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The Lead A recent report by the Muslim Council of Britain has found that Muslims make up 6.5 percent of the population of England and Wales, with a median age of just 27 – 13 years younger than the national average. Nearly half are under 25, meaning British Muslims are one of the youngest and fastest-growing groups in the country. Demographic Shift Researchers say that shift could become politically significant if the voting age is lowered to 16, potentially adding about 150,000 more Muslim voters to the electorate. “This is a young, British-born, highly educated generation, and politicians who still think of Muslims as outsiders are reading from a script that is 20 years out of date,” said Miqdad Asaria, associate professor in health policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Education and Inequality The report, British Muslims in Numbers, analyses census data across 2001, 2011 and 2021 and argues that much of Britain’s understanding of Muslim life is now outdated. British Muslims remain one of the youngest populations in England and Wales, with a median age of 27. However, the report also paints a stark picture of inequality and struggle, with about 110,000 Muslim households – 10.3 percent – being lone-parent households with dependent children, higher than the national average of 6.9 percent. Signs of Social Mobility Despite these challenges, the report documents signs of social mobility. Muslim women’s economic activity has risen by 37 percent over the past two decades. Nearly a third of Muslims now hold degrees, close to the national average, while among 16–24-year-olds, Muslims now exceed the national average for degree-level attainment. The Future Outlook For researchers behind the report, the central question is no longer whether Muslims belong, but whether Britain’s institutions are prepared for the scale of the demographic and social change already under way. “Muslims are increasingly well-educated, entrepreneurial, economically active and engaged citizens,” said Abdul-Azim Ahmed, deputy director of the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK.

The Lead Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed doubt about the US's "seriousness" regarding talks to end the war in the region, despite receiving messages from President Donald Trump's administration indicating openness to new negotiations. The nuclear program deadlock remains unresolved, with Iran considering Russian proposals and seeking support from China and other BRICS nations. The Diplomatic Stance in New Delhi Araghchi made these statements during a media conference at a key BRICS meeting in India's capital, New Delhi. He emphasized that while Iran is open to negotiations, there remains significant distrust about US intentions. "We are in doubt about their seriousness, but the moment we feel that they are serious and they are ready for a fair and balanced deal, we will certainly proceed in the course of negotiations," Araghchi told reporters. The Nuclear Program Impasse The Iranian foreign minister confirmed that the issue of Iran's "enriched material" remains in deadlock, with the nuclear program likely to be "postponed" until later stages of any future talks. "For the time being, it is not under discussion, it's not under negotiation, but we will come to that subject in later stages," Araghchi stated. He confirmed having spoken with Russian officials about Moscow's offer to store Iran's enriched uranium, saying Iran may consider the proposal at an appropriate time. Regional and International Dynamics The Iranian foreign minister expressed openness to support from other countries besides Russia, particularly China, which has been affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. "We appreciate any country who has the ability to help, particularly China," Araghchi said. "We have very good relations with China, we are strategic partners to each other, and we know that [the] Chinese have good intentions, so anything that can be done by them to help diplomacy would be welcomed by the Islamic Republic." Meanwhile, President Trump has been in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with few signs of a breakthrough in resolving the conflict with Iran. BRICS Tensions and Geopolitical Fault Lines Araghchi also appeared to single out the UAE for blocking parts of a BRICS ministerial statement, blaming a member state that has "its own special relationship with Israel". "The only reason they stopped the final statement was their support for Israel and the United States in their aggression against Iran, which is very, very unfortunate," Araghchi said, highlighting the geopolitical divisions within the BRICS nations regarding the Iran conflict.

The LeadClashes that erupted after a football match in a western Libyan town left several people injured, while a government building was set on fire in the capital, Tripoli.The Event DetailsFights began in the town of Tarhuna, some 80 kilometres (49 miles) south of the capital, after a match between Tripoli's Al-Ittihad SCSC and Misrata's Asswehly SC on Thursday.The game, which was held behind closed doors, was suspended shortly before the final whistle after Al-Ittihad's players protested over a penalty kick they believe should have been awarded, Libyan news agency LANA reported.The incident led to fights between supporters and security forces outside the stadium, LANA said.The Impact AnalysisThe Libyan Presidential Council said people attacked the council of ministers' headquarters in capital Tripoli "with acts of sabotage and arson".The fire was quickly contained, LANA said.The council called for an investigation into the "unfortunate events", saying that feelings of injustice must be addressed legally and "not through violence".The PredictionGiven the volatile political situation in Libya and the passion surrounding football matches, further incidents of violence remain a concern unless authorities implement stricter security measures and address the underlying grievances that fuel such unrest.

