Kenyans are set to vote in a presidential election marked by a shift from ethnic to class-based politics. Raila Odinga, a long-time candidate from the Luo tribe, faces off against Deputy President William Ruto, who promotes a populist, bottom-up economic approach. The election is notable for the absence of a Kikuyu candidate, a first in Kenya's history. Both candidates have questioned the integrity of the electoral process, raising concerns about potential post-election violence. The 2017 election saw significant unrest, and similar fears loom over this election.

The Ukrainian military collaborates with international fighters, including the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), a group of Russian dissidents with controversial white nationalist and neo-Nazi affiliations. The RVC gained attention for cross-border raids into Russia, challenging Russian forces and inspiring more recruits. Despite their extreme politics, the Ukrainian military values their support, raising questions about the alliance's implications. Ukrainian intelligence emphasizes compliance with democratic laws, while the RVC's actions complicate the narrative of Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.

Eastern Africa is experiencing its worst drought in decades, severely affecting landscapes, livestock, and human populations, particularly in Northern Kenya. The drought, driven by climate change, has led to civil strife among shepherding communities and increased violence due to the prevalence of automatic weapons. The United Nations reports that over 26 million people in East Africa are struggling to find food, with nearly half-a-million children in Northern Kenya acutely malnourished. Kenyan Vice President William Ruto calls for greater action from Western nations to address climate change, while the International Panel on Climate Change warns of more severe droughts and conflicts if emissions are not significantly reduced.

Eastern Germany, particularly Saxony, exhibits significant pro-Russian sentiment, influenced by historical ties and current political movements like the Free Saxons and the AfD. Russian President Vladimir Putin's influence remains strong, with many locals viewing NATO and the U.S. negatively. Russian disinformation campaigns have found fertile ground, appealing to both far-right and far-left elements. The rise of the AfD and other right-wing groups poses potential shifts in Germany's political landscape, with implications for its stance on Russia and NATO.

Ukrainian intelligence is utilizing social media and open-source technology to gather information on Russian military positions and conduct effective strikes. Molfar, a Ukrainian company, has been able to pinpoint enemy locations by analyzing online posts, such as a video from the Pyatnashka Brigade's anniversary celebration on Telegram. Using clues from various media, they located a Russian base in Donetsk, which was later targeted by Ukrainian forces. The Russian Ministry of Defense has since limited journalists' access to sensitive areas, but Molfar continues to extract actionable intelligence from Russian soldiers' social media posts.

In Iraq, gender inequality is pervasive, with women facing significant disempowerment and high rates of illiteracy and unemployment compared to men. Cultural expectations pressure women to marry young and be obedient, often leading to domestic violence and other forms of mistreatment. Despite these challenges, a courageous minority of women are fighting against the entrenched patriarchy to promote women's empowerment.

The recent Iraqi elections, marked by a record-low turnout, resulted in significant losses for pro-Iranian Shiite parties, particularly the Fatah Alliance, while the movement led by Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr emerged as the biggest winner. Pro-Iran factions, including the Hezbollah Brigades, denounced the election results as fraudulent. The US and EU called for addressing any irregularities through proper channels. The elections were advanced to address demands from a youth-led protest movement against corruption and Iranian influence. The political future of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi remains uncertain amid ongoing factional negotiations.

Iraq's parliamentary election saw a notably low voter turnout, with only 19% of eligible voters participating by midday. The election, held under a new law to support independent candidates, was marked by widespread disillusionment and boycotts, particularly from those affected by the 2019 protests. The Sadrist Movement, led by Moqtada al-Sadr, is expected to emerge as the largest faction, though this is unlikely to significantly alter Iraq's political landscape. The election results are anticipated to lead to prolonged negotiations for government formation. Despite the low turnout, some Iraqis remain hopeful for change.

Candidates linked to militias are playing a significant role in Iraq's October 10 legislative elections by forming political parties like the Rights Movement, led by former Hezbollah Brigades spokesman Hussein Moanes. Critics argue that these candidates have an unfair advantage and hinder necessary reforms. Independent candidates face significant challenges due to the influence of armed groups, making it a matter of life and death, according to journalist Saif Ali.

Child labor has increased globally for the first time in 20 years, affecting 160 million children in 2020, an increase of 8.4 million since 2016. The COVID-19 crisis and rising poverty are significant factors. In Iraq, the number of children forced to work has been rising due to conflicts, forced displacements, and economic challenges. Correspondents Lucile Wassermann and Jack Hewson report on efforts to combat this issue.

US air strikes on pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria have led to significant mourning and protests among Iraqi paramilitary groups. The strikes, which targeted operational and weapons storage facilities, resulted in casualties and heightened tensions between the US and Iran. High-ranking commanders of the Hashed, a powerful Iraqi paramilitary group, participated in symbolic funerals, calling for the withdrawal of American troops. The Pentagon justified the strikes as a response to drone attacks on US interests, while Iraq's Prime Minister condemned them as a violation of sovereignty. The situation underscores the fragile state of US-Iran relations and the ongoing instability in the region.

A Turkish drone attack targeted a Kurdish refugee camp in northern Iraq, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and conflict in the region, with the Turkish military being implicated in the strike. Reporting from Baghdad, Jack Hewson provides details on the attack and its immediate consequences.

A Turkish drone strike targeted a kindergarten in a Kurdish refugee camp in northern Iraq, killing three civilians and wounding two. The camp, supported by the UN, houses Kurdish refugees from Turkey. Turkish President Erdogan compared the camp to the PKK's bases in the Mount Qandil region, emphasizing its importance in combating terrorism. The attack followed clashes between Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga fighters and the PKK, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region. The PKK criticized the peshmerga's actions, while the Kurdish government called for respect for regional borders. The federal government in Baghdad condemned Turkey's repeated incursions.

