Boualem Sansal sentenced to five years under anti-terrorism laws after questioning Algeria-Morocco borders, drawing fierce criticism from France.

Renowned French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal has been sentenced to five years in prison by an Algerian court under contentious “anti-terrorism” laws, further inflaming diplomatic tensions between Algeria and France. Sansal, an outspoken critic of the Algerian government, was charged with “undermining national unity” after remarks he made questioning colonial-era border divisions with regional rival Morocco.

The verdict, delivered on Thursday in Dar El Beida near Algiers, stemmed from an interview Sansal gave to French far-right outlet Frontieres last October. Sansal argued that France had unfairly redrawn Algeria’s borders during colonial times, incorporating Moroccan territory—remarks seen as incendiary by Algerian authorities.

French President Emmanuel Macron swiftly condemned the decision, publicly appealing to Algeria’s sense of “good sense and humanity,” citing Sansal’s reported battle with cancer. The imprisonment of the celebrated author, winner of the 2011 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, has added fuel to already strained Franco-Algerian relations, following France’s recent diplomatic shift to support Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Sansal, who represented himself in court, denied that his comments violated Algerian law or intended harm to national unity. Legal experts suggest his sentence, half of what prosecutors initially sought, still reflects severe judicial overreach and may serve as political leverage amid Algeria’s diplomatic feud with France.

Human rights advocates warn that Algeria continues to misuse stringent anti-terrorism laws to silence critical voices, raising fears over the broader implications for freedom of speech. As international pressure mounts, speculation grows that Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune could grant Sansal a presidential pardon during an upcoming national holiday, attempting to defuse escalating tensions with Paris.

Rising military tensions and unresolved grievances push Ethiopia and Eritrea closer to renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa.

Less than seven years after peace was declared, Ethiopia and Eritrea appear to be on a dangerous collision course once again. Rising military mobilizations, inflamed rhetoric, and historical grievances have raised fears that these longtime adversaries could soon reignite conflict, destabilizing an already fragile Horn of Africa.

Tensions flared in recent months as Eritrea reportedly ramped up military conscription and Ethiopia deployed troops along its northern border. Ethiopian Airlines, a symbolic link reopened during the 2018 peace deal, abruptly suspended flights after Eritrea froze its bank accounts without explanation—a troubling diplomatic signal.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, insists that his country’s quest for maritime access—cut off after Eritrea’s independence—is peaceful. Yet, Eritrean officials, including Foreign Minister Osman Saleh, condemn Ethiopia’s ambitions as “misguided” and provocative. Addis Ababa’s persistent talk of regaining sea access, particularly the strategic port city of Assab, fuels mistrust in Asmara.

Central to the escalating tensions is Ethiopia’s embattled Tigray region, recently torn apart by civil war. Although Eritrea joined Ethiopia against Tigray’s rebel TPLF, the subsequent peace negotiations excluded Asmara, stoking resentment. The situation worsened when a splinter faction of TPLF seized key Tigrayan cities and was accused of collaborating covertly with Eritrea—charges that Eritrea vehemently denies.

The threat of renewed war has prompted urgent calls from international observers, former envoys, and regional bodies like the African Union, warning that current hostilities represent “dry tinder waiting for a match.” Amid this tense environment, residents of Tigray queue desperately at banks, seeking cash to flee what many fear is an inevitable conflict.

Ethiopia’s diplomatic friction extends further, angering Somalia over a separate port deal with Somaliland, while Eritrea aligns with Ethiopia’s rivals, Somalia and Egypt, increasing regional polarization.

As both Ethiopia and Eritrea edge closer to confrontation, only robust international mediation can defuse the ticking time bomb threatening to plunge the Horn of Africa into another catastrophic war.

Russian leader suggests placing Ukraine under temporary UN-led administration with involvement from North Korea and BRICS countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined a provocative and controversial peace proposal aimed at ending the ongoing three-year war in Ukraine, calling for Ukraine’s placement under a “temporary administration” overseen by the United Nations, with mediation from North Korea and BRICS countries, including China, India, Brazil, and South Africa.

Speaking to servicemen in Russia’s northern port city of Murmansk, Putin suggested the establishment of an international interim government to oversee Ukraine until new elections could establish a “capable and trusted” administration. Under this arrangement, Ukraine would be guided toward signing key peace accords with Moscow.

Yet, Putin’s call to involve North Korea—widely viewed as a rogue state by Western powers—has triggered immediate skepticism and controversy. His emphasis on participation from BRICS nations, many of whom have maintained neutrality or hesitancy regarding Russia’s invasion, signals Moscow’s attempt to reshape diplomatic alliances and legitimize its geopolitical strategy in Ukraine.

“We support resolving these issues peacefully,” Putin claimed, but insisted that “original causes” of the war must first be addressed—a reference often made by Moscow to justify its February 2022 invasion.

