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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...

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Heightened Tensions Prompt Partial U.S. Embassy Evacuation in Iraq

The United States is preparing to partially evacuate its embassy in Baghdad due to escalating security concerns in the region. The decision comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with stalled nuclear negotiations and threats of retaliation from Tehran.

According to sources, non-essential embassy staff and military dependents will be allowed to leave Iraq and other locations across the Middle East, including Kuwait and Bahrain. The evacuation is expected to be carried out through commercial means, though U.S. military assistance remains on standby if required.

The move follows statements from Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, who warned that Iran would target U.S. bases in the region if nuclear talks fail and military action is taken against Tehran. The uncertainty has already impacted global markets, with oil prices surging by more than 4% in response to the evacuation reports.

While the U.S. State Department has not disclosed specific threats prompting the evacuation, officials emphasize that personnel adjustments are regularly reviewed to ensure safety. Iraq, which hosts approximately 2,500 American troops, has seen heightened instability since the onset of the Gaza conflict in 2023, with Iran-aligned groups repeatedly targeting U.S. forces.

As diplomatic efforts remain uncertain, the partial evacuation signals growing concerns over potential regional escalation and the safety of American personnel stationed in Iraq and neighboring countries.

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