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<h2>S-400 Air Defence System: France is working to restore a combat capability its air force allowed to lapse decades ago. The immediate challenge is how French Rafale fighters would locate and attack advanced enemy air defence systems, including Russia’s S-400, in a future war.</h2>The issue came up during a parliamentary hearing on October 14, when General Jérôme Bellanger, chief of staff of the French Air and Space Force, acknowledged that France had abandoned its ability to suppress enemy air defences. The country is now looking at a long-range version of its AASM guided weapon as an interim option, while its next-generation anti-radiation missile is expected to come much later.AASM stands for Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (a modular air-to-ground weapon). It is also known as th Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER).The debate involves a capability known in military terminology as the Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD). It involves identifying hostile radar and missile batteries, disrupting their operations and attacking them to create safer routes for friendly aircraft.<h2>France’s missing anti-radar missile</h2>The country’s earlier SEAD capability depended on the AS-37 Martel anti-radiation missile, which was used with Jaguar strike aircraft. The missile was withdrawn from service without a direct replacement and left the French Air and Space Force without a dedicated successor for this role.French defence publication Opex360 wrote on October 15 that Bellanger described the loss of the capability as something that had been “bêtement abandonnée” (foolishly abandoned). He called SEAD a “domaine clef de l’aviation de chasse” or an essential area of fighter aviation.The absence of a dedicated anti-radiation weapon can complicate operations against modern integrated air defence networks. These systems combine surveillance radars, command centres and surface-to-air missiles to detect, track and engage aircraft over large areas. The S-400 is one such system, with Russia deploying it as part of its long-range air defence network.France’s problem is therefore not simply a shortage of weapons with long reach. Pilots also need reliable information about enemy radar emissions, suitable targeting equipment and weapons that can strike from outside dangerous engagement zones.<h2>AASM XLR offers an interim option</h2>The French military is looking at the AASM XLR, a long-range version of the AASM guided weapon, to help address the shortfall. It is expected to have a range of around 140 kilometres and allow Rafale crews to attack selected ground targets from a greater distance.According to Opex360, large-scale production is not expected to begin before 2028. The weapon is aimed at serving as an interim measure until France’s next-generation Stratus RS anti-radiation missile becomes available.Using the AASM XLR against enemy air defence systems would also require suitable electronic intelligence and targeting equipment. French forces are looking at the ASTAC pod, which can collect information from radar emissions and help identify the location of emitters. The pod was previously used with Mirage F1 aircraft, which have since been retired from the service.Integration of the AASM XLR for this mission is planned for Rafale aircraft upgraded to the F4 standard or later. At present, Paris has no plans to equip its serving Mirage 2000 fleet with the weapon for this purpose. The proposed plan will depend on the completion of weapon development, aircraft integration and operational testing.<h2>Stratus RS is still years away</h2>France’s longer-term plan hinges on the Stratus RS, a new anti-radiation missile being developed from MBDA’s RJ10 concept. The weapon is aimed at helping the Rafale identify and attack enemy air defence systems and restoring a dedicated capability that the French Air Force has lacked since the Martel’s retirement.The missile is expected to enter service as part of a future Rafale F5 capability package, along with improved targeting functions and remote-operated platforms. Opex360 puts the expected timeline for this advanced capability at around 2035. That timeline leaves the French Air and Space Force using an interim approach while the dedicated weapon is developed.The AASM XLR is designed to address part of the capability deficit, but it cannot by itself restore every element of a specialised SEAD capability.The issue is relevant to European defence planning as military forces prepare for operations against opponents with layered air defence networks. Aircraft may have to operate in areas protected by long-range missiles and radar systems. Electronic intelligence, accurate targeting and long-range weapons are therefore essential to an air campaign.

The country plans to use the AASM XLR guided weapon as a temporary answer to its lack of dedicated anti-radiation missiles. The replacement, Stratus RS missile, is expected to enter service only in the 2030s. Until then, Rafale fighters will have limited options for tackling advanced Russian air defence systems.

