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The ongoing conflict between the US and Iran has raised concerns about the protection of civilians in war. Donald Trump's threats to bomb civilian infrastructure, including power stations, desalination plants, and bridges, have been widely criticized as potential war crimes. In a recent statement, Trump doubled down on his threat, saying that a whole civilization will die if his demands are not met. This rhetoric has sparked fears of a humanitarian crisis and raised questions about the US's commitment to protecting civilians in war.Historically, the protection of civilians has been a cornerstone of international law. The Geneva Conventions, established in 1949, clearly state that civilian objects shall not be the object of attack or reprisals. The US has a long tradition of upholding these principles, dating back to the Lieber Code of 1863, which established protocols for the protection of the innocent during the Civil War.The article argues that protecting civilians is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and self-discipline. It cites examples of leaders who have prioritized humanitarian concerns in times of war, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt's vision for a world united around democratic values and international organizations. In contrast, Trump's approach has been criticized for its lack of nuance and disregard for humanitarian concerns. The article notes that the US must distinguish between military targets and civilian infrastructure, and that cyber-attacks and other non-lethal methods should be used whenever possible to minimize harm to civilians.Ultimately, the article concludes that upholding American values and international law is essential to maintaining global stability and preventing humanitarian crises. By prioritizing the protection of civilians, the US can demonstrate its commitment to humanitarian principles and show that it is capable of fighting wars with greater purpose and a plan for peace.

The recent Artemis II mission, which sent astronauts to the far side of the moon, has sparked reflection on the dual implications of space travel. US astronaut Christina Koch encapsulated the profound appreciation for Earth that comes from experiencing it from space, echoing sentiments expressed by earlier space travellers.The Earthrise photograph from the Apollo 8 mission in 1968 is often credited with galvanizing the environmental movement. Similarly, journeys like Artemis II are hoped to foster global cooperation and a deeper appreciation for life. However, the current landscape of space exploration is complicated by the involvement of tech billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk and the emerging post-terrestrial geopolitical battle between the US and China.There is a growing concern that the £100bn Artemis programme could divert attention and resources away from solving pressing environmental issues on Earth. This concern is particularly pertinent given that the US withdrew from the Paris climate agreement in the same year as the mission. The pursuit of space exploration must be balanced with the imperative to address ecological limits and protect the planet we currently inhabit.Despite these challenges, the unquenchable human curiosity and scientific value of space travel should not be dismissed. The Artemis II launch was made possible by a rare display of bipartisan support for NASA in Congress. The achievements of the scientists, astronauts, and support teams are a testament to the positive aspects of space exploration.The mission to the moon's dark side, while not a solution to the world's problems, represents a significant scientific and exploratory milestone. The crew has seen more of the moon and travelled further from Earth than anyone before them. As the world watches their return and landing in the Pacific Ocean, it's clear that space exploration continues to captivate and inspire, even as it poses complex questions about our priorities and responsibilities.

The Guardian’s latest coverage highlights that a deadline imposed by former President Donald Trump on Iran is once more drawing near. This development underscores the persistent diplomatic pressure surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and the broader U.S.–Iran relationship. While details of the specific terms remain limited, the looming deadline signals continued uncertainty in the region’s security landscape.

Donald Trump has reiterated his threat to 'take out' Iran, a statement that has sparked concerns about potential conflict between the United States and Iran. This is not the first time Trump has made such a statement, and it comes at a time when tensions between the two countries remain high.The comments were made during a recent press conference at the White House, where Trump was seen miming shooting a rifle. The gesture has been interpreted as a show of aggression towards Iran. The relationship between the US and Iran has been strained for years, with disagreements over issues such as nuclear policy and military presence in the region.Iran has long been a point of contention for Trump, who has previously criticized the Iran nuclear deal and imposed sanctions on the country. The latest comments are likely to exacerbate concerns about a potential conflict between the two nations.

