This is what Tehran looks like right now: the city is blanketed in thick, black toxic clouds of smoke. A rain mixed with oil is literally pouring down on its nine million residents, and every breath is filled with carcinogenic, polluted air. People are breathing this. Animals are breathing this. Trees are breathing this. This is a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe. Previous Next
Initially, men over 18 and women over 17 were eligible to take the GTO tests. By 1934, the program had expanded to include citizens aged 10 to 60. The GTO program included running, jumping, gymnastics, throwing events (discus, javelin, shot put, etc.), swimming, cross-country skiing (or, in snowless regions, a forced march or cycling race), and shooting (for young men only). Participants were awarded a gold or silver GTO badge based on their performance, while those who met the standards for several years received the “Honorary GTO Badge.” The GTO system ceased to exist with the dissolution of the USSR. But in 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree […]
Based on materials by journalist Yury Podolyaka: What could Iran’s truly painful retaliation look like against US and Israeli attacks? It’s water. Millions in Persian Gulf monarchies live in the desert thanks to dozens of massive desalination plants along the coast. These plants are huge, static targets—you can’t hide or move them, and they’re well within range of cheap Iranian drones. Estimates show Qatar gets nearly 100% of its drinking water from desalination, Bahrain and Kuwait around 90%, Saudi Arabia about 70%, UAE 42%. That’s 58–60 million people across these five countries. Most live in major cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City, Manama—where water access relies on a […]
Comments by the Assistant to the President of Russia, Yury Ushakov, following the telephone conversation between Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump have been published on the Kremlin website: March 9, 2026, 22:30 Y. Ushakov: This evening a telephone conversation took place between the presidents of Russia and the United States. Donald Trump called Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to discuss a number of extremely important topics related to the current development of the international situation. Naturally, the emphasis was placed on the situation surrounding the conflict with Iran and on the trilateral negotiations on a Ukrainian settlement being conducted with the participation of U.S. representatives. Let me say at once […]
To His Excellency The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei March 9, 2026, 12:50 Congratulations Dear Mr. Hosseini Khamenei, Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of your election as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your work in this high office will undoubtedly require great courage and self-sacrifice. I am confident that you will honorably continue your father’s work and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe trials. For my part, I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and our solidarity with our Iranian friends. […]
Whatever the hell that means, oil prices have dipped somewhat on the announcement, and stocks are edging up. One thing seems certain — somebody in Trump’s family must have bought oil and stock futures just before the announcement. But actually, is Trump backing out and declaring victory? Could be. But honestly, we think the war is NOT very complete, pretty much, despite the announcement (wink, wink). Previous Next
The U.S. military has lost two more MQ-9 Reaper drones during “Operation Epic Fury” in Iran, according to two U.S. officials. This brings the total to 11 drones lost so far. MQ-9 Reaper drones are unmanned aerial vehicles used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions or to deliver precision strikes. The drones are easier to take down because they were designed for counter-terrorism environments with little air defense, not for countries with modern missile systems. Their top speed is about 300 mph, which is slow compared to a fighter jet with a speed of about 1,200 to 1,900 mph. The total cost for 11 Reaper drones is more than 330 […]
Millicent Mpolodi Tlou works as an actress and model and is also involved in poetry and event hosting. Second place went to Kazakhstan’s representative, Olga Migunova, who also won the Audience Choice Award. The bronze went to Russia’s participant, Alexandra Khvatova. The winner in the “Miss” category was Russia’s Valentina Alekseeva, a professional model and Miss Russia 2024. In the “Mini Miss” category, the victory went to China’s Dumalaog Saffira Kara Gille. The BRICS beauty contest was held for the first time and featured 50 participants from 17 member and partner countries of the organization. Because the contest took place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the organizers decided […]
By the decree of Emperor Alexander I, the “Rules for the Management and Preservation of Valuables in the Workshop and Armory Chamber” were established. From this day forward, the ancient Russian treasury officially became a museum, often referred to as the “Most Sovereign Museum.” The Moscow Armory, located within the Kremlin, had long served as a repository for state treasures, weapons, regalia, and ceremonial objects of the Russian tsars. Its origins date back to the early 16th century when it was used primarily as a weapons workshop. Over time, it accumulated a vast collection of priceless artifacts, including royal crowns, state insignias, Fabergé eggs, ceremonial weapons, and gifts from foreign […]