France has long been a pillar of European stability — a heavyweight in EU diplomacy, defense, and regional ambition. But recent elections and subsequent political upheavals in Paris now threaten to rattle that foundation. What looks like a domestic storm may be the prelude to a continental tremor.

A Parliament Without Anchors

In 2024, President Emmanuel Macron called a snap legislative election after poor showings in European Parliament elections. The result was a hung National Assembly: no clear majority, three competing blocs, and a poisonous fog of uncertainty. 

Macron’s centrist “Ensemble” coalition was weakened. To their left, a newly consolidated left-wing alliance gained traction. To their right, the National Rally (RN)—Marine Le Pen’s party—surged. Because France’s political culture is historically averse to coalitions of necessity, the specter of gridlock loomed large. 

Since then, governments have risen and fallen, budgets have dangled in limbo, and Prime Ministers have come and gone. The political system, already worn by crises over pension reform, public debt, and social discontent, now faces an existential test.

Why It’s Earthquaking for Europe

This isn’t mere French drama. The reverberations reach across Europe. Here’s how:

1. Strategic paralysis in Brussels

France’s role in the EU is not symbolic—it’s operational. Paris often leads or co-leads major European projects: defense initiatives, industrial policy, climate leadership. With a weakened French government, many joint Franco-German or cross-EU projects risk going soft or stalling. 

When France cannot commit credibly, its partners may hedge, shift alliances, or slow down ambitious EU integration. A Europe without an active France is a Europe that may tip toward drift rather than direction.

2. The populist tailwind

The rise of the RN is symptomatic of a broader European trend: populist, nationalist, anti-establishment forces gaining ground across many EU states. If France succumbs to an assertive RN-led government (or even tolerates RN influence), it could embolden similar moves elsewhere. Suddenly, what was fringe becomes plausible.

3. Budget, debt, and EU fiscal rules

France’s finances were shaky before the elections. High public spending, the cost of COVID-19, and energy shocks pushed debt to dangerous levels. The European Commission has already warned France about excessive deficits. 

Now that Paris is unstable, its ability to meet EU fiscal discipline (3 % deficit limit, debt rules, etc.) is compromised. Brussels may demand austerity. But domestically, pushing austerity in unstable times is politically explosive. The tug-of-war between Brussels and Paris may escalate.

4. The credibility crisis in European foreign policy

Europe faces an array of external pressures—Russia’s war in Ukraine, tensions with China, transatlantic uncertainties. In many of these arenas, Europe looks to France as a military and diplomatic heavyweight (nuclear force, permanent UN Security Council member, defense policy). If Paris is consumed by internal strife, Europe’s external hand weakens. 

What’s Next? Paths & Pitfalls

Here are a few possible trajectories:

Continued instability: More short-lived governments, repeated no-confidence votes, delays in passing budgets.

Compromise coalition: A fragile grand bargain between centrists, parts of the left, or moderate conservatives to restore functionality.

Populist breakthrough: If the RN or its allies manage to exert influence (in government or via alliances), France might tilt strongly toward nationalist postures.

Institutional reform: A crisis of this magnitude could force constitutional or structural changes in how French politics works (more coalition norms, new checks, shifts in the presidency-parliament balance).

Each pathway has ripple effects for Europe: for integration, for fiscal rules, for defense, and for ideological trajectories.

A Moment of Reckoning

Calling France’s election “a political earthquake” is not hyperbole. What began as a domestic contest has exposed structural frailties in one of Europe’s anchor states. The stakes are not only which party or coalition rules in Paris, but whether Europe can still count on France as a reliable partner.

Over the coming months and years, watchers will be asking:

Can France stabilize sufficiently to be a steady force again?

Will populism go from opposition voice to governing force?

Will Europe adapt to a weakened France, or will its project weaken too?