A former Meta employee based in London is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s cybercrime unit for allegedly downloading roughly 30,000 private Facebook images while employed by the company.According to court documents obtained by the Press Association, the suspect is said to have created a script designed to circumvent Meta’s internal detection systems, allowing him to access and extract the images without triggering security alerts.Meta confirmed that the breach was discovered more than a year ago. The company immediately terminated the employee, notified the affected users, and referred the matter to UK law enforcement. It also announced that its security infrastructure has been enhanced to prevent similar incidents.The individual remains on police bail, with magistrates requiring him to report to officers in May and to disclose any plans for foreign travel.Legal experts note that while the rogue employee could face charges under data‑protection and computer‑misuse laws, Meta’s liability hinges on whether it had “appropriate technical and organisational measures” in place. As senior data‑protection specialist Jon Baines of Mishcon de Reya explains, “If the employer has sufficient safeguards, the law does not punish the organisation for the actions of a rogue employee.” However, a finding that Meta’s safeguards were inadequate could expose the company to substantial fines or damages.The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) acknowledged the incident, emphasizing that “social media users should be able to trust that their personal information is handled responsibly.”Meta’s challenges come amid broader scrutiny of major platforms. Last month, a Los Angeles court held both Meta and Google liable for a woman’s childhood social‑media addiction, a ruling that could reshape platform accountability.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning that emerging economies are facing a heightened risk of financial instability due to their increased reliance on market-based finance, particularly from hedge funds and investment funds. A cumulative $4tn flowed into emerging markets last year from outside the formal banking sector, which can bring benefits but also poses significant risks.The IMF's analysis suggests that this type of financing can be more volatile than traditional bank financing and is more likely to be withdrawn suddenly in times of financial stress. This can lead to abrupt retrenchments, intensify external financing pressures, raise borrowing costs, and trigger sharp currency depreciations, ultimately weighing on economic growth.The IMF highlights that some countries are already experiencing these challenges, particularly in the context of the war in the Middle East. Several emerging markets are experiencing a reversal of capital flows from non-resident non-bank investors, which can have a significant impact on their economies.The IMF also notes that hedge funds and mutual funds have the highest propensity to withdraw during market volatility, while pension funds and insurers tend to be more cautious. Additionally, the IMF warns about the growing flows of stablecoins into emerging economies, which can be vulnerable to wider fluctuations in cryptocurrency markets.The IMF's managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, warned that the conflict will lead to higher prices and slower growth, adding that even if the war were to stop today, there would be a lingering negative impact on the rest of the world.

Mexico is facing a severe 'toxic crisis' due to the importation of hazardous waste from the US, according to a UN expert. Marcos Orellana, the UN special rapporteur on toxics and human rights, conducted an 11-day investigative mission in Mexico and found lax environmental standards and a lack of oversight, leading to the accumulation of pollution over the years. Orellana warned that over 1,000 contaminated locations are officially recorded in Mexico's National Inventory of Contaminated Sites, many of which have become 'sacrifice zones' where diseases such as cancer and medical events like miscarriages are normalized. He cited factories spewing hazardous waste into the Atoyac River in Puebla, huge industrial pig farms contaminating drinking water on the Yucatan peninsula, and a decade-old mining chemical spill affecting health in communities around the Sonora River. The expert emphasized that US overconsumption and economic activity are using Mexico as a 'garbage sink'. He proposed that Mexico could adopt restrictions on the import of hazardous waste as a measure to address part of the crisis. Some countries have chosen to ban such imports to avoid becoming destinations for international waste. Residents in Monterrey, which suffers from some of the worst air pollution in North America, welcomed the rapporteur's calls for more attention to the health of Mexico's people. Local activists and childcare center directors highlighted the dire health effects on communities, including respiratory illnesses and other health issues. Mexico's government has acknowledged that regulatory standards are out of date and has announced plans to strengthen them. Officials are rolling out a new air monitoring system to detect emissions from specific facilities, starting in an industrial corridor of Monterrey.

