Al Jazeera

It's an election aimed at strengthening democracy in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. But the situation rapidly deteriorated as the vote got underway. Dozens of people were killed in confrontations between protesters and security forces. The violence followed weeks of protests by a now-banned group that is calling for electoral reforms. The government in Islamabad has conditioned any changes on a constitutional amendment. The chaos that accompanied the first phase of the vote is one of the biggest political challenges facing Pakistan since the beginning of the Kashmir conflict almost eight decades ago. How will it shape the future of the region?

What started as an online satire has now transformed into a major, nationwide movement that's challenging India's government. The so-called 'Cockroach Janta Party', burst onto the political scene in May after crucial exam papers were leaked, triggering a public outcry. But concerns have now broadened to include youth unemployment, and other issues affecting young people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing what's likely the biggest challenge of his third term. And he's promised to crack down on the exam leaks-- But the protest leaders insist, that's not good enough. They say they won't back down- until the Minister of Education out of office. So, will this lead to a lasting change? and can the movement maintain its momentum?

Some call it the Gate of Tears. Bab al-Mandab in the Red Sea wields importance as a global shipping artery. This week, Iran's Revolutionary Guard threatened to use the strait as its next front in the war with the US. It says regional energy exports are 'either for everyone or for no one'. Such a move would mean relying on its Houthi allies in Yemen to block the shipping route. Iran's warning comes amid an escalation with the US, which has endangered last month's agreement. What would it mean for a volatile region -- and the global economy?

The leaders of NATO member states are meeting in Ankara, ostensibly to discuss increasing defence investment and long-term military support for Ukraine. But the war on Iran is hanging over the gathering. One of the most significant is freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz - the vital waterway that Iran effectively closed for months. Ahead of the NATO summit, the US had called on European allies to help it secure the strait. They refused, with some arguing that the war has nothing to do the bloc. So, could the divide between the US and its allies be bridged in Ankara?

Ukrainian attacks have disrupted one-third of Russia's oil refining capacity, according to independent energy analysts. The resulting fuel shortage has forced Moscow to extend petrol export bans and restrict sales in more than 40 regions and Crimea. President Vladimir Putin says the strikes are not critical and insists the war will continue until his goals are met. Russia is continuing its attacks on Ukraine, including a huge strike on Kyiv on Thursday. So, can economic pressure on Russia bring an end to the war - which has stretched into a fifth year?

Beijing's new ethnic unity law strengthens Mandarin's position as the primary language of education, official business and public spaces across China. The government says the law's provisions on social cohesion and preventing separatism benefit everyone. But minority activists abroad say it will further erode the rights of groups such as Uighurs and Tibetans. They are also warning against a clause that states China can take action against those who violate the law outside of the country. Taiwan has echoed this criticism. Its government warns the law could be used to target people there who are critical of Beijing.

The Indus Water Treaty lays out how the river's resources are to be shared between India and Pakistan. Brokered in 1960, it has survived decades of conflict between the neighbours. But recently, the agreement was put to the test after New Delhi suspended its participation. That came after an attack India said was carried out by armed groups linked to Pakistan, which it denied. This week, Islamabad has said India cannot suspend the agreement on its own. It says its share of the Indus River is a red line and threatened consequences. So, how could they avoid a further escalation?

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Now, more than four years into the current war, Ukraine is targeting the peninsula with increased drone attacks. In response, authorities in the Russian-controlled region have declared a state of emergency, admitting they're facing challenging times. This week, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the start of what he called a 40-day 'influence operation' to push Russia to end the war.

"Encouraging progress." That's the feeling from mediators after the first round of talks between Iran and the US concluded in Switzerland. Those direct discussions were held to implement the memorandum of understanding. Their focus will now turn to using that agreement to negotiate a lasting peace deal within the next two months. Despite the positive atmosphere, there are hurdles to reaching a final agreement on that timeline. So, what would it take to overcome those challenges? And what concessions are the sides prepared to make to strike a deal?

Fury from Israeli ministers over the agreement US President Donald Trump has signed with Iran. And a sharp rebuke in response from his vice president JD Vance. So, what are the implications for Israel and its prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu?