The Historical Reckoning: US and the Nakba Washington, DC – It is a question that reaches a fever pitch this time of year for Palestinian survivors and rights advocates: Can the United States government create just policy in the Middle East without a full accounting — or recognition — of Palestinian history? Thursday marks the annual day of remembrance for the Nakba, a period that began in 1948 with the mass expulsion of Palestinians and the creation of the state of Israel. Since then, Palestinians have endured decades of displacement and ethnic cleansing. But the US government does not recognise the Nakba, which translates to the "catastrophe" in Arabic, even as it continues to assert gargantuan influence over the region and maintains ironclad support for the Israeli government. The Nakba: A Historical Overview Under the second administration of President Donald Trump, the US has taken a further active role in Palestinian affairs, establishing the controversial "Board of Peace" to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, even as it continues to take a permissive approach towards Israel's actions in the region. When faced with the question of whether the US can responsibly address Palestinian issues without acknowledging the Nakba, Khaled Elgindy, a senior fellow at the Quincy Institute, believes the answer is simple: No. "If you only acknowledge the humanity and suffering of one side, that forces you also to ignore historical realities that are still with us today," he told Al Jazeera. Elgindy said "political amnesia" has long defined the US government's approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Human Cost: Numbers and Impact For decades, the US has supported Israel with billions in foreign assistance and military aid, despite the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and a system of segregation that rights groups say constitutes apartheid. Since October 7, 2023, Israel's war in Gaza has killed at least 75,000 Palestinians. Elgindy told Al Jazeera that the US has played a key role in underwriting the conflict. "For better or worse, mostly for worse, the United States is inextricably tied to the Palestinian issue," Elgindy said. A fundamental – if long delayed – corrective step would be recognition of the Nakba, he said. "It is a historical reality that Palestinians have a collective trauma that is part of their identity and part of their political psychology." The Legislative Push: Tlaib's Resolution On Thursday, US Representative Rashida Tlaib introduced a resolution to officially recognise "the ongoing Nakba and Palestinian refugees' rights". It was the fifth consecutive time she has put forward the bill, with the latest version carrying 12 co-sponsors, up from six when it was first introduced in 2022. In a video conference this week, she explained that it was necessary to draw attention to the Nakba, given that the human rights abuses against Palestinians continue. "Too many of my colleagues in Congress like to act like … the state violence against the Palestinian people began with [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu," Tlaib said. "We know that Palestinian history has been one of the ongoing Nakba and the ethnic cleansing campaign since the creation [of Israel] in 1948." All told, about 750,000 Palestinians were violently expelled during the Nakba, displaced to refugee camps across the West Bank, Gaza and neighbouring Arab countries. About 400 cities and villages were depopulated, with massacres committed in Balad al-Sheikh, Saasaa, Deir Yassin, Saliha and Lydda, among others. Shifting Attitudes in American Politics Like in past years, Tlaib's latest legislative effort is largely symbolic, with little chance of progressing in Congress, which remains predominantly pro-Israel. Still, the latest resolution comes amid signs of shifting public awareness, with polls showing increasing sympathy for Palestinians and a rise in negative views towards Israel's government. Polls have shown tanking support for Israel, particularly among Democrats, amid the war in Gaza. Attitudes in Congress have also shown significant, if more incremental, signs of change. Though support for Israel was once considered sacrosanct, legislation to block arms sales to the country has garnered growing support. In April, 40 Democrats in the 100-member Senate voted to block the sale of military bulldozers to Israel, a tool in the ongoing occupation of the Palestinian territories. While legislation to prevent the sale did not pass, advocates hailed the tally as "historic". Thirty members of Congress also challenged the longstanding US policy of "official ambiguity" towards Israel's alleged nuclear programme, a subject that had been seen as off limits for