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Political Vacuum in Iraq: Five Months Without a Government More than five months after parliamentary elections, Iraq's Coordination Framework - the largest parliamentary bloc of Shia parties - has failed to choose its prime ministerial candidate amid intense internal power struggles. The country faces a constitutional deadline of April 26 to form a government while balancing delicate diplomatic ties between the United States and Iran, both of whom exert significant influence over Iraqi politics. The Power Struggle Within Iraq's Shia Bloc The Coordination Framework, which commands approximately 185 of 329 seats in parliament, is locked in a battle between incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who seeks a second term, and the bloc led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki - a pro-Iran figure whose candidacy is opposed by the United States. The Framework's general secretariat has called a meeting with a single agenda item: selecting the prime ministerial candidate, as previous meetings were postponed due to disagreements among leaders. The Iranian and American Mediation Efforts Iran's Quds Force head, Ismail Qaani, made an unannounced visit to Baghdad aimed at breaking the leadership deadlock. The visit came at the request of caretaker Prime Minister al-Sudani to convince the Shia Coordination Framework not to nominate Bassem al-Badri, who is aligned with Maliki. Meanwhile, the US has explicitly opposed al-Maliki's candidacy, with President Trump threatening to halt support for Iraq if he's elected, citing concerns about Iran's influence through his leadership. Economic Pressures and Constitutional Deadlines Iraq faces mounting economic challenges with customs tariffs reaching as high as 30% on some goods, a reinstated 20% sales tax on mobile phone recharge cards, and over 90 trillion dinars ($69 billion) in debt. The country's state budget remains dependent on oil for roughly 90% of revenues, all while being without a fully functioning government for over five months. Adding to the pressure, a US presidential executive order protecting Iraqi oil revenues at the Federal Reserve Bank is set to expire in May, potentially exposing those assets to creditors. Regional Power Dynamics and Iraqi Sovereignty The political crisis in Iraq reflects the broader regional power struggle between the United States and Iran. Pro-Iranian armed groups have carried out attacks on US assets in solidarity with Tehran during the US-Israel war on Iran, while the US has designated seven militia commanders from Iran-aligned factions. This delicate balancing act has exposed Iraq's vulnerability to external influences and raised questions about the country's sovereignty as political actors appear to be waiting for the outcome of regional conflicts to determine the next government. Sectarian Divisions and Power-Sharing System The political appointments highlight Iraq's persistent sectarian and ethnic divisions under the power-sharing system (Muhasasa) established after the 2003 US-led invasion. With the presidency now filled by Kurdish politician Nizar Amedi, the speakership reserved for Sunni Arabs, and the prime minister position designated for Shia Arabs, the formation of a government remains critical to maintaining this delicate balance. The prolonged vacuum risks exacerbating existing tensions and potentially destabilizing the country's fragile democratic institutions. Path Forward: Weak Prime Minister or Strong Leadership? As the April 26 deadline approaches, the Coordination Framework appears to be leaning toward selecting a weaker prime minister candidate like Bassem al-Badri who would not challenge the bloc's authority, rather than stronger figures like al-Sudani or al-Maliki. However, the final outcome may depend on the results of negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding the regional conflict. Regardless of who is chosen, the next Iraqi government will face the monumental task of addressing economic crises, rebuilding international relations, and asserting greater independence from external influences while navigating the complex regional power dynamics.

