink how the world approaches peacekeeping, sovereignty, and conflict resolution in a changing geopolitical landscape. Ireland’s continued commitment to serve on peace missions globally ensures that this legacy is not just an ending, but the start of new chapters in international cooperation.

In a world frequently defined by division, the story of UNIFIL stands as a testament to patience, persistence, and hope. The question remains: as UN peacekeepers prepare to pack their bags for the last time in 2027, how will the international community ensure that the fragile peace they have guarded does not unravel? And what lessons can we glean from their journey to inform peace efforts elsewhere—perhaps closer to home than we realize?

Shir ku saabsan hannaanka Maaliyadda Cimilada Qaranka oo lagu soo gabagabeeyay Muqdisho

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August 28, 2025

Aug 28 (Jowhar)-Kulan Aqoon-isweydaarsiga Qaranka oo ku saabsan Tijaabada Maaliyadda Cimilada Soomaaliya iyo Hawlgelinta Sanduuqa Qaranka ee Cimilada (NCF) ayaa lagu soo gebagebeeyay Muqdisho.

Denmark calls in US ambassador regarding ‘influence’ in Greenland

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August 28, 2025

Denmark summons US envoy over Greenland 'influence' — Donald Trump's claims about Greenland have caused disquiet in the semi-autonomous territory

The Arctic Chessboard: Greenland Caught in a Tug-of-War Between Denmark and the United States

In the shadowed expanse of the Arctic, an intriguing and complex geopolitical drama is unfolding—one that beckons us to look beyond icy landscapes and resource riches. Greenland, with its vast glaciers and strategic location, has always piqued the world’s interest. But recent revelations expose a growing undercurrent of covert maneuverings and subtle power plays, casting this semi-autonomous Danish territory into the glare of international spotlight once more.

Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, recently summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen after intelligence reports suggested that American operatives have been quietly working—some say scheming—to sway Greenland’s political trajectory. The Danish government suspects that at least three U.S. nationals linked to the Trump administration have engaged in behind-the-scenes influence campaigns designed to promote Greenland’s separation from Denmark, paving the way for eventual U.S. annexation.

A Territory in Turmoil: More Than Just Ice and Minerals

“We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position within the Kingdom of Denmark,” Foreign Minister Rasmussen stated soberly. “It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the times ahead.”

This diplomatic flap is inextricably entwined with the incendiary remarks of former President Donald Trump, who publicly entertained the notion of the United States purchasing Greenland. More provocatively, at times, he has suggested that force could be a tool for securing the territory—comments that sent ripple effects of apprehension through Copenhagen, Nuuk, and beyond. Greenland, a land governed by about 57,000 indigenous Kalaallit people, now faces a wave of uncertainty about its future sovereignty.

But Greenland is not merely a frozen outpost. Beneath its ice lies a treasure trove of minerals—rare earth elements critical for the world’s technology, plus vast deposits of iron, zinc, and even uranium. And with melting Arctic ice opening new shipping routes, Greenland’s strategic value transcends simple geography; it sits at the heart of evolving global security concerns. For decades, Denmark has held sovereignty over Greenland—a legacy of centuries past. Yet Greenland’s evolving self-governance means that its political identity is perpetually balancing on a needle’s point between independence and union.

Voices from the North: What Do Greenlanders Think?

To understand the pulse of Greenlandic sentiment, it’s essential to step into the small coastal communities where tradition and lifeways intertwine with anxieties about foreign intrigue. “Greenlanders value their culture and autonomy deeply,” says Anne-Mari Petersen, a Nuuk-based community organizer. “But the talk of American interference makes people nervous. We don’t want to be pawns in a game of superpowers.”

Her thoughts echo the cautious spirit of many locals, who witnessed, in March, the turbulent visit of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. Protests erupted, forcing Vance to withdraw from planned events, including a traditional dog sled race celebration. This stood in stark contrast to the warm welcome French President Emmanuel Macron received just months later, when he toured Greenland’s towns and engaged openly with residents, signaling Europe’s interest through respect rather than pressure.

European Allies Step In

Denmark, mindful of Greenland’s significance, has reached out to European partners to balance American ambitions. France’s President Macron’s visit wasn’t just symbolic; it was a strategic insertion of European goodwill amid a growing Arctic contest.

