International

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, which portrays the displacement of Palestinian communities in the West Bank, is facing significant opposition in the United States, reigniting debates over censorship and freedom of expression.

Co-directed by Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, the film documents the Israeli military’s demolition of Palestinian villages to establish a military training zone. 

The documentary has gained critical acclaim worldwide, winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 97th Oscars.

However, the film has struggled to secure mainstream U.S. distribution, with several screenings facing backlash. In Miami Beach, Mayor Steven Meiner called the documentary “one-sided propaganda” and “antisemitic,” pushing to terminate the lease and withdraw funding from O Cinema, an independent theater that screened the film. His actions have drawn criticism from civil rights groups, who argue that this amounts to censorship and an attack on free speech.

Yuval Abraham has condemned these efforts, calling them “very dangerous” and warning that accusations of antisemitism should not be used to silence criticism of occupation policies. 

Despite the controversy, O Cinema went ahead with its screenings, resulting in sold-out shows and additional dates being added.

The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Western media and the limits of artistic expression. 

As the debate continues, No Other Land has become a focal point in discussions on censorship, free speech, and the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

The State of Qatar has called for increased international efforts to ensure that all Israeli nuclear facilities are placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Additionally, Qatar has urged Israel to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as a non-nuclear state.

The appeal was made by Qatar’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and International Organizations in Vienna, Jassim Yacoub Al Hammadi, during a session of the IAEA Board of Governors. His remarks focused on the ongoing situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and concerns over Israel’s nuclear capabilities.

Al Hammadi emphasized the importance of global institutions upholding their commitments under the UN Security Council, General Assembly resolutions, and IAEA regulations. He also referenced the 1995 NPT Review Conference, which called for Israel to subject all its nuclear sites to IAEA safeguards.

The Qatari diplomat stressed that numerous international resolutions have explicitly urged Israel to join the NPT as a non-nuclear state. He called on the international community to take concrete steps to ensure compliance with these longstanding global commitments.

This statement aligns with Qatar’s foreign policy advocating nuclear non-proliferation and regional stability. Israel’s nuclear program has long been contentious in diplomacy, with increasing calls for transparency and oversight.

As tensions persist in the Middle East, Qatar’s renewed appeal highlights the ongoing debate over nuclear security and the role of international oversight in maintaining global peace.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated his country’s commitment to achieving peace and stated that his country is prepared to negotiate as soon as possible. 

In a statement posted on social media, Zelenskyy emphasised that “nobody desires peace more than Ukrainians” and expressed his readiness to collaborate with U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership to secure a lasting resolution. 

He proposed initial measures, including a prisoner exchange and an immediate ceasefire on aerial and naval assaults, contingent on Russia’s reciprocity.

Zelenskyy also acknowledged the critical role the U.S. has played in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, particularly highlighting Trump’s past decision to provide Javelin missiles. He stressed the importance of continued cooperation with Washington and expressed disappointment over a recent White House meeting that did not go as expected. 

Calling for constructive dialogue, Zelenskyy urged U.S. officials to work together to make things right and advance peace efforts.

The Ukrainian leader reiterated his country’s readiness to sign a security and mineral resources agreement at any moment. He described the deal as a step toward stronger security guarantees and expressed hope for effective implementation.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States. The order, announced at a press briefing at the White House, aims to standardise government communications and promote the use of English in official capacities.

“This is a step towards unity and efficiency,” President Trump stated. “English has always been the common language of our nation, and this order reinforces that tradition.”

The executive order directs federal agencies to conduct all official business in English and encourages state and local governments to adopt similar measures. It also outlines provisions for English-language education programs to support immigrants in learning the language.

Before this order, the U.S. had no official language at the federal level, and multiple languages were widely used, including Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Native American languages such as Navajo and Cherokee. Spanish, in particular, has been a dominant language in several states, especially in the Southwest and large urban centers.

Critics argue that the move may marginalise non-English speakers and undermine the country’s linguistic diversity. Advocacy groups have vowed to challenge the order, citing concerns over accessibility and inclusivity.

Supporters, however, praise the decision as a necessary step in strengthening national identity and simplifying government operations.

It remains to be seen how the order will be implemented and whether it will face legal challenges in the coming weeks.

By Uzair Adam

The crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan has been sighted in Saudi Arabia, the moon sighting committee announced on Friday evening.

The Daily Reality reports that with this confirmation, the holy month will commence on Saturday, March 1.

Observatories across the Kingdom, including those in Sudair and Tumair, confirmed the sighting of the moon.

