Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested that Indian agents were behind the killing of Canadian citizen and Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India denied the allegations, calling them absurd. The incident has strained relations between Canada and India, with Canada accusing India of violating its sovereignty and India accusing Canada of inaction against Khalistani extremists. The U.S., U.K., and Australia have shown restraint in their responses. The situation has political implications in both countries, which are approaching elections, and has sparked discussions about India's intelligence capabilities and its approach to security and counterterrorism.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government has introduced a bill that aims to ban individuals who enter the UK illegally from seeking asylum, detaining and deporting them to countries like Rwanda, and permanently barring them from entering the UK. The bill is criticized for making it nearly impossible for most to claim asylum in Britain, as there are no legal routes for entry to claim asylum. Activists and experts argue that the policy could embolden far-right and conservative politicians in Europe to adopt similar measures. The legislation has been condemned by various NGOs and international bodies, including the UN Refugee Agency, for breaching the 1951 Refugee Convention. Critics also point out the historical failure of similar offshoring policies and the lack of legal routes for asylum seekers, with the UK government's approach seen as a political strategy rather than a genuine effort to manage immigration.

The European Union, while criticizing Georgia for proposing a law requiring NGOs to register as foreign agents, is considering similar legislation. This has raised concerns among NGOs in Brussels, who fear the law could be abused by right-wing parties like those led by Orban in Hungary and Meloni in Italy. The EU's moral authority is questioned as it prepares to regulate NGOs, which activists argue could lead to hypocrisy and provide authoritarians with a pretext to target human-rights organizations. The EU's move follows the Qatargate scandal, where NGOs have been made the scapegoat for corruption involving politicians and Qatar. The European People’s Party has been accused of using the scandal to discredit NGOs and push a pro-industry agenda ahead of EU elections. NGOs argue they are self-regulating and transparent, and warn against disproportionate administrative burdens and the potential loss of anonymous donors.

The article discusses the harrowing experiences of a former Syrian detainee, referred to as No. 72, who was subjected to torture in the jails of Bashar Assad's regime. The Syrian government has recently admitted to the deaths of numerous detainees while in state custody. Journalist Anchal Vohra provides an account of No. 72's ordeal, shedding light on the broader issue of human rights abuses and torture in Syrian prisons. The story serves as a testament to the suffering endured by many prisoners and the grave human rights situation in the country.

The journalist in question has a notable background in covering various conflicts around the world, including in Kabul, Kashmir, Syria, and Palestine. Her work is characterized by a commitment to accountability, with her investigative reports gaining attention in legislative bodies such as the German and Indian parliaments. Despite the fast-paced nature of daily news, which she enjoys, she places a strong emphasis on securing exclusive stories that have the potential to make an impact.

The article discusses the internal rift within the Al-Assad family, which has ruled Syria for decades. It highlights the recent public dispute between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his cousin Rami Makhlouf over a $230 million back tax charge. Makhlouf's defiance is seen as a potential turning point for the regime's stability. The article recounts past family conflicts and suggests that the current economic crisis in Syria, exacerbated by sanctions, is causing unrest among the Alawite sect and the general population. It also touches on the ambitions of other family members and former regime loyalists, such as Ribal al-Assad and the Tlass family, to play a role in Syrian politics. The article concludes by suggesting that while Bashar al-Assad's grip on power may be weakening, Russia's influence over him is likely to increase.

In Lebanon's second-largest city, Tripoli, activists are providing discreet financial aid to middle-class families who are too ashamed to seek help amidst the country's economic crisis. The Lebanese lira has devalued by 60 percent, businesses have closed due to the pandemic, and poverty is widespread. Essential service providers are sharing information about indebted families with activists, who distribute cash donations from the diaspora. Hala Kabara and Fida Jundi Hajjeh of the Sanobel Aid organization highlight the plight of the middle class, which is now struggling to afford basic necessities. Economist Roy Badaro notes the middle class's loss of purchasing power. Lebanon's government is seeking a bailout from the IMF, but international aid is contingent on reforms. The lower-middle class and poor are in dire need, with some relying on soup kitchens. Protests continue as citizens lose faith in the government's ability to address the crisis.

The article discusses the journey of Mohammad Abu al-Saar, a Syrian mechanic turned rebel, who became a mercenary in Libya due to the financial hardships caused by the prolonged war in Syria. Initially fighting for political freedom, Saar is now a hired gun for Turkey, supporting the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya. The GNA, backed by Turkey and recognized by the UN, is in conflict with forces led by Khalifa Haftar, supported by Russia, the UAE, and Egypt. The article also covers the recruitment of Syrian rebels by both Turkey and Russia to fight in Libya, with Russia using Colonel Alexander Zorin to enlist former rebels with promises of high pay. However, the reality of lower wages and higher risks has disillusioned many recruits. The piece highlights the complexities of the Libyan conflict, the involvement of foreign mercenaries, and the exploitation of Syrian fighters by foreign powers.