RABAT – Morocco’s monarch King Mohammed VI has been advised to undergo a period of medical rest to address lower back pain stemming from muscular tension, according to an official statement released on Saturday. The royal court’s announcement, disseminated through the state news agency and attributed to the King’s personal physician, confirmed the non-severe nature of the condition while emphasizing the necessity for therapeutic intervention. The 62-year-old sovereign’s treatment regimen will involve appropriate medical protocols coupled with functional rest to ensure a full recovery. The bulletin aimed to provide transparency regarding the monarch’s health, a subject of significant national interest, while reassuring the public of the routine medical nature of the situation. The announcement did not specify the exact duration of the rest period required for the King, who has ruled the North African nation since 1999. Palace communications regarding the health of the monarch are typically measured and factual, reflecting the institution’s stature within Moroccan society.
作者： admin
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Kenyan women lost their husbands and then their land. But some are fighting back
In the rural landscapes of western Kenya, a silent crisis unfolds as thousands of widows face systematic disinheritance through culturally-sanctioned practices that violate constitutional rights. Rebecca Anyango, a 70-year-old widow from Siaya County, embodies this struggle—having occupied her marital home for 26 years, she now confronts eviction threats from her late husband’s family without legal representation to challenge their lawsuit.
The Luo, Luhya, and Kisii ethnic communities perpetuate traditions like ‘sexual cleansing’—requiring widows to engage in intercourse with male relatives to remove widowhood’s ‘dark cloud’—and ‘wife inheritance,’ where brothers of deceased husbands claim widows as spouses. Those resisting such practices, like Anyango, frequently endure isolation and property seizure, directly contravening Kenya’s constitutional guarantee of land ownership for all citizens.
A legislative breakthrough emerged in November 2023 when Siaya County’s assembly unanimously passed the Widows Protection Bill, championed by county legislator Scholastica Madowo. As one of four elected women in the 42-member assembly and a widow herself, Madowo cited the ‘atrocities women endure’ as her motivation. The bill criminalizes forced disinheritance and remarriage and establishes welfare committees to facilitate legal aid access.
Anthropologist Simiyu Waddimba from the University of Nairobi emphasizes that unawareness of legal protections leaves women vulnerable to disinheritance. This reality struck Anne Bonareri in Kisii County, whose in-laws confiscated her home and commercial property within hours of her husband’s 1997 death, leaving her pregnant with three children. After refusing marriage to her brother-in-law, she faced armed attacks but eventually secured land through three jobs.
Her daughter, Emma Mong’ute, founded the Amandla MEK Foundation in 2019, providing legal advisory and pro bono services to disinherited widows. Mong’ute notes that widow disinheritance perpetuates intergenerational poverty, affecting hundreds of thousands of children.
Easter Okech of the Kenya Female Advisory Organization advocates for legal training enabling women to self-represent in court, while encouraging will-writing in rural communities. Some widows, like 87-year-old former teacher Marie Owino, have successfully retained property through financial independence and legal awareness.
Scholars like Misheck Dube, formerly of the University of Limpopo, observe similar tensions between customary and general law across southern Africa, where ethnic traditions often override statutory inheritance protections. As Siaya County awaits the governor’s endorsement of its landmark bill, it signals a potential turning point for gender justice in Kenya’s rural heartlands.
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Bob Weir, Grateful Dead co-founder, dies aged 78
Bob Weir, the legendary guitarist and founding member of the iconic Grateful Dead, has died at age 78 following health complications. The music world mourns the loss of the psychedelic rock pioneer who passed peacefully while surrounded by family, according to an official statement posted on his Instagram account.
The announcement revealed Weir had been battling cancer and respiratory issues, though he ultimately overcame his cancer diagnosis before his passing. Despite his health challenges, the musician demonstrated remarkable dedication to his craft, continuing to perform throughout his treatment period. These final shows were described as “emotional, soulful, and full of light” rather than farewell concerts.
Weir’s musical journey began in 1965 when he co-founded the Grateful Dead in San Francisco. The band quickly became synonymous with the city’s counterculture movement, blending psychedelic influences with folk and Americana traditions. Their innovative approach established them as pioneers of the jam band genre and shaped the trajectory of rock music for decades.
The Grateful Dead’s legacy includes induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2007). Although the original lineup concluded following Jerry Garcia’s death in 1995, Weir remained musically active through various projects including Dead & Company, which recently completed residencies at Las Vegas Sphere.