A Historic Shift in London

In a move that could reshape debates over the Middle East peace process, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has formally announced that the United Kingdom now recognises the State of Palestine. The decision aligns London with Canada and Australia, who recently made similar declarations, and signals a collective push to breathe life into the long-stalled vision of a two-state solution.

Why Now?

The UK government has described its decision as part of a wider effort to encourage meaningful negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. By granting recognition, London is attempting to underscore the principle that both peoples have a right to self-determination and statehood.
Yet timing is crucial. This recognition comes amid heightened tensions in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as growing international frustration at the lack of progress in peace talks.

Mixed Reactions

• Supporters: Advocates of Palestinian statehood have celebrated the move as overdue recognition of Palestinian rights and a much-needed boost to the diplomatic standing of the Palestinian Authority.

• Critics: The United States and Israel have criticised the decision, warning that recognition outside a negotiated settlement risks complicating future talks. Israeli officials argue that such moves embolden one side while undermining trust in direct negotiations.

Global Implications

With three influential Western democracies—UK, Canada, and Australia—taking the step almost in unison, the political message is hard to ignore. It reflects a shift in international opinion, where support for a two-state framework is seen as the only viable path to long-term peace, even as on-the-ground realities grow more complex.

The move also places fresh pressure on Washington, which has traditionally been the main broker in Middle East peace efforts but has resisted unilateral recognition.

Looking Ahead

The recognition of Palestine by the UK is more symbolic than practical in the short term—it does not change borders, halt violence, or immediately create a functioning Palestinian state. However, symbols matter in diplomacy. This recognition strengthens Palestinian claims to legitimacy on the world stage and adds momentum to calls for renewed negotiations.

Whether this bold diplomatic step will push the peace process forward or further polarise the parties remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the United Kingdom has now placed itself firmly in the camp of those insisting that Palestinian statehood must be part of the global conversation, not a distant dream.

UK recognises Palestinian statehood, Starmer announces by Guardian News on YouTube

Introduction

On September 17, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a strategic mutual defense agreement, officially called the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA), stating that any aggression against one country would be considered aggression against the other.

This agreement comes in the context of geopolitical changes in the Middle East and Asia, with regional concerns about rising tensions and declining trust in traditional security guarantees—whether from the United States or others.

While the political weight of this event is enormous, smaller but intriguing details—such as the presence of a MoltyFoam back-support cushion in the signing scene—reflect how local brands can seize high-visibility moments and insert themselves into a broader narrative connected to power, symbolism, and exposure.

Background: The Pakistan-Saudi Defense Agreement

Military cooperation between the two countries is not new; it dates back to the 1960s, when Pakistan assisted Saudi Arabia with training, military consulting, expert exchanges, and security infrastructure support.

The new agreement represents an upgrade of this cooperation—from being somewhat informal to becoming a formal, strong relationship of mutual defense. It reflects changes in the regional security environment and a desire to enhance joint deterrence capabilities.

One of the controversial aspects concerns the so-called “nuclear umbrella,” or the suggestion that Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities could be used to defend Saudi Arabia if needed. This raises significant legal and strategic questions.

MoltyFoam: A Historical and Business Snapshot

Foundation and Origins: MoltyFoam is a brand under the Master Group of Industries, which entered the foam mattress and comfort products market in 1963 through a technical collaboration with Germany’s Bayer.

Innovation and Growth: Since its founding, MoltyFoam has driven technical innovation (memory foam, comfort-enhancing technologies, luxury sub-brands such as Celeste) while maintaining a commitment to high quality.

Market Position: MoltyFoam is considered a market leader in Pakistan for mattresses and sleep products, enjoying high consumer trust. Its slogan, “The Best Foam Mattress in Pakistan since 1963”, reflects its desire to be associated with reliability, comfort, and premium quality.

MoltyFoam’s Appearance at the Political Event: Why It Matters

Economic Value of Visibility: When a local brand is present in a high-profile diplomatic moment, it gains immense visibility. The back-support cushion was not merely a piece of furniture but a visual element that can be leveraged to highlight the brand’s values (comfort, support, quality) in a powerful and symbolic context.

