PARIS – Bahrain has put forward a draft United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorise countries to use “all necessary means” – diplomatic language for force – to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a text seen by Reuters on Monday.
Italy’s Meloni loses justice referendum, denting her political aura
Italian voters emphatically rejected a flagship judicial reform championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, dealing a blow to her right-wing coalition ahead of next year’s general elections.With most ballots counted after the March 22-23 referendum, the opposition-backed “No” bloc took almost 54% of the vote against 46% who approved of the government drive to rewrite the constitution and revamp Italy’s fiercely independent judiciary.
Why Iran’s threats against ME desalination plants could turn water into next battleground
PARIS — Attacks on water systems are uncommon in wartime, but Iran has threatened to target desalination plants after it said its own water and energy infrastructure had sustained damage in the ongoing war with Israel and the US.
Egypt’s banking sector shows strong Q4 growth
Egypt’s banking sector recorded strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2025. Local liquidity (M2) grew at an annual average rate of 21.5 percent. Net foreign assets rose by a cumulative 4.7 billion dollars, reaching 25.5 billion dollars, the highest level since July 2012.
