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OBITUARY - Former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad has died. A moderniser, who took power, Hamad was a former leader of Qatar.
Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani died aged 74. He was a moderniser and a powerful leader who took power in 1995, but broke tradition by handing it over to his son, 18 years later. The Amiri Diwan in Qatar, Qatar's top government body, announced on Sunday that Sheikh Hamad died. The cause of death was not mentioned. It did not mention?the cause of his death. Sheikh Hamad presided in one of the most significant periods of history of the country, driving a fast transformation of the small desert state, which reshaped the economy, global status and political ambition. He was a strong, independent personality who explained in his 2013 speech marking his abdication that he wished for a new generation to take charge "with their innovative thoughts and active energies". Sheikh Hamad was responsible for Qatar's efforts to develop its LNG infrastructure, which allowed the country to export its vast reserves of gas to the global market. This made Qatar one of the largest exporters in the world and laid the foundations of its immense wealth. He founded the?media network Al Jazeera which gave Qatar a voice that was unmatched in Arab politics, and extended its influence beyond the Gulf. He also led the successful bid for the 2022 "soccer World Cup", a move which firmly placed Qatar on the international stage, and accelerated the decade-long infrastructure construction that transformed the capital Doha. LAYING THE GROUNDWORK OF QATAR'S PART AS A PEACE BROKER In his foreign policy, he carved out a role as a peace broker for Qatar. He mediated talks in conflicts ranging from Lebanon to Yemen to Darfur and maintained ties with both the United States - which hosts U.S. Central Command - and?Iran as well as groups that aligned themselves with it. This balancing act laid a foundation for Qatar's role today in the negotiations between the United States, Iran and its allies. Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad, played a prominent role in the Arab Spring of 2011, using its resources and influence to support revolutionary movements and Islamists groups throughout the region. Doha's policy was portrayed as a support for the popular demand for political change. However, critics accused Doha -- and Sheikh Hamad - of backing only factions that aligned to its interests, notably groups connected?to?the Muslim Brotherhood. Sheikh Hamad was at odds with other Gulf monarchs, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. They viewed these movements negatively and as a threat against regional stability and monarchical authority. Qatar's activism raised its regional profile, but it also?deepened the tensions with neighbours. It left a legacy which continues to influence Gulf politics. COUP AND ATTEMPTED COUNTER COUP Sheikh Hamad abdicated to "ensure a smooth transition" and minimise any discord in a family that has a history of palace intrigue. In 1995, he took power in a bloodless revolution from his father. He survived a counter-coup attempt that analysts attributed to his dad, who had seized power in a similar manner in 1972, by ousting his own cousin. Sheikha Hamad bint Nasser was one of Sheikh Hamad’s most influential partners in Qatar’s modernisation effort. She developed a profile public that was unusual for the wife of a Gulf leader. Sheikha Moza’s influence was boosted by his efforts to reposition Qatar at home and abroad. Sheikh Hamad's political and economic reforms, which reshaped the trajectory of the country, were accompanied by parallel initiatives in education, social development, and research. The emir was 44 when he took over as the leader of the region. He was seen as being less distant than other Gulf Arabs leaders and would often be found in his favourite café at Doha's souq talking to the customers. (Writing by Michael Georgy, Andrew Mills and Emelia Sithole Matarise; Editing by Emelia S. Sithole Matarise)
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Former emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani, has died at the age of 74
The nation's Amiri Diwan (its top government body) announced on Sunday that Qatar's former emir had died at the age of 74. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar's former ruler from 1995 until 2013, abdicated to his son Sheikh Tamim. Sheikh Tamim is now the current leader of this gas-rich Gulf nation. The Amiri Diwan has announced the death of HH Father Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The Diwan stated that Allah would have mercy on him and give him the best reward possible for his achievements for 'his homeland and nation. Sheikh Hamad has raised Qatar's profile globally through the Al Jazeera TV network and its successful bid for the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament. This?U.S. allied state, which has more than 2.5million people, is a small country, but it is the largest?exporter in the world of liquefied gas. It is also a major player in Middle East diplomacy, international media, and global investment. In June '2013, Sheikh Hamad abdicated power to his son, the crown prince at that time, in an unusual move by a hereditary Gulf Arab leader to "ensure a smooth succession". He had himself overthrown his own father in 1995 in a bloodless revolution.