“Europe wishes to stand alongside Greenland as a partner, not a conqueror,” notes Dr. Ingrid Holm, a Nordic geopolitical analyst at the University of Copenhagen. “Greenland’s future should be shaped by its people, with external actors playing constructive, transparent roles.”

Shadow Wars: Influence Campaigns and Intelligence

Denmark’s security service, PET, has openly warned that Greenland has become a target for various influence operations. The tactics? Exploiting both real and fabricated divisions within Greenlandic society, emphasizing disagreements over the territory’s ties to Denmark, and promoting narratives favorable to external interests, chiefly those of the U.S. The intelligence community regards these efforts as subtle psychological and political maneuvering rather than overt military interventions.

“The Arctic is no longer an isolated frozen expanse,” says PET spokesperson Niels Jensen. “It has become the stage for a new kind of contest where information—sometimes misinformation—is wielded as a weapon.”

The Broader Picture: Why Should You Care?

At first glance, Greenland might seem a remote and distant concern—far from the daily lives of global citizens. But beneath the surface, this saga encapsulates a profound question of how rising powers negotiate influence in a fractured post-Cold War world. The meaning of sovereignty, the rights of indigenous peoples, global security priorities, environmental concerns, and the race for scarce resources all coalesce here.

As the Arctic warms at more than twice the global average rate, the doors to this once-inaccessible region are swinging open. This invites new strategic considerations from superpowers while spotlighting the sovereignty and welfare of indigenous populations who have stewarded these lands for millennia.

How should powerful nations respect the autonomous choices of smaller communities? When does ‘interest’ become interference? And importantly, what role does transparency play in ensuring future peace and collaboration?

Looking Ahead: The Path Forward for Greenland

Meanwhile, the United States is poised to appoint Ken Howery, co-founder of PayPal, as its ambassador to Denmark, signaling continued American diplomatic engagement. For now, the embassy in Copenhagen is headed by Chargé d’affaires Mark Stroh.

As the delicate dance between Copenhagen, Nuuk, Washington, and European capitals continues, Greenland remains at the center—not merely a passive prize but a living homeland. It is a place where global ambitions intersect with personal histories, where ancient ice meets modern intrigue.

So, readers, as you turn your eyes to the northern horizon, let this story be a reminder: in a world increasingly connected yet fraught with tension, even the most remote places pulse with politics, dreams, and the indomitable will of people who call them home. How will Greenland’s story unfold? Perhaps that answer lies not in the hands of distant powers but in listening deeply to the voices echoing across the Arctic winds.

More than 100,000 homes lose electricity following attack in Ukraine

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August 28, 2025

Over 100,000 houses without power after attack on Ukraine — A firefighter extinguishes a burning house after a Russian drone attack on the Donetsk region yesterday

Under the Shadow of War: Ukraine’s Energy Lifeline Severed as Russia Strikes with Chilling Precision

In the quiet hours before dawn, when cities slumber and families prepare for the coming day, the hum of power plants and the glow of streetlamps are seen as constants—an invisible pulse of modern life. But in Ukraine, these lifelines have become targets under a relentless assault that threatens not only infrastructure but the very spirit of resilience.

Last night, Russian forces unleashed a devastating wave of drone strikes and missile attacks across six Ukrainian regions, leaving over 100,000 households in darkness. The energy ministry’s somber announcement revealed that critical gas transport infrastructure in the Poltava region was “significantly damaged,” while the Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk regions also sustained heavy blows. As temperatures begin to dip, these attacks strike at the heart of Ukraine’s heating supply, imperiling millions.

The Human Toll Behind the Blackout

But these attacks are more than just numbers or strategic targets—they are deeply personal tragedies. An elderly woman, 81 years old, lost her life in the overnight strike on the capital of Kherson region—an innocent caught in the cruel calculus of war. Two workers were killed at a farm there, their livelihoods and futures shattered amidst the rubble and fall of shells. This is the human cost that often escapes headlines but resounds loudly in the hearts of families and communities.

“It is not just infrastructure we are losing,” says Natalia Berezhnaya, a volunteer aid worker in Poltava. “It’s hope, warmth, safety—the things that make a house a home.”

Why Destroy Infrastructure Before Winter?