Critics argue Putin’s peace plan is a thinly-veiled attempt to impose Russia’s will through international channels, particularly by involving allies known for their alignment or neutrality toward Moscow’s actions. With North Korea’s inclusion, the proposal becomes politically charged, undermining its acceptance by Western nations and Ukraine itself.

This bold move indicates Russia’s ongoing effort to realign international diplomacy around its war objectives, rather than signaling genuine readiness for a negotiated settlement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Signal offers strong encryption but isn’t foolproof—here’s what to consider when choosing a secure messaging app. 

When White House officials reportedly discussed sensitive Yemen attack plans on the messaging app Signal, it triggered widespread concerns about national security—and raised critical questions about whether Signal is truly secure enough for sensitive communications.

Signal has become popular among government officials, journalists, and activists due to its robust end-to-end encryption, meaning not even Signal itself can read intercepted messages. But encryption alone isn’t enough—particularly when operational security and recordkeeping requirements are involved.

Signal Fallout: Trump Defends Waltz, But Fallout Spreads Beyond One Chat Thread

As a cybersecurity professional with decades of experience, I caution that Signal isn’t the solution for top-secret communications. Instead, users must consider multiple factors beyond encryption:

First, standard messaging protocols like SMS lack encryption altogether. Carriers or authorities can easily access messages and metadata (sender, recipient, timestamps).

Apps like Apple’s iMessage and Google Messages offer end-to-end encryption but limit privacy due to metadata access, which companies could share with governments.

Popular messaging services like WhatsApp, owned by Meta, also offer cross-platform end-to-end encryption but similarly provide metadata access to their parent companies.

For greater privacy, independent apps such as Signal, Telegram, Session, and Threema offer enhanced features: disappearing messages, open-source code transparency, decentralized servers, and minimal user-data collection.

However, even secure apps have vulnerabilities—human errors. Ukrainian troops, for instance, were tricked by Russian operatives into handing over Signal access, and U.S. officials mistakenly added the wrong people into sensitive group chats.

No single messaging app provides absolute security, but by carefully weighing encryption, metadata handling, and usability, you can significantly enhance your personal privacy. Signal might not be suitable for top-secret communications, but it remains a strong choice for everyday secure messaging—provided users understand its limitations.

Tamir Pardo condemns Israel’s return to war, warns hostages now face deadly consequences. 

Former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo issued a scathing rebuke on Thursday, declaring Israel’s recent decision to resume war against Hamas has effectively opened the “gates of hell,” particularly endangering the 59 Israeli hostages still held captive by the terror group.

Speaking at the Meir Dagan Conference at Netanya Academic College, Pardo sharply criticized the Netanyahu government’s choice to continue military operations, highlighting its perilous consequences: “The gates of hell might have opened on the Gazans, but for sure they have opened on the 59 hostages, and there is no savior.”

Pardo emphasized that this government’s actions have dangerously compromised both human lives and national security. He went further, asserting that internal threats—specifically the controversial judicial overhaul—present a far graver danger to Israel’s democracy and Zionist foundations than even the combined military threats from external enemies such as Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Yemen’s Houthis.

At the same event, former IDF Air Force Chief Eliezer Shkedy provided insights into efforts to integrate the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community into the military. Shkedy projected a fundamental shift by 2030, stating that the IDF is already prepared to draft all eligible individuals by 2026, marking a significant cultural and operational shift within Israel’s defense forces.

Yet, overshadowing these domestic debates remains the stark reality underscored by Pardo: Israel’s resumed offensive against Hamas has placed hostages in a perilous position, with little hope of rescue, raising profound ethical and strategic questions about the government’s ongoing tactics in Gaza.

Abdihakim Ali Ahmed becomes 45th conviction, admits diverting millions intended for children in one of America’s largest pandemic scams.

Federal authorities have secured yet another conviction in the sprawling $250 million Feeding Our Future scandal, underscoring the scale of one of America’s most egregious pandemic-era frauds. On Monday, Abdihakim Ali Ahmed, 40, of Minneapolis, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering after admitting he fraudulently pocketed over $7.3 million meant to provide food for children during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Ahmed’s guilty plea marks the 45th conviction in a case involving more than 70 defendants accused of defrauding the Federal Child Nutrition Program, a taxpayer-funded initiative designed to feed children in need. Prosecutors revealed Ahmed registered a fictitious food distribution site at Gurey Deli, a modest St. Paul market, and claimed to serve between 2,000 to 3,000 meals daily—a sheer impossibility given the deli’s small size and limited facilities.

Federal documents reveal a sophisticated yet brazen scheme. Ahmed, alongside convicted ringleader Aimee Bock, submitted falsified attendance rosters generated using spreadsheet formulas to fabricate thousands of phantom children. He then diverted stolen funds through shell companies, using the proceeds to buy luxury items including a 2022 Mini Cooper and Kelly’s 19th Hole, a Brooklyn Park restaurant now seized by authorities.

