US-Iraq Leverage: Washington told Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi that deeper economic and defense cooperation hinges on Iraq disarming “Iran-aligned militias,” blamed for 600+ attacks on US personnel, and shifting security leadership toward Iraqi forces as the ISIS mission winds down. Ukraine & Europe Support: Europe’s backing for Ukraine is framed as a turning point, with Kyiv facing intensified strikes and a reshuffle under Zelenskyy while the EU prepares a new support package. Yemen Escalation Alarm: The UN warned Yemen is sliding into a broader conflict cycle, urging parties to return to UN-backed negotiations and avoid unilateral steps that could worsen fragmentation. Gibraltar Deal: Spain, the UK and the EU implemented the Gibraltar agreement, removing border controls and easing travel after years of post-Brexit friction. Philippines Justice Reform: The DOJ and peace adviser’s office will draft guidelines for prosecutors handling clan feuds and community-based conflict, aiming for consistent, constitution-rooted decisions. Georgia vs OSCE: Georgian Dream PM Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed an OSCE Parliamentary Assembly resolution as “lies and defamation,” accusing it of a political agenda. India Politics & Rights: Aamir Khan faced “love jihad” backlash after a third marriage; he denied any partner converted to Islam. In West Bengal, Taslima Nasreen’s Kolkata return sparks TMC-BJP free-speech and secularism sparring. Nigeria Governance: Federal reforms got a digital boost with a Reform Tracker, Knowledge Repository and NSPSR Dashboard to monitor public service changes. Middle East Shipping Risk: US-Iran fighting threatens Strait of Hormuz operations again, keeping global oil and security concerns high.