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Toronto police report that 2 people have died and 5 others were injured in an active shooter incident.
According to an emergency alert posted by the police on X, two people were killed and five injured in a shooting incident that occurred in Toronto 'on Saturday. Five people were found with gunshot injuries by police officers. Two victims were declared dead on the spot. It was not immediately clear what the conditions were of the other victims. CTV News reports that the shooting took place in Midtown Toronto, during the Salsa on St. Clair Festival, an annual Latin festival. The authorities urged the public to avoid the area, and to follow the directions of the police as the investigation and response continued. In a X.com post, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his "horror" at the shooting. He also said that the police have his full backing in their efforts in apprehending those responsible. He said: "My prayers go out to the families who are grieving, those in critical condition, and all who have been affected by this horrible event." Toronto Police declined to give 'additional information beyond that posted on the department's official feed?on X. The police said that updates would be given 'as new information becomes available. No details were immediately released about the suspect, motive, or arrests. (Writing and reporting by Wa Lone, Additional reporting by Disha in Bengaluru. Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus).
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Police say that 2 people were killed and 5 injured in an active shooter incident in Toronto.
According to an emergency alert posted by the Toronto police on X,?five people were injured and two were declared dead?after an active shooter incident?incident?in Toronto?on Saturday. Five people were found injured with gunshots, according to the police. Two victims were declared?dead on the spot. It was not immediately clear what the condition of?the other victims' were. CTV News reports that the shooting took place?in Midtown Toronto, during a Latin festival called 'Salsa on St. Clair. Police urged people to avoid the area, and to follow the police's instructions as they continue their investigation. A 'Toronto Police spokesperson refused to 'provide a?additional detail beyond the information that was posted on the official X feed of the department. The police?said that updates would be given as soon as new information was?available. There were no immediate details about the suspect, arrests or motive.
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The Tour de France stage nine will be shortened due to the heatwave.
The organisers of the race announced on Saturday that Sunday's stage nine will be reduced by 30 km due to heat risks. However, it will still have its original start and finish locations. In a press release, the organizers announced that the stage from Malemort, originally planned for 185.5km, will now be a 155.5km route. The statement said that Meteo-France had placed the Department of?Correze under red alert because of an intense heatwave. "In light of that... the race is going to?divert the original route in the neutral area, taking the D921 from Brive-la-Gaillarde and heading straight to Lanteuil 147.8km from the finish at Ussel." Western Europe has experienced the warmest June in?record. This led to an increase in deaths due to heat. The heat forced French nuclear reactors to reduce output on Friday. The organisers stated that "all government offices, local authorities and security forces as well as emergency and health services and accredited civil protection organisations, volunteers, and other stakeholders are fully committed to making sure this stage runs smoothly." After the eighth stage, the four-time Slovenian champion,?Tadej Pogacar, is leading. (Reporting by Vincent Daheron; Writing by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru)
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Iran's supreme Leader vows revenge for the slain father
Ayatollah?Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, issued a written statement on Saturday threatening vengeance on behalf of his father and predecessor. He added that the vengeance would not be limited to Iran alone but also depend on the "free people" around the globe. The statement, read out on state TV, said that revenge was "the nation's demand" and "must definitely" be carried out. Ayatollah Khamenei died in an airstrike by the U.S. and Israel on?February 28 at the beginning of the war. The statement stated: "We promise to avenge all martyrs and criminals in these two wars, and the blood shed by the martyred leader." Mojtaba Khmenei has not been seen in public by Iranians since March 8, when he was named supreme leader. Senior sources claim that he suffered facial disfigurement as well as other injuries. The statement stated that "whether we are there or not, this will be achieved, and soon, every free person in the world will fulfill their part of this divine task." The U.S.-Iranian exchange of fire this week raised doubts about the truce that Washington and Tehran agreed to end their four-month war. Iran claims the deal will bring major economic benefits. Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire was over on Friday, but added that both countries agreed to continue talks. The continued absence of Mojtaba Khamenei from the public eye - there have been no photos, videos or audio recordings published since the air attack - has increased the uncertainty facing Iran. Some Iranians say the new leader should be seen, even if injured. With the support of the Revolutionary?Guards, he became the supreme leader. Ayatollah Khamenei was buried at the country's holiest site, according to state media, on Friday after massive crowds attended his funeral. (Reporting and editing by Enas Alashray, Ahmed Elimam, Tomasz Janovski, Joe Bavier, Thomas Perry)