decades. The Historical Context: From Truman to Today Even acknowledging the Nakba on the May 15 anniversary remains controversial. The United Nations held its first-ever commemoration of the Nakba in 2023, marking the 75th anniversary. The US, the United Kingdom, Germany and 30 other countries had voted against a UN resolution recognising the event, though. The US subsequently did not attend the proceedings, with a spokesperson pointing to "longstanding concerns over anti-Israel bias within the UN system". Elgindy pointed out that, in the 1940s and 50s, President Harry Truman "spoke out about the terrorism and terror inflicted by Jewish militias and underground groups", even as his government was the first to recognise the state of Israel. Truman's administration, for instance, supported UN General Assembly Resolution 194, which established a so-called "right to return" for displaced Palestinian refugees – approximately six million are registered with UNRWA today. But Elgindy explained that, broadly speaking, the US acknowledgement of the Nakba declined in parallel with an increasingly full-bore embrace of Israel, beginning most forcefully under President Lyndon B Johnson in the 1960s. The Future Outlook: Recognition and Beyond Supporters of Tlaib's resolution have argued that its significance is as much practical as symbolic. "If policymakers don't factor in the Nakba and remedying it to the extent that it can be remedied today, they're simply going to be perpetuating an unjust status quo," Ruebner said. "Without understanding the crux of the matter, it's almost like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole." The Arab Center's Munayyer agreed that recognition "sets an example for things that we should be doing, not just in terms of recognising the past but also recognising the moment". "It shouldn't take us 80 years to recognise the Nakba in Palestine, and it shouldn't take us another 80 years to recognise the genocide that's taking place in Gaza," he said.

Roberto Martinez told Reuters in Lisbon that age is "only a number" and that Cristiano Ronaldo will be judged on the same day‑to‑day standards as every other player ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The coach’s comments come as Portugal finalises a squad that could feature the 41‑year‑old striker in a tournament that begins in less than a month.Ronaldo’s Form‑Based Evaluation Ahead of World Cup 2026Martinez stressed that his selection process focuses on training performance, tactical fit, and immediate impact rather than past accolades. He said, "We manage the Cristiano Ronaldo that plays for the national team trying to get into the squad for 2026, not the iconic figure." This signals a shift from the symbolic "monument to past glory" narrative that has surrounded the captain.Portugal will have five substitutions per match, allowing a more fluid rotation of players.Martinez views the squad as a "starting team and a finishing team" with interchangeable roles.Numbers Behind the Narrative: Goals, Appearances, and Substitution RulesKey statistics highlighted by the coach include:143 international goals – the all‑time record for a male player.25 goals in 30 appearances under Martinez, a goals‑per‑game ratio of 0.83, higher than under any previous Portugal coach.At 41 years old, Ronaldo could become the first player to feature in a sixth World Cup.The new five‑substitution rule gives Martinez tactical leeway to deploy Ronaldo in specific moments, such as late‑game attacks or set‑piece situations, without requiring him to start every match.Implications for Portugal’s Tactical Flexibility and Squad MoraleBy anchoring selection to form, Martinez aims to preserve squad harmony and avoid the "noise" that surrounds the captain’s presence. He noted that Ronaldo’s "elite brain" and daily pursuit of improvement make him valuable beyond raw statistics, contributing to space creation and defensive discipline.Enhanced squad morale: players understand that merit, not reputation, dictates playing time.Tactical adaptability: the coach can switch between a "starting" and "finishing" lineup, using Ronaldo’s experience in high‑pressure moments.What Lies Ahead: Potential Scenarios for Ronaldo in North AmericaLooking forward, Martinez outlined three realistic pathways:Full‑starter role if training metrics and match fitness remain elite.Impact substitute leveraging the five‑sub rule to introduce Ronaldo late in games where a goal is needed.Mentorship focus where his presence influences younger attackers, even if minutes are limited.Regardless of the scenario, the coach affirmed that "the players are always on the pitch on merit," and that the final squad will reflect the evidence gathered in the days leading up to the tournament.