The Artemis II crew, fresh from a record‑breaking lunar flyby, received an unexpected call from former President Donald Trump on Monday night. Facilitated by NASA administrator and Trump ally Jared Isaacman, the 12‑minute conversation was punctuated by long silences, anecdotes about Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, and the president’s claim that he had "saved NASA" from closure. Trump’s assertion sparked eyebrows among the astronauts, who had just set a new milestone as the farthest‑traveled humans from Earth. The president recounted a decision he allegedly faced in his first term: whether to revive or shut down the agency. "We’ve spent what we had to do," he said, implying the agency’s survival rested on his judgment. While Trump has publicly championed the Artemis program, his administration has repeatedly pursued deep cuts to NASA’s overall budget. In early 2025, the White House proposed a 24% reduction—bringing the budget down to $18.8 billion, the lowest level in a decade. Experts warned such cuts would constitute "extinction‑level" reductions to critical science programs. Congress, in a rare bipartisan move, rejected the proposed slashing and approved a near‑full budget of $24.4 billion in January. Yet, on 3 April 2026—just two days after Artemis II launched on the first crewed mission beyond low‑Earth orbit in over 50 years—Trump unveiled his FY 2027 budget request, again proposing a steep cut of 23% to NASA’s funding. Democratic leaders denounced the proposal as "morally bankrupt," while Isaacman issued a statement supporting the president’s fiscal stance, urging NASA staff to "leave the politics for the politicians and remain focused on the mission." During the call, Trump praised the crew’s "incredible journey into the stars" and claimed their mission had "inspired the entire world." He reiterated America’s ambition to lead space exploration, promising a permanent lunar base and eventual crewed missions to Mars. The conversation also featured a brief exchange with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who highlighted the United States’ "intentional decision" to lead by example and collaborate with allies like Canada. Trump responded by recalling conversations with Gretzky, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and other Canadian friends, emphasizing national pride. After a minute of awkward silence, Isaacman returned for a "comm‑check," and Trump reiterated his stories about Canadian contacts. The Artemis II commander, Reid Wiseman, acknowledged the president’s remarks with a polite, "Yes, Mr. President, we heard that." Trump concluded by extending an invitation to the four astronauts for an Oval Office reception following their scheduled splashdown in the Pacific on Friday. "I’ll ask Jared to bring you over, and I’ll ask for your autograph, because you deserve that," he said, adding he would "find the time" to salute the crew on behalf of the American people. Pilot Victor Glover responded enthusiastically, "When you want us, we will be there," and thanked the president for what he called a "really special" call. He highlighted the mission’s significance, noting it was made possible by both the American and Canadian peoples.

Glass Lewis, a leading proxy adviser, has advised investors to vote against BP's chair Albert Manifold because the board chose to exclude a climate‑strategy resolution from the upcoming annual general meeting.The resolution, put forward by activist shareholder group Follow This, sought a discussion of BP's long‑term strategy under scenarios of declining oil and gas demand.BP, currently pivoting back to oil and gas after a faltering renewable push, appointed Manifold in October with a promise to help the company “reach its full potential”.In a parallel leadership change, the firm named Meg O’Neill, a former ExxonMobil executive, as chief executive – making her the first woman to lead BP and its fourth CEO since 2023.Glass Lewis argued that the board’s decision to drop the climate proposal raises serious questions about transparency, shareholder communication and responsiveness, according to a note first reported by Reuters.Manifold responded on BP’s website, stating that the board concluded the Follow This proposal was invalid and would be ineffective if passed.Another proxy adviser, ISS, also recommended voting against BP’s request to retire two older climate‑impact reporting resolutions, contending that the proposals remain relevant despite newer reporting frameworks.Follow This disclosed that 12 institutional investors plan to oppose BP’s move to scrap its climate disclosures, and its CEO Mark van Baal warned that more than 25% of shareholders could vote against the resolution, enough to block it.O’Neill, addressing staff, highlighted the “significant complexity” of today’s environment – geopolitical tension, rapid technological change, and shifting global energy demand – and reaffirmed BP’s mission to deliver energy safely, reliably and efficiently.