Tributes flooded social media following news of his passing. The Empire State Building honored Weir by illuminating its tower in tie-dye colors, while fellow musicians including Slash (Guns N’ Roses) and Don Felder (Eagles) shared heartfelt memories and condolences. Felder recalled being “blown away” when he first witnessed Weir perform at Woodstock.
Weir is survived by his wife Natascha and daughters Shala and Chloe, who have requested privacy while appreciating the overwhelming support from fans worldwide. His former publicist Dennis McNally reflected that music and touring constituted Weir’s life purpose, noting his “off-kilter, unusual sense of humor” and unwavering commitment to his artistic calling until the very end.
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Hamda scores big win for Emirati women at Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival
In a groundbreaking display of equestrian excellence, Emirati riders Hamda Jasim Ahmed Mohamed Al Ali and Maitha Mohamed Al Qubaisi achieved a historic one-two finish at the prestigious Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival in Dubai. The landmark victory, witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum himself, represents a significant milestone for women’s sports in the United Arab Emirates.
The two athletes conquered the grueling 160-kilometer course at Dubai International Endurance City through strategic brilliance and exceptional horsemanship. Riding SW Hinkul, a 12-year-old gelding, Hamda executed a perfectly timed final surge to claim victory in 6 hours, 14 minutes, and 19 seconds, maintaining an impressive average speed of 25.65 km/h throughout the demanding desert terrain.
What made their achievement particularly remarkable was their tactical approach. Rather than leading from the start, Hamda began in 24th position and remained outside the top ten for much of the race. Her victory was secured through intelligent pacing, meticulous veterinary management, and a decisive final push during the last 20 kilometers that overwhelmed the competition.
Maitha Al Qubaisi followed just 36 seconds behind her compatriot, completing an all-Emirati female podium dominance that showcased the depth of talent developing within the UAE’s endurance riding program. Mansour Saeed Al Farsi secured third place, rounding out the podium.
The event, now in its 19th edition and organized by the Dubai Equestrian Club, stands as one of the most prestigious fixtures on the global endurance calendar. Sheikh Mohammed, a former World Endurance Champion himself, personally followed the final stretch of the race, adding symbolic significance to the women’s achievement.
This triumph demonstrates how endurance riding rewards strategic decision-making and partnership with the horse as much as physical stamina. Both riders emphasized the values of patience, humility, and trust that the sport instills—qualities that proved decisive in their historic performance that will be remembered as a defining moment in the festival’s history.
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Trump signs order declaring national emergency to ‘safeguard Venezuelan oil revenue’: White House
In a significant escalation of US policy toward Venezuela, President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday declaring a national emergency to protect Venezuelan oil revenues held in United States Treasury accounts. The White House announced this unprecedented measure aims to shield these funds from legal claims and judicial processes, ensuring they serve American foreign policy objectives rather than private creditors.
The executive order specifically blocks all forms of judicial action—including attachments, judgments, liens, executions, and garnishments—against what are termed Foreign Government Deposit Funds. These assets comprise revenues generated from Venezuelan oil and diluent sales currently held within US Treasury accounts. The order further prohibits any transfers or dealings involving these funds unless explicitly authorized, effectively overriding any previous executive orders that might have restricted or regulated them.
According to the presidential declaration, the potential seizure of these assets through legal channels represents “an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States,” originating primarily from outside the country. The White House emphasized that these funds constitute sovereign property of Venezuela maintained in US custody strictly for governmental and diplomatic purposes, explicitly excluding them from private claims.
The administration clarified that the United States government will maintain these funds “solely in a custodial and governmental capacity, and not as a market participant,” with no intention of utilizing them for commercial activities within the country. This development follows recent statements by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicating that the United States plans to not only market Venezuela’s stored oil but also indefinitely control sales of the country’s oil output, signaling a prolonged American oversight of Venezuela’s primary economic resource.
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Expanding lanes, parking spaces: Dubai rolls out 6 road projects in January 2026
Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the successful completion of six significant road network enhancement projects during January 2026 as part of its comprehensive infrastructure development strategy. These initiatives represent the latest phase in Dubai’s ongoing commitment to improving urban mobility and addressing the city’s growing transportation needs.
The completed projects feature substantial infrastructure upgrades across multiple districts, including the construction of new internal roads in Nad Al Sheba 1, Al Warqa 3, and Wadi Al Safa communities. In the Al Mizhar area, authorities have modernized a key roundabout and expanded parking facilities near GEMS Founders School to alleviate congestion during peak hours.
A major achievement includes the comprehensive traffic expansion along Al Warqa’a 1 Street, covering a 7-kilometer stretch in both directions between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Ras Al Khor Road. This project involved the conversion of four traditional roundabouts into intelligent signalized intersections, resulting in a documented 30% improvement in traffic flow efficiency.
Additional enhancements include the redevelopment of a critical roundabout in Mirdif to optimize traffic movement, lane expansion at the Oud Maitha Road and Sheikh Rashid Road intersection bridge toward Al Khail Road, and the creation of supplementary parking spaces around Dubai Heights Academy in Al Barsha South.
The RTA has implemented these projects using rapid construction techniques and smart traffic solutions, focusing particularly on improving access routes, exits, and internal road networks. These developments align with Dubai’s broader vision of creating a seamless transportation ecosystem that supports continued urban growth and enhances quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
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‘I had no electricity for six months’: US families struggle with soaring energy prices
A deepening energy affordability crisis is gripping American households as skyrocketing utility bills force millions into severe debt and service disconnections. The plight of Kristy Hallowell, a 44-year-old New York resident, exemplifies the nationwide struggle. After losing her job, Hallowell faced an unexpected tripling of her energy bill to $1,800 monthly, resulting in complete service termination that left her family relying on generators for six months during 2025.
Recent analysis of consumer credit data reveals nearly one in twenty U.S. households now risk having utility debt sent to collections this winter. The severity of overdue payments has intensified, with the number of severely delinquent accounts increasing by 3.8% during the first half of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Despite campaign promises to slash energy costs by half, the Trump administration confronts a harsh reality: electricity prices surged 6.9% year-over-year in November, significantly outpacing overall inflation. The White House attributes persistent economic pressures to former President Biden’s policies and Federal Reserve interest rates, while simultaneously proposing cuts to federal assistance programs for low-income households’ energy bills.
Multiple structural factors drive the crisis. Natural gas prices have jumped dramatically, affecting nearly half of U.S. electricity generation. Simultaneously, the artificial intelligence boom has created unprecedented demand from energy-intensive data centers, particularly in states like Virginia. Experts warn that the administration’s rollback of clean energy initiatives—including paused offshore wind projects—further exacerbates price pressures by increasing dependence on foreign oil.
Laurie Wheelock of New York’s Public Utility Law Project reports utility debts have ballooned from pre-pandemic averages of $400-$900 to frequently exceeding $6,000. Winter heating costs are projected to jump 9.2% this season, compounding financial distress across all regions from California to Georgia.
While some states like Virginia are implementing tiered rate systems to shield residential customers from data center energy demands, federal solutions remain contentious. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent maintains electricity pricing is a ‘state problem,’ while analysts argue national clean energy investment could provide relief. For millions of Americans like Hallowell, who still faces $3,000 in utility debt despite partial service restoration, the crisis shows no signs of abating.
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US military strikes Islamic State group targets in Syria, officials say
In a significant military escalation, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the execution of large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets across Syria. The operation, authorized directly by President Donald Trump, represents a forceful response to the December 13th ambush in Palmyra that resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
Dubbed Operation Hawkeye Strike, the mission involved a formidable coalition of air assets. An official speaking to CBS News detailed that over 20 aircraft, including F-15Es, A-10s, AC-130J gunships, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and Jordanian F-16 fighter jets, delivered more than 90 precision-guided munitions against in excess of 35 confirmed ISIS targets.
The strategic objective, as stated by CENTCOM, is twofold: to degrade terrorist capabilities and to ensure the security of US and partner forces operating within the region. The command issued a stark warning on social media platform X: ‘Our message remains strong: if you harm our warfighters, we will find you and kill you anywhere in the world, no matter how hard you try to evade justice.’
This recent action is part of a sustained campaign. Prior to Saturday’s strikes, CENTCOM reported that nearly 25 ISIS operatives had been killed or captured in 11 separate missions conducted between December 20th and 29th. The operation commenced with a massive joint US-Jordanian assault on December 19th, which employed over 100 precision munitions against more than 70 targets.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the operation not as the start of a new war but as a ‘declaration of vengeance,’ affirming the administration’s unwavering commitment to defending American personnel. The exact location of the latest strikes and assessments regarding enemy casualties remain undisclosed at this time.
