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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...

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Lebanon’s Political Fragility Amid Rising Tensions with Israel

 

As tensions between Hezbollah and Israel escalate, Lebanon finds itself on the precipice of a potential all-out war. This conflict threatens to exacerbate the already fragile political and economic situation in Lebanon, a country grappling with one of the century’s worst economic crises and a prolonged political deadlock.

Hezbollah, a powerful political and militant group in Lebanon, has been engaged in a low-level conflict with Israel since October 2023. The group’s actions have drawn mixed reactions within Lebanon, with some factions supporting Hezbollah’s stance against Israel, while others criticize it for dragging the country into a potentially devastating conflict.

The Lebanese political system, characterized by sectarian divisions and a lack of consensus, has struggled to address the nation’s pressing issues. The absence of a president since October 2022 has further compounded the political paralysis, leaving the country without effective leadership during these critical times.

The potential for an all-out war with Israel poses a significant threat to Lebanon’s already strained infrastructure and economy. The international community watches with concern, as any escalation could have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.

Lebanon’s path forward remains uncertain, with the need for political unity and stability more urgent than ever. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the country can navigate through this crisis without descending into further chaos.





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