Two Iraqis were killed and 28 others were injured in clashes as thousands protested in Baghdad, demanding justice for a series of deadly attacks on pro-democracy activists and journalists.

The looting of artefacts in Iraq has surged since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with fewer tourists and foreign archaeologists visiting historical sites, leaving them unguarded and vulnerable to looters. FRANCE 24's correspondents in Iraq highlight the challenges faced in combating this illicit trade.

Turkish bombings in northern Iraq target the PKK, which is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and the EU. The military campaign, dubbed 'Operation Tiger Claw', has been justified by Turkey due to 'repeated attacks' from the PKK. However, this intervention has not only angered Baghdad but also exacerbated divisions among Kurdish movements in the region.

Since 2014, US troops have supported Iraqi forces against the Islamic State group. The assassination of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani by a US drone strike has escalated tensions, with unclear consequences. The cooperation between the international coalition and Iraqi forces may be affected.

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck Aceh, Indonesia, resulting in at least 102 deaths and significant infrastructure damage. The quake's epicenter was near Pidie Jaya, with aftershocks felt in the region. President Joko Widodo has dispatched his chief of staff to oversee rescue efforts, and the military has deployed troops to assist. Relief workers face challenges due to inadequate medical staff, and casualties are being transported to neighboring districts. Plan International is coordinating with agencies and is prepared to distribute emergency supplies. The ASEAN has not requested international assistance but recommends disaster response teams remain on standby. The event recalls the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that devastated Aceh, highlighting the region's vulnerability due to its location on the 'Ring of Fire.'

East Asia's economic growth has been bolstered by reduced trade barriers and strengthened rule of law, yet legal services remain highly regulated. Despite this, the Asia-Pacific legal market is projected to grow significantly. Foreign law firms face challenges in entering multiple markets due to protectionist regulations, particularly in China and several ASEAN countries. Strategic partnerships between international and local firms, such as those by Mayer Brown JSM and Rajah & Tann, are common strategies to navigate these restrictions. Innovative business models, like Zico Law's corporate structure, are emerging to facilitate expansion. The rise of technology and competition from accounting firms offering legal services are also reshaping the legal landscape.

Piracy incidents in Southeast Asia have increased, with 13 hijackings in 2014, up from two in the previous year. The region accounts for three-quarters of global piracy incidents. Unlike Somali pirates, Southeast Asian pirates focus on siphoning fuel from small tankers, often with the involvement of organized crime networks. The International Maritime Bureau notes a continuation of this trend into 2015. Industry figures, such as ReCAAP, suggest improved reporting makes the situation seem worse than it is, while others criticize this as downplaying the threat. Anti-piracy measures are being considered, and insurance industry concerns may lead to higher premiums due to the risks.

Rodrigo Gularte, a mentally ill Brazilian sentenced to death for drug trafficking in Indonesia, faces imminent execution despite his deteriorating mental health. His family and the Brazilian embassy have sought to spare his life, but new Indonesian President Joko Widodo has prioritized executing drug convicts, particularly foreigners. Rights advocates criticize Indonesia's legal system and Jokowi's motivations, suggesting political rather than legal reasons for the executions. The article underscores the broader implications of Indonesia's death penalty policy and the potential miscarriage of justice in Gularte's case.

In Jember, Indonesia, conservative views on Valentine's Day and premarital sex are causing controversy. Local legislator Mufti Ali advocates for banning Valentine's Day and implementing virginity tests for schoolgirls, citing moral concerns. The Council of Ulema (MUI) also opposes Valentine's Day, warning against its potential to encourage premarital sex. Despite these conservative stances, surveys indicate that premarital sex is common among Indonesian teenagers. Columnist Julia Suryakusuma criticizes the conservative views as inconsistent with Indonesia's traditionally open sexual customs. Young progressives like Sitta Qarnayni argue for personal freedom and responsibility in matters of love and sex, highlighting the cultural diversity within Indonesia.

Jakarta is facing severe subsidence issues, with parts of the city sinking up to 17cm a year, threatening the homes of 4.5 million people. In response, Indonesia has initiated the $40bn 'giant seawall' project, or National Capital Integrated Coastal Development (NCICD), which includes a 25km dyke and 17 man-made islands. Despite the project's aim to prevent inundation and provide a freshwater reservoir, it has been criticized for potentially displacing fishermen and failing to address the root causes of pollution and water supply. The NCICD's success is uncertain, with concerns about its ability to stop land subsidence and the impact on seasonal flooding. The project's long-term viability is also in question, with an expected protective lifespan only until 2080 unless subsidence is halted.

In Indonesia, Shia Muslim and interfaith representative Emilia Az faces threats from hardline Sunni elements, exacerbated by the rise of the Islamic State (IS). With Indonesian jihadists joining IS and concerns over returning fighters, the country's counter-terrorist forces are on alert. Jemaah Islamayah's leader pledged allegiance to IS, and security was increased at Borobodur temple following threats. Malaysia also arrested individuals linked to IS, including those planning to join the group and attack a brewery. Both countries have seen a conservative shift in Sunni Islam, influenced by Wahhabism. Indonesia's moderate stance is maintained by the principles of Pancasila, while Malaysia's intertwining of Malay identity with Islam has led to a more rigid doctrine. The situation raises concerns about the potential for violence and the stability of interfaith relations in the region.