The timing of these strikes speaks volumes. Ukraine’s energy ministry accused Russia of a “deliberate policy of destroying Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure on the eve of the heating season.” The stakes couldn’t be higher. With winter approaching — and Ukraine already grappling with gas shortages after a 40% production drop earlier this year due to previous missile attacks — these new hits threaten to plunge millions into cold, dark homes.

“Heating is not a luxury here; it’s survival,” explains Vitaliy Shevchenko, an energy analyst based in Kyiv. “Every damaged pipeline or power station risks freezing entire towns. The psychological warfare is as brutal as the physical. It’s a message: endure, or break.”

Numbers That Tell a Story of Endurance and Despair

Since March 2025 alone, Ukrainian energy facilities have endured nearly 2,900 attacks, according to official data. This staggering figure reveals not just a pattern, but a campaign aimed at crippling one of the most vital sectors underpinning Ukraine’s daily life and defense.

Yet, amid this onslaught, the resilience of Ukraine’s defenders is nothing short of heroic. The Ukrainian Air Force reported downing 74 of the 95 drones launched overnight—a testament to their vigilance. Still, 21 drones managed to strike nine locations across the country, painting a stark picture of the challenges ahead.

The Wider European and Global Impact

The ripple effects of Ukraine’s crisis extend far beyond its borders. Across Europe, energy security conversations have been transformed, with nations scrambling to shore up supplies and reevaluate dependencies. The attacks set against the backdrop of diplomatic efforts—including recent attempts by global figures such as US President Donald Trump to broker peace—underscore how fragile and complex the situation remains.

“Energy infrastructure isn’t just pipes and wires,” says Dr. Anja Müller, a European security expert. “It’s about food on tables, warmth in homes, running hospitals. The repercussions echo across global energy markets and refugee flows.”

Voices from the Ground: Life in the Dark

In the northern city of Sumy, darkness blanketed neighborhoods after power lines failed. Serhii Kryvosheienko, head of the city’s military administration, paints a vivid image of the strain on utilities: “Every water utility facility is running on emergency backups. Hospitals are illuminated by generators, our people feel the cold creeping in.”

On the streets, locals share their fears and hopes. Olena, a mother of three, shares her worries: “Winter is coming, and with it, the cold. How do we keep our children safe without power? It feels like the war is in every breath we take.”

What Does This Tell Us About War in the 21st Century?

These attacks challenge traditional notions of warfare. They are reminders that modern conflicts are fought not only with guns and bombs but with strategies that cut deep into the fabric of civilian life. Infrastructure—once considered neutral or off-limits—becomes a vulnerable and deliberate target. What does this say about our collective responsibility to protect peace and the essential rights of those caught in conflict?

For global citizens, it’s an invitation to look closely at the indirect victims of war—the night without light, the winter without warmth, the lives continually disrupted by sounds of drones overhead. How do we, as a world community, respond to unseen battles fought in homes far from frontlines?

Looking Ahead: Resilience Amid Ruins

As Ukraine braces for colder days, communities find strength in unity. Volunteers repair power lines; neighbors share generators and blankets. The harsh reality is clear—these attacks are designed to erode Ukraine’s will.

Yet, amid the destruction, stories of courage bloom. “We will power through,” says Vitaliy, a volunteer electrician, tightening wires deep into the night. “Our work is small but vital—an act of defiance against the darkness.”

The resilience of Ukraine’s people is that pulsing heart that no missile, drone, or power cut can silence. For those watching and listening far away, it serves as a stark, beautiful reminder: in the face of destruction, the human spirit endures.

So as you read this, perhaps in a warm room lit softly by steady electricity, ask yourself—what would it be like to live in the dark, waiting for warmth? And how do we stand with those for whom this is the harrowing reality?

RW Xamsa “Soomaaliya waxay rabtaa in ay noqoto xarun muhiim ah oo isku xirta Afrika, Carabta iyo Aasiya”

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August 28, 2025

Aug 28 (Jowhar)-Ra’iisul Wasaaraha Xukuumadda Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya, Mudane Xamsa Cabdi Barre, oo khudbad taariikhi ah ka jeediyay furitaanka Bandhigga 7aad ee Carabta iyo Shiinaha (China-Arab States Expo) ee lagu qabtay magaalada Yinchuan, ayaa soo bandhigay horumarka iyo fursadaha dalkeenna ka jira.