Breaking News : Israel’s Iron Beam Laser Air Defense Yet to Fire a Single Combat Shot Despite Rising Drone Threat
Israel’s advanced Iron Beam laser air defense system has still not been used in combat, despite the ongoing escalation of missile and drone threats across the region. The system was delivered to the Israeli military months ago and was expected to become a key component of Israel’s layered air defense network, but it has yet to intercept any aerial target.
The current conflict environment involving Israel, Iran, and allied groups has intensified concerns about large scale drone attacks against Israeli territory, including military installations and civilian infrastructure. Nevertheless, Israeli authorities have not deployed the laser interception system in active combat operations so far.
The Israel Defense Forces are maintaining strict ambiguity regarding the types of weapons being used against Israel, the number of incoming projectiles, and the success rate of interceptions. Officials have intentionally limited the release of such information in order to prevent adversaries from assessing Israel’s interceptor stockpiles and evaluating the country’s defensive capabilities.
The Iron Beam system, developed by Israeli defense firm Rafael, is designed to intercept rockets, mortar shells, and drones using a high energy laser. The system is capable of neutralizing aerial threats at distances of up to around 10 kilometers. One of its major advantages is cost efficiency. Traditional interceptor missiles used by systems such as Iron Dome can cost tens of thousands of dollars per shot, while laser interceptions are expected to cost only a small fraction of that amount.
Despite the system reportedly being delivered to Israeli forces more than two months ago, it has not yet intercepted any threats. Israeli defense officials have not publicly explained why the system has not been used, and they have also not disclosed where the system has been deployed or whether it has reached full operational readiness.
Meanwhile, regional tensions remain extremely high. Data from the Institute for National Security Studies indicates that since the beginning of the latest escalation, Iran has launched roughly 600 ballistic missiles and more than 1,500 drones across the Middle East targeting at least twelve countries in the region, with a large number aimed at the United Arab Emirates.
Israeli officials say that compared to the early stages of the October 7 conflict, the country’s air defense network has significantly improved its ability to counter drone threats. During a confrontation with Iran around eight months ago, Israel reportedly intercepted about 99 percent of incoming drones using a combination of missile interceptors and electronic warfare systems.
Despite the potential of laser based interception technology, the absence of Iron Beam from active combat operations suggests that the system may still be undergoing operational testing, integration, or strategic evaluation before being fully deployed in wartime conditions.
Itumeleng Khune on How He and Senzo Meyiwa Revolutionized Goalkeeping in South Africa
For years, goalkeepers in South African football were often the unsung heroes of the pitch, rarely earning individual accolades or public recognition. Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune says he and the late Orlando Pirates shot-stopper Senzo Meyiwa set out to change that narrative.
Khune explained that when he and Meyiwa were teenagers, they made a pact to elevate the position of goalkeeper once the established legends retired.
Making Goalkeeping “Fashionable” Reflecting on their impact, Khune emphasized that their approach transformed how goalkeepers are perceived in South Africa.
“When it comes to my highs for a goalkeeper, I’ve done enough to say I made goalkeeping fashionable, and I can claim that,” he told eNCA’s Beyond Game Day.
He highlighted that prior to their rise, goalkeepers rarely won awards or received recognition:
“Before I started playing, goalkeepers were not recognised. Goalkeepers were not winning man of the match. Goalkeepers were not nominated for footballer of the year, players’ player, player of the year. But as soon as we took the field, myself and my late friend Senzo Meyiwa [MHSRIP], it was what we told ourselves at the age of 15.”
Khune’s statement underscores the deliberate mindset he and Meyiwa shared as young players — a focus on changing perceptions and raising the profile of their position.
Rivalry That Fueled Excellence Despite playing for rival clubs — Khune at Kaizer Chiefs and Meyiwa at Pirates — the pair found motivation in each other. Khune described how they pushed one another to perform in every game, even during youth and national team camps:
“I’ll pull off a save this side and you’ll pull off a save that side. Even when we met in the tunnel before every game or even at the U20, U23, Bafana Bafana camp, we would say, ‘Let’s give the fans a good show.’”
The friendly competition helped both players elevate their performances and made goalkeeping a spectacle that fans would remember.
The Reward of a Career Well-Lived Khune reflected on his career achievements and the pride of having changed perceptions in South African football.
“Those were my highs because I have ticked all the boxes. There isn’t a trophy I haven’t won [in the PSL that is].”
His words convey not only a personal sense of accomplishment but also the legacy shared with Meyiwa, showing how two players from rival clubs could reshape the way a position is valued in the country.
The United Kingdom is facing growing energy concerns after reports revealed the country has only about two days of natural gas reserves in storage, one of the lowest levels among major European economies.
Unlike many countries in Europe that maintain several weeks of gas storage, the UK relies heavily on continuous imports from Norway, pipeline connections to mainland Europe, and shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This means the country keeps relatively small reserves and depends on steady supply flows to meet demand.
The situation has drawn attention as tensions in West Asia threaten global energy routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping corridor for oil and LNG. Any prolonged disruption could tighten global gas supplies and drive prices higher across Europe.
Energy analysts warn that while the UK is not immediately running out of gas, the limited storage leaves the country more vulnerable to sudden supply shocks during periods of geopolitical instability or extreme weather.
South African rapper Nadia Nakai says she is ready to move forward. She lost her boyfriend AKA in 2023. The rapper, born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, died in a shooting in Durban. The incident happened outside Wish Restaurant on Florida Road on 10 February 2023.
Nakai recently spoke about healing and rebuilding her life. She shared her thoughts during a podcast interview with L‑Tido. During the discussion, she addressed rumors about her personal life. Speculation linked her with musician Toss.
“I eventually do want a life partner,” she said.
“I’ve mourned, I’ve healed, I’ve been respectful,” she continued.
Nadia Reflects on Love and Loss However, Nakai said she refuses to remain stuck in grief forever. She explained that she still loves Forbes deeply.
At the same time, she wants to move forward with her life.
“AKA has been dead longer than I was with him when he was alive,” she said.
“I don’t want to spend the rest of my life by myself. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life loving a ghost. And I love him. And I’ll always love him. He’ll always have a special space in my heart, but I’m ready to move on,” she continued.
She added that healing helped her accept the painful reality. Therefore, she now hopes to find love again in the future.
Nadia Opens Up About Grief and Healing Nakai also discussed her grief on the Netflix series Young, Famous & African. The show featured her relationship with Forbes.
However, she admitted that coping after his death was extremely difficult. She told Fantana she often hid her struggles.
“It’s difficult, just maneuvering life, you know? Low-key I’m not fine, and I know I need to go to therapy. But I don’t see that happening any time soon… I just have too much to unpack,” she said to Fantana.
She also described how family and friends supported her.
“A lot of people don’t understand how I’m alone a lot of the time,” said Nadia.
“Kiernan’s mom literally lived with me for a month to just make sure I am not by myself. I couldn’t do it, I was on suicide watch and then there was the day where I actually was by myself. I realised that I can’t sit in this house I have to work,” she continued.
Despite the pain, Nakai continues focusing on her career and healing.
