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Mauritania has turned to an unconventional counter‑terrorism tool: women trained in Islamic scholarship who work in schools, prisons and community centres to undermine extremist narratives. Since the Ministry of Islamic Affairs launched the mourchidates programme in 2021, the country has avoided the large‑scale attacks that have ravaged its Sahel neighbours. The State‑Backed Religious Guidance Model The mourchidates are certified by the state, receiving formal training in Quranic interpretation, Islamic jurisprudence and social counselling. Their role mirrors Morocco’s programme launched after the 2003 Casablanca bombings, but Mauritania has expanded their deployment to every region of the country. Training includes theological study and community‑engagement techniques. Guides operate under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, ensuring official backing. They address both extremist ideology and the socio‑economic factors that fuel radicalisation. Prison as a Battleground for Ideas In Mauritanian prisons, mourchidates sit with detainees linked to Sahel armed groups, challenging the theological justifications for violence point‑by‑point. By offering alternative readings of Islamic texts, they create space for detainees to reconsider violent paths. Preventive Outreach in Communities Beyond prisons, the guides travel to schools, youth centres, mosques and markets, delivering lessons on tolerance, charity and accountability. Their presence aims to intercept radicalisation before it takes root, especially among unemployed youth vulnerable to extremist recruitment. Impact on Regional Stability While exact metrics are scarce, Mauritania’s relative calm compared with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is widely attributed to this holistic approach. Analysts cite the programme as a case study in combining intelligence, community trust and religious reform to blunt extremist growth. Future Outlook and Replicability Critics note limited resources and question whether the model can be exported to other Sahel states where state‑society trust is weaker. Nonetheless, the success of the mourchidates suggests that investing in credible, female religious leadership could become a cornerstone of non‑military counter‑terrorism strategies across the region.

The Gaza Sisters' Innovative Solution In a remarkable display of ingenuity and determination, two sisters from Gaza have been awarded the Earth Prize for their groundbreaking work in transforming war rubble into sustainable bricks. This initiative not only highlights the sisters' creativity but also underscores the critical need for innovative solutions in regions devastated by conflict. The Problem and The Solution Gaza has long been plagued by the challenges of war, leaving behind a landscape of destruction and a significant amount of rubble. The sisters, leveraging their backgrounds in environmental science and engineering, devised a method to recycle this rubble into bricks that can be used for rebuilding. This process not only helps in cleaning up the environment but also provides a sustainable material for construction. The Impact of Their Work Environmental Impact: Their work significantly contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of rebuilding efforts by recycling materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. Community Impact: By providing a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials, the sisters are helping to pave the way for more eco-friendly construction practices in Gaza. The Earth Prize The Earth Prize is an annual award that recognizes and supports young innovators who have developed solutions to environmental challenges. The sisters' win is a testament to the global recognition of their efforts and the potential of their solution to inspire change. Looking Forward As the sisters continue their work, they are likely to inspire a new wave of environmental innovation in Gaza and beyond. Their achievement demonstrates that even in the most challenging circumstances, creativity, resilience, and a commitment to sustainability can lead to remarkable outcomes.

