Al Jazeera English
Five charts that show the rise of global militarisation
Global military spending has reached record highs, with nations across the world ramping up defense budgets in response to rising geopolitical tensions. The surge comes with stark trade-offs, as funds directed toward armed forces increasingly compete with investment in public services like healthcare and education. The data paints a clear picture of a world rearming itself — and the civilian cost that comes with it.
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Attacks on hospitals and medics rising, driven by Middle East conflict, says World Health Organization
Attacks on healthcare workers and facilities are surging worldwide, with the WHO pointing to the Middle East conflict as a primary driver of the alarming trend. The organization's warning underscores a growing crisis in which medical infrastructure — long considered off-limits under international humanitarian law — is increasingly becoming a target. The pattern poses a direct threat to civilian populations already caught in active conflict zones.
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Germany's Merz says relations with Trump are good despite spat over Iran
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz moved to downplay tensions with Washington, insisting his personal rapport with President Trump remains intact despite a public disagreement over the Iran conflict. Merz nonetheless stood firm on his economic concerns, signaling that Berlin's reservations about the war's fallout on global markets are far from resolved. The exchange highlights the delicate balancing act facing European leaders trying to maintain U.S. ties while pushing back on policy they see as economically damaging.
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Families sue OpenAI, alleging chatbot aided in Canadian school shooting
Families of victims from a February Canadian school shooting have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging the company's chatbot displayed clear warning signs of an impending attack without notifying authorities. The plaintiffs argue that OpenAI's failure to act on those signals makes it complicit in the tragedy. The case raises urgent questions about AI companies' legal and ethical obligations when their tools surface potential threats.
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SCMP
Trump says US blockade could last for months, warns Iran to ‘get smart soon’
Trump is signaling a prolonged economic squeeze on Iran, warning Tehran to capitulate on nuclear controls or face a US naval blockade that could stretch for months. The threat comes after reports that Trump rejected Iran's latest proposed deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The standoff raises the stakes for energy markets and regional stability, with no diplomatic resolution in sight.
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