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World

Fact Check: National Flag Torn at Monas Ahead of Independence Day?

Social media posts claimed the Indonesian flag at Monas split in two ahead of the 81st Independence Day in 2026.

  • National flag at Indonesia's Monas tore during dress rehearsal, not Independence Day.
  • Reverse image analysis traced footage to October 2, 2025, not 2026.
  • Incident caused by strong winds, not deliberate act, flag flew smoothly later.

World

A Conservative Case for Liberal Immigration

That is the title of my latest Free Press piece, here is one excerpt: Or look at the AI revolution, another area where America is leading the world and also using its AI models to exert soft power.

  • Major AI companies led by individuals with diverse national backgrounds
  • 38% of published AI researchers received undergraduate education in China
  • Liberal immigration policies beneficial for the United States

World

At least 14 dead after 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia

At least fourteen people have died after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia early on Saturday, the nation’s disaster mitigation agency has said. BPBD said that others had been injured to varying degrees, cautioning that the figures were preliminary while search and rescue operations were ongoing.

World

Suspect shot dead, police AK47 rifle found on him in Machakos

Police in Matungulu, Machakos County, shot dead a suspect linked to the theft of an AK-47 rifle from an Administration Police officer in Mlolongo last year.

  • Police officer robbed of AK-47 rifle in Machakos last year
  • Suspect killed by police in Matungulu after confrontation
  • Recovered AK-47 matches November 2025 Machakos robbery

World

UN says 900 ‘physical obstacles’ delay, limit aid to West Bank

UN says 900 ‘physical obstacles’ delay, limit aid to West Bank More than 900 physical obstacles, including Israeli checkpoints, gates, roadblocks and other restrictions, are delaying and limiting aid…

  • Over 900 physical obstacles impede aid to West Bank.
  • Aid workers struggle to reach Qusra village families.
  • Protests erupt over Israeli settlers besieging family home.

World

Latin American Pulse for Saturday, August 15, 2026

Latin American Pulse on 14 Aug 2026: Colombia mourns 281 quake victims, Brazil feels market strain, and Argentina bets big on Vaca Muerta.

  • Colombia's 7.4 magnitude earthquake claimed 281 lives and injured 3,971.
  • Brazil's stock market slid nine sessions amid bank-led losses and drug shortages.
  • Argentina's YPF filed a $51 billion LNG project, facing geopolitical criticism.

World

Five workers arrested after electrician dies following assault at Kitengela construction site

Police in Kitengela, Kajiado County arrested five young men following the death of a 23-year-old electrician who was allegedly assaulted at a construction site over claims that he had stolen…

  • Five men arrested for electrician's death at Kitengela site.
  • James Okoth, 23, died from assault injuries, police say.
  • Narok police investigate 35-year-old Enoch Kosgei's knife attack death.

World

Morning recap

Morning recap Good morning Middle East Eye readers, President Donald Trump said he would "soon" declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory after defeating Iran.

  • President Trump plans to claim Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory
  • Iran rejects threats, vows not to back down from Washington
  • Maritime traffic through Hormuz increases 44% on August 13

World

2027: Can opposition unite?

Since the idea of opposition political parties coming together to adopt a common candidate for the 2027 presidential election resurfaced within the week, the question has been how the proposal can be…

World

Drones Hit Libya’s Biggest Working Refinery as Oil Output Nears a 13-Year High

At least five drone strikes hit Libya's Zawiya oil complex, collapsing a petrol tank and prompting the state oil company to warn it may declare force majeure.

  • At least five drone strikes targeted Libya's Zawiya refinery between 9-11 August 2026.
  • One drone hit tank T402 at Brega depot, causing it to burst into flames and collapse.
  • Zawiya is Libya's largest operating refinery, processing 120,000 barrels a day.

World

Ghana Has Lost 8,900 Hectares of Forest to Illegal Mining

Forestry Commission satellite data show about 8,900 hectares of Ghana's forest reserves affected by illegal mining, as Cabinet moves to cut mining leases to 20 years.

  • Ghana lost 8,900 hectares of forest to illegal mining in 2024.
  • This is a 70% increase from 5,253 hectares in 2021.
  • Enforcement efforts seized 234 excavators and 258 individuals.
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