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EU Chief Von der Leyen: ‘Time to Negotiate’ Iran Ceasefire as Pakistan Backchannels US Talks

European Commission President  Ursula von der Leyen has issued an urgent call for negotiations to end hostilities in Iran, warning that the conflict is creating a critical situation for global energy supplies. The appeal comes as Pakistan intensifies its backchannel mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran, with diplomats racing against the clock before President Trump’s five-day strike pause expires. BRUSSELS/ISLAMABAD – In a forceful intervention that underscores the widening global stakes of the Middle East conflict, the European Union’s top official demanded Tuesday that all parties move immediately to the negotiating table. The statement from Ursula von der Leyen adds the weight of the 27-nation bloc to a rapidly coalescing international effort to de-escalate the four-week-old US-Israeli war against Iran. “The situation is critical for the energy supply worldwide. We all feel the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices, our businesses and our societies,” von der Leyen sa...

US Patriot Missile Likely Behind Bahrain Explosion

  An American-operated Patriot missile likely caused the March 9 explosion in Bahrain that injured dozens and damaged homes, according to an independent analysis by academic researchers examined by Reuters. The blast occurred in the Mahazza neighborhood , a residential area on Sitra Island, just offshore from the capital Manama, amid ongoing attacks by Iran. Both Bahrain and United States initially blamed an Iranian drone for the incident. However, researchers from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies , including Sam Lair, Michael Duitsman, and Professor Jeffrey Lewis, concluded with moderate-to-high confidence that a US-operated Patriot missile fired from a nearby battery likely detonated mid-air, causing the destruction. Incident Overview The explosion happened pre-dawn on March 9, injuring 32 people, including children, and destroying multiple homes. Bahrain operates Patriot missile batteries alongside US forces, which also defend the strategic US Fifth Fleet...

The Unending War: 10 Countries, $8 Trillion, and Two Decades of American Bombs

In the hazy, smoke-choked morning of September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as the symbols of American power crumbled. That tragedy would trigger a promise from President George W. Bush: a “war on terror” designed to hunt down those responsible and ensure such an attack never happened again. Twenty-four years later, that promise has metastasized into something its architects never fully disclosed to the American people. Under four presidents—two Republicans and two Democrats—the United States has transformed from a nation responding to an attack into a gl obal military power that has rained bombs on at least ten countries, with a price tag that staggers the imagination. And the bombing hasn’t stopped. Just weeks into his return to the White House, President Donald Trump —who campaigned on ending “endless wars”—authorized massive military strikes against Iran, targeting its leadership and nuclear infrastructure in coordination with Israel. The irony was lost on no one: another ...

Taiwan to Receive US F-16 Jets After Delays

 Taiwan has announced that long-delayed deliveries of advanced U.S.-made fighter jets will begin this year, marking a significant boost to the island’s defense capabilities as regional tensions with China continue to rise. According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, production of the upgraded aircraft is now running at full capacity, with no major supply chain or manpower bottlenecks remaining. F-16V Deliveries Finally Back on Track Years of Delays Near Resolution The aircraft in question are the advanced F-16V fighter jet, part of an $8 billion arms deal approved by the United States in 2019. The deal aims to significantly enhance Taiwan’s air defense capabilities. The jets are being manufactured by Lockheed Martin, with assembly taking place in South Carolina. Taiwanese defense officials recently visited the production line and confirmed that the first aircraft is nearing completion. After multiple delays caused by software integration i ssues and testing...

Sherry Rehman’s Daughter Marvi Malik Passes Away

 Pakistan’s political and social circles were struck by grief as Marvi Khurshid Malik , daughter of senior Sherry Rehman, passed away, leaving behind a wave of condolences from across the country. Her death has been described by leaders and party members as a deeply personal and national loss. The funeral prayers are scheduled to be held on Monday at 3:30 pm in Karachi, followed by burial in DHA Phase 8, where family, friends, and political figures are expected to gather to pay their final respects. A Personal Loss Felt Nationwide The passing of Marvi Khurshid Malik has resonated far beyond her immediate family, reflecting the close-knit nature of Pakistan’s political community. As the daughter of a prominent leader associated with the Pakistan Peoples Party, her death has drawn heartfelt reactions from party leadership and beyond. While details surrounding her passing remain limited, the emotional response highlights the profound impact of the loss on both p...

Can Guilt Actually Heal Us? New Perspective Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Human Emotion

In a world increasingly focused on mental well-being, a surprising emotional contender is being reconsidered: guilt. Long viewed as a negative and burdensome feeling, guilt is now being reframed by experts as a potentially powerful force for personal growth and emotional healing. At the center of this discussion is Chris Moore, whose book The Power of Guilt: Why We Feel It and Its Surprising Ability to Heal argues that guilt may have been misunderstood for decades. Rather than something to suppress or avoid, Moore suggests guilt plays a crucial role in shaping empathy, responsibility, and moral awareness. Rethinking Guilt: From Emotional Burden to Psychological Tool Guilt is often associated with regret, shame, and emotional discomfort. It can arise from actions taken—or not taken—and is deeply tied to personal values and social expectations. For many, guilt is something to escape. However, Moore’s argument introduces a compelling shift: guilt is not inherently harmful. Instead, it can...