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Hungarians vote April 12 in a pivotal parliamentary election where opposition leader Peter Magyar's center-right Tisza party is leading polls against Viktor Orban's Fidesz party for the first time in 16 years. The election reflects a deeply polarized nation split over Hungary's orientation toward Europe versus Russia. Orban's government has faced EU criticism over democratic backsliding and alignment with Moscow, making this vote significant for EU cohesion and NATO's eastern flank. The outcome will determine whether Hungary continues its current geopolitical path or shifts toward stronger Western alignment.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a bilateral fuel and gas agreement with Singapore on April 10, 2026, committing both nations to maintain maximum efforts in keeping energy supplies flowing between them. The deal reflects Australia's stated priority of boosting domestic fuel supplies and securing regional energy partnerships during a period of global energy market volatility. For American readers, this Australian-Singapore energy corridor represents a critical stabilization effort in Indo-Pacific supply chains that indirectly affect global fuel prices and regional geopolitical alignment. The agreement signals deepening energy cooperation among U.S.-aligned democracies in Asia as countries diversify away from unstable suppliers.

Fuel prices in Somalia have nearly doubled due to disruptions in global oil supplies and shipping routes caused by the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The sharp increase has driven up transportation costs and living expenses across the country, creating immediate hardship for households and businesses. Traders report that supply chains are fracturing under the pressure, threatening food security and economic stability in a nation already vulnerable to crises. This illustrates how regional Middle East conflicts rapidly cascade into humanitarian impacts across Africa and beyond.

Islamic State jihadists have established a significant base in Puntland, a region in northeastern Somalia, occupying a mountainous area spanning nearly 5,000 square kilometers with minimal resistance. The group has shifted strategic focus to Africa following military defeats in Iraq and Syria, using the Somali territory to organize and finance operations globally. This development represents a critical terrorism concern for Western intelligence agencies and demonstrates IS's ability to reconstitute itself in ungoverned spaces. The presence of an estimated jihadist stronghold organizing international operations poses direct security implications for U.S. counterterrorism priorities and regional stability across the Horn of Africa.

Al Jazeera examines the global nuclear weapons framework established by the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty, which governs which countries can possess nuclear weapons and which cannot. Nine nations currently possess nuclear arsenals while dozens more use nuclear technology for civilian purposes in energy, medicine, and research. The rigid decades-old rules are increasingly questioned as emerging powers seek nuclear capabilities and existing powers modernize arsenals, raising questions about the treaty's effectiveness in the 21st century. This analysis comes amid ongoing debates at the UN and international forums about nuclear disarmament and proliferation prevention.

Australia's construction sector is experiencing severe disruption as material costs have surged up to 50 percent due to the global fuel crisis, with industry leaders warning that thousands of businesses face imminent collapse without immediate government intervention. The cost inflation is cascading through the supply chain, making it impossible for contractors to maintain profitability on existing projects and bids. This economic pressure is destabilizing a major pillar of Australia's economy and employment, with ripple effects likely to impact housing availability and infrastructure development. Political reporter Sara Tomevska reports that industry representatives are calling for urgent government action to prevent widespread business failures.

Hungary's opposition leader Peter Magyar is set to confront Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Sunday's crucial election, capitalizing on widespread discontent with Orban's decade-long rule. Magyar represents the strongest electoral challenge to Orban's governing Fidesz party in recent years, with polls showing competitive momentum. The election outcome will significantly impact Hungary's trajectory on EU integration, judicial independence, and democratic governance — issues where Orban has faced sustained criticism from Brussels and international observers. Magyar's rise reflects broader European trends of anti-incumbent sentiment and could reshape Central European politics if opposition gains ground.

Pro-Israel voices and propagandists are mounting campaigns against Turkey's position within NATO, according to analysis by regional experts cited in this TRT World report. The targeting reflects deeper geopolitical tensions between Israel and Turkey, rooted in Ankara's consistently strong support for Palestinian causes and its regional influence. This matters to Americans because Turkey is a critical NATO ally hosting U.S. military installations, and internal alliance divisions over Middle East policy could complicate U.S. strategic interests. The controversy underscores how Israeli-Palestinian tensions are reshaping broader international alliances and creating pressure on traditionally neutral NATO members.

