Asia Jordan Increase in container traffic at the Aqaba Container Terminal during the past month, despite regional tensions, reflects Jordan’s growing logistical role in the region with flexible supply chains at Aqaba Port becoming a secure, stable alternative route
Asia Afghanistan The Taliban celebrated the 3rd anniversary of their seizure of power with a ceremony in Bagram, where there was the former American military base; the country follows the Persian calendar and celebrates the date 14/08 instead of 15/08, day of the seizure
Africa Tunisia The traditional demonstration on 13 August to celebrate Tunisia's National Women's Day turned into a show of anger and discontent at the ongoing violations of women's rights and restrictions on freedoms
Europe Luxembourg Most motorists caught exceeding the speed limit by the cameras installed between a series of tunnels just north of the capital incurred minimal fines; number of serious accidents did not change with the arrival of the controls
Europe Kosovo NATO-led peacekeepers in Kosovo issued a stern warning urging all parties to avoid unilateral actions that could escalate tensions amidst growing controversy over the reopening of the main bridge in the divided city of Mitrovica
Africa Senegal Taking up the issue of the use of the Islamic headscarf in French-speaking schools, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko relaunched a sensitive debate, advocating the inclusion of Arab students who face difficulties integrating into the mainstream curriculum
Europe Slovakia Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Bratislava to protest against the actions of the government, sounding an alarm on culture, criticising staff changes in cultural institutions and expressing their concerns about the rule of law
Oceania Samoa A proposal was made to set up a Drug Control Council, with the task of monitoring drugs entering national borders, with particular attention to ingredients used in the production of illicit drugs
Oceania Micronesia The country is seeking to expand its tuna industry by securing greater access to the international market and reforming its foreign investment policies
Asia Sri Lanka A programme to conserve 30% of the country's land and ocean by 2030 has been launched by the government, with the aim of attracting $1,5 billion in green investments between 2025 and 2030
Europe Netherlands A Dutch study suggested testing saliva instead of blood to determine the severity of a respiratory infection in children who suffer from it regularly
America Saint Lucia Bank of Saint Lucia announced the launch of its enhanced HomeSuite mortgage products, designed to better meet the needs of prospective and current homeowners with a customised pathway
Africa Egypt Nature Conservation Egypt, an NGO, is launching a major project to protect thousands of migratory birds from threats posed by power lines in the Gulf of Suez
Asia Singapore Eligible Singaporeans will receive between US$200 and USD 400 next month as part of measures to help them cope with cost-of-living increase