France helpless against S-400? Why Paris is terrified of Russia's unbeatable air defence

France helpless against S-400? Why Paris fears Russia's unbeatable air defence

Saudi-Houthi Conflict: Turkey is weighing the scale of its military support for Saudi Arabia under a new defence pact with Pakistan after a rise in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Air defence systems, intelligence sharing and military logistics are among the forms of assistance being considered. The question of sending Turkish troops abroad requires further legal steps, including parliamentary approval for the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.Turkey’s Defence Ministry said on October 15 that the military capabilities offered to Saudi Arabia would depend on the kingdom’s needs and the conditions on the ground. It said the process would follow Turkey’s Constitution and relevant laws.According to Reuters, Ankara has been providing technical and defensive assistance to Riyadh. The support includes military equipment, weapons systems, air defence capabilities, drone operators and logistical assistance. The full scope of Turkey’s role under the new pact will depend on further decisions by the government and parliament. <h2>Air defence aid for under consideration</h2>Saudi Arabia has faced an intensifying series of Houthi missile and drone attacks. The strikes have targeted airports, energy facilities and military installations. These attacks have increased security risks for the kingdom.The attacks have also affected the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a major route for shipping between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have been fighting the Houthis in areas near the waterway.Turkey is expected to help protect Saudi territory and strengthen its ability to intercept incoming threats. Air defence equipment, technical support, intelligence and logistical assistance are among the options under consideration.Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on October 8 that military officials were assessing the support the country could provide, particularly air defence.“The technical evaluations are being carried out, and these continue among our military officials,” he said, according to Reuters.He also described the agreement as a defensive pact. “The Mecca agreement is a defence agreement. It is not an agreement for attack,” he has been quoted by Al Jazeera as saying.He added that Turkey would not send troops into another country to launch offensive operations. The distinction is important for understanding Ankara’s stated position on the pact and its possible role in the conflict.<h2>Why parliamentary approval is important</h2>Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7. The pact commits the three countries to treat an armed attack on one member as an attack on all members.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on October 12 that the agreement would be submitted to parliament for approval in the coming days. Foreign Minister Fidan said that preparations for the submission had been completed.Turkey’s constitution gives parliament authority over the deployment of its armed forces abroad, subject to specific legal provisions and exceptions. The government must complete the relevant approval process before proceeding with deployments that require parliamentary authorisation.The Defence Ministry has said the nature of any assistance will depend on Saudi Arabia’s requests, military requirements and conditions on the ground. The government is also working to establish the political, administrative and military structures needed to implement the agreement.The pact’s members discussed these plans at an emergency meeting of their Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Riyadh on October 5. A joint statement said the countries would move towards implementing their collective defence commitments and arranging the deployment of agreed forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia, subject to their national laws.The committee also appointed retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the alliance’s first secretary-general for a three-year term. <h2>Erdoğan, Fidan back Riyadh</h2>Erdoğan held a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on October 13 and extended support for Saudi Arabia following the attacks.The Turkish government has also maintained contact with Iran. Fidan spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on October 13 about steps to reduce regional tensions.Erdoğan said on October 12 that Turkey’s position and principles were clear. “We never view events through a racial or sectarian perspective,” he said, adding that Ankara wanted peace and stability across the region.The diplomatic contacts show the range of factors influencing Turkey’s response to the attacks. Ankara has pledged support for Riyadh while holding talks with Tehran on the regional situation.<h2>Can the pact pull Turkey into the war?</h2>The Mecca agreement is still developing its institutional structure. Its three members are working on military coordination, defence cooperation and plans to implement their collective commitments.The alliance’s strategic committee decided on October 5 to move ahead with the deployment of agreed military capabilities to Saudi Arabia, in accordance with national legislation. The decision followed consultations over the security threats facing Riyadh.Recent attacks by the Houthis have given those talks a sudden sense of urgency. Controlling Sanaa and much of Yemen, the militia has been fighting a long war against Saudi Arabia and its allies, who first intervened back in 2015 to support the country's ousted government.With the situation escalating, governments across the region are zeroing in on the safety of Saudi Arabia's airports, energy infrastructure and crucial Red Sea trade lines.

Turkey’s defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan raises a crucial question about Ankara’s next move. Will Erdoğan limit support to air defence and intelligence or consider sending troops to Yemen?

