*Lunchtime News: Sunday 15 June 2025* *Headlines* *Netanyahu Flees Israel? PM's Jet Spotted in Greece* *Uproar As Tagwirei Claims Mnangagwa Is Feeding The Nation* *Human Rights Violations Ease In May; Zanu PF Still Tops Perpetrators' List: Report* *High Court Delivers Landmark Blow To Zimbabwe's Controversial 'Patriotic Act'* *Justice Minister Quizzed Over Granting Of Bail To Murder Suspects, Alleged Corruption In The Judiciary System* *Zimbabwe's Blood Service Accused Of Profiteering Amidst Health Crisis* *Prophet Jailed 15 Years For Raping Sick Congregant* *Disbelief As Nigeria Urges Prayer To End Food Shortages* *African Union Calls For Immediate Cessation Of Hostilities In Middle East* *Israel's Endgame May Be Regime Change In Iran - But It's A Gamble* *Iran-Israel Tensions & An Unpredictable Trump To Dominate G7* *Messi’s Inter Miami Held By Al Ahly At FIFA Club World Cup* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Netanyahu Flees Israel? PM's Jet Spotted in Greece* Has Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fled to Greece amid the military escalations with Iran? Speculations and theories swirled online after Netanyahu’s official aircraft, known as the ‘Wing of Zion’, was spotted at the Athens airport as Iran continued its retaliatory strikes against Israel. Users on Platform X tracked the flight’s route, timing, and eventual landing in Greece using publicly available data from the aviation monitoring service FlightRadar24. However, it was not clear whether Netanyahu or any of his family was on the plane. In response to escalating hostilities, Greece’s highest foreign and defence policy council, KYSEA, was slated to convene under the leadership of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.  Greece’s Foreign Ministry has issued a safety advisory to nationals in Israel, urging them to remain close to shelters and heed local authority instructions. The advisory comes as Israel shuts down its airspace and halts all flights at Ben Gurion Airport. The Greek Crisis Management Unit has been activated, with emergency contact lines and embassy support available for citizens in Tel Aviv. *TRT* *Uproar As Tagwirei Claims Mnangagwa Is Feeding The Nation* Controversial businessman and ZANU PF ally Kudakwashe Tagwirei has leapt to the defence of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, painting him as a humble and hardworking leader who lives modestly and contributes significantly to the country’s food security. Speaking recently in Harare, Tagwirei dismissed critics of the President, insisting that public perception fails to capture the true character of Mnangagwa. He described him as a down-to-earth, accessible leader with strong agricultural credentials and a simple lifestyle. “You don’t know him, that’s why you are negative,” Tagwirei said. “President Mnangagwa owns a moderate house, a sign of simplicity.” In an unusual attempt to showcase Mnangagwa’s personal integrity and productivity, Tagwirei claimed the President is an accomplished farmer who annually delivers 5,000 tonnes of maize to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB). “Since 2008, he has yielded over 10 tonnes of farm produce, including soybeans, maize, potatoes, and other crops,” Tagwirei added, touting the President’s farming record as proof of his work ethic and leadership by example. He further praised Mnangagwa’s openness and connection with ordinary citizens. “He has an open-door policy and talks to people when he’s outside. That’s rare among leaders,” Tagwirei said. The remarks appear to be part of a broader effort to bolster Mnangagwa’s image amid increasing public dissatisfaction over economic woes, inflation, and concerns over corruption and elite enrichment. While critics often accuse Zimbabwe’s top leadership of extravagance and detachment from the public, Tagwirei’s statements aim to paint a contrasting picture: a president who not only leads the country but also tills the land and lives simply. However, the comments are likely to draw mixed reactions, especially given Tagwirei’s own controversial reputation and links to state contracts and sanctions. Still, his vocal support signals a continued push by the ruling elite to shape Mnangagwa’s legacy ahead of any future leadership transitions. Whether the public buys into this narrative of presidential humility remains to be seen. *Human Rights Violations Ease In May; Zanu PF Still Tops Perpetrators' List: Report* THE Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) reports a slight improvement in the country’s human rights situation, with violations dropping by 10 percent in May 2025 compared to April 2025. In a report released Saturday, the human rights watchdog documented 83 human rights violations across various areas, including during government-led food aid distribution, instances of political harassment, and restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression. "In May 2025, the Zimbabwe Peace Project recorded a total of 83 human rights violations affecting 5,376 victims nationwide, a 10% decline from the violations recorded in May where 6,059 people were affected," part of the report reads. "These violations included breaches of personal security, acts of intimidation and harassment, assault, political discrimination in the distribution of government-sponsored