International

Controversial assisted suicide bill introduced in UK Parliament

British lawmakers began debating on Friday the processing of a bill on assisted dying for certain terminally ill patients, a proposal that has sparked controversy.

The bill would allow assisted suicide for patients in England and Wales who are terminally ill, with only six months of life expectancy remaining.

To qualify for this option, patients must be able to express a clear choice and obtain approval from two doctors and a judge.

The bill’s sponsor, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, argues that these provisions make it “the most robust” legislation on the issue in the world.

Speaking before the House of Commons, Leadbeater said the bill aims to provide “choice, autonomy, and dignity” to adults suffering from terminal illnesses.

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She argued that the current law “is not clear and does not protect patients, families, and healthcare staff, which forces people into desperate actions.”

Leadbeater shared the story of Norman, a man who had been battling prostate cancer for 15 years. “When the disease spread and the pain became unbearable, he went to his garden and shot himself in the head.”

If the bill passes this initial stage, it will need to be reviewed and amended in committee before being brought back for approval by both houses of the British Parliament.

Although the proposal originates from within the Labour Party, the Labour government has not officially endorsed it, and the outcome of the vote will depend more on personal convictions than party directives.

Nine years ago, a similar bill on assisted suicide was rejected by Parliament, but public opinion has shifted since then and is now largely supportive of the proposal.

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A poll published on Friday by YouGov found that three-quarters of residents in England and Wales support this change in the law.

International

Trump Delays Potential Iran Strikes as Regional Peace Talks Continue

Donald Trump announced a new deadline for potential military action against Iran, saying he would temporarily delay planned strikes while regional negotiators continue efforts to secure a peace agreement.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said he decided to postpone the operation after receiving requests from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

The U.S. president explained that the pause would remain in place for only a limited period, adding that discussions could continue through the end of the week or early next week.

Trump also warned that military action remained a possibility if negotiations fail to produce results, stressing that the United States could not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.

“Maybe we’ll have to hit them again,” Trump said, referring to Iran while reiterating his willingness to resume military operations if necessary.

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International

FAO Urges Urgent Action as Hormuz Disruption Threatens Global Food Supply

A prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a “systemic agri-food shock” capable of causing a major global food price crisis within six to twelve months, the Food and Agriculture Organization warned on Wednesday.

Before the recent attacks launched by United States and Israel against Iran, roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil shipments passed through the strategic waterway.

The UN agency said the disruption should not be viewed as a temporary shipping issue, but rather as the beginning of a broader global agro-food crisis with potential long-term economic consequences.

The FAO urged governments to establish alternative trade routes, avoid export restrictions, protect humanitarian supply chains and build reserves to absorb rising transportation costs.

Máximo Torero said countries must urgently strengthen their resilience and prepare for the potential impact of disruptions linked to the maritime bottleneck.

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According to the organization, the window for preventive action is rapidly closing.

International

U.S. Sanctions Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Money Launderers Linked to Fentanyl Trade

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions on Wednesday against more than a dozen individuals and companies allegedly linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, accusing them of laundering money connected to fentanyl trafficking operations.

Among those targeted are Armando Ojeda Avilés, identified by U.S. authorities as a leading money laundering operator for the cartel, and Jesús “Chuy” González Peñuela, who has been subject to a $5 million reward since January 2024.

According to the sanctions list released by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), other individuals sanctioned include Jesús Alonso Aispuro, described as the network’s financial chief, and Rodrigo Alarcón Palomares, accused of overseeing cash collection operations in the United States.

Relatives of the alleged cartel figures were also sanctioned for managing businesses reportedly tied to the network, including the security company Grupo Especial Mamba Negra and the restaurant Gorditas Chiwas in Chihuahua, Mexico.

The Sinaloa Cartel was designated a narcoterrorist organization last year under an order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump and has since become a major focus of U.S. law enforcement efforts.

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Two weeks ago, prosecutors in New York’s Southern District accused Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and several associates of collaborating with the cartel, a development that increased tensions with the administration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.