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Lebanon Information Minister Resigns Over Beirut Blast

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Lebanon’s information minister Manal Abdel Samad has resigned following the deadly port blast that killed more than 150 people and destroyed swathes of the capital.

In a statement reported by local media, Samad apologised to the Lebanese public for failing them, saying; “After the enormous Beirut catastrophe, I announce my resignation from government”.

Abdel-Samad stated;

Given the magnitude of the catastrophe caused by the Beirut earthquake that shook the nation and hurt our hearts and minds, and in respect for the martyrs, and the pains of the wounded, missing and displaced, and in response to the public will for change, I resign from the government.

This comes amid call by protesters for the entire government to step down over the August 4 explosion, a blast widely seen as shocking proof of the rot at the core of the state apparatus.

Lebanese protesters enraged by the blast vowed to rally again after a night of street clashes in which they stormed several ministries.

Head of Lebanon’s Maronite church, Beshara Rai joined the chorus of people pressing Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s cabinet to step down, saying;

The blast could be described as a crime against humanity. It is not enough for a lawmaker to resign here or a minister to resign there. It is necessary, out of sensitivity to the feelings of the Lebanese and the immense responsibility required, for the entire government to resign because it is incapable of moving the country forward.

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Turkish First Lady Expresses Hope NATO Summit Will Strengthen Trust and Cooperation

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Emine Erdoğan has expressed optimism that the upcoming NATO summit will strengthen trust, solidarity, and cooperation among member nations as they confront shared security challenges.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Erdoğan said the gathering presents an important opportunity for allies to reinforce dialogue, mutual understanding, and collective action in addressing regional and global issues.

She emphasized the importance of unity within the alliance, noting that stronger cooperation is essential to promoting peace, stability, and security in an increasingly complex international environment.

The Turkish First Lady also voiced hope that the summit would produce constructive outcomes that enhance collaboration among NATO members and deepen confidence between allies.

Her remarks come as NATO countries prepare to discuss key issues, including regional security, defence cooperation, emerging threats, and the alliance’s long-term strategic priorities.

Turkey remains an active member of the alliance and has consistently advocated for stronger coordination and shared responsibility in tackling common security concerns.

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Merz Tells Netanyahu US-Iran Deal Offers Best Chance for Regional Stability

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Friedrich Merz has told that a diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran offers the best chance of achieving long-term stability in the Middle East.

According to German officials, Merz emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and diplomacy in addressing regional security challenges and preventing further escalation of tensions.

The German Chancellor reportedly said that a successful US-Iran agreement could help reduce instability, ease geopolitical tensions, and create conditions for broader regional cooperation.

During the discussions, Merz also reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security while stressing the need for diplomatic efforts that promote peace and reduce the risk of conflict across the region.

The talks come amid continued international efforts to manage tensions involving Iran, Israel, and other key regional actors, with global leaders urging dialogue over military confrontation.

Germany has consistently supported diplomatic initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security while encouraging all parties to pursue peaceful solutions to longstanding disputes.7⁸

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India Warns Meta Over Planned WhatsApp Username Feature

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The India government has reportedly warned Meta against proceeding with the planned rollout of a username feature on WhatsApp, citing concerns over user identification and regulatory compliance.

According to reports, Indian authorities are worried that allowing users to communicate primarily through usernames instead of phone numbers could complicate efforts to identify individuals involved in criminal activities and undermine existing traceability mechanisms.

Government officials are said to have urged Meta to carefully consider the legal and security implications of the feature before making it available to users in India.

The proposed username feature is intended to give WhatsApp users an additional layer of privacy by allowing them to connect without sharing their phone numbers, a move that has been welcomed by privacy advocates but has also raised concerns among regulators.

The development reflects the ongoing tension between enhancing user privacy and ensuring law enforcement agencies can effectively investigate cybercrime, fraud, and other illegal activities conducted through encrypted messaging platforms.

Neither the Indian government nor Meta has officially announced any final decision on the feature’s rollout, but discussions between the two sides are expected to continue as regulators assess its potential impact.

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