Intersection of Politics and Marketing: Major political events offer brands opportunities to capture public attention. For local companies that often seek consumer loyalty, visibility in a national or international context adds credibility and recognition.

Timing and Symbolism: At the moment of announcing a mutual defense pact, the presence of something as simple as a support cushion serves as a subtle reminder: comfort and support are not only physical but also symbolic—“we care about the details, even in high politics.”

Analysis of Impacts and Implications

Geopolitical:
The agreement involves multiple dimensions: joint deterrence, military cooperation, sharing advanced defense capabilities, and possibly long-term contracts requiring interdependence in production, training, and intelligence.

Other countries in the region—such as India, Iran, and Israel—will closely watch how the agreement is implemented, as it could reshape alliances and regional security balances.

Commercial and Marketing:

Local brands benefit from “diplomatic” moments by appearing in media coverage, news, and official photos, giving them free publicity and greater visibility.

However, there is also risk: if a brand becomes associated with politically controversial contexts or divisive decisions, it could face criticism or reputational challenges.

Conclusion

This event illustrates that in today’s world, politics often intersects with production, and marketing becomes part of the narrative surrounding strategic news. The Pakistan-Saudi defense agreement is not only a security step but also a moment where national vision, politics, and economics intersect with everyday life details—like a back-support cushion.

MoltyFoam managed to capitalize on part of this moment without being at the center of it—yet still became part of the story. Recognizing these dynamics allows for a deeper understanding of how brands operate, how national identity is shaped, and how politics intertwines with daily life.

This person is not truly oblivious—on the contrary, they notice the fine details. But they choose to overlook them with wisdom. They understand that not every small matter deserves a reaction, and sometimes the best answer is a smile and silence.

Why Is It Social Intelligence?

The wise pretender preserves relationships by not magnifying small mistakes. 

They know when to ignore and when to intervene firmly, balancing softness and strength. 

They give others comfort, because people feel safe and unexposed around them. 

They protect themselves from envy and conflict by not revealing everything they know. 

How Can We Train Ourselves in This Art?

Widen your perspective: Before reacting, ask yourself if it’s worth it. 

Calm body language: Don’t betray yourself with angry expressions. 

Selective responses: Not everything needs a comment. 

Distinguish the trivial from the serious: Overlook slips, but don’t stay silent about injustice. 

Long memory: Ignore for now, but remember later. 

Sense of humor: Diffuse situations with lightheartedness. 

Smart silence: Sometimes silence speaks louder than words. 

Everyday Example  

At work: The boss makes a sarcastic remark, and the wise pretender smiles and carries on confidently. 

In the family: A relative repeats the same heavy joke, and it’s ignored rather than fought over. 

With friends: A heated debate is redirected toward coffee instead of conflict. 

In line: A queue jumper is corrected with a smile and polite words instead of a quarrel. 

Conclusion

The wise pretender is neither foolish nor weak; they are masters of themselves and of the situation.

Like a chess player, they distribute their moves with precision, knowing that mental energy should not be wasted on trivialities.

Through this art, they unite the sharpness of intellect with the gift of calm, earning both people’s respect and inner peace.

A recent episode stirred much buzz across Algerian social media: seven unaccompanied Algerian minors reached Spain on their own, landing on Ibiza after hijacking a boat from an Algerian port, fueling it themselves, and heading into the Mediterranean. They posted a video showing themselves in a reception center in (relatively) good health, which triggered fascination and admiration .

It’s critical to remember that this isn’t a heroic tale—it’s reckless. These are children risking their lives on dangerous sea crossings, exposed to drowning, trafficking, or exploitation.

Reports from NGOs document over 500 deaths in 2024 alone on the migration route from Algeria to Spain, making it the second deadliest migratory route after the Canary Islands route . Large numbers of unaccompanied minors continue to arrive irregularly on the Balearic or Canary Islands via unsafe journeys .