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Russia attacks Ukraine with drones and missiles, killing two people and injuring 19 others
Officials said that Russia attacked Ukraine on Saturday with drones and missiles, killing two people and injuring 19. Kyiv is waiting for supplies of air defense munitions due to a shortage, which has left the country vulnerable to Russian attacks. A drone attack and a missile attack using ballistic, cruise, and cruise missiles in Kyiv's capital caused 11 injuries. "Civilian infrastructure had been hit before the air raid warning was issued," said President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who added that rescuers are working at the scene. "Our defenders were able to shoot down the majority of the targets, but not ballistics," he said, calling on Ukraine’s allies for a quick delivery of the air defence support packages agreed at the NATO Summit this week. Ukraine's Air Force said that Russia had launched six ballistic rockets, six cruise missiles, and 121 drones. It also added that at least two cruise weapons and 111 drones were?downed. A drone struck a civilian enterprise located in Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, injuring seven people. UKRAINE REQUESTS SUPPLIES FROM ALLIES In the last month, Ukraine has been largely unsuccessful in destroying ballistic missiles that travel at speeds several times faster than sound. The Ukrainian government has asked allies for more munitions and urged Europe to collaborate with Kyiv in developing its anti-ballistic system. The U.S. president Donald Trump announced this week that Ukraine would be given a license to manufacture its own Patriot missiles. After the attack on Saturday, Zelenskiy demanded that "those projects" move as quickly as possible. In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its attacks against the capital. In the last month, more than 60 people have been killed in strikes against Kyiv and its surrounding area. Kyiv has, on the other hand, 'been pressing Russia's military logistic in occupied Southern Ukraine by conducting strikes against trucks and vessels deep behind front lines. Robert Brovdi, Ukraine's drone forces chief, said that his units had struck 21 fuel tanker ships in the Sea of Azov over night, along with seven other cargo and supply vessels, bringing this week's total to 76 vessels. Max Hunder, Kyiv (Reporting and Editing by William Mallard Tomaszjanowski and Barbara Lewis).
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Trump Administration rule weakens protections of threatened species
The 'Trump administration' finalized on Friday, a major change to how threatened species are considered by agencies. They removed?regulatory lingo aimed at preventing damage to wildlife habitats and drew a legal challenge. The Endangered Species Act is no longer applicable. It was passed 50 years ago and has been credited for saving the bald eagle and California condor, among many other animals and plants, from extinction. The Endangered Species Act is an important?regulatory factor for government agencies in granting permits to oil and gas, mining and?electrical transmission operations and other activities on federal lands or water. The new rule excludes "habitat destruction" from the definition of "harm" under the ESA. This means that project developers can 'damage places where wildlife lives as long as the wildlife is not directly injured or killed. Interior and Commerce departments said that the final rule would reduce costs associated with permitting and compliance for energy producers, farmers, fishing interests and others. This move is in line with President Donald Trump's desire to reduce the regulations that, according to him, limit American businesses. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that "this?action restores the common sense and respects private property. It provides much-needed clarity for landowners, and it follows the statute Congress passed." The rule was proposed by the administration in April 2025. Earthjustice, an environmental?group, said that it would sue. Earthjustice attorney Kristen Boyles said that for the first time, a president's administration has claimed?that species protected under the Endangered Species Act should not be safe from habitat modifications that destroy where they live, their young or look for food. "Let's be clear: the Trump administration's regulation has no support -- scientific, legal, or public. (Reporting and editing by Nichola?Groom, Sanjeev Miglani, Chizu Nomiyama)
Gabon's indecisive push for IMF loans leads to regional return to Fund
After a coup and a controversial election, Gabon has had four different finance ministers in the last three years. It is now turning to the International Monetary Fund for help to 'put its fiscal house back in order.
