Author: Andrew Rogers

Deir al-Balah, a city located in the central Gaza Strip, holds both historical importance and a tragic present. The name Deir al-Balah means “Monastery of the Date Palm” in Arabic, a reference to the area’s ancient Christian roots and the once-abundant palm trees. It sits along the Mediterranean coast, approximately halfway between Gaza City and Khan Younis, and is part of the larger Deir al-Balah Governorate. Before the current war, the city had a population of around 75,000 to 90,000, while the governorate’s population exceeded 200,000. Over the years, Deir al-Balah has seen moments of growth, but those have been…

OxyContin is a strong prescription drug used to treat severe and long-lasting pain. It contains oxycodone, a powerful opioid that affects the central nervous system. The drug works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, changing how the body feels and responds to pain. OxyContin is known for its time-release formula, which means it delivers pain relief over a 12-hour period. Doctors usually prescribe it to be taken twice a day for people who suffer from chronic conditions such as cancer or intense injury-related pain. While OxyContin helps many patients manage unbearable pain, it also has…

An unmanned surface vessel (USV) is a revolutionary type of watercraft that operates on the surface of the water without any crew onboard. Controlled remotely or autonomously through advanced onboard systems, USVs have become an important part of modern naval operations and maritime technology. These vessels are designed to perform a wide range of missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to offensive strikes, all while reducing risks to human operators. USVs come in various sizes and capabilities. Some are small and agile, equipped with sensors and cameras for intelligence gathering, while others are larger and carry weapons or explosives for combat…

Minister Tony Burke has emerged as a significant figure in Australian politics, serving in key roles within the federal government and the Australian Labor Party (ALP). Born on July 14, 1969, in Sydney, New South Wales, Burke’s career spans over two decades of dedicated public service and political leadership. Educated at the University of Sydney, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, Burke began his career as a trade union official and government adviser before entering parliament. Since his election to the Australian House of Representatives in 2004, representing the Division of Watson in New South Wales, Minister Tony…

President Donald Trump, born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, has become one of the most influential and polarizing figures in American political history. Before entering politics, Trump was known as a real estate mogul, television personality, and businessman. He took over the Trump Organization from his father in 1971 and expanded the business into high-profile projects including Trump Tower in Manhattan and luxury resorts like Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Trump also gained national fame through the reality TV show “The Apprentice,” which aired from 2004 to 2015, further cementing his public persona. Trump’s political rise began with his…

The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) is Iran’s highest authority for managing national defense, security, and foreign policy decisions. Created under Article 176 of the Iranian Constitution, the council plays a central role in shaping the country’s strategic direction, especially during times of military tension and international negotiations. The SNSC is chaired by the President of Iran and includes several of the nation’s most influential officials. Key members of the council are the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, Defense, Interior, the Head of the Judiciary, the Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, and a representative of the Supreme Leader.…

Ali Shamkhani is a prominent figure in Iran’s political and military landscape, known for his extensive career that spans both strategic military leadership and high-level national security roles. Born on September 29, 1955, in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Shamkhani is an ethnic Arab-Iranian and a practicing Shia Muslim. His background in engineering, combined with years of military experience, positioned him as one of the most influential security figures in the Islamic Republic. Shamkhani rose to prominence during the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s, where he played a critical role in the planning and execution of Iran’s naval and guerrilla warfare strategies.…

Australia is on track for a major shift in its export market. Gold is expected to overtake coal as the country’s top export by 2026. This change reflects shifting global demands and market trends that favor precious metals over fossil fuels. Government forecasts show gold export earnings could reach A$56 billion in the coming fiscal year. That figure surpasses metallurgical coal, estimated at A$39 billion, and thermal coal at A$28 billion. The trend suggests a continued rise in gold’s role in Australia’s trade future, even if gold prices dip from their current highs. While coal has long been a dominant…

Starting July 1, a new Iowa gun law change will allow people aged 18 to 20 to carry firearms legally. This change aims to expand gun rights for younger adults while following federal rules that remain in place. Kemlin Hart, who owns Hart Brothers, a gun store in Mason City, says that despite the new law, business for licensed gun dealers has not changed much. “I think there’s more in the bill for face value for politicians than anything else,” Hart said. Federal law still requires gun buyers to be at least 21 years old to purchase firearms from licensed…

One of Hong Kong’s last active pro-democracy voices, the League of Social Democrats, has officially disbanded. The party, known for its street-level protests and strong grassroots presence, said it could no longer continue under the intense pressure it faced. Founded nearly two decades ago, the League was one of the final groups that dared to publicly challenge the political status quo. Its office wall, once decorated with protest signs, featured court slips spelling out the word “freedom” in Chinese characters. Party chairperson Chan Po Ying explained that the decision was made after long consideration. “The red lines are now everywhere,”…