What has happened?The war in the Middle East has choked the Strait of Hormuz, cutting oil‑shipping routes. Crude prices surged to $119 a barrel in March from $72 pre‑war – a rise of $47 or roughly 65%. ACI Europe warns that unless stable supply returns within three weeks, jet‑fuel shortages will force cancellations, potentially from May. Susannah Streeter of Wealth Club notes a growing risk for leisure flights. If your flight is cancelledFor flights departing from or arriving at UK/EU airports on UK/EU carriers, passengers must receive a refund or an alternative flight. Cancellations less than two weeks before departure also trigger compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 – up to €600 depending on distance. Airlines must provide meals, transport and accommodation while stranded. Refund or re‑routing – mandatory for covered flights.Compensation – up to €600 if notice is under two weeks.Support services – meals, hotel, transport. Package holiday travellersPackage holidays fall under the Package and Linked Travel Arrangements. The tour operator must either offer an alternative holiday of equal value or a full refund if the flight leg is cancelled. Rory Boland of Which? Travel stresses that the provider also arranges return transport. Surcharges for fuel price rises can be up to 8%; any higher charge gives the consumer a right to cancel with a full refund. Self‑arranged tripsTravelers who book flights and accommodation separately have weaker protection. While airlines must refund or re‑book the flight, hotels and other services are not automatically covered. Matt Gatenby of Travlaw advises checking travel‑insurance policies, which may cover hotel losses, though terms vary. Credit‑card protectionsPurchases over £100 made with a credit card are covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, making the card issuer jointly liable if the airline fails to deliver. This recourse is secondary to airline refunds and does not extend to separate hotel bookings. Pre‑booking adviceExperts recommend a “belt‑and‑braces” approach: book a package holiday with a credit card, secure comprehensive travel insurance, and choose accommodation with flexible cancellation. Be aware of potential delays at European borders – the EU’s new Entry‑Exit System (EES) can cause up to three‑hour queues, jeopardising flight connections. Airline and hub considerationsLarge carriers are more likely to have fuel‑hedging contracts, insulating them from immediate price spikes. Hub airports such as Heathrow and Barcelona typically have multiple fuel supply routes (pipelines and trucks), offering greater resilience and more alternative flights in case of cancellations. Booking timingHistorically, fares rise as departure approaches, and the cheapest seats are found early in the sales cycle. However, limited summer inventory means some airlines may later discount if demand softens due to fuel‑price anxiety.

Moroccan authorities have been criticized for their handling of Sudanese refugees attempting to cross into the country. The refugees are facing significant bureaucratic hurdles that are preventing them from seeking safety.The situation highlights the complexities of refugee crises in North Africa, where migrants often find themselves trapped between borders and struggling with administrative challenges.

Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful homily to an estimated 120,000 worshippers at the Japorma stadium in Douala, Cameroon’s largest economic centre. Speaking in both English and French, the pontiff urged the city’s young people to turn away from violence and corruption, emphasizing that true wealth lies in values such as faith, family, hospitality and diligent work.Security measures were stringent for the Friday Mass, and many attendees camped overnight despite harsh conditions, determined to witness the historic event. One pilgrim, Kevin Kaegam, told Reuters that the cold and mosquitoes were a small price to pay for the chance to see the “supreme pontiff”.Following the Mass, the Pope was scheduled to visit a local Catholic hospital and later travel to Yaoundé to meet students at the Catholic University of Central Africa. This stop follows a previous visit to Bamenda, a city at the heart of Cameroon’s nearly decade‑long English‑speaking separatist insurgency, where he also called for peace and condemned the exploitation of religion for political gain.Cameroon, with roughly 30 % of its population identifying as Catholic, is grappling with multiple crises, including the Anglophone conflict and lingering unrest from last year’s post‑election protests. The bishop of Obala, Leopold Bayemi Matjei, described the papal visit as a moment of great joy and a hopeful sign of divine blessing for the nation.In a more forceful tone than usual, Pope Leo criticized “neocolonial” powers for violating international law and warned that the whims of the rich and powerful threaten global peace. His comments on the war in Iran drew ire from U.S. President Donald Trump, who labelled the pontiff “weak” and “terrible for foreign policy”. Leo responded that he harbors “no fear of the Trump administration”.The Douala gathering marks the second stop of a four‑country African tour that began in Algeria and will also include Angola and Equatorial Guinea, underscoring the Pope’s broader mission to address social and political challenges across the continent.

In the Colombian city of Medellín, a neighbourhood called Comuna 8 has taken proactive steps to address climate change and disaster risk management. The community, with the help of organisations and experts, has developed a climate resilience plan that focuses on nature-based solutions.Róbinson Velásquez Cartagena, a community leader, designed and built a rainwater harvesting system to reduce the risk of flooding and landslides. This initiative is part of a larger plan that includes reforestation to control erosion and sedimentation on hillsides and in ravines, and establishing eco-gardens and agroforestry systems.The plan, which was formally launched in August 2023, comprises eight measures to address climate risks. These measures were developed in line with the Medellín city council's Climate Action Plan and with the involvement of several organisations, including Medellín's disaster risk management department (DAGRD) and Heriot-Watt University in the UK.The community's efforts have led to a disaster risk and climate adaptation plan for all 21 comunas in Medellín. While challenges remain in securing government support and funding for grassroots initiatives, the work in Comuna 8 serves as a model for other communities.“The plan reflects the views of the community and the organisations' proposals that we have made for years,” says Velásquez Cartagena. “We want the municipality to acknowledge it financially. We hope they put effort into implementing it, as these small actions make a real difference.”

From my home in Hawai‘i, the reef is more than a backdrop—it feeds families, shields shorelines, and anchors our culture. Today that vital connection is under unprecedented threat. Scientists report the most extensive coral‑bleaching episode ever recorded, persisting for 33 months into 2025. At a projected 1.5 °C rise in global temperatures, the IPCC warns that up to 90% of the world’s coral reefs could disappear. That temperature threshold is not a distant projection; it is looming now. Even if climate targets are eventually met, reefs continue to be battered by plastic waste, coastal development, agricultural runoff, and overfishing. Their degradation weakens natural storm barriers, leaving coastal communities more vulnerable to floods and erosion, jeopardising homes, jobs, and cultural heritage. In Hawai‘i we speak of kuleana—a generational duty to protect what sustains us. That principle must expand to every person on the planet: caring for reefs is caring for ourselves. On the ground, communities in French Polynesia have shown that, when equipped with the right tools, they can actively restore damaged reefs. Likewise, my collaboration with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the UN Environment Programme demonstrates how targeted financing can create sustainable livelihoods, boost marine conservation, and help coastal societies rebound after extreme weather. Time, however, is not on our side. The next twelve months could become a defining turning point for coral ecosystems. New scientific findings and a series of high‑profile gatherings—including the Kenya Ocean Conference, the International Coral Reef Symposium in New Zealand, and the upcoming Global Coral Reef Summit—will focus world attention on reef survival. The responsibility now lies with governments, businesses, and individuals alike. Proven actions include: cutting carbon footprints, eliminating plastic leakage, protecting keystone species, supporting reef‑positive enterprises, investing in resilient coastal economies, enacting protective legislation, and amplifying public advocacy. Moments like 2026 are not just about pledges; they are about swift, measurable change. Coral reefs cannot wait for perfect plans—they need us to act now, embodying the spirit of kuleana for the sake of our children and the ocean that sustains us. Jason Momoa is an actor, filmmaker, and UNEP Advocate for Life Below Water, dedicated to protecting oceans and raising global awareness of coral‑reef conservation.

War, energy crises and supply‑chain disruptions are eroding confidence across Europe, driving up energy costs and exposing dependence on fossil fuels and critical minerals. These challenges highlight the continent’s structural vulnerabilities.At the same time, coordinated European action—such as the joint effort to protect Greenland’s sovereignty—demonstrates how a united front can expand political and security options. Despite turbulence, Europe remains a highly attractive place to live and work.Germany’s next step, according to Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, is to secure a sovereign future that is not rooted in nationalism but in collective European strength. He stresses that Europe’s resilience depends on its ability to act independently of external pressures from the United States, China or Russia.The government is launching a €500 bn investment fund aimed at modernising infrastructure and delivering high‑quality public goods. Coupled with a recent amendment to the “debt brake,” this financing will enable upgrades to the armed forces and deeper NATO engagement.Klingbeil also points to Europe’s talent drain, noting that many start‑ups relocate to the United States due to limited capital. To counter this, he advocates accelerating the single European capital‑markets union, giving firms easier access to financing.Germany’s traditional system of collective bargaining—linking unions, employers and the state—offers a strategic advantage during crises. Building on this, the proposed tax overhaul aims to raise disposable incomes for roughly 95 % of households while asking the wealthiest to contribute more.With a part‑time employment rate close to 40 %, one of the highest in the EU, and half of women working part‑time, the reform agenda targets structural labour‑market barriers. Current measures, such as income‑splitting for married couples, can discourage higher earnings because of benefit withdrawal thresholds.Investments in childcare facilities and the expansion of all‑day schools are also on the agenda, intended to ease family life and support higher labour‑force participation.Affordability measures will focus on reducing energy, transport and housing costs while improving education and childcare provision.The ongoing conflict in Iran reinforces the need for a decisive energy transition. Klingbeil calls for expanded wind and solar capacity, larger electricity‑storage solutions, and modernised grids, warning that any push to revive nuclear power threatens Germany’s sovereignty.Europe must continue to champion open trade, as illustrated by recent EU agreements with Australia, Mercosur nations and India. Yet, to guard against unfair competition, the bloc should consider local‑content rules and “Buy European” policies in strategic sectors, and tighten investment‑protection standards to ensure foreign takeovers deliver tangible economic and technological benefits.Public officials must lead the charge, but businesses are also urged to prioritize community and employee welfare over short‑term profit motives.These domestic reforms and external alliances are presented as two sides of the same coin: a confident, democratic Europe that acknowledges its weaknesses, embraces bold change, and sets its own terms on the global stage.Upcoming progressive leaders’ meetings in Barcelona (April 17‑18) will serve as a platform to cement this vision, positioning a reformed Germany as a cornerstone of a stronger Europe.In Klingbeil’s words, “strength is freedom; sovereignty is not about walls, but about having the power to keep them down.”