Will Turkey send troops to Yemen to fight Houthis? Mecca defence pact puts Ankara to the test

Will Turkey send troops to Yemen? Mecca defence pact puts Ankara to the test

Paris: France witnessed widespread protests on October 17 over rising living costs, poor school conditions and public services. Demonstrations turned violent in several cities. Masked groups set fires, looted shops and attacked public buildings, including the historic town hall in Limoges. The police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds, and clashes left officers injured.The demonstrations brought together students, trade union members and people protesting the cost of living. The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), one of the country’s largest trade unions, backed the mobilisation and called for lower prices, higher wages and better pensions.Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez estimated the nationwide turnout at 550,000 people across 110 marches, including around 110,000 in Paris. Organisers estimated the turnout at 800,000. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said more than 1,200 people had been arrested by late October 17, and over 150 police officers had been injured. The Interior Ministry had earlier announced around 400 arrests. <h2>From broken classrooms to nationwide protests</h2>The movement began in September, when high school students in Créteil, a suburb southeast of Paris, protested against staff shortages and deteriorating school facilities. They boycotted classes and blocked roads. The protests spread to other towns. Vandalism and attacks on staff forced some schools to close.Students described classrooms with leaking roofs, damaged furniture and inadequate facilities. French media showed poor conditions in some schools, including water entering classrooms and damaged ceilings. Students also complained about extreme temperatures in classrooms without air conditioning during summer heatwaves and inadequate heating during winter.The complaints extended to shortages of teachers and other staff, exhausting school days and the difficulties students face when applying to universities through France’s admissions system. University students also joined the protests.The movement gained support from trade unions and people struggling with the rising cost of living. The CGT backed demands for higher wages and pensions. Economic demands soon joined the original calls for better school conditions. The protests also got support from activists associated with the Yellow Vest movement, which began in 2018 over fuel prices and economic inequality.<h2>October 17 clashes hit major cities</h2>Violence broke out in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille, Nantes, Toulouse, Strasbourg and other cities. Shops selling clothing, cosmetics, electronics and luxury goods were among the businesses targeted by looters. Pharmacies and supermarkets were also affected.Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said that several streets had suffered extensive damage. Masked groups set fire to parked cars and damaged shops. The police deployed tear gas against people throwing projectiles and fireworks at officers near Place de la République.The UNSA police union posted a video on X showing people attacking police vans with sticks and bricks. The union said that officers across the country had faced stone-throwing, injuries and ambushes.“Today again, in every corner of France, our colleagues are being used as ‘punching bags’. They are being pelted with stones, they are getting injured and they are being caught in ambushes,” the union said.It called for people to take responsibility for the violence and said the situation had crossed a line.<h2>Historic Limoges town hall catches fire</h2>One of the most serious incidents took place in Limoges, where masked individuals broke into the town hall and set fire to the building. The historic structure was inaugurated in 1883 and suffered extensive damage. Local authorities said the blaze damaged the roof. Officials warned that much of the building was lost.In Marseille, demonstrators entered the town hall lobby and painted an anarchist “A” symbol on a wall. In Bordeaux, a police compound was vandalised, and the authorities confirmed attacks on public buildings. In Lyon, a tourist office was set on fire.The police and firefighters responded to incidents across several cities. Officers used tear gas and water cannon during confrontations with groups throwing stones and other objects. Authorities also recorded attacks on police stations and attempted intrusions into municipal buildings. <h2>Macron vows crackdown on protest violence</h2>President Emmanuel Macron said people responsible for vandalism, attacks on public offices and looting would face prosecution.“No room for violence in our Republic. Those who have broken, attacked the prefectures as well as businesses, looted even our town halls, will be prosecuted and punished,” he wrote on X.He also expressed support for law enforcement officers and said France would stand together against people seeking to undermine public institutions.Prime Minister Lecornu condemned the violence and blamed radical left-wing groups for organising attacks in several cities. The government said those responsible for arson, looting and assaults would face legal action.The unrest has also become an issue for political leaders preparing for France’s 2027 presidential election. Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader who is seeking the presidency, said she would protect French citizens from “the violence of the radical left” if she came to power.

The nationwide unrest has led to mass arrests, injuries to police officers and damage to public buildings. The government has vowed legal action against those responsible, while demonstrators are demanding better schools, higher wages and relief from rising living costs.

