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Roger Casement's life was a complex web of contradictions. He was an imperial administrator who exposed imperial atrocities in the Belgian Congo and South Africa, a diplomat who worked tirelessly to bring attention to the plight of rubber workers. However, he also became a key figure in Ireland's fight for freedom, enlisting German help and rallying support in the US.TE Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, described Casement as a 'broken archangel'. This label captures the essence of a man who was both a hero and a flawed individual. Casement's life was marked by his struggle with his own identity, as a closeted gay man who left behind detailed records of his sexual adventures.The book 'A Rebel and a Traitor' by Rory Carroll masterfully situates Casement's story within the broader context of World War I. Carroll's deeply researched account reveals the intricate duel between Casement and his nemesis, Reginald 'Blinker' Hall, a naval captain who tracked Casement's attempts to enlist German support. This duel is set against the backdrop of the Easter Rising and the birth of the Irish state.Casement's attempt to lead Ireland to freedom ultimately ended in failure, but it helped create a mood of defiance that led to open war and the dream of an Irish state becoming a reality. Carroll's biography humanizes Casement, giving credit for his strengths while never hiding his flaws. The book is a fascinating account of a complex and improbable man who left an indelible mark on history.

China's economy is heavily reliant on oil refining, particularly in Shandong province, where independent 'teapot' refineries play a crucial role. These small refineries, often operating on thin margins, have been vital in keeping China's economy stable amidst the global energy crisis. The crisis began with US-Israel strikes on Iran, causing chaos in the Middle East and prompting Tehran to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil and gas flows. However, Iranian oil has continued to flow to China, with imports reaching about 1.6 million barrels per day. China's teapot refineries are now facing significant challenges due to rising crude prices. Iranian light crude, which was previously $11 cheaper than Brent crude, now has a discount as low as $2 per barrel. This has reduced the refineries' profits, with some workers fearing salary cuts. The impact is being felt across the industry, with Luqing Petrochemical, one of Shandong's prominent teapots, allegedly sanctioned by the US for buying Iranian oil. The company has started pressuring employees to quit by cutting salaries and relocating them to difficult work sites. The economic shock is also affecting ordinary people in China, with the government intervening in the retail fuel market to reduce a planned increase in petrol and diesel prices. However, if prices continue to rise, some teapot refineries may go bust. The long-term threat to the industry is not just the war but also the rise of electric vehicles, according to Uncle Wang, a petrol station owner in Weifang. As China transitions to cleaner energy sources, the demand for oil is expected to decline, posing a significant challenge to the teapot refineries and the thousands of people they employ.

Amnesty International has raised concerns that the 2026 Fifa World Cup, set to take place across the US, Canada, and Mexico, may become a 'stage for repression' rather than a celebration of football and unity. The organization published a report titled 'Humanity Must Win,' calling on Fifa and the host countries to take immediate action to protect fans, players, and local communities.The report highlights that while Fifa has promised a tournament where everyone feels safe, included, and free to exercise their rights, the reality on the ground, especially in the US, tells a different story. Amnesty International describes the US as facing a 'human rights emergency' under the Donald Trump administration, marked by mass deportations, arbitrary arrests, and 'paramilitary-style' Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.ICE has announced it will be a key part of the security apparatus for the World Cup, despite concerns over its actions, including the killing of two American citizens by ICE agents in Minneapolis in January. Amnesty International also noted that none of the published US host city plans address how fans or local communities will be protected from ICE operations.The organization pointed out that fans from several countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, Haiti, Iran, and Senegal, face US travel bans, and LGBTQ+ fan groups from England and Europe have expressed concerns about attending matches in the US due to risks to transgender supporters. The report emphasizes that urgent efforts are needed to bridge the gap between Fifa's original promise of a safe and inclusive tournament and the current reality.Fifa stands to earn $11bn from the tournament cycle, but Amnesty's head of economic and social justice, Steve Cockburn, stressed that 'fans, communities, players, journalists, and workers cannot be made to pay the price' for the tournament's success. 'It is these people – not governments, sponsors, or Fifa – to whom football belongs, and their rights must be at the centre of the tournament.'

