Exiled gangland tobacco boss arrested in Iraq
An exiled underworld boss linked to ongoing tobacco wars has been arrested following an independent criminal investigation by Middle Eastern authorities. Kazem ‘Kaz’ Hamad was arrested for drug trafficking, according…
Asia stocks inch higher as fragile yen spurs worries
Asian stocks rose on Wednesday, buoyed by Japanese shares, as investors braced for a snap election in Japan that could lead to more fiscal stimulus, while worries about central bank…
Alyssa Healy shifted the dial to propel women’s cricket to its modern heights | Megan Maurice
The retiring wicketkeeper-batter’s nervous beginnings made way for her lasting impact on the sport – and an overflowing trophy cabinet “I’m not cut out for this.” This is not a…
Nick Kyrgios delights rowdy fans as tennis cultures clash at Kooyong Classic
The usually genteel atmosphere at the Melbourne club – one of the bastions of grasscourt traditions – was punctured for the day as the injury-prone Australian enjoyed a rare win…
Semenyo and Cherki give Manchester City edge over Newcastle after VAR storm
Eddie Howe was not exactly overjoyed to learn that, rather than being cup-tied, Antoine Semenyo was free to play for Manchester City here. Sure enough the Newcastle manager’s worst fears…
The three ages of Michael Carrick … and what they say about Manchester United
From his competitive debut to his first spell as interim, the former midfielder has seen much at Old Trafford over the past two decades 23 August 2006, Charlton 0-3 Manchester…
Will anyone end the Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz supremacy? – video
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are dominating men’s tennis. Will anyone stop them at the Australian Open? Continue reading…
Iran’s protesters need our support – not another western-intervention disaster | Owen Jones
Previous meddling has damaged the region, and once again the the US and Israel don’t have Iranians’ best interests at heart What does it take to shake illusions in western…
Show some gratitude, people – Nadhim Zahawi has joined Reform for our benefit, apparently | Marina Hyde
The current crop of politicians are constantly telling us they don’t have to be doing this. Aren’t we lucky? Sorry to call it early, but the worst trend of 2026…
With thousands dead, the Iranian regime may survive these protests – but not in its current form | Sanam Vakil
With fear, surveillance and brute force only set to increase, there are disturbing parallels with Saddam Hussein’s Iraq Sanam Vakil is director of Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa…