In Beirut’s Bachoura neighborhood, an Israeli strike targeted a building housing Hezbollah-affiliated rescue workers, killing nine and injuring 14, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The attack is part of Israel’s expanded bombing campaign against Hezbollah, following rocket exchanges since October 8. This strike, near Lebanon’s Parliament and Western embassies, marks Israel’s first attack within Beirut’s city limits since 2006. The Israeli military described it as a “precise strike” but did not comment further. Mr. Ammar expressed feeling unsafe in Beirut. Noah Prescott 03/10/2024 5:30 pm
President Biden mentioned the US is considering allowing Israel to bomb Iranian oil facilities in response to recent rocket attacks on Israel, causing a spike in global oil prices. Biden clarified that the US advises, rather than allows, Israel’s actions. He opposes an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites. A potential strike on Iran’s oil could have environmental impacts, complicating Biden’s climate stance. The US has not committed to stricter sanctions on Iran’s oil exports, which have increased, as this could raise energy prices before the upcoming election, affecting Vice President Harris’ candidacy. Noah Prescott 03/10/2024 5:30 pm
Former Singapore minister Subramaniam Iswaran was sentenced to 12 months in prison for accepting over S$403,000 in gifts and obstructing justice. The high-profile case, overseen by Justice Vincent Hoong, highlighted Iswaran’s abuse of power, undermining public trust. Despite his belief in acquittal, Iswaran showed little remorse. He will serve his sentence at Changi Prison. This rare trial of a political figure in Singapore, known for its clean image, has impacted the reputation of the ruling People’s Action Party. Singaporean ministers are among the world’s highest-paid to deter corruption. Ava Sinclair 03/10/2024 5:30 pm
A Russian glide bomb hit an apartment in Kharkiv, Ukraine, injuring 12, including a child. Kharkiv, near the front line, faces frequent attacks. Ukraine and Russia exchange drone and missile strikes; Ukraine claims to have destroyed 78 Russian drones, while Russia intercepted 113 Ukrainian drones. Russia increasingly uses glide bombs, retrofitted Soviet munitions, impacting the war. Ukrainian Border Guard units work to warn communities of these threats. Russia occupies 20% of Ukraine, gaining ground in the Donbas region, with recent captures of Avdiivka and Vuhledar. Penelope Kingsley 03/10/2024 5:30 pm
Former Singapore cabinet minister Subramaniam Iswaran was sentenced to a year in prison for receiving illegal gifts, marking the first ministerial jailing in nearly 50 years. Iswaran, 62, admitted to lesser charges after initially facing 35 counts, including corruption. He received over $300,000 in gifts, such as flights and hotel stays. Justice Vincent Hoong sentenced him to a year, overruling a recommended seven-month maximum. The case has shocked Singapore, known for its low corruption, and raised questions about the adequacy of high ministerial salaries in deterring corruption. Ava Sinclair 03/10/2024 2:00 pm
Countries are intensifying efforts to evacuate nationals from Lebanon amid escalating tensions. The U.S. has deployed troops to Cyprus for potential evacuations, while the UK has sent additional troops and organized charter flights. France is preparing a helicopter carrier for possible evacuations. Australia secured extra seats on commercial flights and positioned an aircraft in Cyprus. China evacuated over 200 nationals via ship and chartered flights. Canada arranged 800 additional flight seats and is coordinating with allies. Other countries, including Spain and South Korea, are deploying military aircraft for evacuations. Ava Sinclair 03/10/2024 2:00 pm
Typhoon Krathon, a weakened category 1 storm, hit Kaohsiung, Taiwan, causing two deaths and significant disruption. Despite warnings, many residents remained outdoors amid torrential rain and winds over 100 mph. Hundreds of flights were grounded, and financial markets closed. The storm caused severe rainfall, leading to landslides in eastern Taiwan. Despite the chaos, operations at the Southern Taiwan Science Park continued normally. Some, like university student Liao Shian-rong, saw the storm as a unique opportunity, documenting it from a hotel lobby. Ava Sinclair 03/10/2024 2:00 pm
Analysts warn that oil markets are too complacent about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East, with crude prices possibly exceeding $200 per barrel. Speculation about Israel targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure could significantly impact global supply, as Iran is a major OPEC member. Disruptions could affect up to 4% of the world’s oil supply and raise concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. Oil prices have already risen over 4% this week amid geopolitical tensions, with Brent crude trading higher at $75.32 per barrel. Penelope Kingsley 03/10/2024 2:00 pm
The UK will transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, securing the US military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years and allowing displaced islanders to return. This agreement resolves contested sovereignty issues and strengthens UK-Mauritius relations. The UK had controlled the islands since 1814, detaching them from Mauritius in 1965. Mauritius regained sovereignty in 2019 after an ICJ ruling. The UK will support Chagossians, though some seek self-determination. Noah Prescott 03/10/2024 2:00 pm
Israel’s airstrike in Beirut killed Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, escalating its offensive against Lebanon. Nasrallah, 64, led Hezbollah for over 30 years, transforming it into a powerful political force backed by Iran. His death leaves a leadership void in the group, known for challenging American and Israeli influence through militant actions. Nasrallah was a charismatic figure, admired and detested for Hezbollah’s resistance and aggression. His leadership significantly impacted Middle Eastern geopolitics, and his death marks a pivotal moment for Hezbollah’s future. Ava Sinclair 03/10/2024 10:30 am
