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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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Markets Rally as Geopolitical Tensions Ease, Oil Prices Tumble

U.S. stocks surged on Monday as investors welcomed signs of de-escalation in the Middle East following Iran’s limited retaliation to U.S. airstrikes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.9%, gaining over 350 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each rose nearly 1%, snapping a three-day losing streak.

The market rebound was fueled by Iran’s measured response—missile strikes on a U.S. base in Qatar that caused no casualties—which analysts interpreted as a signal that Tehran is not seeking further escalation. President Trump echoed that sentiment, suggesting Iran had “gotten it all out of their system” and expressing hope for peace talks.

Oil prices, which had spiked on fears of broader conflict, reversed sharply. Brent crude fell 7% to $71.48 per barrel, and WTI dropped to $68.51, as investors reassessed the risk of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Adding to the market’s optimism, Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman voiced support for a potential interest rate cut as early as July, boosting hopes for monetary easing amid global uncertainty.

Tesla also made headlines, with shares jumping 8% after a successful robotaxi test launch in Austin, further energizing the tech-heavy Nasdaq.

The day’s gains reflect cautious optimism that diplomacy may prevail, even as markets remain alert to any shifts in the geopolitical landscape.

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