This follows an earlier call by the Supreme Court on Thursday, urging Muslims to look for the crescent on Friday evening.

The court advised anyone who sights the moon, whether with the naked eye or binoculars, to report their observation to the nearest court or contact a local center for guidance on submitting their testimony.

Saudi Arabia’s moon sighting committee routinely monitors the skies ahead of Ramadan’s expected start date and encourages other Muslims to participate in the sighting process.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have signed a strategic agreement to enhance their participation in the global halal economy, valued at $7.7 trillion. The deal focuses on boosting halal trade, investment, and certification, fostering economic cooperation between the two nations.

Signed during high-level meetings, the agreement positions Nigeria as a key player in halal industries, including food, finance, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Saudi Arabia, a dominant force in the sector, will provide expertise and market access to support Nigeria’s expansion.

Officials believe the partnership will create jobs, enhance exports, and attract foreign investment, positioning Nigeria as a leading halal market in Africa.

By Muhsin Ibrahim 

Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has proposed introducing a $250 bill featuring President Donald Trump’s face, citing economic struggles under former President Joe Biden.

In a post on the social media platform X, Wilson wrote, “Bidenflation has destroyed the economy, forcing American families to carry more cash. The most valuable bill for the most valuable president!”

The proposal has sparked debate, with supporters praising Trump’s economic policies and critics dismissing the move as political grandstanding. 

The US Treasury has not commented on whether such a bill is under consideration.

By Maryam Ahmad

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has etched his name deeper into Premier League history with a series of record-breaking achievements during the 2024/25 season. This is contained in a statement posted by the Premier League via its official X account. 

Salah has now scored and assisted in 42 Premier League matches, the most by any player in history. He also became the first player to be involved in 40+ goals in two different seasons.

Salah has scored and assisted in 11 league matches this season, more than any other player. His consistent goal-scoring form has seen him rise to 6th place on the all-time Premier League top scorers list. He now ranks as the 10th all-time assist provider in the competition’s history.

Salah’s impact has been particularly significant in away fixtures. He holds the joint record for most away goals in a single Premier League season (16) and most away assists (11). His combined tally of 27 away goals and assists in a season is also unmatched.

Salah has solidified his status at Anfield as a club legend, becoming the fourth player to score 100+ Premier League goals at a single venue. 

Overall, Salah has now contributed to 264 Premier League goals for Liverpool, a feat surpassed by only two players in the club’s history.

In December 2024, Salah played a crucial role in Liverpool’s campaign. He scored 14 league goals—the joint-most by any player in a single month. His seven assists in the same period also equalled the Premier League record.

Furthermore, Salah became the first player in Premier League history to score and assist in both matches against the reigning champions in a season. 

He also set another landmark by reaching double figures for both goals and assists before Christmas, a feat never achieved before.

With these extraordinary milestones, Salah continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players the Premier League has ever seen.

By Anas Abbas

The United States has unveiled its list of countries eligible for the 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), notably excluding all African nations except the United Kingdom. 

While the UK retains eligibility under certain conditions, countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa are excluded from this visa-free travel initiative.

Among the updates, Romania has been welcomed as a new participant in the 2025 VWP, which largely maintains the existing roster of eligible nations. The US government has focused on enhanced security measures and prioritized countries that demonstrate strong diplomatic relationships and robust border security practices in its selection criteria.

The Visa Waiver Programme, as outlined by the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, allows citizens from participating countries to visit the United States for tourism or business purposes for stays of up to 90 days without needing a visa. 

However, travellers must first secure a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to their journey and meet all other stipulated requirements. Those who prefer to have a visitor visa can still apply for one.

The 2025 programme introduces several policy updates regarding eligibility, adjustments to the list of participating countries, and new travel regulations to streamline visa-free entry for millions of travellers globally.

The list of 40 countries whose citizens can travel to the US without a visa under the 2025 VWP includes: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Romania.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Young education advocate Zuriel Oduwole has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote girls’ education worldwide. 

The 22-year-old filmmaker and activist has spent over a decade championing access to education, meeting with world leaders to push for policies that keep girls in school.

Oduwole, who was born in the United States to Nigerian and Mauritian parents, began her advocacy at the age of 10 through documentary filmmaking. 

Oduwole’s work has influenced discussions on education policy and earned her numerous accolades, including the Forbes Woman Africa Young Achiever Award.

While the Nobel Committee does not disclose nominations, news of Oduwole’s recognition has sparked widespread praise. If she wins, she would become one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious award. 

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate will be announced in October, and the official ceremony will be held in December in Oslo, Norway.