Australia's ASX recorded its best trading week in 3.5 years, surging 4.4 percent over five days, driven by investor optimism ahead of scheduled US-Iran peace negotiations this weekend. The rally reflects broader global market confidence that talks could reduce Middle East tensions and stabilize energy prices. Diesel prices at Australian service stations have fallen from recent record highs, signaling market expectations of decreased geopolitical risk. The ceasefire between the parties remains fragile, making the outcome of talks critical to whether market gains hold.

An Indonesian fisherman discovered a 3.7-meter-long, 65-centimeter-wide torpedo-like object in waters near the Lombok Strait between Bali and Lombok, which is now in Indonesian navy custody. The discovery raises questions about the object's origin and purpose, with potential implications for regional maritime security and naval activity in strategically important Indonesian waters. The Lombok Strait is a critical shipping lane in Southeast Asia and sits amid geopolitical tensions involving multiple nations' naval operations. Indonesian authorities are investigating the object's provenance and whether it relates to any known military exercises or incidents in the region.

A fragile ceasefire has taken hold in the Middle East, but Iran's Revolutionary Guard has allegedly laid mines throughout the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Maritime traffic through the strait—through which roughly one-third of the world's traded oil passes—has nearly ceased as shipping companies avoid the waterway due to mine risks. This disruption threatens global energy supplies and economic stability, directly impacting American consumers through potential oil price spikes and broader inflation. International efforts to clear mines and restore safe passage remain ongoing, with no clear timeline for full reopening.

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko publicly criticized Donald Trump on April 10, 2026, accusing him of destabilizing the world by initiating military conflict with Iran and creating global chaos. Sonko's remarks reflect growing international concern about U.S. foreign policy under Trump's current administration and the escalating military tensions in the Middle East. The statement signals significant diplomatic friction between West African leadership and Washington, highlighting how Trump's Iran policy is reshaping international relations beyond traditional allies. This criticism from a prominent African leader demonstrates widening global skepticism about the administration's approach to regional conflicts.

Iran held commemorative events marking the 40th day since a US airstrike killed 168 students at Shajara Tayyiba School in Minab during escalating US-Israeli military operations against Iran. The strikes represent a significant escalation in Middle Eastern conflict, with mass casualties among civilians. The commemoration also honored former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, indicating Iran's unified response to the attack. This reflects deepening US-Iran-Israel tensions and potential trajectory toward broader regional conflict.

Maria Sultan, chairperson of the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute, discussed Pakistan's diplomatic role in facilitating high-stakes regional negotiations aimed at preventing further military escalation in the Middle East. Pakistan's strategic position and established ties across the region position it as a key mediator, though tensions remain significant. The mediation effort is significant for Americans because Pakistan's success or failure could influence broader regional stability, affecting U.S. interests in counterterrorism, trade routes, and alliance dynamics. Current negotiations reflect cautious optimism despite deep underlying conflicts between regional actors.

Retired Rear Admiral Syed Faisal Ali Shah stated that Pakistan is leveraging its balanced relationships with multiple regional powers to play a crucial mediating role in unspecified but significant negotiations. Both Pakistan's civilian government and military leadership are collaborating on diplomatic efforts, with officials expressing cautious optimism that talks could produce regional stability. Pakistan's geographic position and relationships across the Middle East make its diplomatic stance relevant to broader regional conflicts and U.S. strategic interests. The statement reflects ongoing efforts to address tensions in a region critical to American foreign policy and global energy security.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacking multiple Israeli military positions and settlements on Friday, April 10, with rockets fired from Lebanon triggering air raid sirens across northern and central Israel, including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Israeli defense systems intercepted at least one rocket over Tel Aviv, though reports indicate additional impacts. This represents an escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict and signals deepening regional instability in the Middle East. The attack follows months of rising cross-border tensions and raises risks of wider regional conflagration affecting U.S. Middle East policy and regional allies.

On April 9, 2026, video footage from a pro-Palestine protest at Berlin's Alexanderplatz showed a German police officer covering a woman's mouth while detaining her as she chanted 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.' The demonstration was organized to protest Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The incident raises questions about protest rights and police conduct in Germany, a country with strict regulations on certain political speech. The viral video (24,000+ views) highlights ongoing tensions in Europe over Gaza-related activism and the limits of free expression in German law.

Islamabad entered lockdown on April 10, 2026, as thousands of security personnel deployed across the city to host direct negotiations between United States and Iranian delegations. The talks represent a critical diplomatic moment following a fragile Pakistan-brokered ceasefire, with significant unresolved disagreements threatening to collapse negotiations. The outcome could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitical stability and affect American interests in regional security, sanctions policy, and nuclear nonproliferation. Both nations face internal pressure to either achieve breakthrough concessions or walk away, with Pakistan serving as neutral mediator.

