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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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Eid al-Fitr 2024: A Time of Joy Amidst Global Reflection

 


As the crescent moon heralds the end of Ramadan, Muslims across the Arab world and beyond gather to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festival of breaking the fast, marked by communal prayers, feasts, and charity. This year’s festivities are tinged with a global consciousness, as communities worldwide reflect on current events and the true spirit of Eid as a time for unity, compassion, and giving.

In the Waterloo region, the day is filled with various events, embracing the joyous occasion as a public school board PD day allows students to join in the celebrations. Meanwhile, the global Muslim community feels the weight of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, reminding us that Eid is also a time for solidarity and support for those in need.

From the sighting of the moon to the final communal prayers, Eid al-Fitr is a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that, even in the face of adversity, finds reasons to celebrate hope, togetherness, and gratitude for life’s blessings.

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