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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at Washington's Kennedy Center, attended by US President Donald Trump. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 12 groups of four teams. Scotland, having qualified after 28 years, awaits its group opponents and fixture details, with the tournament running June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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On September 6, 2025, Iran executed Mehran Bahramian, convicted of killing a security officer during the 2022 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death. This marks the 12th known execution linked to the unrest. Human rights groups condemn the use of forced confessions and secret trials. Meanwhile, US pressure mounts on Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias amid regional tensions.
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Recent archaeological discoveries have revealed significant ancient tombs and estates across Iraq, Israel, and Albania. In Iraq's Duhok province, over 40 tombs dating back 2,300 years emerged due to drought-exposed reservoirs. Israel's Kafr Qasim excavation uncovered a large Samaritan estate with unique religious artifacts. Meanwhile, Albania revealed a Roman-period tomb of a wealthy individual, sparking plans for tourism development.
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Iraq is working to increase oil exports through new partnerships with Oman and international firms, aiming to diversify routes and boost capacity. The country’s export levels are near maximum, with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and reduce dependence on Gulf shipping routes, amid regional geopolitical tensions and market uncertainty.
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The PKK announced a withdrawal of its forces from Turkey to the Medya Defense Area in Iraq, following a symbolic disarmament ceremony. The move aligns with ongoing peace efforts and calls for political concessions, with the group's leader Abdullah Ocalan approving the withdrawal.
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On September 9, 2025, Israel conducted a rare airstrike in Doha targeting senior Hamas political leaders amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The attack, condemned by Qatar and multiple Gulf states, disrupted peace talks and raised regional tensions. Israel claimed the strike was a precise operation against those responsible for the October 2023 attacks on Israel.
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Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton doctoral student with Israeli and Russian citizenship, was kidnapped in Baghdad in March 2023 by Kataib Hezbollah. After over 900 days in captivity, she was released and is now at the US embassy in Iraq. The release followed extensive negotiations involving Iraqi authorities, US officials, and Israel, with Trump publicly announcing her safe return.
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US military officials met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus to discuss cooperation against ISIS and regional stability. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia announced a $1.65 million barrel crude supply to support Syria's economic recovery, amid ongoing reconstruction efforts and slow ground progress post-civil war.
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Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic kidnapped in Baghdad in 2023, was released on September 13, 2025, after negotiations involving Iraqi, Lebanese, and Israeli actors. Her release coincided with a broader regional exchange, including Hezbollah and Iraqi prisoners, amid ongoing Middle Eastern tensions.
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France has repatriated three women and ten children from Kurdish-run camps in northeastern Syria, amid ongoing debates over the return of suspected IS members. The women face possible charges, and the children are under surveillance. The transfer follows France's previous efforts to bring back families linked to IS, amid international pressure and security concerns.
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Morocco claims it can supply 50% of Europe's electricity via solar and wind, but faces technical and geopolitical hurdles. Meanwhile, Africa and Iraq are rapidly increasing solar capacity to address energy shortages, driven by Chinese imports and large-scale projects, despite economic and infrastructural challenges.
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Amid increased immigration enforcement under the Biden and Trump administrations, U.S. military veterans without citizenship, including those with legal residency and service records, face deportation. A bipartisan bill aims to protect these veterans by easing pathways to lawful status, highlighting ongoing tensions between immigration policy and national service contributions.
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Kataib Hezbollah publicly claimed responsibility for abducting and releasing Israeli citizen Elizabeth Tsurkov, citing national security reasons and US pressure. The group alleged she was part of a network inciting conflict among Shia factions. Critics dismiss the militia's claims, suggesting ransom motives. Tsurkov was abducted in March 2023 and released in September 2025.
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The US emphasizes ensuring the proper implementation of an export agreement involving Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and foreign oil companies. Meanwhile, Iraq's oil exports from Kurdish regions have resumed after a pipeline shutdown since March 2023, with US backing. The release of Elizabeth Tsurkov involved international efforts, including Icelandic mediation, and highlights complex regional diplomacy.
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Jimmy Kimmel returned to TV after a week-long suspension over remarks about Charlie Kirk's alleged killer, amid political pressure and affiliate preemptions. His comeback drew record ratings and social media attention, highlighting ongoing conflicts over free speech, censorship, and media regulation in the US.
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OPEC+ agreed to raise oil output by 137,000 barrels per day in November, matching October's increase. The decision follows months of gradual output hikes aimed at balancing market share and prices amid weak demand and geopolitical tensions. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 2.