British financial institutions are set to receive Anthropic’s latest AI model, Mythos, within the coming week, despite the company’s own assessment that the technology poses a significant security risk.Anthropic, the creator of the Claude suite, has so far limited Mythos to a handful of U.S. tech giants such as Amazon, Apple and Microsoft. The firm now plans to extend the rollout to major UK banks, a move announced by Pip White, head of Anthropic’s UK, Ireland and Northern Europe operations, during a Bloomberg Television interview.The concern stems from Mythos’s ability to identify and exploit software flaws at a level that rivals the most skilled human hackers. In a recent blog post, Anthropic warned that such capabilities could trigger severe repercussions for economies, public safety and national security if misused.Finance ministers, senior executives and regulators convened in Washington for the IMF and World Bank spring meetings to discuss these emerging threats. Canadian Finance Minister François‑Philippe Champagne emphasized the need for vigilance, describing the AI risk as an “unknown unknown” that demands robust safeguards to protect the resilience of the financial system.Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, who also chairs the Financial Stability Board, described the situation as a “very serious challenge” and highlighted the dilemma regulators face in timing the introduction of rules: acting too early could stifle innovation, while delaying could allow risks to spiral out of control.European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde echoed these concerns, noting that while Anthropic’s initiative reflects responsible innovation, the absence of a clear governance framework leaves the technology vulnerable to misuse. She called for the development of comprehensive standards to guide safe deployment.As UK banks prepare to integrate Mythos into their operations, the financial sector stands at a crossroads between harnessing AI’s economic benefits and averting potential cyber‑security crises.

David Miliband, former British foreign secretary and head of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has warned that cuts to overseas aid by countries such as the US and UK will worsen global economic instability and humanitarian crises. Speaking at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Washington, Miliband emphasized that the current global landscape is more interconnected than ever, and untended humanitarian crises can incubate political instability.Miliband expressed regret over the UK's decision to slash its aid budget under Keir Starmer's government, citing that supporting the world's poorest is morally justifiable and a 'good investment for Britain'. He also criticized the US under Donald Trump for 'abandoning' its aid program, which he believes will have far-reaching consequences for global stability.The Middle East conflict, particularly the Iran war, is expected to increase global poverty and displace millions of people. Miliband highlighted that 32.5 million people globally could be plunged into poverty due to the economic fallout from the conflict, with developing countries being hit the hardest. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to soaring global energy and fertilizer prices, posing a 'food security timebomb' that could cause widespread hunger.Western governments, including the US, Germany, France, and the UK, are cutting their aid spending amid elevated borrowing and debt levels. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, rich countries cut aid spending by $174.3 billion in 2025, a decline of almost a quarter from 2024. Miliband argued that now is a critical time for international support, as the evidence shows that aid has a positive impact on reducing poverty.