Renowned scholar and author Michael Eric Dyson took to social media to apologize to Jay-Z after he shared details about their private conversation about the high-profile beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
Dyson’s apology to Jay-Z came after the scholar weighed in on the beef between Kendrick and Drake on Mohr Takes, Complex reported. Dyson, in February, registered his displeasure with Kendrick for trying to use his chart-topping Not Like Us diss song to try to “de-Black” Drake, who is biracial. The author is said to have likened Kendrick’s actions to President Trump’s sentiments against immigration.
“‘You are not like us. You are Somalian. You are Ethiopian, you are Eritrean, you are Mexican, you are whatever, fill in the blank, you are Haitian,’” Dyson said. “And so to me, that very theme — forget the song, the song is the song, whatever you think about it. But the notion itself is a man distinction, a big distinction, us versus them. And they’re trying to de-Black Drake.”
Dyson further emphasized that Drake, who is Canadian, did not need to prove he’s Black and provided reasons why.
“His daddy is Black. He went to Memphis every summer. The Memphis Horns fill his music, the first albums Drake made. His grandmama babysat Aretha Franklin, and his uncle is Larry Graham from Sly the Family Stone,” Dyson highlighted. “What Black card he got to show?”
Dyson, after some weeks, revealed that Jay-Z contacted him to share his views on what he said.
“[Jay] hit me up and his vigorously disagreed with my particular position,” Dyson revealed. “He said it with dignity. He said it with respect… I responded to him. We went back and forth for a minute.”
“What I love about Jay is that he’s not arrogant,” Dyson added. “He’s got more reason to be arrogant than anybody we’re talking to, including myself, on this darn internet and social media. And yet he choose to be gracious, vigorous, clear and transparent about his disagreement. But he did not get nasty and vicious with me.”
In a recent post on Instagram, Dyson explained why he decided to render a public apology to Jay-Z after he shared details about their private conversation, per Complex.
“I remember once when Kanye [West] posted publicly a text exchange between us,” Dyson recalled. “It was private. And I was hurt by that. I’m thinking about that because I’ve done the same thing to Jay-Z. No, I didn’t publicly post a text. But I talked about a private exchange between us that should’ve remained between us, as it has for the last 20-some-odd years. So I want to apologize to him here.”
Pop superstar Rihanna’s Los Angeles home came under gunfire on Sunday afternoon. Reports say the singer was inside the mansion during the incident.
The shooting occurred shortly after 13:00 in the Beverly Hills area. According to the Los Angeles Times, a suspect fired around ten shots from a vehicle. The vehicle reportedly stopped across the street from the property.
Authorities quickly responded to the scene after the shots were fired.
Bullet Pierces Wall of the Property At least one bullet pierced a wall of the residence. Local station KTLA reported the damage inside the property.
Rihanna lives in the home with partner A$AP Rocky and their children. Reports confirmed the singer remained inside during the shooting.
However, Rihanna has not publicly commented on the incident. Meanwhile, investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Suspect Arrested After Fleeing Scene Police said the suspect is a woman in her 30s. She allegedly fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
However, officers arrested her shortly afterward without incident. Authorities also recovered a weapon during the arrest.
Investigators are still working to determine the motive. Meanwhile, police continue gathering evidence related to the attack.
A woman from Gokwe has taken her husband to the local headman. She complained that she has been starved of intimacy for a long time. Furthermore, she said she can no longer endure the situation.
Irene Chipatu told the traditional court about their troubled marriage. She said the couple has seven children together. However, their bedroom life has reportedly grown cold.
Chipatu claims her husband struggles with erectile problems. As a result, the couple has not been intimate for nearly a year.
Wife Claims Herbal Medicine Once Helped Speaking during the court session on Sunday, Chipatu explained the situation. She said her husband previously received help from a traditional healer. The healer prepared special herbs to boost his manhood.
She added that the herbal treatment helped them have seven children. However, she believes the bedroom now has “no fire at all.”
“Chief, the ‘snake’ just lies there like a dead log. It never rises for any occasion. Without medicine, nothing happens.”
Chipatu also made another serious claim before the court. She said her husband destroys medicines meant to treat his condition. He allegedly also damages prayer items meant to help him.
Consequently, she feels frustrated and emotionally neglected. She fears the marriage may slowly collapse if nothing changes.
Case Referred to Chief Chireya Eventually, Chipatu decided to take the matter to the chief’s court. She hoped traditional leaders could intervene and help resolve the conflict. The case has now been referred to Chief Chireya. He is expected to guide the couple toward a possible solution.
Meanwhile, the couple must return to court in two weeks. Traditional leaders also offered advice to the community.
They urged couples to communicate openly about bedroom problems. They also encouraged seeking medical or traditional help early.
According to them, early intervention can prevent serious marital conflicts.
Zimbabwe Considers Banning Children Under 18 from Facebook, TikTok and Instagram: Minister Mavetera
The government of Zimbabwe is exploring the possibility of restricting access to major social media platforms for people under the age of 18 as part of efforts to shield children from online dangers.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Tatenda Mavetera revealed the proposal on Sunday during an address in Karoi.
According to the minister, the initiative is being developed with the aim of reducing children’s exposure to harmful content and other risks associated with the online environment.
Also Read: Zimbabwe Speaker Calls For Strict Australia-Style Social Media Laws To Protect Youth
Popular Platforms Could Be Affected If the policy is adopted, minors could be prevented from accessing widely used platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
Authorities say the proposed restrictions are intended to create a safer digital space for young Zimbabweans by limiting their interaction with online threats.
Officials within the Information Communication Technology ministry are currently working on the framework that would guide how such restrictions could be implemented.
Debate Over Safety and Digital Rights The announcement has already triggered strong reactions from different quarters, with supporters and critics offering contrasting views on the idea.
Some advocates argue that tighter controls are necessary to protect children from online harassment, cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate material.
However, others believe the focus should instead be on teaching young people how to use the internet responsibly rather than restricting access altogether.
Trump Slams Iran’s Hereditary Power Grab: Mojtaba Khamenei ‘Unacceptable’ as New Supreme Leader
President Donald Trump has made it clear he rejects Iran’s appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the Islamic Republic’s new Supreme Leader.
Trump previously called the move “unacceptable,” dismissed Mojtaba as a “lightweight,” and insisted any successor needs U.S. approval to survive. “He’s not going to last long” without it, Trump warned.
Iran’s hardline clerics defied the pressure, naming Mojtaba to extend the family’s grip on power amid ongoing war with the U.S. and Israel. The choice signals no retreat, no moderation—just more defiance from a regime on the ropes.
Trump’s response stays blunt: “We’ll see what happens.” The message is unmistakable—America won’t tolerate business as usual with another Khamenei calling the shots.
Iran Claims Over 200 U.S. Troops Killed or Injured in 24 Hours Amid Escalating Conflict
A dramatic escalation has unfolded in the growing conflict between Iran and the United States, with Iranian officials claiming that more than 200 American troops were killed or wounded within 24 hours during coordinated retaliatory strikes across the Middle East.
According to Iranian military spokesperson Ibrahim Zolfaghari, the attacks targeted key U.S. military installations in the region, including the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and the strategic Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.
Iranian sources claim around 220 U.S. personnel were killed or injured in the strikes, describing the operation as part of a broader retaliation campaign amid intensifying hostilities between the two countries.
However, U.S. officials have not yet confirmed these casualty figures, and independent verification of the claims remains unavailable.