food aid, restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, as well as limited access to social services. "Other incidents included unjustified arrests, unlawful evictions, malicious damage to property, inhumane and degrading treatment, and restricted access to information." For the second consecutive month, ZanuPF has been identified as the primary perpetrator of violence, followed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Of the 5,376 people affected, 3,107 were female and 2,269 were male. The report detailed some of the alleged perpetrators. "Among the perpetrators, those affiliated with the ruling party, Zanu PF, accounted for 35.38%, followed by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) at 13.77%. "Other violators included local authorities (16.53%), government officials (11.44%), artisanal miners (5.93%), traditional leaders (6.14%), members of the MDC-Alliance (0.64%) and unaffiliated individuals (6.36%)." Worryingly, members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) are also implicated, accounting for 0.21% of reported violations. The report highlights that "other State security actors, particularly those mandated to protect the public, continue to feature prominently among perpetrators of human rights violations." Despite these concerns, the ZPP expresses cautious optimism about the potential for future improvements. It welcomed and embraced the opportunity to engage with the Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission (ZICC) through its goodwill ambassador to promote a rights-based, accountable approach in security operations. "We are hopeful that other implicated institutions will be open to such engagements, paving the way for lasting solutions to end impunity and foster sustainable peace in Zimbabwe," the report adds. Geographically, Masvingo and Harare provinces recorded the highest number of violations in May, with 13 each. Midlands followed closely with 12 violations, while Manicaland and Mashonaland West each documented 10. Mashonaland Central experienced a significant decline, from 13 violations the previous month to just four in May. Mashonaland East recorded nine violations, while both Matabeleland North and South recorded six breaches each. ZPP commended the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) for highlighting "urgent issues needing government action," including collapsing public services, a shrinking civic space, and restrictive conditions. *NewZW* *High Court Delivers Landmark Blow To Zimbabwe's Controversial 'Patriotic Act'* In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Zimbabwe has ruled that a central provision of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act, widely known as the "Patriotic Act," is unconstitutional and therefore unlawful. The ruling cited its vagueness and overbreadth, which the judge found infringed upon the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association, and political participation enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution. The judgement, delivered by Justice Rodgers Manyangadze on Wednesday, invalidated Section 22A (3) of Act No. 10 of 2023. Justice Manyangadze based his decision on the legal doctrines of vagueness and overbreadth, stating that the provision "lacks precision and creates uncertainty." He affirmed that this infringement directly impacts the rights to freedom of expression (Section 61), association (Section 58), and political participation (Section 67) as enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution. "The applicants have substantiated constitutional invalidity in respect of Section 22A (3). The provision lacks precision and creates uncertainty, thereby infringing on rights to freedom of expression, association, and political participation as enshrined in Sections 58, 61, and 67 of the Constitution," the judge noted. According to the NewsHawks, a vague provision, in legal terms, is considered ambiguous and open to multiple interpretations, while overbreadth refers to a law that is too broadly written, potentially impinging on protected activities in addition to those it aims to regulate. The vagueness doctrine requires criminal laws to explicitly define prohibited conduct to be understandable by the average person, and laws violating this are void. Similarly, the overbreadth doctrine allows challenges to laws that infringe upon the rights of others, even if one’s own actions are not directly affected. The case was brought forward by the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe and civil rights activist and journalist Zenzele Ndebele, who is also the director of the Centre For Innovation and Technology. Section 22A (3), which has now been struck down, criminalized meetings with foreign diplomats or participation in discussions related to sanctions against Zimbabwe. Penalties associated with this provision included citizenship revocation, restriction of voting rights, and bans from holding public office. However, Justice Manyangadze upheld Section 22A (2) of the Act. This provision, which criminalises illegal participation in foreign-led efforts to overthrow the government, was deemed sufficiently clear and necessary for the protection of national sovereignty. The Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Act, 2022, was signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on July 14, 2023, after passing through the National Assembly and Senate. At the time of its enactment, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, criticised the "Patriotic Bill," asserting that its broad provisions were a "grave attack on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association" and represented a "brutal assault on civic space." Amnesty International’s Deputy Research Director for Southern Africa, Khanyo Farisè, had called for its repeal. "The signing of the ‘Patriotic Bill’ into an Act by the President is a grave attack on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association," Khanyo Farisè stated. "The enactment of the Bill is stronger evidence that the Zimbabwean authorities are bent on further shrinking civic space and silencing dissent. "We call on President Mnangagwa to reverse his decision and immediately ensure the repeal of the law to demonstrate the commitment of his government to human rights. "His government must fully and effectively respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights of everyone to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association." *nehandaradio* *Justice Minister Quizzed Over Granting Of Bail To Murder Suspects, Alleged Corruption In The Judiciary System* A MEMBER of Parliament in the National Assembly last week alleged that there was a lot of corruption in the courts leading to murder suspects being granted bail, increasing chances of evading prosecution. In Zimbabwe, bail is granted to individuals in custody pending trial unless there are compelling reasons for continued detention. During a Question-and-Answer session last Wednesday, Zanu PF Shamva North MP lsaac Chinodakufa told the Speaker Jacob Mudenda that due to a high number of reported murder cases currently in the country, some elements were committing several murders but still getting away with it after securing bail. Without giving any statistics, the legislator alleged the police, perpetrator, magistrate and the prosecutor were involved in corruption, leading to granting of bail to murder suspects. Although it is a constitutional right for the suspects to be given bail, the High Court has the constitutional right to approve bail applications for high profile criminal cases such as armed robbery, murder, fraud and money laundering. "A lot of people are being murdered. The perpetrators are going to the courts and they pay bail. A person can get three or four bails. What is the government policy in making sure that we remove the corruption between the perpetrator, the magistrate and the prosecutor?" Chinodakufa asked. The Speaker, reminded the MP that his question required statistics. "The question requires statistics, probably the minister of Justice can respond accordingly," Mudenda said. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi shared Mudenda’s sentiments. "The question is in two parts. Firstly, the question talks about the problem of murderers. The murderers are granted bail. We need to look at the numbers, the statistics of the situation. "Some of the parts require statistics but when you talk about bail, that is protected by the Constitution that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty and may be granted bail. "The other part of the question is for those people to be granted bail. There is corruption between the prosecutors, the magistrate as well as the criminals or suspects," Ziyambi said adding he did not know anything about corruption in the judicial service. "I am hearing this for the first time that there is corruption between the police, the accused, the prosecutors as well as the magistrate." "lf somebody is arrested, without considering the crime, you go and appear in court. You apply for bail. That does not mean that you are not guilty but it is just your right for you to appear in court while you are out of custody on bail. "If the court determines that you can be going to court on bail, it is their decision. However, if the court deems it unfit because of the presentations made, the reasons given, be it that maybe this person can be killed by people if he goes out of custody, the accused is a flight risk, then they determine that." The Justice minister told the House that "bail does not mean that you have been acquitted. It only says you go to court from your home but once the judgment is made, then you are imprisoned". Marondera East MP Vimbayi Mutokonyi raised the issue regarding the efficacy of the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) in nipping graft. "On this issue of corruption, I would also want to find out from the minister how the Integrated Electronic Case Management System has managed to eradicate corruption," Mutokonyi highlighted. The Speaker also reminded the MP that his question required statistics, so it could only be answered fully if it was a written question and then investigations be made as to the regularity or otherwise of the cases of corruption that were alleged. *NewZW* *Zimbabwe's Blood Service Accused Of Profiteering Amidst Health Crisis* As Zimbabwe grapples with a deepening public health crisis, characterised by critical shortages of medication and deteriorating facilities, the National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is facing mounting