Islamic Republic of Pakistan: South Asian nation, populous, nuclear-armed
Pakistan’s Razaullah belts nine sixes on 81 off 63, guiding a 449 all out as England chase 130 to seal the series. Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Azan Awais contribute 50s; England’s bowlers struggle to stem the attack.
Pakistan has replaced its head coach and seven players after heavy defeats to England, with Mike Hesson taking charge for the third Test at Edgbaston. The changes aim to restore balance and inject new talent as the tour nears its close.
The Iran‑aligned Houthis have seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast and key islands in the Bab al‑Mandeb strait this week, including Mocha, Mayyun (Perim) and the Hanish islands, after government forces withdrew. Saudi and Yemeni government forces have launched air strikes in response. The offensive has killed hundreds, displaced tens of thousands and pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.
Iranian nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami has been prevented from attending the IAEA General Conference in Vienna after Austria revoked his visa. The move follows UN-sanctioned snapback restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program. Washington objected to an exemption, saying Eslami would have used the platform for propaganda rather than substantive cooperation.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Across major outlets, reflections focus on how intelligence failures preceded the attacks, how responses shaped two decades of security policy, and how new threats—from state actors to AI—shape the current security landscape. Readers are offered a panoramic view of evolving national security challenges while the consequences for civilians remain central.
England have completed a 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan as Joe Root anchors a steady end to a chaotic summer that saw Ben Stokes retire, Brendon McCullum depart and disciplinary issues surface. The team now heads into Stephen Fleming’s arrival with a clearer path and a stronger culture.
England’s cricket side has wrapped up strong performances in the ongoing series against Pakistan, with Ollie Robinson starring with 21 wickets and Zak Lawrence delivering consistent scores. The visitors’ batting has struggled, but England remain on top as they push toward victory.
Three Iran security forces have been killed in clashes with gunmen in Sistan-Baluchistan. State media say five attackers died and weapons were seized; authorities describe the incident as part of ongoing security operations in Iran’s southeast.
Josh Kushner has issued his first public statement on the collapsed FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, saying he still supports its aims but would not have invested had he known how the process would unfold. UEFA has filed US court papers seeking document production and depositions from Kushner and Thrive as it prepares possible criminal mismanagement claims against FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Pakistan has seen a rapid collapse in form and a dramatic but controversial shake-up of players and coaches during a Tests tour in England, prompting questions about management and future strategy. England leads the series after dominant wins, while the PCB faces an inquiry into conduct.
Qatar has pressed for unimpeded Hormuz shipping and is coordinating with China as regional diplomacy intensifies. Doha says reopening the Strait must be unconditional, while mediation efforts continue amid stalled US-Iran talks and renewed attacks.
Turkey has deepened its ties with Russia, highlighting bilateral energy cooperation and nuclear plans as Erdogan positions Turkey within the SCO while stressing Western ties remain intact.
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed civilians and damaged infrastructure amid ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. The target areas include Kfar Rumman, Nabatieh, and surrounding towns as diplomatic efforts to disarm Hezbollah and withdraw Israeli forces continue under a US-brokered framework. The toll includes women, children, and rescuers, with casualties and displacement prompting international concern.
Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow to revive talks aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite weekend diplomacy, Moscow and Kyiv show deep gaps on terms. Ukraine halts airstrikes during the visit; Russia has escalated strikes elsewhere.
The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards are underway with The Pitt leading drama nominations and Widow’s Bay challenging Hacks for comedy supremacy. Mariska Hargitay is hosting NBC’s telecast, with Apple TV+ debuts Pluribus and DTF St Louis among top contenders. The ceremony honors Buffy, Charlie’s Angels, and Dolly Parton while Zendaya and Harrison Ford are among notable presenters.
Greece and Israel have strengthened defense, security and energy cooperation over the past decade. A 3 billion euro deal to build an air defence shield in Greece has been signed, with Greece spending at least 3.5% of GDP on core defence. Greece plans further engagements, including a visit to Cairo, as tensions with Turkey persist.
Palestinian rights groups report increased casualties and displacement as Israeli ministers push for hardline measures; Western states expand arms exports while debates over sanctions deepen. The pieces highlight the diverging international responses to the Gaza crisis.
An avalanche on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s North Caucasus hits a group of climbers. Ten have descended safely; several others remain unaccounted for as rescue efforts continue amid treacherous terrain and ongoing avalanche risk. Reports from multiple outlets confirm ongoing recoveries and casualties as agencies coordinate search operations.
The United States plans to withdraw its military coalition from Iraq by Sept. 30, 2026, as Baghdad and Washington finalize the exit, with air defence systems in Erbil to be removed and weapons under state control to follow. The transition aims to prevent a security vacuum while maintaining security cooperation.
England leads by 23 runs after Pakistan bowled out for 133 on day one. Gay and Brook build a 104-run stand for England; Tongue, Robinson, and Archer dominate with the ball. Debutants for Pakistan struggle as Razaullah shines briefly before dismissal.