The reported strikes mark a major escalation in tensions across the Middle East, raising fears that the confrontation could widen into a broader regional conflict.
The Untold Story of Afro‑Iranians and Iran’s Folklore Traditions
Many people are surprised to learn that Iran has a historical and living African‑descended community. Known as Afro‑Iranians, these communities mainly live in southern provinces along the Persian Gulf, including Hormozgan, Bushehr, Khuzestan, and Fars. Their presence in Iran dates back centuries of Indian Ocean trade and migration, when Africans were brought to the region as sailors, laborers, and soldiers. Today, music, dance, and local rituals still reflect this unique heritage.
This history also helps explain the origins of certain traditional Iranian folklore characters. Figures like Siah in Siah‑Bazi theatre or Haji Firuz in Nowruz celebrations appear with darkened faces. While these characters are part of entertainment and celebration, their origins are connected to real Afro‑Iranian communities and long‑standing cultural exchange, not just imitation.
What Iranian religious leaders have said
Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has publicly condemned racism and expressed solidarity with movements against racial injustice abroad. He criticised the treatment of Black Americans and the systemic racism evident in incidents like police violence in the United States, framing support for anti‑racist movements as part of opposing oppression globally.
These statements show that within the official religious establishment, there is rhetorical support for equality and opposition to racist systems, even if broader social conversations inside Iran about race and discrimination…including the lived experiences of Afro‑Iranians…continue to evolve.
Understanding this history and discourse is important. It reminds us that Iran has always been multiethnic and multicultural, and that traditions we see today often carry stories of real people, cultural exchange, and centuries of human connection.
🚨 BRAZIL ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET: President Cyril Ramaphosa Receives Heroic Military Welcome in Brazil as South Africa Strengthens Powerful BRICS Alliance
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Brasília, Brazil for an important state visit where he is set to hold high-level talks with Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Ramaphosa traveled with several South African ministers as part of a major diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, trade partnerships, and political ties between the two powerful BRICS nations.
Upon his arrival, the South African leader was greeted with a heroic state welcome, including a large ceremonial Brazilian military guard of honour, marching soldiers, and full diplomatic protocol — a moment many observers described as a strong sign of respect and friendship between the two countries.
The visit is expected to focus on:
🇿🇦🇧🇷 Expanding trade and investment between South Africa and Brazil 🌍 Strengthening cooperation inside the BRICS alliance ⚡ Energy, agriculture and technology partnerships 🤝 Working together on global issues affecting developing nations
Brazil is one of South Africa’s most important partners in Latin America, and both nations play a key role in the growing influence of the BRICS bloc on the global stage.
Political analysts say the warm reception Ramaphosa received in Brazil reflects the strong diplomatic relationship between the two countries — with many Brazilians welcoming deeper cooperation with Africa’s most industrialized economy.
The meeting between Ramaphosa and Lula is expected to produce agreements that could boost economic opportunities, trade and strategic cooperation between Africa and South America.o
🚨 Breaking News : Putin Congratulates Mojt∆ba Kh∆menei After Historic Father-to-Son Rise to Iran’s Supreme Leadership
Iran has entered a new political era after the country’s powerful clerical body, the Assembly of Experts, officially selected Mojtaba Kh∆menei as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, succeeding his late father Ay∆tollah ∆li Kh∆menei.
Shortly after the announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojt∆ba Kh∆menei on his appointment and expressed hope for continued cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, signaling Russia’s readiness to maintain and deepen its strategic partnership with Iran.
Mojtaba Kh∆menei, a 56-year-old cleric known for his close ties with Iran’s powerful Isl∆mic Revolution∆ry Gu∆rd Corps (I₹GC), had long been viewed as a leading candidate to succeed his father. His elevation marks the first father-to-son transfer of the supreme leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, a development that has drawn significant international attention.
Following the announcement, the I₹GC and other key Iranian institutions reportedly pledged loyalty to the new Supreme Leader, indicating strong support from the country’s security establishment and suggesting a rapid consolidation of authority in Tehran.
The leadership transition comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, with Iran involved in escalating confrontations across the Middle East. Analysts say the change at the top of Iran’s political system could have major implications for regional stability, global energy markets, and the broader geopolitical balance.
Cuba’s Communist Regime Crumbles: Protesters Torch Government Building Amid Blackouts and Hunger
The Cuban people are done waiting. For two straight days of total darkness after a massive blackout crippled the island, furious crowds have taken to the streets in Havana and beyond, banging pots, chanting against the regime, and demanding real freedom.
In Granma province, anti-communist rage hit a boiling point: demonstrators set fire to the Mirador de Guisa government outpost, sending the symbol of state control up in flames while shocked onlookers watched in the night.
Sixty-seven years of socialist failure—chronic blackouts, empty shelves, fuel shortages, and broken promises—have finally ignited widespread rebellion. The regime blames U.S. pressure, but the truth is clear: decades of central planning have starved and darkened the nation.
Freedom is no longer a distant dream for Cubans. The dominoes are falling, and the communist grip is slipping fast. The end of this tyranny may be closer than ever.
Iranian Exiles Honor Fallen American Heroes in Greece
In a powerful display of gratitude and shared resolve, Iranian patriots gathered outside the US Consulate in Thessaloniki for a candlelight vigil. They laid flowers and photos in memory of the American service members killed by the Iranian regime’s forces since the conflict escalated in early March
Waving American, Israeli, and pre-1979 Iranian flags, these freedom-loving expatriates made clear their solidarity with the United States and Israel against the common enemy in Tehran.
While anti-war crowds protested elsewhere, these brave Iranians stood firm: the fight targets tyranny, not the Iranian people. Their tribute honors the ultimate sacrifice made to weaken a brutal regime and opens the door to a freer future for Iran.
True allies recognize sacrifice. Rest in peace to the fallen; their courage echoes far beyond the battlefield. 🇺🇸🕯️
FIVE ATTRIBUTES TO LOOK FOR IN AN OPPOSITION PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE THIS AUGUST
By Sean Tembo – PeP President & 2026 Presidential Candidate
1. Absence of UPND Influence:- As part of it’s strategy for divide-and-rule, I believe the ruling UPND party is sponsoring, to different degrees, a number of opposition candidates as their surrogates. I believe that their objectives for this sinister undertaking, vary. In certain instances, they intend to flood the presidential ballot paper with dummy candidates, and create a false perception of the extent of disunity among the opposition.
In furtherance of this plot, they have registered more than ten “friendly” new political parties, since 2021. All of whom, I believe, they intend to sponsor to flood the presidential ballot. Additionally, I believe that the ruling UPND party has infiltrated and are sponsoring multiple portions of the PF party, with the sole objective of splitting votes in perceived opposition strongholds. The main way of determining if a particular opposition political movement is a UPND project or not is, firstly unexplained financial resources to mobilize across the country without any struggle, and secondly, their ability to criss cross the country, undertaking mobilization activities, without being charged with unlawful assembly by the UPND Police.
If they are charged, then they quickly give them a slap on the wrist in terms of a fine, while the rest of us are dragged to court to undergo trial, at a huge financial expense in terms of legal fees, for the same alleged offense of unlawful assembly. As an opposition voter, the worst thing that you can do is to cast your vote for a UPND surrogate opposition presidential candidate. Stay alert. They’re everywhere.