Why is France burning? 800,000 in the streets, 150-year-old building torched, stores looted

Why is France burning? 800,000 on streets, 150-year-old building torched

New Delhi: Acknowledging the difficulty India faces in reducing its dependence on Russian oil, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has offered an explanation for President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily waive sanctions and tariffs targeting major buyers of Russian energy. Washington now has 60 days to assess how the proposed penalties could affect energy supplies, international trade and the US economy. Speaking to reporters on Saturday (October 17) before leaving for Uzbekistan and India, he said that New Delhi had diversified its energy sources but still bought substantial quantities of Russian crude. He said India would find it difficult to move away from Russian supplies overnight and called the country an important US ally and partner.“The problem is that these sanctions were not just sanctions on Russia. They include tariffs on a number of countries, India, for example, and others. And so I think the president wants to take the 60-day period of time to sort of analyse what imposing both sanctions and tariffs will mean to the global economy and even to the US economy,” Rubio said.Trump announced the waiver on Friday (October 16) under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The law authorises sweeping penalties against Moscow and tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods imported into the United States from major purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, including India and China. He cited national interest in granting the waiver. <h2>Why Trump granted a 60-day waiver</h2>Rubio said that the administration needed to account for several military confrontations affecting energy supplies and prices. These include the war involving the United States and Iran, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.“I think when the bill was passed, one of the reasons the waivers were put in there is understanding that they would need some period of time to study this, given all the different things that are going on in the world right now,” he said.He added that the administration needed to weigh the economic effects of sanctions and tariffs before deciding how to proceed. The proposed penalties could affect countries buying Russian energy and push up prices in international markets and the United States.The waiver also comes after Trump announced plans for the United States to import diesel from Russia in an effort to ease domestic fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. The move puts energy costs along with the administration’s efforts to impose economic penalties on Moscow. <h2>Why India turned to Russian oil</h2>India’s purchases of Russian crude increased considerably after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Western sanctions and restrictions pushed several traditional buyers away from Russian oil. It led Moscow to redirect supplies towards Asian markets at discounted prices.The European Union banned seaborne imports of Russian crude, while the G7 introduced a price cap intended to limit Russia’s oil revenue without cutting supplies from the international market. Russian Urals crude was offered at steep discounts to benchmark Brent during parts of 2023, with the discount at times approaching $40 per barrel.Indian refiners increased purchases to take advantage of these prices. Russian crude, which accounted for around 2 per cent or less of India’s oil imports before the war, became a major source of supply. Russia eventually emerged as India’s largest crude supplier, at times accounting for around 40 to 50 per cent of imports.India imported about 1.9 million barrels per day of Russian crude last month, equivalent to roughly 35 per cent of its total oil imports. <h2>India puts energy security first</h2>New Delhi has repeatedly said its oil purchasing decisions are based on the need to secure supplies for a population of around 1.4 billion people. After the US Congress passed the sanctions legislation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India was “firmly committed” to ensuring energy security through diversified sourcing and changing market conditions.“This issue has been discussed at high levels in recent months with various US interlocutors. Its potential implications for not just the bilateral relationship but also the international energy market have been very clearly articulated by the Indian side,” the MEA said in a statement on September 17.“The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests,” the ministry added.Rubio’s comments came ahead of his visit to India, where energy supplies, trade and broader bilateral ties are expected to feature in talks. He said Washington would use the 60-day period to assess the effects of sanctions and tariffs and determine the appropriate course of action.

Russian crude made up around 35% of India’s oil imports last month, complicating Washington’s plans to penalise major buyers of Moscow’s energy. New Delhi says its purchasing policy prioritises the energy needs of 1.4 billion people and protects the country’s trade interests.

‘India can’t switch off Russian oil overnight’: Why Trump paused 100% tariffs on crude

‘Can’t switch off Russian oil overnight’: Why Trump paused 100% tariffs on crude

Social media mockery was unleashed against the country's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, who took part in the popular 'Spot the Error' challenge on X, involving an image of a Marilyn Monroe created via AI technology. Critics and political analysts raised many questions about why an important government official responsible for national security would spend his late-night hours solving internet puzzles.<h2>Late-night post leads to social media outcry</h2>The online post involved an image created using artificial intelligence of the Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe wearing clothes from the 1950s standing near old cars and a valet at a period hotel. Users had to find what object in the image wasn't in sync with the 1950s time period.Asif quoted the tweet late at night at 11:04 PM on Tuesday with only one word and an emoji that read "Watch" – correctly identifying the modern smartwatch created by AI technology on Marilyn Monroe's wrist.While Asif eventually removed his quote tweet, the screenshot of the same went viral across social media platforms, receiving hundreds of critical comments.<h2>Critics call out priorities during country's troubles</h2>The social media community immediately pointed out the discrepancy between Pakistan’s ongoing economic and security troubles and the late night post from the government official.Political commentators: Afghan political commentator Burhanuddin denounced the post, calling the minister’s online activities "embarrassing" for the country.Public response: The picture was shared by users across social media with humorous responses. One popular comment reads, "If you ever felt like you’re under-qualified for your job, then just remember that the Minister of Defense is on social media doing strategic analysis on an AI-generated Marilyn Monroe.”Journalist responses: The media personalities who interacted with the original tweet also got in on the joke being made of the “investigative analysis.”