Such journeys should not be celebrated or glorified. If you’re driven by need or hope, seek legal, safe alternatives—education, employment, or institutional support. The path of illegal migration is a plunge into chaos—nothing to look up to, nothing to be proud of.

• Green Energy: US $10 billion pipeline in solar and wind projects.
• Smart Agribusiness: Joint funding by Afreximbank & Gulf funds for pan-African value chains.
• Made-in-Africa EVs: Unveiling the continent’s first electric car at the Casbah Pavilion.
• FinTech: Launch of a single digital-payments platform supporting local currencies.
• Creative Africa: 200 fashion and design houses showcasing Afro-futurist collections.

• Algiers Investment Forum (4 Sept): Heads-of-state summit on mega-projects.
• Digital Gateway Tour: Site visits to Algeria’s tier-IV data centers and smart-logistics hubs.
• 1000 Women Trailblazers: Live grants and mentorship for leading African women entrepreneurs.
• Smart Cities Expo: AI-driven prototypes for carbon-neutral urban living.

• Fast-Track Visa: Afreximbank invitation letter expedites entry.
• Tax Holiday: 5-year tax exemption for joint ventures in AfCFTA free zones.
• Concessional Credit: Up to US $20 million per JV at reduced interest rates.
• Seamless Connectivity: Direct flights from 40 cities; 17-minute high-speed rail from airport to venue.

1. Register free
2. Choose your booth (standard 9 m² or custom up to 500 m²).
3. Receive a smart QR code for instant access.
4. Pre-schedule B2B meetings via the official app.

Yemen announces the first-ever dinosaur discovery in Dhamar Governorate!

In a bizarre and unprecedented event on Yemeni soil, residents of the “Afq” area in Dhamar Governorate have found a small dinosaur preserved inside one of the local rocks. The creature’s body and even its skin were so well conserved that it has turned into a fossil over the ages.

Described as being the size of a cat, the dinosaur measures roughly 40 cm in length and 30 cm in height. Preliminary studies indicate it dates back to the Stone and Cretaceous periods. Scientists have not yet been able to determine its exact species, characteristics, or diet, making this the first discovery of its kind on the Arabian Peninsula.

Dr. Najib al-Salwi, Dean of Dhamar Community College, stressed that the find is significant because the carcass retained all its parts—including hair and skin—something never before encountered in the Arabian Peninsula.

Local residents say other large skulls and skeletal structures exist in the area, but they are keeping the precise locations secret to protect them from looting.

Here is the story of Dr. Ban Ziad Tareq, the Iraqi psychiatrist from Basra, whose death turned into a public opinion case:

Background and Incident

Ban Ziad Tareq was a psychiatrist who owned a clinic in Basra and was active on social media, where she provided medical and psychological advice, particularly for children.

In early August 2025, she was found dead inside her family’s home in Basra. Her family reported that she had committed suicide, pointing to a note in her handwriting on the bathroom door that read: “I want God.”

Dispute Over the Cause of Death: Suicide or Crime?

The Suicide Narrative (Official and Family Version)

Judicial authorities and forensic medicine confirmed that the evidence supported the suicide hypothesis. The handwriting of the note matched hers, and there were no fingerprints or signs of strangulation from another person.

The investigation was officially closed based on this evidence, and the Supreme Judicial Council issued a final ruling confirming that the death was a suicide.

Her mother, an educator, and her father spoke of her being under psychological pressure and rejected attempts to exploit the incident in the media.

The Doubts and Suspicion Narrative

On the other hand, doctors and community activists questioned the suicide hypothesis, citing medical findings: deep cuts on her hands reaching the bone, bruises on her neck and legs, and evidence that the security cameras had been disabled before the incident.