2. Must offer alternative solutions to national problems:- change does not always mean progress, unless you’re replacing a bad President with a better one. We all remember what happened in 2021. The Zambian people replaced a bad PF Government with a worse UPND Government. The mistake of 2021 can still happen this August. If the Zambia people are not careful, it is possible to replace this bad UPND Government with a worse new Government. Therefore, before you seriously consider a particular presidential candidate, ask yourself what alternative solutions to national problems, this person has offered in the past four and half years? Are those alternative solutions documented anywhere? Are they sound? Or is the person merely engaged in the business of condemning, without offering any alternative solutions? This August, please, do not jump from the frying pan to the fire, like you did in 2021.
3. Traceable Background:- how well do you know your potential presidential candidate? Are you able to fully account for their life from the time that they were born, to where they are today? Oh perhaps you only know who they are today? Over the years, what have they stood up for? This is important because a person’s values and principles are shaped by their lifetime.
Values and principles is not something that you can wear and take off, like a jacket. Depending on the weather or occasion. A presidential candidate’s values and principles will go a long way in determining the success or failure of their presidency. A person who spent their entire lifetime putting their pockets first, at the expense of the people, will not suddenly start caring about the people, just because they are now President of Zambia. Behind the scenes, they’ll still put their pockets first.
4. Proximity to the previous PF regime:- we all saw what the previous PF regime was able to do for the nation. They definitely scored far better than the current UPND regime. Their infrastructure development projects are still visible for all of us to see. However, their impunity, abuse of state institutions and lawlessness is something that this country should consider not going back to. In fact, most of the impunity, abuse of state institutions and lawlessness of the current UPND regime is borrowed directly from the PF handbook. My considered view is that this country deserves better. Therefore, anyone who served in a senior role under the PF regime, is unqualified to promise good governance today. That is if we are serious with trying to build a better Zambia.
https://youtu.be/pJlk09im7Q4?si=gppsTdp3JPMoqgm9
5. Personal competence, vision and focus:- Unfortunately, whenever a president is directly elected by the people, they become the alpha and omega of Government. Even when they are wrong, their Minister’s or senior Government officials will not tell them that they are wrong, for fear of being seen as disloyal. Of course, it is not supposed to be like that. But it is what it is. What this scenario means is that it is not enough for the President to assemble a competent team, if he himself lacks basic competence, vision and focus.
Therefore, an ideal presidential candidate should be someone who has achieved something in their personal life. Someone who has built something in their personal life. Something that they can point at. Someone who is not just a career politician.
Something sustainable. Not businesses which prosper when they are in Government or close to those in Government, and crumble the moment they lose their proximity to power. Because building a nation is a far more complex undertaking than managing personal life. So, one should have succeeded at the smaller undertaking before offering themselves to pursue the larger undertaking. That is if we are going to make progress, as a nation.
“I AM NOT CONTESTING FOR THE PRESIDENCY THIS YEAR; WE ARE SUPPORTING HH” – HAMUDUDU
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
Party for National Unity and Progress (PNUP President), Highvie Hamududu has announced that he will not contest the August 13 general elections, revealing that his party has resolved to unanimously support Hakainde Hichilema for the presidency.
Mr. Hamududu says the decision follows what the party describes as good leadership demonstrated by President Hichilema during his first term in office.
He cited economic achievements, including the appreciation of the Kwacha, a reduction in inflation, and lower fuel prices, as some of the factors that influenced the party’s decision.
Speaking in an interview with Sun FM TV News, Mr. Hamududu explained that as a UPND alliance partner, PNUP will instead focus on sharing parliamentary seats and wards with the ruling party, while working to ensure that President Hichilema wins the presidential race.
Mr. Hamududu further clarified that he has not formally withdrawn from the presidential race, noting that nominations have not yet been filed. #SunFmTvNews
HH has nothing to do with Lungu’s burial – Hamasaka By Mubanga Mubanga State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka says President Hakainde Hichilema has nothing to do with the death and burial of the late former president Edgar Lungu.
And Hamasaka said Zambians will decide whether President Hakainde Hichilema is popular or not popular.
Last week Socialist party leader Dr Fred M’membe was arrested for figuratively asking President Hichilema if he wanted to eat the body of Lungu.
This was in relation to the burial impasse between the family of Lungu and the government.
In an interview with Daily Revelation on Saturday, Hamasaka said President Hichilema had nothing to do with the burial of Lungu, adding that if anything, he wanted the matter resolved as quickly as possible.
“So now you, you are a journalist, how is HH stopping the Lungu family from those things? I am asking you, you are also a journalist. How is President Hichilema stopping the burial of Edgar Lungu? Anyway, the point is President Hichilema https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/hh-has-nothing-to-do-with-lungus-burial-hamasaka/
AUTHENTICITY CANNOT BE MANUFACTURED: THE CASE OF BRIAN MUNDUBILE AND PEOPLE LIFTING HIS BANNER IN A CROWD OF PF PARTY MEMBERS
By: Douglas Kabwibwi
Authenticity in politics cannot be staged or manufactured. It is built through honesty, consistency, and the courage to stand openly with those who genuinely believe in your leadership. When a political leader relies on another party’s crowd to wave their banner, it does not create popularity. Instead, it exposes desperation and weakens credibility.
The recent Women’s Day march-past has brought Brian Mundubile into the spotlight for exactly this reason. Images and observations from the event showed a few individuals lifting an FDD banner associated with Mundubile, yet the surrounding crowd appeared largely dressed in Patriotic Front (PF) regalia.
This immediately raised a simple but important question: if the crowd was truly mobilized by the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) under Mundubile and his team, why were they not wearing their own party regalia or lifting their own party symbols?
In politics, identity is visible. Party colours, clothing, and symbols are the most obvious ways supporters express their loyalty and affiliation. People know the PF regalia. They recognise the PF symbol without hesitation. The green attire and the PF emblem are well known to the public.
Because of this, the attempt to present such a crowd as an FDD crowd simply does not withstand scrutiny. Citizens are politically aware, and they understand exactly what they are seeing.
What appeared during the march-past created a clear contradiction between the perception that was being projected and the reality visible on the ground. It looked as though a few individuals had been strategically placed within the crowd to lift an FDD banner, while the much larger group surrounding them visibly reflected PF affiliation. Attempting to claim that such a crowd belonged to FDD does not strengthen the narrative of support; it instead exposes the strategy behind it.
The optics of the situation speak louder than any explanation that may be offered afterward. If the crowd truly belonged to FDD supporters mobilised by Mundubile and his team, one would naturally expect to see FDD regalia, FDD symbols, and supporters proudly identifying themselves with their party. That is how genuine political mobilisation works. Supporters of a party do not hide their identity; they display it with pride.
Instead, what the public saw was something very different: PF regalia, PF symbols, and a crowd whose appearance clearly aligned with another political formation. The presence of a few individuals lifting an FDD banner within such a crowd does not transform that crowd into FDD supporters. If anything, it raises further questions about the authenticity of the image that was being projected.
This is precisely why authenticity in politics matters. Genuine political support does not need to be borrowed, staged, or manufactured. When a leader commands real grassroots backing, supporters naturally come out wearing their party colours, lifting their party symbols, and openly identifying with their movement. There is no need to borrow the visibility of another political group to create the impression of support.