Pam Bondi served one year as Trump's Attorney General before resigning in April 2026, during which she approved a Qatar government jet transaction, implemented restrictions on free speech, and prematurely closed the largest sex trafficking investigation in US history. The early closure of the trafficking case halted prosecutions affecting an unknown number of victims and prevented further institutional accountability. Her tenure demonstrates how executive branch leadership can redirect federal law enforcement priorities away from public protection and toward political alignment. The resignation follows mounting scrutiny of her approval of foreign financial transactions that would normally trigger conflict-of-interest review.

Pakistan is preparing to host negotiations between the United States and Iran following a fragile ceasefire agreement in the Middle East, with talks expected in coming weeks. The discussions will focus on maintaining the truce, addressing potential violations, and establishing a broader peace framework beyond immediate de-escalation. This development matters significantly to Americans because Middle East stability directly affects US foreign policy, regional military presence, and global oil markets. Pakistan's diplomatic role underscores how South Asian nations increasingly serve as crucial mediators in global security crises.

The Bank of Korea maintained its benchmark interest rate unchanged today, marking the seventh consecutive decision to hold rates steady amid persistent inflation and currency volatility concerns. The decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach as it balances competing economic pressures affecting the world's 10th-largest economy. South Korea's monetary policy stance is significant for global markets given the country's major role in semiconductor manufacturing and technology exports. The won's weakness and inflation pressures suggest the BOK may face difficult choices ahead regarding future rate moves.

Global women's sports revenues are projected to exceed $3 billion in 2026, up from $2.4 billion in 2025—a 25% year-over-year increase representing accelerating investment and viewership across multiple continents. This financial milestone reflects growing corporate sponsorships, media rights deals, and audience engagement with women's athletic competitions worldwide. The trend signals a structural shift in how global sports industries allocate resources, with implications for athlete compensation, infrastructure development, and gender equity in professional athletics. American media and sports networks are increasingly competing for broadcasting rights to women's competitions, making this economic expansion directly relevant to U.S. sports markets and investment patterns.

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration signed a second export contract with Finland to supply 112 K9 self-propelled howitzers, worth approximately 940 billion won ($700+ million USD), through a deal finalized in Helsinki between the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency and Finland's defense ministry. This represents a significant expansion of South Korean military exports and reflects growing European demand for advanced Korean defense systems. The deal underscores South Korea's emergence as a major global arms manufacturer and signals deepening defense cooperation between Seoul and NATO-aligned European nations amid regional security concerns. Finland's repeated orders demonstrate confidence in Korean military technology and suggest South Korea is successfully competing with traditional Western defense contractors.

Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni is the clear favorite to win Benin's presidential election on Sunday, backed by outgoing President Patrice Talon after two terms in office. The election represents a significant political transition in the West African nation as Talon steps down per constitutional term limits. Benin's democratic stability and leadership transfer matter for regional West African politics and U.S. diplomatic relationships in the region. Wadagni's victory would likely continue Talon's policy direction on economic governance and regional cooperation.

Israeli schools have reopened with parents accompanying children to classrooms following weeks of recent conflict and disruption across the country. The return to education signals cautious stabilization, though security concerns remain elevated and authorities continue heightened monitoring of affected regions. This development reflects broader efforts to restore civilian life after prolonged instability, a pattern closely watched given ongoing regional tensions. The measure underscores how conflict reshapes daily routines—even children's education now requires modified safety protocols.

Tropical Cyclone Maila, a category 3 storm, damaged parts of Solomon Islands' Western Province and is now moving slowly toward Papua New Guinea's mainland, directly threatening the Budi Budi and Woodlark Islands. The slow movement increases exposure time for residents in the cyclone's path, raising concerns about potential casualties and infrastructure damage across the region. This represents a serious humanitarian threat to vulnerable Pacific island communities with limited disaster response resources. The storm's trajectory and intensity will determine whether it escalates into a major regional disaster requiring international aid coordination.