Agreement between Washington and Tehran has all but ended the Iran war, with both claiming victory despite the huge cost. Among that has been Iranian damage to relationships with its Gulf neighbours which it attacked. So, what has Iran won and lost in this conflict?

Chinese president is in North Korea. Pyongyang is largely isolated on the world stage and under UN sanctions. China remains its main supporter. It's been sidelined due to its nuclear activities. But Pyongyang has made it clear it wants to be recognised as a nuclear state - and insists its programme is a "line of no retreat". Xi Jinping's visit comes after he held a summit with Donald Trump, who wants North Korea to denuclearise. He also met Vladimir Putin, who has been developing a closer relationship with Kim Jong Un. So, how could his visit shape geopolitics in the region?

Lebanon under Israeli attack while diplomatic efforts continue to end the war in Iran. And with Israel escalating attacks on Hezbollah, Tehran wants any peace deal to cover both conflicts. So, why is Iran making Lebanon a central issue in its own war?

Ukraine's bid to join the European Union (EU) has received a boost this week. Accession negotiations have finally kicked off. Ukraine is hoping that will provide it with some security guarantees, as the war with Russia drags on. Moscow has long objected to Kyiv strengthening its ties with the West. And now, Ukraine will have to fulfil the EU's requirements before it can be accepted as a member. That will include reforms on a host of issues, including tackling corruption. But what are the risks of integrating a country at war into the bloc? And how will Russia respond?

A possible US-Iran deal is taking shape. But Israeli officials are reportedly worried. What are their concerns? Could it derail negotiations to end the war in Iran, which has caused an unprecedented global energy crisis?

The war on Iran has caused the worst energy crisis in history, according to the International Energy Agency. It's been politically unpopular in the US too, ahead of crucial mid-term elections in November.

Israeli national security minister's mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists. It sparks international outrage. But will governments act against Israel? The boats were part of the latest attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Most efforts have failed. What difference do flotillas make to Palestinians living under Israeli blockade?

Over the years, China and Russia have described their relationship as a friendship without limits. Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing this week further emphasises the strength of those ties. He and President Xi Jinping hailed their partnership as 'a force of calm among chaos'. They also warned against a return to the 'law of the jungle'. An apparent reference to Donald Trump's actions and policies, which include the war against Iran and sweeping global tariffs. Will the two leaders succeed in their push for a multipolar world, one in which the U.S. does not dominate?

There appears to be a shift in the years-long conflict in Ukraine. Last weekend, Ukrainian forces struck deeper into Russian territory, piercing its air defences in a large strike on the Moscow region. This came a week after fears of a Ukrainian attack forced Russia to scale down its annual Victory Day parade. Kyiv's also been relentlessly striking Russia's oil facilities and military logistics, as it tries to disrupt supplies to the frontlines. All this as Russian missiles and drones continue to target sites across Ukraine.

Havana has announced the country is nearly out of fuel. It comes after months of added pressure from Washington. The US cut off oil shipments from Venezuela and then imposed a near total oil blockade. Paired with Cuba's aging energy grid, the result was sweeping blackouts, supply shortages and a deepening economic crisis. Washington's goal is to force the socialist government to open up the economy and implement political reforms. Donald Trump has even threatened Havana with military action.

A global health crisis - not a pandemic. But the World Health Organization is warning the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda could be much larger than what has been detected so far. The global health body is advising the countries to activate national disaster mechanisms and introduce cross-border and internal screening.

A year ago, US-China relations reached one of their lowest points when Donald Trump announced his Liberation Day tariffs. The US president made some concessions when he met Xi Jinping a few months later. And the White House yielded more ground in the run-up to Trump's visit to Beijing. It suspended a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which China claims as its sovereign territory. But that did not stop President Xi from calling Taiwan 'the single most important issue' in relations with the US. Could a dispute over the territory lead to conflict between Beijing and Washington?

Five nations boycott Eurovision citing Israel's participation. Their action is against Israel's war in Gaza and allegations of vote manipulation in the song contest. But why is it so important for Israel to take part? And is the competition's future under threat?