criticism for its pricing model and significant financial surpluses at the expense of the poor. Critics argue that the organisation, despite its "Not-For-Profit" designation, is generating substantial profits from a life-saving commodity, making it unaffordable for many in a country where the public health system is in disarray. According to an analysis of NBSZ’s 2023 financial reports by biomedical scientist and software engineer Freeman Chari, the organisation boasts an 80% gross margin on blood units. This translates to a gross profit of approximately US$200 on a pint charged at US$250, indicating a processing cost of just US$50 per unit. Chari has asserted that this markup is "insane" and puts blood far beyond the reach of the average Zimbabwean. The 2023 report further reveals that NBSZ recorded a profit/surplus of US$3.5 million, representing 32% of its gross revenue. Chari noted that the significant surplus demonstrated the NBSZ’s capacity to reduce the price of blood by 30% and still maintain a surplus. "Now in 2023 after paying themselves, keeping the lights on and everything, they made a profit/surplus of US$3.5 million. Which is 32% of their gross revenue. What this means is that, NBSZ has the capacity to cut the price of blood by 30% and still make a surplus. "They call themselves a Not-For-Profit organization but they are profiteering as an organization from poor people. "Imagine, they even have the audacity to write in their report that ‘Revenue grew 272% on inflation adjusted basis from the previous year, which is also 1470% in historical terms’. "My conclusion after reading this report, NBSZ is not there to serve people. Yes, they provide a noble service but they are not doing this for charity or goodness of heart – they are there to suck the blood out of people while lining their coffers," Chari noted. Prominent investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono echoed these concerns, stating that charging US$250 for a unit of blood with a processing cost of US$50 is not just a financial issue but a moral one, especially in a country where the public health system is in crisis and citizens struggle with basic living costs. "This is especially troubling in a country where the public health system is already in crisis and where the average person struggles with basic costs of living. "Blood is often needed in emergencies, birth complications, accidents, surgeries, and pricing it so aggressively is not just a financial issue, it is a moral one. "This crookedness is why many regular donors have stopped giving blood, this ought to stop immediately," Chin’ono stated. The damning revelations come amidst a stark warning issued two days ago by the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) regarding the dire state of the nation’s public health system. ZINA President Enock Dongo described the situation as a "national emergency," highlighting widespread disrepair in public hospitals and an inability to provide adequate care due to critical shortages of basic medication, equipment, and resources. The association noted that preventable deaths are occurring due to the absence of fundamental medical supplies, forcing patients to purchase their own drugs. ZINA’s statement painted a grim picture of public hospitals, citing a lack of blankets as winter approaches, non-functioning X-ray departments, and almost non-existent diagnostic centers. Nurses are reportedly working under "impossible conditions," improvising daily to save lives. *nehandaradio* *Prophet Jailed 15 Years For Raping Sick Congregant* A Mutoko-based apostolic prophet, Tichaona Usayi (46), was slapped with 15 years in jail by a Bindura regional magistrate after raping a 17-year-old girl in the name of healing session. Prosecutor Edward Katsvairo told the court that in December last year, Usayi came to Bindura and started a shrine at Kapfumba village, Musana in Bindura. The complainant fell sick and her parents took her to Usayi's shrine for healing. Usayi told the parents that he needed three days of prayers with the complainant, and her parents agreed. The prophet would come at midnight and collect the complainant for prayers. On 27 December, 2024 he raped her once and threatened to kill her if she reveals the case to anyone. On January 13, the complainant decided to tell her mother about the rape and the case was reported to the police. *Disbelief As Nigeria Urges Prayer To End Food Shortages* A call for all staff in Nigeria's ministry of agriculture to pray to help the country achieve food security has caused controversy. An internal memo from the head of the ministry's HR department urges staff to attend a solemn prayer session and fast for the next three Mondays. Some Nigerians have responded by questioning the government's commitment to the task of bringing down the high cost of food. A press release from the agriculture ministry on Saturday downplayed the issue, saying the call for prayers was not an official policy to tackle food insecurity but was intended to boost staff wellbeing. "Just as the already existing monthly aerobic exercise and establishment of the gymnasium in the ministry are for physical fitness", it continued, and "as the regular medical check-ups of staff are for their health". At least 4.4 million people in Nigeria do not have enough food, according to UN estimates, with the country experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation following policy changes brought in by the new government since 2023. The ever-increasing price of basic food staples was one of the triggers for nationwide cost-of-living protests last year. Yams, for example, quadrupled in price from one year to the next. Critics see the appeal for divine intervention as proof that the government is shirking its responsibility to citizens and taking a fatalistic attitude. But officials say they have taken numerous steps to tackle the crisis, including giving farmers more than 1,000 tractors and over two million bags of fertiliser. Exasperated reaction to the call to prayer online has ranged from people saying the ministry's leadership should be replaced with pastors and imams, to simply saying "Nigeria is a joke". *BBC* *African Union Calls For Immediate Cessation Of Hostilities In Middle East* The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expresses grave concern over reports of escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. The Chairperson’s statement came after reports that Israel has launched strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leaders in an attack that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said will last many days. Israel’s military said Iran in retaliation launched over 100 drones toward Israeli territory, Israel’s military said. In its statement, the African Union said the Chairperson calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint. He pointed out that the current developments pose a serious threat to international peace and security. The African Union reiterates its steadfast commitment to peace, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. *Israel's Endgame May Be Regime Change In Iran - But It's A Gamble* Beyond Israel's stated goal of destroying what it calls an existential threat from Iran's nuclear capabilities with its attacks on Friday, Benjamin Netanyahu has a wider aim - regime change in Tehran. Under this scenario, he might hope that the unprecedented strikes start a chain reaction leading to unrest that topples the Islamic Republic. He said in a statement on Friday evening that "The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime." Many Iranians are unhappy with the state of the economy, the lack of freedom of speech, women's rights, and minority rights. Israel's attack is posing a real threat to Iran's leadership. The strikes have killed the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the chief of staff of the armed forces, and many other high-ranking IRGC chiefs, and the Israeli attack is not yet over. Iran retaliated in the afternoon, with the Revolutionary Guard saying it carried out attacks against "dozens of targets, military centres and airbases". The situation escalated quickly and after Iran's retaliatory missile attacks, Netanyahu said, "More is on the way". More of Iran's leaders could be targeted. Israel may calculate that the attacks and killings could unsettle the regime and open the way for a popular uprising. At least this is what Netanyahu hopes for. But this is a gamble - a big one. There is no evidence that such a chain reaction will start in the first place, but even if it starts, it is unclear where such a process might lead. Those with the most power in Iran are the people who control the armed forces and the economy, and most of that is in the hands of hardliners in the IRGC and some other unelected bodies. They don't need to stage a coup because they are already in power, and they could take Iran in a more confrontational direction. Another possible outcome could be regime collapse followed by Iran's descent into chaos. With a population of about 90 million people, events in the country would have a massive impact across the Middle East. Israel's desired outcome seems to be an uprising that ends with a friendly force taking over, but a major question here is who might be the alternative? Iranian opposition forces have been highly fragmented in recent years and there are no clear options here. After the unrests in 2022, known as the "Woman Life Freedom" movement that took most of Iran like a storm, some opposition groups tried to form a coalition of a wide range of anti-Islamic Republic groups and activists. But that didn't last long due to differences in their views on who leads the coalition and what will be the shape of the regime after toppling the current one. Israel's leaders might see some of these groups or personas as preferred alternatives. For example, the Iranian former crown prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's former Shah, who was overthrown in the country's 1979 Islamic revolution. He lives in exile and has been actively trying to influence foreign players to support his cause. He also visited Israel in recent years. Although he has gained popularity among some Iranians, it's not clear whether that could quickly transform into a force for regime change. There's also the Mujahideen-e Khalq (MEK), an exiled opposition group that backs the overthrow of the Islamic Republic but is against going back to the monarchy. Founded as a left-wing Muslim group, it previously staunchly opposed the shah. After the revolution, the MEK went to Iraq and joined Saddam