For Brian Mundubile and his team, the Women’s Day march-past has unfortunately raised uncomfortable questions about credibility and political authenticity. What may have been intended to project strength and popularity has instead drawn attention to the gap between perception and reality.
The public is not easily misled by political theatrics. Citizens can clearly distinguish between genuine support and a carefully arranged display. Attempting to claim a crowd wearing PF regalia and lifting PF symbols as your own simply because a few individuals within it are holding your banner does not convince anyone. It only reinforces the perception that the support being portrayed is not authentic.
In the end, such tactics amount to cheap politics. They underestimate the intelligence of the public and risk damaging the credibility of those who engage in them. Leadership requires confidence, transparency, and the courage to stand with one’s real supporters — not borrowed crowds.
Authenticity cannot be manufactured. And when attempts are made to manufacture it, the result is often the opposite of what was intended: exposure rather than admiration.
…The spirit of Michael Sata and Edgar Lungu is back…
LUSAKA : 08 MARCH 2026
BY PF26 Reporter
Hon. Given Lubinda, has issued a powerful call to action for the women of Zambia, celebrating their resilience and firm resolve during this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations.
Addressing a large delegation of women who paid a courtesy call on him, Hon. Lubinda commended them for defying attempts to restrict their participation and for standing firm in the spirit of the party’s founding leaders, Michael Chilufya Sata and Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Hon. Lubinda emphasized that International Women’s Day is a global celebration that transcends partisan dictation. “International Women’s Day is not a political occasion; it belongs to the whole world,” Lubinda stated. “A good President encourages all women to celebrate. It is not for individuals to dictate how this day should be honored
He praised the women for their courage in appearing in their “green chitenges,” shaming those who sought to suppress their identity. “You have stood up for the legacy of our leaders, and you have done so out of conviction, without seeking financial inducement. This is a clear sign of the change coming on 13 August 2026.
The PF leader reaffirmed the Patriotic Front’s commitment to tangible women’s empowerment, outlining key pillars of the PF manifesto:
Establishment of a Women’s Bank: A dedicated financial institution to provide full support and capital to women entrepreneurs. Land Reform: Prioritizing land allocation to women to ensure economic independence.
Political Representation: Ensuring that women and youth are the priority in the party’s adoption process for parliamentary and local government seats.
“The theme ‘Give to Gain’ is simple,” Lubinda noted. “When a woman is given the tools to succeed, the entire nation gains. Women take care of the world, and it is our duty to ensure the law and the economy work for them.”
Hon. Lubinda took the opportunity to address the current political climate, criticizing the administration on government for what he described as a lack of empathy and a focus on self-praise over service. He specifically pointed to the declaration of Hon. Tasila Lungu’s parliamentary seat as vacant during her time of mourning as a sign of the government’s misplaced priorities
“The insults hurled at me are nothing but lotion,” Lubinda remarked. “I was asked by Edgar Chagwa Lungu my older brother to stay and lead this party because he knew my heart. We cannot afford to give this administration another term. Even dreaming of their continuation after 13 August should be a thing of the past.”
Closing his address with a tribute to the “Sweet Mother” song, Hon. Lubinda urged all Zambians to work hard toward the upcoming August 13 elections to restore development and dignity to the nation. He also hinted a major national announcement scheduled for tomorrow.
“Happy International Women’s Day to all the women of Zambia. The man is going in August; let us prepare to find the spirit of true leadership once again.
THE HIDDEN AFRICANS OF IRAN: A FORGOTTEN DIASPORA WITH ROOTS IN MALAWI, MOZAMBIQUE AND TANZANIA.
Introduction
As the world watches the ongoing war in Iran unfold, much attention has focused on geopolitical rivalries, military strategy, and regional security. Yet behind these headlines lies another, largely untold story—one about a little-known community whose presence in Iran stretches back centuries. Along the southern shores of the Persian Gulf live Iranian citizens of African descent, the descendants of men, women, and children taken from the eastern and southern regions of Africa through the slave trade.
Concentrated in provinces such as Hormozgan, Bushehr, and Sistan-Baluchestan, these Afro-Iranians trace their ancestry to Bantu-speaking populations from areas that today include Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi. Their story forms part of a forgotten chapter of global history linking the East and Southern Africa to the Persian Gulf, where enslaved Africans were transported over many centuries through maritime trade networks connecting Africa to the Middle East
It is estimated that between 10 and 15 per cent of the population in parts of southern Iran may trace their lineage to African forebears. These communities are commonly referred to as Afro-Iranians, and their presence reflects centuries of interaction between Southern and East Africa with the Persian Gulf.
The Indian Ocean Slave Routes
The roots of Afro-Iranian communities lie in the East African Slave Trade. From as early as the eighth century until the nineteenth century, enslaved Africans were transported across the Indian Ocean to markets in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Many of those enslaved were Bantu-speaking peoples from Southeastern Africa, an area that today includes Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi. Arab and Swahili traders transported captives from inland regions to coastal trading centres such as Kilwa and Zanzibar, from where they were shipped to ports across the Indian Ocean.
By the nineteenth century, Zanzibar had emerged as one of the most important centres of the East African Slave Trade, functioning as a major redistribution hub. From this island entrepôt, enslaved Africans were exported to Oman, the Persian Gulf, and other parts of the Middle East.
Connections to the Interior of East and Southern Africa
Although slave markets were located along the East African coast, the people captured and transported through these networks often came from far inland. Long caravan routes connected coastal slave markets with interior regions surrounding Lake Malawi, northern Mozambique, and parts of present-day Tanzania.
Through these routes, captives taken hundreds of kilometres inland were marched to coastal ports before being transported across the Indian Ocean. The networks involved African intermediaries, Arab merchants, and Swahili trading communities who organised caravans transporting both ivory and enslaved people from the interior to the coast.
https://youtu.be/pJlk09im7Q4?si=gppsTdp3JPMoqgm9
For populations living in areas historically known as Nyasaland (Malawi), Tanganyika (Tanzania), and Mozambique, this meant that individuals could be captured in the interior of Africa and eventually transported across the Indian Ocean to the Persian Gulf.
Slavery in Iran During the Qajar Period
By the nineteenth century, enslaved Africans had become a visible presence in parts of Persian society. During the Qajar dynasty (1789–1925), wealthy households frequently imported African women and children to perform domestic work.
Historical research indicates that many enslaved Africans in Iran during this period were women who served as domestic servants within elite households. Over time, some became integrated into local communities through marriage and social assimilation.
The importation of enslaved Africans began to decline in the mid-nineteenth century when European diplomatic pressure—particularly from Britain—pushed Persian authorities to restrict the slave trade. In 1848, Mohammad Shah Qajar issued a decree aimed at suppressing the maritime importation of slaves.
Cultural and Spiritual Legacies
Despite their marginalised position in many historical narratives, Africans and their descendants left a lasting imprint on the cultural and spiritual life of southern Iran.
One of the most striking examples is the Zār tradition, a spiritual healing practice involving spirit possession ceremonies. Zār rituals involve rhythmic drumming, chanting, and communal ceremonies intended to appease spirits believed to cause illness or psychological distress.