Vladimir Putin says the Ukraine war may be over soon. Attacks have been intensifying in recent weeks. And a stalemate on the battlefield is increasing political pressure for an end. So, could the conflict be entering its final phase?

A backlash against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in local and regional elections in England, Scotland and Wales, despite a huge majority in parliament. He's rejecting calls to quit - but faces new challenges from both the left and right. So, why are these elections so important?

The World Health Organization says public health risks from hantavirus are low. Arrangements are being made to repatriate passengers from a cruise ship, after three people who'd been on board, died. How's the experience from the Covid-19 pandemic being used?

China is emerging as a major player in global diplomacy - including in the Middle East. In 2023, it helped re-establish diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Tehran. While it is not officially mediating efforts to end the ongoing war - both the US and Iran are looking to China to help de-escalate. So, can it propel the two sides towards that goal? And if China makes a direct push to stop the fighting - how will its economic clout affect the course of negotiations?

Tension escalates rapidly across the Gulf - despite last month's ceasefire. An oil facility hit in the United Arab Emirates, Iranian boats attacked, while the US tries to force open a shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz. So, what does this mean for hopes of an end to the Iran war?

Pakistan opens land trade routes to Iran, allowing the transit of goods. It's a much-needed reprieve for both economies. But does it undercut Washington's pressure campaign on Tehran? And how will it impact the Islamabad-mediated talks to end the war?

Divisions widen within NATO. US President Donald Trump is furious after a refusal by European member states to join the Iran war. Reports say he's considering measures against the UK and Spain. So, how serious is the rift for the future of the military alliance?

A loan drama tied to geopolitics. Kyiv is getting a much-delayed lifeline from Brussels, as it fights Moscow's invasion with nearly empty coffers. That's after Ukraine repaired a pipeline carrying Russian crude to Hungary, Slovakia. The oil revenues will bolster Moscow's war chest. So, is this complex EU deal going to intensify the conflict? And, considering the mistrust between the parties, will the agreement even last?

More than a million Europeans have signed a petition asking the EU to suspend a trade deal with Israel for its atrocities in Gaza. Three states — Spain, Ireland and Slovenia — tabled a proposal backing the call. But Germany and Italy blocked the move. So, can a divided EU become a strong force opposing Israeli actions in the Middle East?

Israel's alliance with the European Union is under mounting political pressure. Behind the shift are demands to suspend the main agreement underpinning their close relations. But their ties survived Israel's genocide in Gaza - so why the difficulties now?

China tells its ally Iran the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened. International leaders have been visiting Beijing almost daily - underlining its importance in the crisis. So what's the impact of the Iran war on China - and what role is it playing?

As the United States-Israel war on Iran deepens, conflict scholar David Keen examines why some wars persist without a clear victory. He argues that war can serve political control, economic interests and systems of power that outlive the battlefield. From sanctions and smuggling to military spending and useful enemies, Keen explains how conflict can become functional and why making peace more attractive than war is often the real challenge.

Iran has been cultivating what it calls the Axis of Resistance for decades. It's a coalition of armed groups, backed by Tehran's money and often its weapons, that try to tip the scales of regional power in Iran's favour. Now the axis looks to be on shaky ground. Israel has marched into southern Lebanon, is pounding Beirut with bombs in an attempt to eliminate Hezbollah and says it doesn't plan to stop. So is Hezbollah the sticking point of ceasefire negotiations? And how far is Iran willing to go to back its friends and allies?

After apocalyptic threats, Washington and Tehran have agreed to a two week ceasefire. It's still unclear whether that will mean a lasting peace. What's more certain is that the US and the world stage have been changed by Trump's war. So how has America been shaped by Trump's war on Iran? How has the world order? And can any of it be walked back?

The US and Israel's war with Iran has put pressure on Tehran's relations with Moscow. They've been allies but the Kremlin is seeking to maintain ties with Washington to reach a deal on the Ukraine conflict. So how is the Iran war affecting Russia-Iran relations?