Hussein in the early 1980s during his war against Iran, which made them unpopular among many Iranians. The group continues to be active and has friends in the US, some of whom are close to Donald Trump's camp. However, it appears to have less influence with the White House than during Trump's first term, when senior US officials including Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, and Rudy Giuliani appeared at MEK gatherings and gave supportive speeches. There are other political forces as well, from those who want to establish a secular democracy to those who seek a parliamentary monarchy and so on. It might be too early to analyse the full extent of Friday's attacks, but during last year's exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel, there were no strong indications that Iranians saw those situations as an opportunity for toppling the regime. However, those events didn't even come close to the level of destruction during Friday's attacks. Islamic Republic's endgame We must also ask what Iran's endgame is now. Despite targeting a number of targets in Israel, Iran doesn't seem to have many good options. Some might see the safest way out as continuing to engage in negotiations with the US and aiming to de-escalate from there. But returning to negotiations, as Trump has demanded, is a tough choice for Iran's leaders because that would mean they have accepted defeat. Another option is to carry on with retaliatory attacks against Israel. This seems to be their most desired option. This is what Iranian leaders had promised to their supporters, but even if the attacks continue, it could invite further attacks by Israel. Tehran has in the past threatened to target US bases, embassies, and points of interest in the region. But this is not easily achieved and attacking the US would bring it directly into the mix, which is what Iran least wants. None of these options are easy for either side and their consequences are hard to predict. The dust is still in the air and we won't know until it settles what changes have taken place. *BBC* *Iran-Israel Tensions & An Unpredictable Trump To Dominate G7* The informal G7 grouping of the world’s seven advanced economies is set to meet from June 15 to 17 in Kananaskis, Alberta. Holding the current presidency of the G7, Canada is hosting this year. While the agenda items will change in importance, depending on how things evolve in the Middle East, the latest crisis is already set to shift focus from what was expected to be a platform for host Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to showcase his leadership at home and to a global audience. The G7 countries include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the European Union. In addition, the host country typically invites the heads of a handful of other countries, usually because they are deemed important to global and economic affairs. Canada has invited India, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine along with a few others. Carney is likely to have been hoping to avoid a repeat of the last time US President Donald Trump attended – also in Canada – in 2018. At the end of what was thought to be a successful gathering, Trump wrote on social media that he had directed his staff not to sign the final communique – the statement the G7 countries issue in a show of unity at the end of the summit – and left early, calling then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "very dishonest and weak". But the communique is never signed, said Julia Kulik, director of strategic initiatives for the G7 Research Group at Trinity College at the University of Toronto, pointing to the incident as another instance of an unpredictable Trump. This year there are already differences so no joint communique is expected and instead Carney is expected to issue a "chair’s summary" which will reflect on the events of the three days. But Robert Rogowsky, professor of trade and economic diplomacy at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said there is no way G7 members can avoid the subject of the latest crisis in the Middle East, which was triggered by a massive Israeli assault on military and nuclear sites in Iran on early Friday morning – and has since prompted retaliatory strikes by Iran. The US said it was not involved in the Israeli strike on Iran, but Trump told reporters on Friday that it was informed of the attack in advance. "That attack, counterattack, and the US declaration that it was not involved and its warning about staying away from American assets as targets is likely to be the first thing discussed, as it now creates the possibility of a real, all-out war in the Middle East. The major neighbouring parties will have to decide how to align themselves," Rogowsky said. *A ‘crisis response’ group?