The Lead: International Outrage Over Ben-Gvir's Video Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has posted a video of himself taunting foreign activists abducted from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla at a makeshift holding pen in Israel's city of Ashdod. The activists, abducted by Israeli forces in international waters, are seen cable-tied and kneeling while Israel's national anthem blares in the video, which was released on Wednesday. Several countries, including Italy and France, have summoned Israeli ambassadors to explain the stunt. As well as a global backlash, the video has even been met with sharp rebukes from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and staunch ally, United States ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. Who is Ben-Gvir: The Far-Right Minister at the Center of Controversy The 50-year-old lawyer and politician has led the far-right Jewish Power (Otzma Yehudit) party in Israel since 2019. He was sworn into the cabinet after the 2022 elections and was later appointed as national security minister and given control of Israel's Border Police division in the occupied West Bank. A settler in Kiryat Arba, one of the most radical settlements on Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank – all of which are illegal under international law – Ben-Gvir has convictions for incitement to racism, destroying property, possessing a "terror" organisation's propaganda material and supporting a "terror" organisation – Meir Kahane's outlawed Kach group, whose founder advocated for expelling non-Jews from Israel and which Ben-Gvir joined when he was 16. He frequently carries out anti-Palestinian acts, including regularly storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem's Old City, Islam's third holiest site, alongside Israeli settlers and under the protection of Israeli forces. The Flotilla Activists: International Aid Efforts to Gaza This refers primarily to the Gaza aid flotillas – groups of boats carrying activists from different countries which have set out across the Mediterranean in an attempt to deliver aid and raise awareness at various times since October 2023, when Israel launched its brutal assault on the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians. The modern flotilla movement emerged in 2006 during Israel's war on Lebanon and expanded after Israel imposed its blockade on Gaza in 2007. Since then, hundreds of vessels organised by international solidarity groups have attempted to reach the territory, carrying humanitarian aid and activists. In 2008, two boats from the Free Gaza Movement became the first to successfully reach Gaza by sea despite the blockade. But since 2010, Israeli forces have intercepted nearly every flotilla in international waters. On Tuesday, at least 430 activists from more than 46 countries were abducted during Israeli interceptions of the latest flotilla. The Video: Ben-Gvir's Taunting of Detained Activists In the video released on Wednesday, a woman approaches the minister and says in English, "Free Palestine!" before masked security officers put their hands on her head as they snap it down and push her away. "Good job," Ben-Gvir says to the officers, before stating, "Welcome to Israel. We are the landowners here; that is how it should be." Activists are then seen on their knees with their heads on the ground and arms tied behind their backs in "stress positions" as the figures of armed Israeli security officers look down on them from atop shipping containers. Ben-Gvir, waving an Israeli flag and heavily protected by security personnel, can be seen weaving in between the activists, appearing to relish the moment as he taunts them. International Response: Global Condemnation of Israel's Actions Several countries, including Italy, France, the Netherlands and Canada, have summoned Israeli ambassadors to their capitals to express their "indignation" over Israel's treatment of the abducted Gaza flotilla activists and to demand the release of their citizens. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also denounced Ben-Gvir's actions as "unacceptable", calling for the release of French citizens "as soon as possible". Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand called the incident "deeply troubling". United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the video showed "totally disgraceful scenes". "The images of Israeli Minister Ben Gvir are unacceptable. It is unacceptable that these protesters, including many Italian citizens, are subjected to this treatment that violates their human dignity," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement on X. Previous Treatment of Activists: A Pattern of Controversy In May 2010, when Israeli commandos stormed the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, 10 activists were killed and dozens were wounded. Allegations of mistreatment by activists who have been brought to Israel after naval interceptions have been common, and organisers say they fear sanctions and accusations of Hamas links are being used to justify further crackdowns. The concerns come amid previous allegations by activists of abuse, including sexual abuse, during past interceptions by Israeli officials. Organisers have also accused Israeli naval forces of firing "rubber bullets" at activists during the latest interception, which occurred in international waters. Many activists who have previously been detained have been eager to point out that the focus should be on Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who are subjected to torture and do not have the option to be deported. In 2025, high-profile activist Greta Thunberg, who was on board a previous flotilla, told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that activists had been beaten, kicked and threatened with being gassed in cages. Palestinian Prisoners: The Broader Context of Detention Nearly 10,000 Palestinians are currently being held in Israeli prisons in Israel and in the occupied territory, according to the prisoners' rights group Addameer. Some 3,532 of them are administrative detainees – people held without charge or trial – while 342 are children. Israel is the only country in the world that tries children in military courts, often denying them their basic rights. Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons suffer near-constant dehumanising treatment by guards and soldiers. Under a new law passed this year and spearheaded by Ben-Gvir, military courts are now able to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis in acts of "terror". This law will not impose the same penalty on Jewish Israelis convicted of killing Palestinians, which reinforces the legal inequalities that grant privileges to Jewish citizens while targeting Palestinians.

The Historic Europa League TriumphIn the early hours of morning in Istanbul, Aston Villa's players began making their way back to their hotel near Besiktas Park, celebrating a Europa League victory that will be etched in history. The club secured their first trophy in three decades, with Matty Cash toasting the achievement while acknowledging manager Unai Emery's gameplan that led them to success. The victory marked the culmination of an eight-year journey under the club's ownership, with co-owner Nassef Sawiris expressing that "the sky's the limit" for the team's future ambitions.Post-Match Celebrations in IstanbulThe celebrations continued long after the final whistle, with Villa's players reveling in their achievement until after 7am. Prince William joined the players for beers in the dressing room, while billionaire co-owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens watched on proudly. Morgan Rogers, scorer of the third goal in the final, led teammates out of the stadium wearing ski goggles in a conga-like procession. Jadon Sancho blasted music from a speaker as teammates including Leon Bailey, Amadou Onana, Lamare Bogarde and Ian Maatsen followed, determined to savor the historic occasion.Emery's Legacy and Building on SuccessManager Unai Emery, who has now won his fifth Europa League, has achieved god-like status among Villa fans. The Spanish manager had spent the previous three and a half years walking past the 1982 European Cup trophy at the club's training ground, and his persistence has finally brought silverware back to Villa Park. Emery has already urged the team to set their sights on Europe's elite, indicating that the Europa League victory is just the beginning of their ambitions. With Champions League qualification secured, Villa is expected to pursue elite talent this summer to elevate the squad further.The Journey to GloryThe victory represents a remarkable turnaround for a club that was close to collapse seven years ago. Villa dodged relegation by just one point in 2020 after averting a financial crisis by clinching promotion via the playoffs. Ollie Watkins, who has scored in double figures for six consecutive seasons, finally received his first winner's medal, while John McGinn reflected on the pride he felt knowing they were about to become champions. Eleven players from Emery's first Villa squad in November 2022 were celebrating in Istanbul, demonstrating the stability and growth the manager has brought to the club.Future Outlook and Squad EvolutionWith Champions League football secured, Aston Villa is positioned to attract higher-caliber players this summer. The club has been unafraid to trade in the past and may look to sign talent previously deemed out of reach, though financial regulations remain a consideration. The future of goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who suffered a finger injury in the warmup, remains unclear as the squad evolves. Despite these uncertainties, the core group that has built Villa's recent success remains intact, providing a foundation for continued growth and potential further European success.

Executive Summary: Clubs Challenge Southampton’s Expulsion Millwall and Wrexham are assessing legal options following the English Football League’s decision to expel Southampton from Saturday’s Championship playoff final and replace them with Middlesbrough. The clubs argue the disciplinary process was flawed and may pursue compensation. Legal Routes Explored by Millwall and Wrexham After Southampton’s Expulsion The clubs will await the written reasons from the EFL’s independent disciplinary panel, which were upheld on appeal. Their potential arguments include: Misapplication of the EFL rulebook regarding team replacement. Procedural defects in the disciplinary process. Grounds for a claim of damages based on the altered playoff composition. Both clubs have declined to comment publicly. £200m Wembley Prize and Potential Compensation at Stake The playoff final carries a minimum prize of £200 million for the winner. If the final proceeds without Southampton, the displaced clubs could argue for a share of lost revenue. Additional financial penalties already imposed on Southampton include a four‑point deduction for the next Championship season. Implications for EFL Playoff Rules and Future Governance The case highlights gaps in the EFL rulebook, which contains no explicit guidance on replacing an expelled team in the playoffs. The situation raises questions about: Whether the playoffs should be treated as a separate competition from the regular season. How future disciplinary sanctions will be calibrated for off‑field misconduct. The need for clearer procedural safeguards to avoid similar legal challenges. Possible Court Battles and the Road Ahead for the 2026 Playoffs Legal experts note that an injunction to postpone the final is unlikely given the tight timetable, so any claim would be retrospective. Potential outcomes include: A high‑court ruling that the EFL must revise its disciplinary process. Compensation awards to Millwall and Wrexham if the court finds the rulebook was misapplied. Further sanctions against Southampton, including possible charges from the FA. Hull owner Acun Ilicali has already received legal advice suggesting his club could claim automatic promotion, though he is unlikely to pursue that claim within the next 48 hours.

The Sharp Decline in UK Net Migration Net migration to the UK fell by nearly 50% to 171,000 last year, according to official figures released on Thursday, in what will be seen as a boost for Keir Starmer's government. Key Figures and Trends The data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the difference between the number of people moving to the UK and the number of people leaving was at its lowest level since 2021. The figure was down 48% year on year from 331,000 in 2024. It extends a sharp decline from a record peak of 944,000 in 2023. The Impact on Government Policy The figures will encourage government ministers who have promised to drive down the number of people moving to the UK. Migration has become a key political battleground against the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK. The Data Analysis The number of nationals from outside the EU arriving for work-related reasons fell by 47% in 2025, which was the main cause of the continued fall in net migration. Over the same period, overall emigration fell slightly. An estimated 813,000 people immigrated to the UK. 642,000 emigrated. The Public Perception Many people mistakenly believe net migration is rising in Britain despite figures dropping to their lowest level in years. Research from British Future revealed a chasm between reality and public perception of net migration, with a substantial portion of the public believing it had increased. The Future Outlook The Home Office is publishing its own figures on Thursday related to the 12-month period to March 2026. The continued fall in net migration is being driven by fewer people from outside the EU arriving in the UK for work, the ONS said.