The UK's retail industry is bracing for the impact of reforms to guaranteed working hours, which could affect over half of retail jobs. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that the changes, set to take effect from April, may make it harder for shops to employ people, particularly young workers, in part-time roles. The Employment Rights Act will introduce new protections for workers on sick pay, sexual harassment, parental leave, and trade union recognition. Additionally, the act will provide rights to guaranteed hours for those on zero or 'low hours' contracts, flexible working, payment for short-notice cancellation of shifts, and barring fire-and-rehire practices in most circumstances. The BRC, representing major UK retailers, suggests that guaranteed hours protections should only apply to contracts of eight hours a week or fewer, and the reference period to be at least 26 weeks – or ideally a full year. This, they argue, would better reflect seasonal working patterns and ensure reforms address genuine problems without undermining jobs. Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, emphasized that flexible retail jobs are vital for millions of people, providing opportunities for students, parents, and those managing health conditions. She warned that if reforms treat flexibility as a problem rather than something workers actively choose, the risk is fewer opportunities and reduced access to work. The BRC noted that 55% of retail roles are part-time, significantly above the UK average of 33%. A survey of 2,000 adults by Opinium for the BRC found that 52% of UK adults think the ability to flex working hours around their lives is important. However, the shop workers' union Usdaw and the TUC have expressed support for the reforms, arguing that they will deliver benefits to those in insecure employment, particularly women and disabled workers, and provide greater job security and predictability for working people.

Jeepney driver Arturo Modelo of Manila says his daily earnings have collapsed to roughly one‑third of the usual 600 pesos after fuel costs surged, leaving him unable even to afford his child’s lunch money.Modelo joined a two‑day transport strike on Thursday and Friday, hoping to make a “deaf government” listen to the plight of drivers who can no longer earn a living on the road.The iconic jeepney, born from repurposed U.S. military vehicles after World War II, remains the most affordable commuter option in the Philippines, yet its operators are now bearing the brunt of a global oil shock.Last week, jeepney owners walked out, and this week the protest expanded to include bus, taxi, minibus and motorcycle‑taxi drivers. Nearly a dozen national transport groups marched to the Presidential Palace demanding price caps on petrol and diesel, the removal of fuel taxes, and stricter regulation of the oil sector.Organised under the No to Oil Price Hike Coalition, the demonstrators also blamed “American aggression” against Iran for the domestic economic distress, with union chair Jerome Adonis likening the impact to “a bomb dropped on us”.In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a national energy emergency on Tuesday night – the first such declaration in the country’s history. The emergency, set to last one year, grants the government powers to accelerate fuel procurement, curb hoarding and curb profiteering.Fuel prices remain among the highest in Southeast Asia: diesel is now about $2.3 per litre and petrol close to $2 per litre in the Philippines, versus $2.7 and $2.35 respectively in Singapore, while Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand report roughly half those prices.To alleviate the burden, the administration has introduced a 5,000‑peso ($83) subsidy for motorcycle‑taxi drivers and other public‑transport workers, and disbursed 2.5 billion pesos (≈$414 million) in fuel subsidies to roughly 300,000 transport employees. Unions claim the sector employs about two million people, leaving many without aid.During the strike, picket lines appeared at 85 commuter terminals, and jeepneys were scarce on Manila’s usually congested streets. Authorities, however, argued that the action did not cripple the city’s transport network.Union leader Mody Floranda of the Piston group accused President Marcos of favouring oil companies, saying the president could issue an executive order to cap prices but has yet to act decisively.Energy officials note that 98 % of the Philippines’ crude oil is imported and that the country’s high 12 % value‑added tax, excise duties and a deregulated market – shaped by the Oil Industry Deregulation Law of 1998 – amplify price volatility. Professor Krista Yu of De La Salle University highlighted the nation’s limited refining capacity as a structural weakness.Chief economist Emmanuel Leyco warned that the law allowing industry‑driven price adjustments “is the main culprit”, especially as “half the population is poor”.Amid mounting pressure, Marcos signed legislation permitting the temporary suspension of fuel excise taxes when crude oil prices exceed a set threshold. Opposition lawmaker Renee Co urged that the 12 % VAT also be removed, calling both taxes “regressive” burdens on ordinary Filipinos.Co and other lawmakers have also filed a resolution demanding an immediate end to the U.S.‑Israel‑Iran conflict, linking regional geopolitics to the domestic fuel crisis.