The Farewell of a Harlequins LegendAfter 18 years with Harlequins, New Zealand's Nick Evans is preparing to say farewell to the club where he has made an indelible mark as both a player and coach. The 45-year-old former All Black fly-half, who helped the club win the Premiership title in 2012 as a player and again in 2021 as a coach, admitted this week: "It's going to be really hard to let go of this club." His departure marks the end of an era for Harlequins, a club that has become his home thousands of miles from his native New Zealand.A Career Forged at the StoopEvans joined Harlequins in 2008 and quickly became an integral part of the team's fabric. As a player, he was known for his skill, creativity, and popularity, embodying the positive approach that Quins brought to the game. After transitioning to coaching, he continued to bring innovation, constantly seeking new ways to break down opposition defenses. Despite a disappointing season for the team in what would be his final year, Evans' contributions over nearly two decades have been substantial, leaving a lasting legacy at the Stoop.The Numbers Behind the LegacyDuring his playing career, Evans made over 200 appearances for Harlequins, scoring more than 1,500 points. His precision kicking and creative playmaking were instrumental in the club's 2012 Premiership victory. As a coach, he helped develop the team's attacking strategies, culminating in another title win in 2021. His influence extended beyond the field, as he mentored young players like Marcus Smith, who has emerged as one of England's most exciting fly-halves. Evans' ability to adapt and innovate has been a constant throughout his tenure, even as the team faced challenges maintaining consistency.Shaping English Rugby's IdentityEvans' time in England has given him unique insights into the national game and its relationship with traditional playing styles. He believes England has the talent to compete with the world's best at next year's World Cup, identifying them as one of five teams capable of causing trouble. However, he also sees a tension between England's traditional identity—epitomized by players like Jonny Wilkinson, George Ford, and Owen Farrell—and more instinctive players like Marcus Smith. Evans suggests that England could learn from South Africa's ability to maintain a clear DNA while adapting their style, potentially finding a middle ground that accommodates both approaches.The Future of Harlequins and English RugbyAs Evans prepares to move on, he leaves behind questions about Harlequins' future identity. The club once prided itself on the TRUE mantra—Tempo, Ruthless, Unpredictable, Enjoyment—but Evans acknowledges that this identity has been inconsistently applied. His departure creates an opportunity for the club to redefine itself, while his insights suggest that English rugby must evolve to accommodate different playing styles without losing its fundamental character. Wherever Evans goes next, his influence is likely to continue shaping the game, as he brings a unique perspective forged from nearly two decades at the highest level of both English and New Zealand rugby.

The Decline of Childminders in England The number of childminders in England has roughly halved over the past decade, with many citing rising costs, low pay, and increasing paperwork as reasons for leaving the profession. Childcare organisations have also warned that upcoming tax changes could push more childminders out of the sector. The Reasons Behind the Decline Campaigners say the decline is making it harder for families to find flexible and affordable childcare, particularly in areas already struggling with shortages. The Guardian is seeking to hear from childminders who are considering leaving the profession, as well as parents and carers who have been affected. Share Your Experience Readers can share their experiences using a form provided by the Guardian. The form allows users to provide details about their situation and how the decline of childminders has affected them. The Impact on Families The decline of childminders is having a significant impact on families, particularly those in need of flexible and affordable childcare. The Guardian's call for readers to share their experiences highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. What's Next? As the number of childminders continues to decline, it is likely that the issue will remain a pressing concern for families and childcare organisations. The Guardian's investigation aims to shed light on the situation and potentially inform policy changes that could support the childcare sector.