The Gritty Evolution of British Skateboarding A new photographic collection from The Guardian documents the raw and authentic evolution of UK skateboarding during the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike the polished American skate scene that dominated media at the time, British skate culture developed its own distinct identity characterized by rougher conditions, DIY ethics, and a unique social commentary through the lens of camera lenses. Documenting the Underground Movement The photography collection showcases how British skateboarders adapted to their urban environment, transforming mundane architectural elements into creative skate spots. With fewer dedicated skate parks compared to the US, UK skaters developed innovative techniques to navigate stairs, handrails, and other urban obstacles, creating a style that was both technically impressive and contextually unique to British surroundings. A Visual Contrast with American Skate Culture While American skateboarding of the era often presented a more commercialized and aspirational image, the UK scene captured in these photographs reveals a more authentic, working-class aesthetic. The images depict skaters in everyday locations, often in less-than-ideal conditions, highlighting the movement's roots in counter-culture and rebellion rather than corporate sponsorship. The Social Fabric of Skate Communities Beyond the technical aspects of skateboarding, the photographs reveal the tight-knit communities that formed around the sport in British towns and cities. These images capture not just the act of skateboarding itself, but the social dynamics, fashion, and music that surrounded the scene, providing a comprehensive cultural snapshot of a generation finding its identity through alternative sports. Legacy and Influence on Modern Skateboarding The influence of this gritty UK skate aesthetic can still be seen in contemporary skate culture, particularly in the emphasis on street skating and creative use of urban environments. As skateboarding continues to evolve, these historical photographs serve as an important reminder of the sport's authentic roots and the unique cultural contributions of the UK scene during its formative decades.

The LeadMeghan Markle's lifestyle brand As Ever has launched a $64 candle to commemorate her and Prince Harry's 8th wedding anniversary, sparking debate about the value and purpose of luxury celebrity-branded merchandise.The Anniversary Product LaunchThe candle, described as "modern and elegant" and "housed in a beautiful ceramic vessel," was featured on Markle's Instagram account with the caption: "The feeling of warm sunshine and blue skies, surrounded by love and laughter. Celebrating 8 years of our founder @meghan and Prince Harry's love story."The Signature Candle No 519 is described as having "bright and refreshing, with quietly grounding notes of Moroccan mint, white tea leaves, and a back note of woodsy cardamom." The product page claims it "evokes the freshness of a day in the English countryside."The Price Point AnalysisAt $64 (approximately £48), the candle sits at a premium price point for a scented candle. This places it significantly above average luxury candles, which typically range from $30-$50. The pricing strategy appears to leverage the celebrity connection rather than the intrinsic value of the product itself.The product represents a specific marketing approach that targets dedicated fans willing to pay premium prices for items associated with celebrities, particularly those with royal connections.The Celebrity Business ImpactThis product launch highlights the evolving landscape of celebrity entrepreneurship, where personal milestones are monetized through branded merchandise. The strategy raises questions about the balance between authentic brand building and commercial exploitation of personal relationships.Markle's business ventures, including this candle line and her previously mentioned jam products, represent an attempt to establish a post-royal career through lifestyle branding. However, the anniversary candle specifically has drawn criticism for its perceived disconnect from consumer needs and its focus on monetizing a personal milestone.The Future OutlookThe reception of this anniversary candle will likely influence Markle's future product development strategies. If the product performs well, it may encourage more celebrity-branded commemorative items tied to personal milestones. If it receives significant backlash, it could signal a market limit on how much consumers are willing to pay for celebrity-associated products.The long-term success of As Ever will depend on whether the brand can establish itself as a legitimate lifestyle brand beyond its celebrity connections, or if it remains perceived as primarily leveraging Meghan Markle's royal status for commercial gain.

Sinkhole Cracks Runway at LaGuardia, Halting OperationsOn Wednesday, 21 May 2026 a sudden sinkhole was discovered near runway 4/22 at LaGuardia Airport, prompting an immediate shutdown and triggering emergency repairs by construction and engineering crews.Delay Metrics and Weather ComplicationsAverage arrival delay after 3 pm EST: 1 hour 37 minutes.Forecast thunderstorms later in the day are expected to exacerbate traffic disruptions.Global context from a 2025 study: 3.5 million sq m of runway worldwide experiencing significant sinking and 14 000 sq m at high risk of structural damage.Implications for Airport Infrastructure and Regional TravelThe incident follows a recent Air Canada crash on the same runway and highlights the growing challenges of ground subsidence for major hubs built on reclaimed land.The Port Authority advises travelers to expect cancellations and to check airline updates directly.Potential ripple effects on New York’s domestic flight network and airline schedules.What Future Mitigation Measures May Look LikeExperts recommend intensified geotechnical monitoring, accelerated runway reinforcement projects, and revised FAA traffic‑management protocols to pre‑empt similar events and safeguard operational continuity.