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif faced heavy trolling on X after playing detective on an AI-generated Marilyn Monroe image late at night.

Khawaja Asif trolled: Pak Defence chief solves AI Monroe puzzle amid national crises

In Baghdad, a woman confronted a driver who she accused of exposing his genitals and making obscene comments while she was walking along a busy street. She filmed the encounter on her phone and tried to open the car door, while the driver refused to get out. The video later appeared on the Instagram page of Iraqi women’s rights activist Sara Jasim, who shares footage supplied by women accusing men of sexual harassment and abuse.Recording an incident can give women evidence to support a complaint and make it difficult for an alleged offender to deny their allegations. The videos show the risks women face when they challenge harassment in public. It also reveals the risks women face when they challenge harassment in public.“Your camera is your weapon,” Jasim said. She believes a recording can help a woman who decides to pursue legal action and can at least expose the person she accuses.She said one of her posts was followed by the arrest of a police officer accused of harassing schoolgirls. She has also received death threats, including warnings that she could be attacked with acid. She said that she had been accused of spreading obscenity because she encouraged women to speak about experiences that society often expects them to keep private.The threats have restricted her movements. She now rarely leaves home because of fears for her safety and spends long periods with her dog. Jasim wants Iraqi law to explicitly recognise harassment and gender-based violence as criminal offences.<h2>When reporting abuse becomes a battle of its own</h2>Women who shared their experiences described a legal process that can be difficult to pursue. Activists and lawyers said legal cases involving alleged sexual harassment or rape often take years to resolve and involve complicated procedures, with no guarantee of a favourable outcome.A United Nations committee examining discrimination against women said that violence against women and girls in Iraq was widespread and that many cases went unreported. It called for stronger legal protections, including the removal of provisions that can allow a person accused of rape to escape prosecution or have a sentence quashed by marrying the survivor. The committee also urged Iraqi government to remove legal provisions that can reduce punishment for killings committed under the label of “honour”.Human Rights Watch has likewise documented provisions in Iraq’s penal code that can shield men from accountability for violence against women. These include Article 398, which provides for the dropping of certain rape or sexual assault cases if the accused marries the survivour, and provisions that allow reduced sentences for crimes committed for so-called “honourable motives”. The organisation has called for these provisions to be repealed. Reporting abuse can expose women to blame from relatives and public humiliation. Some feared their families would turn against them, while others worried that seeking help could lead to further harassment.Amal, whose real name has been withheld, chose to approach the police after her daughter allegedly suffered repeated sexual assaults by her ex-husband. The girl was under 18 at the time.She alleged that her former husband used a gun to intimidate the girl. Recalling what her daughter told her, Amal said he entered the girl’s room, placed the weapon on the bed and threatened her, “If I kill you, nobody will hear.”Amal said her daughter had bruises around her wrists because her father had gripped her hands tightly. She alleged that he covered the girl’s mouth whenever she tried to scream. She also showed medical documents that she said included DNA evidence supporting her allegation.She believes her former husband threatened to kill their daughter to prevent the medical findings from becoming public and the alleged assault from being proved. Amal said she had overheard him telling a relative to “wash away our disgrace” if he was arrested, a phrase she understood as a reference to a possible so-called honour killing.Her former husband is now on the run, and the court case has dragged on for nearly five years, Amal said. She has struggled to pay for legal representation while her former husband hired several lawyers. She also said her family did little to support her.