The Houthi attack on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran injures 73 people and targets energy facilities. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have formed a joint defense pact, with officials saying it could become operational if aggression against Saudi Arabia escalates. Officials stress the pact is defensive, not an immediate trigger for broader intervention.
Protesters in Portsmouth have been dispersed after realising the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team was staying at the Marriott hotel, not a group of migrants. The ECB is reviewing security for the rest of the tour, and police report no offences were found.
UNICEF reports 171 million learners across 106 countries faced climate-related disruptions in 2025. Storms, floods and heatwaves disrupted classes; girls face higher dropout risks. The report warns of US$200 billion in potential lifetime earnings losses and calls for resilient school infrastructure and data systems.
England have completed a 3-0 series whitewash against Pakistan after a dominant batting display and a sharp bowling performance, sealing victory on day four with Root and Cox guiding a comfortable chase of 130.
Oman has postponed a planned regional meeting on the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran and Gulf states expected to discuss future management of the strait. Tehran and Muscat have been pursuing a regional framework, amid sanctions, blockades, and rising oil prices. Bahrain says it will not attend until diplomatic ties with Iran resume. The pause preserves room for dialogue while signaling regional actors seek stability.
A UN-backed assessment cited by The Washington Post finds that al-Qaeda and Islamic State–Khorasan have established training camps in at least 14 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, with risks of regional conflict overshadowing global jihad. The Taliban’s permissive environment is enabling a limited but persistent jihadist presence.
Alexander Zverev has won his second major, defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 to deny Shelton a maiden US Open title and keep American men without a Grand Slam since 2003. Zverev seals the year’s major haul after a breakthrough season that included the French Open title.
Houthis have advanced along Yemen’s coast, reaching Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, threatening a critical route that feeds global oil shipments and Straits of Hormuz alternatives. The move widens Iran’s leverage as the U.S. weighs limited intervention while regional partners take the lead.
Several Ukrainian border trains were struck near Yahodyn just days after strikes on the Ukrainian-Polish border. Former UK PM Boris Johnson and ex-CIA director David Petraeus were reportedly at a border station near the time of the attacks. Ukraine and Poland condemn the strikes, with officials warning of further escalation as Russia presses its campaign against Ukrainian rail infrastructure.
President Donald Trump has told Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop Ukrainian strikes on Russian diesel and oil facilities, saying the attacks are driving record U.S. diesel prices above $6 a gallon. Kyiv has continued to hit long-range Russian refineries and logistics targets; neither Ukraine nor Russia has confirmed a bilateral pledge to spare energy sites.
BARMM voters are casting ballots to elect the region’s first regular parliament in a high-stakes election that tests a long peace process after decades of conflict. Authorities say security is calm, amid pockets of violence and ongoing political maneuvering among rival factions.
Israel and Lebanon will meet in Rome in October to discuss a US-brokered security arrangement intended to ease border hostilities. The talks follow rounds in Rome that ended without a breakthrough on territorial issues. The negotiations aim to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and Israel’s security, with ambassadors to meet in Washington next week.
President-level chatter around AI has intensified as industry leaders call for slowing progress to implement safety measures. U.S. leaders emphasize maintaining a competitive edge while acknowledging some regulation. The conversation frames the upcoming policy debate ahead of expected congressional action.
Samson has posted a rapid half-century and India has chased a 163-3 target in 14.5 overs, following Afghanistan's 159-8. The series features India as the visiting team in Afghanistan's hosted venue, with Rashid Khan and Nabi among the notable bowlers.
The Sweden Democrats have seen a dip in support as counting continues, with the left-wing Social Democrats forming the largest bloc. Final results are not expected until midweek, but early tallies show a razor-thin gap between the left and right blocs in Sweden’s 349-seat Riksdag.
North Korea has conducted a multi-system drill demonstrating an integrated strike network, with drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and rocket artillery. The exercise aims to sharpen coordination against South Korea and U.S. defenses, while following trilateral exercises by Seoul, Washington and Tokyo.
Israeli politicians are accusing the Venice-winning NAZA documentary of incitement and treason, threatening citizenship revocation for its directors, while the film faces international scrutiny over its portrayal of AI-enabled targeting in Gaza. The debate follows the film’s Venice prize and mounting domestic backlash.
India has won the Asia Cup by beating Sri Lanka by 72 runs, marking an eighth title. The post-match ceremony was lengthy and controversial as India's team declined to receive the trophy from ACC chair Naqvi amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. The ceremony ended without the Indian team on stage and without individual awards.
KP has been appointed as a specialist mentor to Englands white-ball teams for the ODI and T20 series against Sri Lanka, and will be involved in winter tours and the 2027 World Cup setup, integrating with Brendon McCullums coaching group.
The Virgo Transport 8 has capsized in rough Java Sea conditions after sending a distress call. Authorities have confirmed several deaths and a large number of missing, with search efforts spanning multiple ships, aircraft and underwater teams.
Leaders have met to reaffirm maritime security amid the Houthis’ advances in Yemen, threatening Red Sea shipping and Egyptian revenues from the Suez Canal. The talks underscore a growing regional effort to stabilize navigation through Bab al-Mandeb and the Red Sea while assessing potential steps.