A devastating missile strike hit south Tehran, prompting an immediate and intense rescue effort. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to provide aid and assess the damage caused by the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the region and the potential for further escalation. Details about the strike, including the number of casualties and the extent of the damage, are still emerging. Rescue workers are on the ground, working tirelessly to search for survivors and provide medical assistance to those affected. The situation remains fluid, with authorities likely to provide more information as it becomes available.

The Israeli attacks on Lebanon have pushed the country's population to the brink of a humanitarian crisis, with millions of civilians suffering and nearly a quarter of the population displaced. The conflict, which began four weeks into the US-Israeli war on Iran, has resulted in 1,094 deaths and 3,119 injuries in Lebanon, according to the country's Ministry of Public Health.The displaced are extremely frustrated and fatigued, with many feeling the pressure of deadly Israeli attacks, increasing petrol prices, and a general slowdown in business. The crisis has hit the most vulnerable populations, including migrant workers, Syrians, and those with chronic diseases.The humanitarian situation is dire, with women, children, and those with psychological issues suffering the most. The mass evacuation orders have resulted in a massive displacement crisis, with at least 1.2 million people displaced, according to the Lebanese government. The crisis has also had a significant impact on the country's healthcare system, with many women displaced from their healthcare networks.The never-ending trauma of the conflict has also taken a toll on the mental health of the population, with three in five people in Lebanon screening positive for depression, anxiety, or PTSD. The National Lifeline in Lebanon (1564) for Emotional Support and Suicide Prevention Hotline has seen a substantial increase in calls, with almost 50 calls a day, up from 30 a day during the 2024 Israeli attacks.

House Republicans have shot down a bill passed by the Senate that would have resumed funding for federal agencies tasked with airport screenings, exacerbating a standoff that has resulted in chaos at airports as workers go without pay.In the early hours of Friday morning, the Senate unanimously passed a bill that would finance most agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the US Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).However, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed he would not bring the Senate-passed bill to the floor for a vote, slamming it as a “joke”. Johnson suggested that the House could advance its own bill fully funding all DHS agencies for two months.President Donald Trump signed an executive memo directing DHS to work with the White House budget director to find a way to pay TSA employees, who have gone without pay since the partial government shutdown began in mid-February.“America’s air travel system has reached its breaking point. This is an unprecedented emergency situation,” Trump wrote in the memo, blaming the impasse on Democrats.Democratic lawmakers have slammed Republicans for rejecting bills that would ensure that TSA employees are paid while continuing to withhold additional funds from immigration enforcement.

In a devastating incident, three journalists were killed in southern Lebanon on Saturday, prompting outrage and condemnation from the Lebanese government and the international community. The victims, identified as Ali Shoeib from Hezbollah-owned al-Manar television station, and Fatima Ftouni and her brother Mohammed Ftouni from pro-Hezbollah outlet al-Mayadeen, were struck by an Israeli missile while driving in Jezzine, a district in south Lebanon far from the frontlines.The Israeli military claimed that the target was Shoeib, whom it accused of being a Hezbollah 'terrorist' in an intelligence unit who had reported on the locations of Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon. However, international law clearly states that journalists are considered civilians and targeting them is a war crime, regardless of their political affiliation.The Lebanese government has strongly condemned the killings, with Lebanon's president, Joseph Aoun, describing the journalists as 'civilians doing their professional duty'. The minister of information, Paul Morcos, stated that the killing of the three journalists 'constitutes a deliberate and blatant war crime against the media and the mission of journalism'. The Lebanese government has compiled a list of Israeli attacks against healthcare workers and media personnel, which it will submit to the UN and the EU.This incident is part of a larger pattern of violence against journalists in the region. Israel has killed more than 220 journalists since 2023, according to Reporters Without Borders. The fighting in Lebanon started when Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel on 2 March, triggering an Israeli aerial campaign and invasion. The conflict has resulted in 1,189 deaths and 3,427 injuries in Lebanon, including 48 healthcare workers, according to the Lebanese ministry of health.