The Lead: Summit Concludes Without Iran Breakthrough Donald Trump has claimed that the US and China "feel very similar" about ending the war in Iran but offered no details about a possible breakthrough during the final day of his summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing. The Diplomatic Stance: Shared Goals but No Clear Path "We did discuss Iran," Trump said. "We feel very similar about [how] we want it to end. We don't want them to have a nuclear weapon. We want the straits open." He added: "We want them [Iran] to get it ended because it's a crazy thing there, a little bit crazy. And it's no good, it can't happen." The Strategic Pressure: China's Role in Iran Crisis There is much speculation about how much pressure the US is putting on China, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, to use its leverage with Iran to encourage the country to reopen the strait of Hormuz. US trade representative Jamieson Greer said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday that the Chinese "don't want to be on the wrong side" on the Iran issue. "It's really important for China to have the strait of Hormuz open," Greer said. The Economic Calculus: China's Energy Security Concerns About half of China's crude oil passes through the waterway, but the bigger threat for the Chinese economy is if the conflict in the Middle East causes a global recession that dents demand for its exports. However, many in Beijing feel that the crisis in Iran is not China's responsibility. The Public Statements: Contradictory Messages US Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially said the US hoped "to convince [China] to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they're doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf." But later he downplayed the idea that the US was seeking support from Beijing. "We're not asking for China's help. We don't need their help," Rubio said. The Chinese Response: Cautious Diplomacy China's foreign ministry on Friday again called for a ceasefire in Iran and said the strait of Hormuz should be opened "as soon as possible." Zhou Bo, a retired senior army colonel and a senior fellow in the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, said: "On Iran, China definitely wants to help but I read what Rubio said: he actually seems to shift the burden to the Chinese side. In China, we have a saying: it is like, 'Why should I clean your shit?'" The Official Readouts: Diplomatic Language The White House readout of the more than two hours of talks between Trump and Xi on Thursday said the leaders "agreed that the strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy" and that "President Xi also made clear China's opposition to the militarisation of the strait." The Chinese readout of the meeting just made a brief reference to the "situation in the Middle East." The Controversial Remark: Trump's PR Comment Trump raised eyebrows during a TV interview when he suggested that finding Iran's enriched uranium was primarily for show after Israel demanded it as a goal. "I just feel better if I got it, actually, but it's – I think, it's more for public relations than it is for anything else," the US president told Fox News host Sean Hannity. The Trade Deals: Symbolic Gestures Trump told Fox News that China agreed to buy US oil, soybeans and 200 Boeing planes. But on key issues including Taiwan, there seems to have been little by way of concrete agreement. Trump was heard saying on his way into the tea room at the Zhongnanhai garden that Xi was giving him roses for the Rose Garden, according to a White House pool report. The Strategic Balance: Shifting Power Dynamics Julian Gewirtz, a former director for China on the national security council during the Biden administration, said the new Chinese formulation about US-China relations was about "locking in this current phase of strategic stalemate for the remainder of Trump's term and ideally beyond." Wu Xinbo, a professor of international studies at Fudan University and a Chinese government adviser, said the balance of power between the US and China was "shifting towards greater parity." "In the past, it always seemed as though the United States held the upper hand, constantly exerting pressure on China and taking the offensive. Now, however, it's fair to say that the two countries have reached a new point of equilibrium," Wu said.

The Unlikely Miss America Suzette Charles, a 63-year-old singer from Philadelphia, is about to release her self-titled debut album 33 years after it was initially shelved. Charles, who was crowned the first biracial Miss America in 1984, has had a lifetime of adversity, including a distressing tour with Bill Cosby and mistreatment by record labels. Early Life and Career Charles started performing at a young age, singing in commercials for Colgate and Coca-Cola, and appearing on Sesame Street and The Electric Company. At 15, she sang on the soundtrack to the film version of Hair and narrowly missed out on the role of Coco Hernandez in Fame. The Miss America Controversy Charles competed in Miss America 1984 as Miss New Jersey and came first runner-up, but was crowned winner after Vanessa Williams, the original winner, was forced to resign due to a nude photoshoot. Charles says the pageant organisers' reaction was not justifiable and that the contest is a relic of the past. Confronting Bill Cosby Charles was invited to sing on tour with Bill Cosby, but rumours of his vile behaviour were rife even back then. She kept her distance during the tour, refusing late-night requests from Cosby to discuss notes on her show alone. Charles says she was shocked when Cosby's abuse was finally uncovered. The Debut Album Charles had been working on her debut album with Stock Aitken Waterman, but it was shelved when the songwriters split up. She has now reunited with Mike Stock to finally finish the project. Stock says Charles is a talented singer who deserves to be in the same bracket as Paul McCartney and Donna Summer. A New Chapter Charles says she had to start living for herself and that her debut album is a new chapter in her life. She hopes her story will inspire others to pursue their dreams, despite adversity.