Scholars have traced elements of these rituals to spiritual traditions originating in the territories in East and Southern Africa, such as present day Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique. Over time, these practices blended with local Iranian traditions, creating a unique cultural synthesis within coastal communities.
African influence has also been noted in elements of music, dance, and ritual vocabulary associated with these ceremonies. Certain spiritual terms used in Zār rituals have linguistic connections to Swahili and other African languages in Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania, reflecting the deep historical interaction between Southern-East Africa and the Persian Gulf.
For instance, words such as pepe, maturi, and cinyase—used to refer to various spirits in Zār tradition—have etymological roots in African languages. For example, pepe and maturi are derived from Swahili, while cinyase originates from chiNyanja, a language spoken in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia.
Conclusion: A Shared but Forgotten History
For the people of Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania today, the story of Afro-Iranians carries a deeper resonance. The ancestors of many Afro-Iranians did not originate from distant or abstract places—they came from regions along the East African Coast and the hinterlands of East and Southern Africa, including areas around Lake Malawi and northern Mozambique, which were historically connected to coastal slave markets such as Zanzibar and Kilwa. From these ports, enslaved Africans were transported across the Indian Ocean to Arabia and the Persian Gulf through long-standing maritime trading networks.
When we watch the events unfolding in Iran today, it is therefore worth remembering that the country is not only part of Middle Eastern geopolitics; it is also part of a much older history linking Africa to the wider Indian Ocean world.
The presence of Afro-Iranians reminds us that the African diaspora extends far beyond the Atlantic world and includes communities whose ancestors were taken from the shores and hinterlands of East and Southern Africa centuries ago.
In a quiet but powerful way, the history of Afro-Iranians connects the villages of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania; the coasts of Mozambique and Tanzania; the trading towns of Tanzania, and the ports of the Persian Gulf—a reminder that the histories of Africa and the Middle East have long been intertwined through the movements of people, culture, and memory.
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Sources
Mirzai, B. A. (2002). African Presence in Iran: Identity and its Reconstruction in the 19th and 20th Centuries.
Mirzai, B. A. (2014). Identity Transformations of African Communities in Iran. In The Persian Gulf in Modern Times: People, Ports, and History.
Campbell, G. (2003). The Structure of Slavery in Indian Ocean Africa and Asia.
Sharifian, H. (2024). Ugly Past/Insensitive Present: Blackface in Persian Popular Entertainment. Asian Theatre Journal.
Studies on the Indian Ocean slave trade, Zanzibar slave markets, and Zār spiritual traditions in the Persian Gulf.
IBA SAYS IT WILL REGULATE AND LICENSE ONLINE BROADCASTS ONCE NEW LAW TAKES EFFECT
By: Gift Tembo
The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Says It Will Begin Regulating And Licensing Online Broadcasts Once The Iba Act No. 25 Of 2025 Comes Into Effect.
The Authority Explained That It Is Awaiting The Minister Of Information And Media To Sign The Order Before Implementation Begins.
Speaking To Sun Fm Tv, IBA Manager Corporate Communications Stephen Chileshe Said The New Act Introduces Provisions Requiring Online Podcasts To Adhere To The Same Standards That Govern Radio And Television Broadcasting.
https://youtu.be/pJlk09im7Q4?si=gppsTdp3JPMoqgm9
Mr. Chileshe Clarified That Currently, The Iba Does Not Regulate Or License Podcasts, Noting That The Authority Only Oversees Podcast Content When It Is Aired On Licensed Radio Or Television Stations.
He Emphasized That Such Content Must Comply With Broadcasting Standards Set Out By The IBA.
He Further Stated That Viewers And Listeners Can Lodge Complaints With The IBA Only If A Podcast Aired On Licensed Radio Or Tv Fails To Meet The Required Standards. #SunFmTvNews #Sun
Mike Isaiah Mulongoti (3 August 1951 – 2 May 2019) was a prominent Zambian politician and former Cabinet Minister known for his long career in the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) and as the leader of the People’s Party.
Political Career Cabinet Positions: He served as Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Minister of Works and Supply under Presidents Levy Mwanawasa and Rupiah Banda.
Legislative Role: Mulongoti was a former Member of Parliament for the Lufwanyama constituency.
Party Leadership: In his later years, he founded and served as the president of the opposition People’s Party (sometimes referred to as the All People’s Party).
Opposition Activism: He was a vocal critic of the Patriotic Front (PF) government and a member of the opposition Alliance alongside Hakainde Hichilema.
https://youtu.be/pJlk09im7Q4?si=gppsTdp3JPMoqgm9
Notable Advocacy Citizenship Challenges: Mulongoti was famously known for legally challenging the citizenship status of former President Edgar Lungu, questioning his eligibility to hold office.
Personal Life and Death Death: He passed away on 2 May 2019 at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka after a battle with cancer.
Family: At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife and ten children.
Education: He held qualifications in administration and was a finalist for a Master of Business Administration.
IRAN’S SPOKESMAN BRAGS: “WE’RE READY FOR SIX MONTHS OF WAR—AND WE HAVEN’T EVEN STARTED”
On day 9 of the 2026 Israel-US-Iran conflict, Iranian Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi delivered a fiery televised statement claiming Tehran remains fully prepared for a prolonged war.
Key lines from his Farsi remarks: – “We have not yet used our main stockpile of advanced missiles and drones built up since 2012.”
– “The enemy has seen only the opening phase. We are equipped and ready to fight for six months or longer.” – “Our command structure is intact and our resolve is stronger than ever.”
The boast comes as Israeli and American strikes have already hit targets in Tehran and crippled several proxy force bases, with heavy losses reported among senior IRGC commanders and key missile production sites.
Online reaction on X was brutal and near-universal mockery. Most replies dismissed the general’s words as hollow propaganda, pointing to Iran’s defensive collapses, abandoned allies, and the rapid degradation of its air defenses since the opening salvos.
Reality check: Nine days in, the “six-month war” promise already sounds more like wishful thinking than strategy.
BREAKING: Strait of Hormuz Effectively Closed Amid Iran Conflict, Triggering Severe Energy Crisis
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows, remains de facto shut to most commercial shipping due to escalating hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iranian forces have declared the passage closed and threatened attacks on vessels attempting transit, prompting major insurers to withdraw war-risk coverage and oil companies to halt shipments for safety reasons.
Satellite data and maritime tracking show tanker traffic has plummeted to near zero outside limited Iranian or allied vessels, stranding hundreds of ships and cutting off key exports from the Persian Gulf. This marks the most serious disruption to global energy flows since the 1970s oil embargo.
Oil prices have surged past $110 per barrel in recent sessions—the highest levels in years—as markets price in sustained supply shortfalls. Analysts warn of further spikes toward $150 if the blockade persists, with alternative pipelines offering only marginal relief capacity of around 2.6 million barrels per day against the strait’s normal 20 million.
The shutdown has already forced production curtailments in Iraq and elsewhere, doubled LNG prices in Asia, and contributed to stock market turmoil in oil-dependent economies. Fuel rationing concerns are rising in parts of Europe and Asia, while global inflation pressures mount from higher energy and transport costs.
No quick resolution appears likely as military tensions continue, leaving the world facing prolonged economic strain from this critical chokepoint’s closure.
Havana’s Streets Explode: “Down with Communism!” as Blackouts Ignite Freedom Protests
The dominoes are falling. On March 8, 2026, Cuban citizens flooded colonial streets in Havana on scooters and bicycles, chanting “¡Abajo el comunismo!” and “¡Libertad! ¡Libertad!” while banging pots in defiance. Video footage shows hundreds strong, fed up after more than 60 hours—some reports say over 100—of crippling blackouts that have plunged much of the island into darkness.
This is no isolated gripe. Chronic power failures, fuel shortages worsened by tightened U.S. restrictions under President Trump, empty shelves, and decades of Marxist misery have finally snapped the people’s patience. The regime blames sanctions, but Cubans know the real culprit: a failed socialist system that starves its own while clinging to power.
The spark in Havana could light fires across the region. With Venezuela already wobbling and leftist strongholds feeling the heat, freedom is spreading faster than the regime can suppress it. The Cuban people are done waiting. The end of communism in the Americas may be closer than ever.
Breaking News : North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Congratulates Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Vows Continued Defiance Against Israel
In a bold show of solidarity amid escalating Middle East tensions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has officially congratulated Ay∆tollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Kh∆menei on his selection as Iran’s third Supreme Leader. Kim praised the late Ay∆tollah ∆li Kh∆menei’s legacy and expressed strong confidence that Mojtaba will carry forward the fight to “humiliate Israel and break its arrogance,” just as his father did.
This message underscores the deepening alliance between Pyongyang and Tehran often referred to as part of the broader “axis of resistance”as Iran navigates its ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States following the recent ass∆ssination of the former Supreme Leader.
The statement from Kim Jong Un has been widely reported across social media platforms and international outlets, reflecting fast-moving geopolitical developments in the region.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Kuwait have requested to buy thousands of drones from Ukraine’s TAF Industries.
According to reports, Qatar submitted a request for 2,000 drones while the UAE submitted a request for 5,000 drones. Additionally, Kuwait also showed an interest in buying interceptor drones from Ukraine.
Ukrainian drones are now considered some of the most “battle-proven” military technologies globally, fundamentally reshaping modern warfare through high-volume, low-cost operations.
As of March 2026, Ukraine has evolved from a recipient of aid to a primary exporter of drone expertise and hardware, with several nations seeking its technology to counter similar threats.
Arab Allies Draw the Line: Egypt and Jordan Block US Access for Strikes on Iran
Egypt and Jordan are refusing to let the United States use their territory, airspace, or bases for military operations against Iran. The move comes amid the ongoing US-Israel war with Tehran and fears of direct Iranian retaliation.
Jordan has repeatedly stressed it will not serve as a launchpad for attacks, prioritizing national sovereignty and citizen safety even as American aircraft mass at bases like Muwaffaq Salti.
Egypt, free of foreign military installations, has stayed largely unscathed by Iranian strikes so far and appears determined to keep it that way.
Democrats Hijack Jesse Jackson’s Funeral, Ignore Family Pleas to Keep Politics Out and Turn It Into Anti-Trump Tirade
The Rev. Jesse Jackson deserved a dignified farewell honoring his lifelong fight for civil rights and justice. Instead, Democrats turned his March 6, 2026, memorial service in Chicago into a partisan spectacle, directly defying the explicit request from his own family.
Jesse Jackson Jr. made it crystal clear before the service: leave politics at the door. “Do not bring your politics out of respect to Rev. Jesse Jackson and the life that he lived,” he said publicly, welcoming people from all sides—Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative—because his father’s legacy was broad enough to unite Americans. The family wanted a celebration of faith, service, and unity, not a campaign rally.
But Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, and Kamala Harris ignored that plea. They used the pulpit to lecture on democracy’s “assaults,” hint cruel leaders were reaping rewards, and lament the current political climate under President Trump—without naming him directly in some cases, but the target was obvious. Obama warned of “cruelty and corruption,” Biden and Clinton echoed calls to action that sounded more like midterm stump speeches, and Harris noted it was hard to believe Jackson wasn’t around to help America “get through” Trump’s presidency.
Even Jesse Jackson Jr. later fired back, saying he listened for hours to “three United States presidents who did not know Jesse Jackson.” The family felt the speakers exploited the moment for their own agenda rather than truly honoring the man they claimed to revere.
Adding insult to injury, Jesse Jackson had a history of pragmatic respect with Donald Trump. The two worked together on real issues like economic revival in Harlem decades ago—mutual acknowledgment across party lines when it served the community. Yet Democrats couldn’t resist dragging Trump into a homegoing service, turning grief into grievance.
A viral video from a frustrated Black American woman captured the raw outrage many feel: “You damn Democrats f*cked over Jesse Jackson funeral, made it about you, and tried to insult Trump while standing over his body. That’s low. That’s disrespectful. That’s why people are walkin away from y’all. Black folks see it now. We tired.”
She went on to blast the hypocrisy: Obama acting like Jesse’s best friend, Biden mumbling, Clinton smiling like it was a campaign stop, Harris told to sit down. “Y’all didn’t even know him like that,” she said, echoing Jackson Jr.’s point. “Jesse fought for justice, for poor people, for everybody. He didn’t hate Trump—he worked with folks across the aisle when it made sense. But y’all turned his goodbye into a hate fest. Shame on you.”
This wasn’t mourning; it was manipulation. Democrats showed up for the cameras, used a civil rights icon’s death to score political points, then vanished until the next election cycle.
The disrespect to the Jackson family and to Rev. Jackson’s actual legacy is glaring. Black Americans—and all Americans—deserve better than to have a funeral weaponized for partisan attacks.
Rest in peace, Reverend Jackson. You earned a tribute of genuine respect, not this circus.
Hollywood Elite Parades 17-Year-Old Trans “Daughter” at Balenciaga Show
Naomi Watts turned heads at Paris Fashion Week this weekend—not for her own red-carpet presence, but for proudly posing with her 17-year-old transgender child, Kai Schreiber, at the Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2026 presentation.
The pair coordinated in sleek black outfits as they arrived for the high-profile event, with Kai—born male and publicly identifying as a girl since last year—drawing attention as a rising model in elite fashion circles.
This latest appearance follows Kai’s runway debut last year and steady push into the industry, fueled by celebrity parents Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, who have voiced unwavering support for the transition.
Critics see it as another example of Hollywood normalizing experimental gender ideology on minors, turning a child’s identity into a fashionable accessory for the cameras.
https://youtu.be/pQ58La-RuEM?si=ZKYnLPfrYuViMcmq
While the mainstream press gushes over the “stunning” mother-daughter moment, many Americans view it as troubling evidence of how the entertainment world exploits vulnerable youth in pursuit of progressive clout.
Sweden’s central bank recommends keeping cash at home
Sweden’s Riksbank now advises adults to keep roughly 1,000 kronor (about $110) in cash per person at home.
The March 4, 2026 guideline is meant to cover essentials like food and medicine for about one week if digital payments collapse from outages or cyberattacks.
The bank calls the amount a practical starting point—adjustable by household—and suggests mixed denominations plus backup cards and Swish.
With cash use below 1% of transactions, the recommendation underscores rising concern over total dependence on electronic systems. Details are in the upcoming Payments Report 2026.