“I fought this entire battle alone,” she said.Amal is unsure whether the court will rule in her favour. She said she wants her former husband to stay away from her and her daughter permanently.<h2>A shortage of safe places for survivors</h2>Women escaping sexual and domestic violence may have few options if they cannot turn to relatives for help or financially support themselves. Iraq has a limited number of shelters for women fleeing abuse, according to rights groups.One of the activists who helped establish shelters was Yanar Mohammed, a prominent Iraqi women’s rights defender and co-founder of the Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq. She was shot outside her home in Baghdad on March 2, 2026, by unidentified gunmen and later died in hospital. The United Nations called for an investigation and said he had faced threats over the years because of her human rights work. Her organisation provided shelter and support to women escaping domestic abuse, trafficking and so-called honour killings. The killing has intensified fears among women’s rights advocates, who say threats and attacks make their work dangerous.Hana Edwar, another prominent Iraqi women’s rights activist, said she had met Mohammed two days before her death and had also received threats.“There is no law, no protection and no justice for women in Iraq,” she said.Mustafa Saadoon, head of the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, said women faced demands to settle complaints privately at every stage of the process, from leaving home to approaching a police station and appearing in court.“The problem in Iraq is not that women stay silent. The problem is that when they speak, there are very few ways for the system to hear them,” he said.<h2>Harassment on street and in public transport</h2>Samira, whose real name has also been withheld, said repeated experiences of harassment had left her anxious when walking outdoors. On one occasion, she said, a man watching a pornographic video on his phone pushed the screen close to her face while they were using public transport.In another incident in Baghdad, she said a driver followed her in his car for more than 10 minutes. She spotted a police vehicle and approached the officers to explain what had happened. “They said they had no authority to do anything,” she recalled.She said she had not told her mother about these incidents, despite their close relationship. She feared her family would respond by restricting her movements in an attempt to protect her.“If I tell my family, they will immediately tell me not to leave the house,” she said.She has lost faith in state institutions and believes some men, including police officers, do not treat harassment as a serious offence. Several women interviewed for the report also accused police personnel of sexual harassment.Iraq’s Interior Ministry spokesman Muqdad Miri acknowledged that cases involving police officers accused of harassment had occurred, but described them as rare. He said officers found guilty could face up to 10 years in prison and dismissal from service.Miri argued that social media had become a common way for women to grab attention to alleged wrongdoing because posting online can be easier than filing a formal complaint. Asked about Samira’s description of a police officer refusing to intervene, he said she could have lodged a complaint against the officer.The ministry had received around 300 complaints of sexual violence since the beginning of the year, Miri said. He acknowledged that the actual number was higher because social customs and traditions prevented many cases from reaching the police.<h2>The cost of speaking out</h2>Jasim, Amal and Samira’s experiences show that women reporting harassment or abuse may face threats from the accused, pressure from relatives, difficulty obtaining legal help and uncertainty over police action.Jasim sees sharing videos as a way to preserve evidence and encourage women to speak publicly. However, she said threats against her had made it difficult to leave her home.Edwar, who has spent more than five decades working on women’s rights, said she believed the situation of Iraqi women had deteriorated in the 23 years since Saddam Hussein’s government fell.Jasim said she would continue her work despite the risks. “If we all become afraid, nobody will be able to change anything,” she said.