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An Iraqi man has been sentenced to life in prison for recruiting fighters to join the conflict in Ukraine and Russia, with authorities revealing thousands of Iraqis may be involved. Meanwhile, Iraq's political landscape shifts amid ongoing instability and regional alliances.
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The U.S. is reducing its military presence in Iraq, focusing on fighting ISIS remnants in Syria and shifting most forces to Iraq's Kurdistan region. The drawdown aligns with a strategic partnership, with no clear timeline for full withdrawal. The move reflects success against ISIS and aims for a more Iraqi-led security effort.
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The US Senate has approved the repeal of the 2003 Iraq invasion authorization, marking a significant step in ending the long-standing war. The move also includes repeals of the 1991 Gulf War and 2002 Iraq resolutions, with the aim of preventing future military overreach. The legislation now awaits House approval and presidential sign-off.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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Leaders gathered in Egypt for a Gaza ceasefire summit, but Israel's Netanyahu did not attend due to regional opposition and diplomatic tensions. Turkey actively worked to block his participation, citing regional support and diplomatic efforts. The summit aims to support Gaza's ceasefire, excluding Israel and Hamas.
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Two stories highlight personal lifestyle choices: a couple renovating a home in Rochdale amid rising house prices, and a family managing home repairs and financial challenges through a no-spend challenge. Meanwhile, other stories explore international moves, real estate market shifts, and unique community projects. These reflect ongoing adaptation and resilience today.
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Indian and Chinese refiners are suspending or reducing Russian crude purchases amid US sanctions and fears of secondary sanctions. This shift impacts Russian exports, with buyers seeking alternative sources. The US deadline to wind down dealings with sanctioned Russian companies is November 21, 2025.
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Daylight saving time ends this weekend in many regions, with clocks set back an hour. New Stanford research supports adopting permanent standard time, citing health benefits linked to circadian rhythm alignment. The change impacts sleep, health, and international coordination, especially between Europe, North America, and Israel.
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Dick Cheney, the influential and polarizing US vice president under George W. Bush, died on Monday at 84 from complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease. Known for his pivotal role in the Iraq War and the war on terror, Cheney remained a staunch defender of his policies and later opposed Donald Trump, endorsing Kamala Harris in 2024.
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The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 begins in Qatar with 16 teams competing across six venues, including Lusail Stadium. Algeria defends their title, while Iraq and Tunisia aim for World Cup qualification. The tournament runs until December 18, with regional stars and qualifiers shaping the region's football landscape.
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Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a key architect of the Iraq War and the 'War on Terror,' died on Monday at age 84. His legacy is controversial, marked by his influence on US foreign policy and military actions, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
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Iraq's sixth post-invasion election opened today, with over 21 million eligible voters, including security personnel and displaced people. The vote tests Prime Minister Sudani's bid for a second term amid fears of low turnout, political discontent, and regional tensions involving Iran and the US.
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The UN World Food Programme warns that 318 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse in 2026, more than double 2019 figures. Funding shortfalls threaten aid efforts, with only half of the $13 billion needed likely to be received. Conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability drive the crisis, with famine declared in Gaza and Sudan.
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Iraq's November 2025 parliamentary elections resulted in no clear majority, with Prime Minister al-Sudani's coalition leading but requiring extensive coalition-building. Voter turnout was 56.11%, with regional variations. Political factions are now negotiating to form a government amid ongoing fragmentation and regional influences.
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Curacao, with a population of 156,000, has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest nation ever to do so. The team secured its spot with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica, in a dramatic CONCACAF qualifying finale. Haiti and Panama also qualified, with the expanded 48-team tournament set for North America.
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Iraq secured a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning their Asian playoff. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, with qualifiers from six continents. The draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C., with the final tournament beginning in June 2026 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
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Iraq secured a spot in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup after a 2-1 win over the UAE in Basra, completing a 3-2 aggregate victory. They will face Bolivia or Suriname in March, with the match in Mexico. Coach Graham Arnold emphasizes preparation for the crucial game.
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On Nov 27, a drone strike targeted the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's Kurdistan region, operated by UAE's Dana Gas, causing a major fire and halting gas supplies that power over 80% of the region's electricity. The attack led to widespread power outages and prompted a joint Iraqi-Kurdish investigation. Operations resumed by Nov 30 after an agreement to restore supplies.