The Central African OPEC member's financial stability could be improved by its push for an IMF Loan, which is a requirement to unlock investor cash and international funding. This will likely also have significant consequences for its cash-strapped neighbours in the region.
Investors and rating agencies may view the IMF program as 'crucial', but concerns over Gabon's transparency in debt and its willingness to implement tough reforms has led to skepticism.
Jose Mantero is a sovereign analyst with Fitch Ratings.
"A number of significant obstacles remain including the government's aggressive fiscal policy and the possibility of radical, unpopular reforms which would be politically challenging under the current conditions."
The Fund concluded a 10-day trip to Gabon on Friday. It was its first visit since the government announced it wanted an IMF Loan after toying around with the idea for more than a year.
The IMF concluded the visit by saying that talks will continue and adding that prudent policies are critical to safeguarding stability in Gabon as well as the wider region.
The first time since a number of nations in Central African Economic and Monetary Community, (CEMAC), signaled that they would also seek IMF assistance. This was due to a regional funding crisis which has left nations with low ratings with few financing options.
GABON'S DISCREET RECORD AND DATA CONCERNS COMPLICATE IMF PUSH
Gabon's economy has been impacted by years of political instabilities, resulting in a financial crunch. Reserves have also decreased.
The Finance Ministry said that the IMF visit was part of the government's desire to improve transparency, budget rigidity, and sustainability of public finance.
The government still has not made a formal request for a new program to the IMF.
Gabon may have to face a difficult time attracting the Fund due to its inconsistent track record and concerns about transparency. The IMF says that its last programme, a three-year facility which was approved in 2021, "veered off track" only a year after.
Open Data Inventory, a non-profit organization that assesses the transparency of official statistics in a country, places Gabon at 171st place out of 198.
The lack of data is the biggest challenge facing Gabon, said Carmen Altenkirch. She is an emerging markets sovereign analyst with Aviva Investors.
It is difficult to determine how much fiscal adjustment Gabon will need, such as spending cuts, revenue increase, or both.
"We are still concerned about the size of the fiscal expenditure in 2025 and the level of the public debt," said Yvette Baby, a William Blair portfolio manager.
Babb says that because of the fog, it is unlikely that a deal will be reached until later in the year.
The data available is worrying. Fitch Ratings warned last year that a large fiscal deficit in 2026's budget would make it difficult to obtain an IMF loan.
GABON PRESSED TO CLEAN UP IT'S ACT, REGION UNDER STRIKE
The efforts of Gabon to get back in the good graces of IMF matters beyond its borders.
Civil unrest erupted in Cameroon last year, the largest economy of the CEMAC bloc, after a controversial election gave 93-year old President Paul Biya his eighth term. The region is plagued by security issues, including the Chad, Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea.
Fitch Ratings stated that Gabon has a "increasingly relied on the CEMAC Market" for borrowing. However, the serious liquidity crisis in the region will make it difficult to find new funding.
Daniel Lebetkin is the Africa Debt Finance Director at Citi.
The international markets are also costly for Gabon, and other CEMAC nations like Republic of Congo. Both have debt ratios above the critical threshold of 70% of GDP.
In November, Republic of Congo raised 670 million dollars in a private placing priced at a reoffer rate of 13.7%. This is above what many analysts consider sustainable.
Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo, regularly ask investors to provide financing through private placements. Thys Louw, a Portfolio Manager with Ninety One's emerging markets fixed income group, confirmed this.
He said that the only way to save the region was for everyone to be on IMF programs.
Oil producers benefit from recent oil price spikes. The war in the Middle East is to blame for this. Investors said that despite the lack of funding options, debt repayments are looming and this is putting pressure on Gabon.
Babb, William Blair's advisor on Africa, said: "It is a game changer because there are regional pressures on the government of (Gabon) to comply and do what it says."
(source: Reuters)