Women in the country face legal hurdles, social stigma and threats when they report sexual abuse. Activists are using digital evidence to challenge impunity, even as survivors struggle to secure police action and justice.

‘Your camera is your weapon’: How Iraqi women are using smartphones to hunt predators and expose harassment

'Your camera is your weapon': How Iraqi women use phones to expose predators

New Delhi: A recording device wrapped in toilet paper and plugged into the back of a television was found in an executive conference room at OpenAI’s San Francisco office on September 30. The discovery led the company to inform the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Prosecutors have now charged a former engineer, Abdulrahman Alfozan, with allegedly attempting to record private conversations at the artificial intelligence firm.The 35-year-old Saudi national, who joined OpenAI as an engineer in July 2025, was arrested on October 9 and appeared in federal court on October 13. Prosecutors allege that the device was installed around September 28 and had encrypted contents. A second recording device was later found in a bag allgedly containing Alfozan’s wallet and identification in another room at the company’s office. The criminal complaint alleges that the conference room was used for meetings involving confidential technical research, product plans, business opportunities and strategic decisions. The charge accuses him of secretly recording private conversations. Alfozan is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<h2>The device was hidden behind a television</h2>OpenAI staff discovered the first device on September 30 that was inserted into a USB port at the back of a television in an executive conference room. According to the US Department of Justice, the device had been concealed in toilet paper and appeared to have been installed two days earlier.The company said it used its own AI models to examine the device and trace its origin. OpenAI said the analysis helped identify an employee who had allegedly placed it in the room. The company then referred the matter to the FBI and terminated the employee.According to the complaint, the room was used for meetings where confidential company information was shared. Prosecutors said that the accused had no authority to enter the room or attend the meetings held there. Office CCTV footage allegedly showed him near the conference room on several occasions before the device was found. OpenAI said it had found no evidence that Alfozan had improperly accessed or taken source code, model weights or customer data. OpenAI said it had found no evidence of data theft, but it has not said whether the device recorded any conversations.<h2>Prosecutors cite questions asked through AI tools</h2>Investigators allege that the accused used a productivity tool and an AI chatbot to gather information about office spaces and the installation of a covert audio recorder. According to the complaint, his queries included questions about building and modifying recording equipment, installing it, testing its functions and concealing its identity.The alleged prompts included questions about continuous audio recording, modifying Wi-Fi connectivity, improving sound quality and live listening, encrypting an SD card and remotely accessing a device. Prosecutors further allege that he asked about the company’s sensitive areas and ways to place recording equipment inside them.The complaint says the chatbot account submitted questions about the specific device, including its custom header and unique MAC address, on September 27 and 28. Those queries were made shortly before the device was allegedly installed. The allegations describe the use of AI tools as part of the preparation for the suspected recording operation. They do not establish that the chatbot itself installed the device or that the tools provided all the information used to carry out the alleged act.<h2>CCTV footage and a second device</h2>The complaint says the accused returned to the executive conference room on October 5 and appeared to look behind the television where the first recorder had been installed. Investigators cited CCTV footage in support of the allegation.On the same day, Alfozan allegedly left a bag unattended in another room in the office. OpenAI’s security staff opened it and found his wallet, identification and a second recording device similar to the one discovered in the conference room, according to prosecutors.The discovery of the second device added to the evidence cited in the complaint. Prosecutors have not established in court that the devices were used to obtain confidential information, and the case is still at the allegation stage.<h2>What charges does he face?</h2>He has been charged with using or attempting to use an electronic, mechanical or other device to intercept oral communications. The US Department of Justice said he was arrested on October 9 and made his first federal court appearance on October 13. His next appearance is a detention hearing on October 19.If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. The final punishment, if any, would be decided by the court under federal sentencing law. The Department of Justice has not said whether the accused has legal representation.

Prosecutors allege the devices were intended to capture confidential conversations at the AI company. If convicted, the former engineer faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Hidden in toilet paper: How a bizarre OpenAI bathroom trick led to an FBI arrest

Hidden in toilet paper: How a bizarre OpenAI bugging trick led to FBI arrest

A popular video of a colourful Navratri Garba celebration inside the historic Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi, Pakistan, has gone viral on social media. This video, uploaded on Instagram by user @munji_galhiyun, features Pakistani Hindus praying, distributing prasad, and performing Garba on Day 1 of Navratri.<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background-color:#FFF;border-radius:3px;border-width:0;box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);margin:1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeXgWPMITqj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div><div><div> </div><div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeXgWPMITqj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div><div><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeXgWPMITqj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div></div><div> </div><div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div><div><div> </div><div> </div></div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div><div><div> </div><div> </div></div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeXgWPMITqj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by It’s me SINDHU. (@munji_galhiyun)</a></div></blockquote><h2>Navratri Day 1 celebration of devotees at Karachi Temple</h2>The video begins with the creator saying, "This is not India; this is Pakistan Navratri." Inside the decorated temple, devotees' families offer prayers in front of the idol of Mata Rani, wearing traditional headbands with the slogan "Jai Mata Di."Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple, located near Clifton Beach in Karachi, is the cultural centre of the local Hindu population and organises yearly celebrations in the temple during the entire span of nine days of Navratri.<h2>Social media responses to the video: Messages of friendship across countries</h2>The video caused a flurry of good responses from the viewers who are based in both India and Pakistan and celebrated the harmony between the two countries in their cultural heritage:Goodwill messages: Indian social media users sent out greetings that said, "God bless you all and lots of love and prayers from India," and "Want to join you all in Navratri for sure."Surprise and shock: Some of the viewers were surprised by the large number of people who had gathered there, which is evident from their comments, "Sach hai ye kya, I don't believe" and "Mera to ye dekh ke din ban gaya."Messages of hope: Several messages conveyed a message of hope for cultural harmony, that one day the citizens of both the countries will be able to celebrate together.This viral post still attracts thousands of likes and views as it provides a glimpse of the festival celebrations in the other nation.

A viral Navratri video showing devotees performing Garba at the Shree Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple in Karachi, Pakistan, has won hearts across social media.

Viral Navratri Garba video from Karachi wins hearts online

'This is not India, this is Pakistan': Viral Navratri Garba video from Karachi wins hearts online

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