This contradiction caused shock and widespread anger among the public, sparking a wave of protests and criticism on social media, with hashtags such as:
#Ban_Ziad_is_not_suicide, #Dr_Ban_case, and #Ban_Ziad_the_murdered.

Public Outcry: Protests and Media Coverage

Baghdad’s Tahrir Square and Basra’s Corniche witnessed large protests involving doctors, lawyers, and human rights activists, demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the case.

Warnings emerged about politicizing the case and political pressure, while many human rights advocates and journalists demanded that the truth not be buried and that those responsible be held accountable—whether it was a crime or a true suicide.

Authorities’ Position and Investigations

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani formed a specialized investigative committee and personally followed up on the case in cooperation with the judiciary and the Ministry of Interior. Testimonies were heard, and the statements of the personal claimants were recorded.

After the investigations concluded, the Supreme Judicial Council officially announced that the death was a suicide and closed the case permanently, while leaving the family the option to turn to the judiciary if they faced harassment.

Legal expert Musadaq Adel explained that the decision was final, binding, and legally confirmed, and that those who cast doubt on the investigation could face legal action from the family or the public prosecutor.

Quick Summary

In short, the case of Dr. Ban has become a symbol of debate around women’s rights, the pressures faced by healthcare workers, justice pathways, and freedom of expression in Iraq. Despite the official closure of the case, public opinion continues to follow it closely, demanding real accountability if something was covered up or hidden.

A restored open carbon arc lamp from 1889 in operation, illuminating brilliantly as it did over a century ago—an engineering marvel of early electric lighting.

How It Worked

An open carbon arc lamp from 1889 operates by creating an intense electric arc between two exposed carbon rods in open air. When a high current flows through the rods, their tips heat up and vaporize, producing a dazzling white light.

As the rods gradually burned away, their distance had to be constantly adjusted—sometimes manually by the operator, but more often automatically by ingenious mechanisms such as clockwork gears or solenoids. This clever system ensured that the arc remained steady and the light continuous.

A Revolution in Public Lighting

Before the invention of practical incandescent bulbs, carbon arc lamps were the brightest artificial lights available. Their dazzling glow was powerful enough to illuminate city streets, large theaters, factories, and shipyards.

By the late 19th century, arc lamps were common in urban centers across Europe and America. They transformed public life, allowing people to gather and work long after sunset.

The Drawbacks

Despite their brilliance, carbon arc lamps had several disadvantages. They produced a harsh, almost blinding white light, and the constant hissing and crackling of the arc made them noisy. The exposed rods also emitted smoke and carbon dust, making them unsuitable for indoor use in homes.

Most importantly, the rods were consumed quickly, requiring frequent replacement—a task that demanded both time and precision.

Legacy and Engineering Marvel

Though they were eventually replaced by Edison’s incandescent bulb and later by modern lighting technologies, carbon arc lamps remain a symbol of engineering ingenuity. They were the first step toward mastering electric illumination on a large scale, paving the way for the bright cities we know today.

Today, restored carbon arc lamps, like the 1889 model shown here, remind us of an era when electricity itself was a wonder, and light was a marvel born from sparks.

  Conclusion
The carbon arc lamp may be a relic of the past, but its story is timeless. It represents human curiosity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of light—literally. Standing before a restored arc lamp today, one can almost feel the excitement of the 19th century, when nights first began to shine as brightly as days.

« Ce n’est pas le français qui rend la darija incompréhensible, c’est l’absence d’habitude »

1. Le vrai problème : un déséquilibre d’exposition

2. Le français, un bouc émissaire

• Ils restent minoritaires (souvent moins de 5 % du vocabulaire quotidien).
• La structure grammaticale reste arabo-berbère : conjugaisons, pronoms, syntaxe inchangées.
• Tous les dialectes arabes ont leurs emprunts : turc en Syrie, anglais dans le Golfe, berbère en Libye, copte en Haute-Égypte…

3. Comprendre, c’est s’exposer

Conclusion : construire un espace d’écoute réciproque