Adding layers of corruption, Ahmed admitted paying more than $49,000 in bribes to Abdikerm Eidleh, a former Feeding Our Future insider who remains a fugitive, reportedly fleeing the country after orchestrating fraudulent enrollments. Authorities estimate Feeding Our Future itself pocketed nearly $400,000 in administrative fees for facilitating Ahmed’s fraudulent activities.

Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick sharply condemned the exploitation, describing it as a “massive pay-to-play fraud scheme,” underscoring her office’s determination to pursue justice relentlessly. The case, investigated intensively by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, has already recovered $60 million in stolen assets.

Ahmed’s guilty plea, analysts suggest, was prompted by the recent high-profile convictions of Bock and other conspirators, whose swift jury verdict sent shockwaves through remaining defendants. Ahmed now awaits sentencing in federal court, as prosecutors continue their aggressive push to dismantle a criminal network that brazenly exploited millions in funds meant for vulnerable children.

This conviction sends a powerful message: Those who profited from children’s suffering during America’s darkest days will not escape justice.

Mahmud Ali Youssouf urges global commitment as African Union peacekeeping mission faces funding crisis in Somalia.

The African Union’s newly appointed Chairperson, Mahmud Ali Youssouf, has urgently appealed for greater international funding and commitment to stabilize Somalia, warning that the AU peacekeeping mission faces a severe funding shortage at a critical juncture.

In recent remarks alongside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Youssouf emphasized that Somalia’s security remains a global priority, urging international partners to actively support ongoing stabilization efforts. He stressed that increased resources are essential to reinforce the fight against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, which continues to threaten Somalia’s fragile peace and security.

“I have already started discussions in Addis Ababa with some of our partners to ensure that Somalia is not neglected. Somalia remains at the centre of international interest,” Youssouf declared. He further emphasized the international community’s crucial role in addressing threats beyond Somalia’s borders, including piracy in critical waterways such as the Gulf of Aden, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Somali Sea.

Youssouf’s call highlights Somalia’s strategic importance and underscores the pressing need for continued and substantial international involvement to secure lasting peace and stability. Without swift global action, he warned, the progress made could unravel quickly, allowing Al-Shabaab to exploit the gaps left by underfunded security operations.

A surprise visit by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to Cairo has laid bare the intensity of pressure building on Egypt to accept a large number of displaced Palestinians from Gaza — a condition reportedly tied to continued U.S. economic and military support. According to high-level diplomatic sources cited by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, this may be Cairo’s “last chance” to say yes before losing billions in American assistance.

A Quiet Ultimatum

UAE President bin Zayed reportedly delivered the message personally: If Egypt continues rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza relocation plan, American support will be redirected elsewhere. In return for accepting between 500,000 and 700,000 Gazans, Egypt would receive billions in economic lifelines from Washington and Gulf allies.

Following bin Zayed’s visit, the U.S. and UAE jointly announced a $1.4 trillion investment package over the next decade — a signal to Egypt that the financial muscle exists, but cooperation is the price of entry.

Cairo has made its opposition crystal clear. In an official statement, the Egyptian State Information Service called any effort to move Palestinians into Sinai a “red line,” warning that such displacement would be “a threat to Egypt’s national security” and “a liquidation of the Palestinian cause.”

But the pressure isn’t only diplomatic. Multiple sources confirm that security guarantees and infrastructure promises are being dangled — from weapons upgrades to tourism corridors — in exchange for Cairo’s compliance.

The Gaza relocation plan isn’t an isolated proposal. It fits into a broader U.S.-led strategy to redraw the political and demographic map of the region. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has already launched a new ministry department to manage the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from Gaza — further fueling speculation that groundwork is being laid for a large-scale population shift.

Meanwhile, Trump’s point man in the region, special envoy Steve Witkoff, is reportedly working the back channels in Baku, Riyadh, and even Amman to secure secondary relocation options should Egypt refuse.

This is Trump’s boldest move yet — not just in Gaza but in the entire Middle East. It’s a test of who wants in on the new regional order, and who gets left behind.

If Egypt gives in, it will mark the start of a new era. But if it resists, expect growing U.S. frustration — and possibly economic punishment.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi now finds himself cornered between national pride and financial collapse. Egypt’s economy is fragile, foreign reserves are dwindling, and inflation is squeezing millions. A deal could stabilize the situation — but at what political cost?

Refusing the deal could isolate Cairo just as the region is realigning around U.S., Israeli, Emirati, and Saudi initiatives. Accepting it could spark domestic outrage and security risks in Sinai.

The Gaza relocation plan — once seen as fringe — is now the centerpiece of a high-stakes regional gamble. Egypt is being asked to choose: bend to Trump’s vision of a post-Gaza Middle East, or hold the line and risk strategic and economic fallout.

What happens next in Cairo will shape not just the future of Gaza, but the trajectory of Middle Eastern geopolitics for years to come.