Thursday, June 18th, 2026
NATO says it agrees to modernize nuclear capabilities
BRUSSELS: NATO agreed on Thursday to modernize its nuclear capabilities and strengthen its nuclear planning capacity, the alliance’s senior body for nuclear deterrence said in a statement. All NATO allies except France are members of the Nuclear Planning Group, which serves as a forum for consultation and decision-making on nuclear deterrence. Defense ministers taking part in the meeting “recalled that the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance remain the supreme guarantee of Allied security and underpin NATO’s extended deterrence architecture,” the statement said. “NPG Ministers agreed to continue enhancing NATO’sRead More
Kane scores twice as England beat Croatia to launch World Cup charge
Jude Bellingham, immediately after half-time, and substitute Marcus Rashford with five minutes to go ensured a winning start for Thomas Tuchel’s side after Croatia had fought back to level at 2-2. The prolific Kane twice put England ahead in the first half — one a retaken penalty — only for Martin Baturina and Petar Musa to hit back for 2018 runners-up Croatia. With both sides shaky at the back, the second half threatened another goal glut, Bellingham needing just two minutes to put England ahead again in front of aRead More
Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in World Cup opener after injury-time winner
TORONTO, Canada: Ghana scored a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening World Cup Group L clash in Toronto on Wednesday. Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending thousands of Ghanaians in Canada’s largest city into a frenzy and settling an otherwise attritional battle. Both sides largely struggled to generate chances in the first half after Panama striker Cecilio Waterma’s second minute attempt was steered away by outstretched Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. The Black Stars didn’t attempt a shot onRead More
Portugal coach defends keeping Cristiano Ronaldo on in draw
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez dismissed questions about Cristiano Ronaldo’s role after a frustrating World Cup opener, defending his decision to keep the captain on for the full 90 minutes in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ronaldo went without a shot on target in Houston, extending his scoreless streak to five straight World Cup matches and 10 consecutive games at major tournaments. The 41-year-old forward hasn’t scored a non-penalty goal at a World Cup or European Championship since June 2021, but Martinez said removing him wasRead More
Kane double fires England World Cup bid as Ronaldo’s Portugal stumble
LOS ANGELES: England launched their World Cup bid with a rollercoaster 4-2 win against Croatia on Wednesday as Cristiano Ronaldo and Portgual stumbled to a draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. In an enthralling Group L game at the Texas home of the Dallas Cowboys NFL team, Harry Kane scored twice before goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford made the game safe as England began their bid to end a 60-year wait for a major trophy. Kane got the ball rolling by slotting home a penalty at theRead More
Azerbaijan’s role in addressing global displacement
Saifullah Ansar Forced displacement has become one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time. Today, more than 120 million people worldwide are struggling with the consequences of being uprooted from their homes. Finding an effective solution to this crisis is impossible without the united efforts of the international community. Within this global context, Azerbaijan’s experience offers both lessons and hope. The Azerbaijani nation has endured displacement for over a century. Azerbaijanis living in Western Azerbaijan territories now part of present-day Armenia were subjected to systematic ethnic cleansing andRead More