Millions of Israelis forced to take shelter day and night - from repeated Iranian missile attacks. The economic shockwaves of the war Israel and the US have launched against Iran are being felt across the world. How is it affecting Israel - and its future?

The Strait of Hormuz has effectively closed to most shipping since the US and Israel attacked Iran - sending energy prices soaring worldwide. The marine channel in the Gulf had been the gateway for 20% of global energy supplies. What difficulties does this pose for Donald Trump?

The war in Iran rages on. And China argues it should never have happened. Beijing is a major importer of Iranian oil, making it vulnerable to any disruption of the flow through the Strait of Hormuz. Given its huge oil reserves and its growing dependence on Electric Vehicles, China may not be affected in the short term. But what if war drags on? And what's exactly keeping Beijing away from direct involvement in the conflict?

Yet again, US President Donald Trump has suggested the war in Iran could be over soon, but didn't say when or how. Advisers are reportedly urging him to find an exit strategy. But Israel has indicated it won't stop until what it calls the existential threat posed by Iran is eliminated. For its part, Tehran has set its own conditions for ending the attacks across the region. These include international guarantees there will be no future hostilities. As the war is increasingly taking a toll on the global economy, how could it end?

As the US-Israeli war against Iran drags on, Yemen's Ansarullah, or the Houthis, have stayed out of the conflict. But that could change. They have said they consider themselves directly concerned and could take a position alongside Iran. The armed group has attacked Israel and shipping in the Red Sea in recent years. If a new front opens up, global trade could be further disrupted in another maritime gateway. Shipping is already largely halted in the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant losses worldwide. So, will the Houthis join the war? And what difference could that make for this volatile region?

Relentless US and Israeli attacks on Iran - top figures killed with thousands of air-strikes across the country. Iran has retaliated, hitting Israel and Gulf neighbours, targeting energy facilities and supply routes. So what are Iran's options now?

Tehran has carried out more attacks on Gulf states despite an apology by the president to Iran's neighbours. Civilian targets have been hit, including airports and vital infrastructure. Who's is in control in Iran and how will Gulf states react as the attacks continue?

It's been a week since the war between Israel, the United States and Iran started with strikes on Tehran. The conflict soon spread to neighbouring countries, who've been on the receiving end of hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones. Targets in countries beyond the region have also been hit, with some warning those attacks could open new fronts. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has now apologised to Gulf states - saying it will limit its attacks on them in future. But with no sign that Israel and the US will end the war, how likely are its effects to spread?

Yet another day of US and Israeli strikes against Iran, and Washington says there's more to come, warning of a 'dramatic surge'. But with the exception of Israel, the US has NOT secured the active participation of any of its main allies, as was the case in previous conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. President Donald Trump hasn't hidden his frustration with European leaders, many of whom say the ongoing war is a breach of international law. That view is shared by other global players like China and Russia. But does it need them to continue to wage this war?

Lebanon is once again drawn into a war many of its leaders say is not their fight. Against the government's warnings, Hezbollah has joined Iran in its conflict with Israel. The armed group says it has a right to respond as part of what it calls a resistance campaign. But this time, the Lebanese government has responded by taking the decision to ban Hezbollah's military activities and demanded it disarm. The group has not heeded that warning. Now, as the war between the U.S., Israel and Iran widens to Lebanon, can Hezbollah's involvement be of any real help to Tehran? And what price will Lebanon pay as a result?

Iran stands at a crossroads. With its top leadership assassinated early in the joint US-Israeli offensive, the remaining layers of power have been trying maintain control. There are concerns that after January's mass anti-government demonstrations, this war would lead to chaos. US President Donald Trump has made clear his desire for regime change in Iran. Many argue that what remains of Iranian leadership is struggling for survival. But Iran's leadership is notably complex. It has parallel armies, multiple intelligence services and several command structures So, will it survive? Or is the situation spiralling out of control?

Iran attacks Gulf Arab states -- hitting civilian buildings and energy infrastructure, as well as US bases. The impact of the American-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic is felt across the region. What does this mean for Gulf states' relations with Iran and with the US?