The ongoing operations occur against a complex geopolitical backdrop. Syria remains in a fragile state following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, which concluded a devastating 13-year civil war. The country is now under the control of rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammed al-Jolani). Although significantly weakened, ISIS persists as an active insurgent threat, primarily conducting attacks against Kurdish-led forces in the nation’s northeast.
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Oman sentences 59 expat workers to jail for Christmas Day riot, vandalism
A court in Oman has delivered a decisive verdict against 59 expatriate workers, sentencing them to imprisonment and subsequent deportation from the Sultanate for their involvement in a violent protest on Christmas Day 2025. The ruling, announced by Oman’s Public Prosecution Authority on January 10th, 2026, concludes a case that has drawn significant attention to labor relations and public order in the Gulf nation.
The incident unfolded on the evening of December 25th in the Sa’al area of Wilayat Bidbid, where Royal Oman Police responded to reports of mass gatherings and property destruction near a company-owned residential complex. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a substantial group of workers engaged in acts of vandalism against company facilities and vehicles, including the damaging of transportation buses, which severely disrupted operations.
Despite direct orders from police to disperse and cease destructive activities, the workers refused to comply, leading to their immediate arrest and subsequent interrogation. Following comprehensive investigations, prosecutors charged the individuals with multiple criminal offenses under Omani law.
The Court of First Instance handed down convictions on four distinct charges: incitement to gather (carrying a 3-month sentence), participation in a public gathering of ten or more persons that could disrupt security (6-month sentence), damaging movable and immovable property (1-year sentence), and using information technology to produce and disseminate material harmful to public order (1-year sentence).
In addition to cumulative prison terms, the court mandated the permanent deportation of all convicted individuals from Oman and ordered the confiscation of mobile phones used in committing cyber offenses. Notably, twenty-three other defendants involved in the same incident were acquitted of all charges, suggesting careful judicial consideration of individual participation levels.
This case highlights Oman’s stringent approach to maintaining public order while simultaneously raising questions about labor conditions for foreign workers in the region. The timing of the incident on Christmas Day suggests possible cultural or religious dimensions to the protest, though official statements focused exclusively on the legal violations rather than underlying causes.
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‘Hounded and harassed’: The former pop star taking on Uganda’s long-time president
In Uganda’s high-stakes political arena, musician-turned-opposition-leader Bobi Wine presents a formidable challenge to President Yoweri Museveni’s 40-year reign as the nation approaches pivotal elections on January 15. The 43-year-old revolutionary, born Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has transformed from entertainment icon to political force through his powerful connection with Uganda’s youth demographic.
Wine’s political journey began dramatically in 2017 when he won a parliamentary by-election in Kyadondo-East constituency with a landslide victory, securing five times more votes than his ruling party opponent. His grassroots movement, People Power, evolved into the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, now Uganda’s primary opposition vehicle. The movement’s signature red berets have become symbols of resistance against Museveni’s establishment.
The opposition leader’s campaign focuses squarely on systemic corruption, youth unemployment crisis, and wealth redistribution—issues resonating deeply in a country where 78% of the population is under 35. Wine’s upbringing in Kampala’s Kamwokya slum informs his ‘ghetto president’ persona, creating stark contrast with Museveni’s military-backed regime.
His political ascent has come at tremendous personal cost. Wine has endured multiple arrests on charges widely condemned as politically motivated, including illegal firearms possession and treason allegations that were eventually dropped. The 2018 detention sparked international outcry, with music luminaries like Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Gorillaz’s Damon Albarn petitioning for his release.
The 2021 presidential election witnessed deadly violence, with dozens killed during campaign periods. Despite securing 35% of votes against Museveni’s 59%, Wine rejected the results citing widespread irregularities. His perseverance earned global recognition through the Oscar-nominated documentary ‘Bobi Wine: The People’s President’.
As the new election approaches, Wine campaigns under heavy security protection, with supporters forming human shields against state violence. He maintains that Uganda is ready for civilian leadership, asserting constitutional military subordination to civilian authority despite concerns about his non-military background.
‘The military must respect civilian authority according to our constitution,’ Wine insists, framing the election as ‘a liberation movement through ballot box protest.’ His message continues to galvanize young Ugandans seeking change from Africa’s third-longest serving president.