Rome

Roman Angel Resembling Meloni Painted Over

An angel's face resembled the prime minister. Days later, it vanished.

The Rome-Moscow Connection: How Italy and Kyrgyzstan are Keeping Russian Trade Alive

While Europe builds a wall of sanctions against Russia, Italy has found a backdoor, shipping goods through the mountains to Kyrgyzstan.

The Pope’s Turkey Visit: Eastern Mediterranean as Christianity’s Foundation

Pope Leo XIV's first papal journey to Turkey from 27-30 November 2025 placed the eastern Mediterranean once again at the centre of Catholic imagination, inviting Europe to reconsider how geography shaped its tradition.

Freeriders: Spain and Italy Opt Out of NATO Hike

Nordic states arm up as Finland exits landmine treaty, while Spain and Italy resist NATO defence hikes, deepening EU security rift.

Made in the Vatican 2.0: Pope Francis and Sheikh El-Tayeb

As Pope Francis is laid to rest, one of his most enduring legacies will be the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.

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Gulf Sports Investments and Regional Security 

Qatar's world-famous sports infrastructure sat empty as airspace closures grounded the Finalissima, leaving decades of Gulf investment in suspension.

France: The End of Macron’s Middle Ground

The tallies from the municipal ballots gave the political fringes a triumph that the French establishment had not planned for.

Gulf War Dismantles the West’s Russia Sanctions Regime

The Iran war gave Moscow oil revenues, diplomatic standing, and the quiet satisfaction of watching Washington undo four years of sanctions.

Three Forgotten Islands Could Decide the Strait of Hormuz

Iran warned this week that any attack on its Hormuz islands would turn the Gulf bloody, as the UAE signalled it now sees a chance to reclaim them.

Stuttgart Voters Punish Merz as Energy Prices Surge

In the industrial heart of Germany, rising energy costs and a sudden war have triggered a surprise election win that hints voters are reaching a breaking point.