Trump’s Daily Discipline: Shining Shoes and Character for Over 60 Years
Donald Trump, billionaire and President, still polishes his own shoes every single morning. No staff. No assistants. Just him, the polish, and the brush.
This habit goes back over six decades to a lesson from his father, Fred Trump: A man shines his own shoes. It builds character. The day you’re too important for the small tasks is the day you’ve lost your discipline.
Even in the White House, when aides offered to handle it, Trump refused. He sits down before meetings and briefings to do it himself—a quiet reminder that real success never means outgrowing basic responsibility.
True character shows up in the routines nobody sees. For more than 60 years, Trump has kept this promise to his father and proved that humility and hard work endure no matter the height you reach.
In a world full of shortcuts, one man’s daily polish stands as proof: greatness starts with the little things done right, day after day.
U.S. Soldier Dies of Medical Emergency in Kuwait, Unrelated to Iranian Attack
A New York Army National Guard major and NYPD officer died March 6 at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, from a non-hostile medical emergency.
CENTCOM confirmed the death of Maj. Sorffly Davius on March 8. The cause remains under investigation. Officials stressed the incident had no connection to the Iranian missile strike four days earlier that killed six American service members at the same base.
Davius was assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division. The National Guard Bureau said support is being provided to his family and unit.
The loss adds to the mounting toll on U.S. forces in the region amid heightened tensions with Iran.
BREAKING: SON OF THE AYATOLLAH TAKES POWER! Mojtaba Khamenei Becomes Iran’s New Supreme Leader
Iran has entered a dramatic new era after reports that Mojtaba Khamenei has been appointed as the country’s new Supreme Leader, succeeding his father Ali Khamenei.
The powerful clerical body known as the Assembly of Experts reportedly backed the 56-year-old hard-line cleric to lead the Islamic Republic, placing him at the top of Iran’s political and military command structure.
Observers say Mojtaba is widely viewed as even more radical and fiercely anti-U.S. than his father, raising fears of a tougher stance toward the United States and its allies.
The succession comes amid intense turmoil. Reports say Mojtaba lost close family members including his mother, wife, and one of his sons during strikes targeting his father.
With Iran already locked in a widening regional conflict, analysts warn the rise of the younger Khamenei could mark a far more confrontational chapter in Middle East politics. Bold truth
Iranian Women’s Football Team Faces Regime Wrath After Silent Anthem Protest
Iran’s women’s national football team delivered a powerful act of defiance at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, standing in complete silence during the national anthem before their opening match against South Korea on March 2, 2026. The gesture, widely seen as protest against the Islamic Republic amid regional conflict, drew immediate backlash from regime loyalists.
State television branded the players “wartime traitors” and vowed severe punishment—including potential imprisonment or execution—upon their return home. Reports indicate the team later complied by singing and saluting the anthem before subsequent games, likely under duress through threats to their families and intense monitoring by security personnel.
In a chilling scene after their final group match on the Gold Coast, players signaled “HELP” in sign language from inside their bus as expatriate Iranians attempted to intervene. Australian security prevented any contact, leaving the athletes isolated and vulnerable.
With credible fears of persecution, torture, or worse if forced back to Iran, calls are mounting for Australian authorities to grant protection or asylum. These brave women risked everything for a moment of resistance—now the free world must not abandon them to tyranny.
Breaking News : Ukraine to Deploy Military Drone Experts to Gulf States to Counter Iranian Shahed Threat
Ukraine will send military specialists to several Gulf states to help them counter the growing threat posed by Iranian-designed Shahed attack drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian military experts will travel to the region in the near future to share Ukraine’s battlefield experience in defending against Shahed-type loitering munitions. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, these drones have been widely used in strikes against Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure, and military targets.
Ukraine has spent years developing effective methods to detect, track, and destroy these drones. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces have built a layered counter-drone defense that combines electronic warfare systems, mobile air defense units, and interceptor drones specifically designed to hunt incoming UAVs.
Kyiv believes that the experience gained during the war has given Ukraine unique expertise in dealing with Iranian-designed drones. Zelenskyy said this knowledge can now help countries in the Gulf region strengthen their defenses against similar threats.
The Ukrainian president noted that cooperation with Gulf partners will focus on practical assistance, including training local forces, sharing operational tactics, and helping develop more effective defense systems against low-cost loitering munitions such as the Shahed drone family.
Shahed drones have become a major security concern due to their relatively low cost, long range, and ability to overwhelm traditional air defense systems when used in large numbers.
Ukraine’s planned deployment of military experts reflects Kyiv’s effort to turn its wartime experience into valuable defense cooperation with international partners that are increasingly facing the same drone threat.
Iranian Exiles Ride Through Frankfurt in Show of Defiance
Dozens of Iranian expatriates roared through Frankfurt on motorcycles today, March 7, 2026, waving the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag alongside American and Israeli banners.
The convoy made a clear statement: they stand firmly behind the recent U.S.-Israeli strikes that targeted the Islamic Republic’s leadership and military sites.
The riders, many vocal supporters of the exiled monarchy, turned city streets into a rolling protest against the regime that has ruled Iran since 1979. Their message was unmistakable—freedom for Iran, gratitude for decisive action from Washington and Jerusalem, and rejection of the mullahs’ grip.
This display comes amid escalating conflict and echoes similar celebrations by Iranian communities in cities across Europe and North America. For these exiles, the old flag symbolizes a lost era worth reclaiming, not the theocracy they fled.
The regime’s days may be numbered, and its opponents abroad are not staying silent.
BREAKING: Iran’s Power Shift: Araghchi Pledges Loyalty to Mojtaba Khamenei as New Supreme Leader
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly sworn allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was named the country’s new Supreme Leader on March 8, 2026.
The move comes just days after Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli airstrikes that ignited the ongoing war. Araghchi’s pledge—shared directly from his official account—emphasizes unwavering commitment to defend Iran’s sovereignty, national interests, and revolutionary goals, vowing the regime will not falter.
Parallel oaths poured in from the IRGC, armed forces, and internal security forces, signaling rapid consolidation behind the hardline dynastic succession amid escalating attacks and foreign pressure.
The transition locks in continuity of clerical-military rule even as the conflict rages, with Mojtaba Khamenei stepping into the role of spiritual guide, commander-in-chief, and ultimate authority at a moment of existential threat.
Iran’s Women’s Football Team Pleads for Help in Desperate Sign-Language Signal
In a chilling scene outside a Gold Coast stadium, members of Iran’s women’s national football team signaled “HELP” in sign language from bus windows as they prepared to depart Australia. The desperate gesture followed their refusal to sing the national anthem during an AFC Women’s Asian Cup match, an act that drew immediate condemnation from Iranian state television.
Regime media branded the players “unforgivable wartime traitors” and vowed severe punishment upon their return, raising fears of imprisonment, torture, or execution under Iran’s harsh laws for perceived disloyalty amid ongoing regional conflict.
Iranian-Australian supporters gathered to chant against the regime and urged the team to stay, briefly blocking the bus in an attempt to prevent their forced departure. Australian security intervened, allowing the vehicle to leave.
The incident underscores the regime’s tight control over its athletes, even abroad, and the real risks these women face for a simple gesture of defiance. Calls are mounting for Australia to grant protection or asylum, ensuring these courageous athletes are not sent back to almost certain peril.