* The G7 "was designed to be a crisis response group with the ability to act and adapt quickly to international challenges … so in some ways, it’s good they’re meeting this weekend as they’ll have the ability to respond quickly", said Kulik. Even before this latest flare-up, the G7 in its 51st year comes "at a hinge moment because of economic disruptions and but also because of geopolitical shifts," said Vina Nadjibulla, vice president and head of research at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. Nadjibulla was referring to the global tariffs unleashed earlier this year by Trump as well as a shifting foreign policy for the US under his leadership, with old alliances no longer cared for, as well as an "America First" message. Against that backdrop, "Prime Minister Carney has been trying to meet the moment and be as purposeful as possible," Nadjibulla added, pointing to the list of priorities Canada announced last week ahead of the summit. That list focuses on strengthening global peace and security, including by countering foreign interference and transnational crime, as well as improving responses to wildfires; spurring economic growth by improving energy security, and bringing in public-private partnerships to spur investments. The priorities announced, important domestically but also internationally, are a "testament" to Carney’s intentions, and "building the economy is front and centre", said Nadjibulla. Conversations on global peace would have focused on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel’s war on Gaza but attention will now pivot to Iran, said Kulik, "and there will be tough questions from other leaders around the table to Donald Trump about what went wrong with the negotiations and about what he’s going to do to get Israel to de-escalate before things get worse". *Trump is a ‘coin flip’* Experts were already on the lookout for flare-ups at the upcoming three-day event with the mercurial Trump in attendance. "His reactions are very emotional and performative, so it could be any of those and that could decide the dynamics of the G7," said Rogowsky. "If he comes in wanting to build some bridges, then it could be a success, but if he wants to make a point, and this is another world wrestling federation for him, then [it can go anywhere]. With Trump, it’s a coin flip." But despite the Iran-Israel face-off, the G7 will still be an opportunity for Carney to set the tone at a complex time of tariff wars and slowing domestic and global economies. He is also aware that Canada has to "up its political game" and find new ways of boosting its economy and security. That is particularly visible in the invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Canada has had diplomatic tensions with India over the 2023 killing of a Sikh leader on Canadian soil in the recent past. This shows that Carney is aware that to make progress on his agenda items, he will "need to work with countries that you may have disagreements with, but you can’t let those issues dictate the big picture," said Nadjibulla. "Carney is setting the stage for a consequential meeting." Rogowsky added: "Carney is a globalist and wants to allow Canada to become a force in unity, in a multilateral system. I see him as taking on a role as a bridge builder. Maybe he’s the one guy who can pull this off." At the same time, he said, "it will be interesting to see how the other leaders approach Trump. Will it be a case of kowtow to the ruler, or he’s the bully on the playground and we’re going to stand up to him." For Rogowsky, the "cayenne pepper" in the meeting is the expected presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was berated by Trump and US Vice President JD Vance in the White House on live television for not being "grateful" enough for US assistance. The three-day event follows initial meetings in May between finance ministers and central bank governors belonging to G7 countries in Banff. *Aljazeera* *Messi’s Inter Miami Held By Al Ahly At FIFA Club World Cup* Lionel Messi led a strong second-half resurgence from Inter Miami in a surprisingly thrilling 0-0 draw with Al Ahly in Group A to open the FIFA Club World Cup in Florida. The Argentinian forward, much like the rest of his teammates, had a quiet first half at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday. Egyptian giants Al Ahly dominated the play and the chances in the opening 45 minutes but were denied on numerous occasions by Inter keeper Oscar Ustari. It appeared that the 39-year-old’s efforts were going to be in vain going in at the break, when Trezeguet stepped up from the spot in the 43rd minute, but Ustari was equal to the Al Ahly threat once more. The second period was a vastly improved performance by the Major League Soccer side, and ended with Messi thumping a long-range effort off the bar. Al Ahly keeper Mohamed El Shenawy managed to get fingertips onto Messi’s late left-footed curler. The stopper had to be just as alert from the resulting corner – deep into stoppage time – to deny Maximiliano Falcon’s header. Football - Club World Cup - Group A - Al Ahly v Inter Miami CF - Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. - June 14, 2025 Al Ahly's Mohamed El Shenawy makes a save Al Ahly’s Mohamed El Shenawy makes a save from Lionel Messi [Hannah Mckay/Reuters] It was his opposite number, Ustari, who kept his side in the contest at the break, leading Inter manager Javier Mascherano to reflect that his side were only "alive" thanks to their keeper. Wessam Abou Ali and Emam Ashour were both denied from close-range chances, but the big moment came after Zizo cut into the box before being clipped from behind by Telasco Segovia. Former Premier League player with Aston Villa, Trezeguet, stepped up from the spot and sent his kick to his left – the keeper guessed correctly and made the save.