Large-scale worker demonstrations are unfolding across Venezuela, with protesters demanding higher wages and improved working conditions in Caracas and other cities. The protests represent significant pressure on interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who took office only months after Nicolás Maduro's removal. This signals that economic hardship persists despite the political transition Venezuelans hoped would bring relief. The unrest underscores the fragility of Venezuela's interim government and raises questions about whether leadership change alone can address the country's deep economic crisis.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Doha, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar on April 10, 2026, to support ongoing US-Iran ceasefire negotiations and discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Starmer emphasized that significant diplomatic work remains to restore regional stability and global energy flows through one of the world's most critical shipping routes. The ceasefire represents a major diplomatic achievement after regional tensions, and its sustainability depends on coordinated Gulf state backing. UK involvement signals broader international commitment to preventing renewed conflict that could disrupt global oil markets and shipping.

Indigenous women in Brazil are entering politics ahead of October's general election, with former indigenous affairs minister Sonia Guajajara resigning to run for Congress. A 94-year-old tribal leader urged young voters to support indigenous-backed candidates as 6,000 Indigenous activists gathered in Brasilia to mobilize politically. This represents a significant shift in Brazilian electoral politics, as historically marginalized Indigenous populations seek direct representation in Congress. The timing is crucial: President Lula faces a tight race against right-wing opposition, and Indigenous voters could prove pivotal in determining Brazil's political direction.

Nigeria's government began simultaneous trials of 500 suspected terrorists across 13 courtrooms in Abuja on April 10, 2026, amid a sustained surge in militant violence across the country. The proceedings occur under heavy security as authorities attempt to process the massive backlog of detained suspects and demonstrate judicial response to terrorism. This reflects the deepening security challenge in West Africa's largest economy, where militant groups have destabilized multiple regions and threatened national stability. The trials signal both Nigeria's commitment to rule of law and the scale of the threat it faces.

Lagos, Nigeria held its annual Fanti carnival featuring colorful costumes and samba-influenced music rooted in 19th-century Afro-Brazilian freed slaves who returned to West Africa and settled on Lagos Island. The carnival represents a unique cultural fusion between Brazilian and Yoruba traditions, blending Catholic feast-day customs with local practices. This celebration demonstrates how diaspora communities shaped African cultural identity and maintains historical memory of the transatlantic slave trade's complex legacies. The event highlights underappreciated connections between Brazil and Nigeria that reshaped Lagos's cultural landscape over 150 years ago.

TRT World's analysis examines the dangers of military strikes against nuclear installations in the Middle East, detailing risks including cooling system failures, radiation contamination, and environmental disasters that extend far beyond target sites. Expert testimony highlights how such strikes could trigger humanitarian crises affecting millions across multiple countries through airborne contamination and water system contamination. This matters critically to Americans given U.S. military involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts and potential exposure to transnational radiation effects. The explainer reflects growing international concern about nuclear facility vulnerability as regional tensions escalate.

The Texas Supreme Court ended five separate appeals filed by tens of thousands of residents and businesses suing power generators including Centerpoint Energy and NRG Texas for failures during the February 2021 winter storm that killed hundreds and caused billions in damages. The court issued no written ruling or explanation for dismissing the cases. Power companies that claimed the storm was abnormal and unforeseeable have now won immunity from liability. Residents who lost power, faced medical emergencies, or suffered property damage will receive no compensation from the generators responsible for the grid failure.

Britain has accused Russia of conducting covert maritime operations near UK waters, including surveillance of critical undersea cables and pipelines essential to national communications and energy security. The UK government warned it is prepared to respond firmly to these alleged threats, while Moscow denied the accusations and asserted its right to protect its interests at sea. This escalation reflects broader NATO-Russia tensions over Arctic and North Atlantic strategic competition, with undersea infrastructure becoming a flashpoint in great-power rivalry. The incident underscores American vulnerability to similar threats to its own transatlantic cables and allies' critical infrastructure.

Vice President JD Vance is personally leading the most significant US-Iran diplomatic talks in decades, a role traditionally reserved for career State Department officials and seasoned diplomats. The decision to elevate Vance signals a major strategic shift in how the Trump administration is handling Iran policy, bypassing conventional diplomatic channels. This move carries enormous implications for Middle East stability, nuclear proliferation concerns, and US-Iran relations at a critical geopolitical moment. The talks represent either a potential breakthrough in decades-long hostilities or a high-risk gamble depending on their outcomes and underlying motives.

Riot police dispersed wage protesters in Caracas, Venezuela's capital, as demonstrators demanded increases to the country's minimum wage of 130 bolivars—approximately $0.27 per month. The government's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, promised a salary increase by May 1 but provided no specifics on the amount or implementation. Venezuela's economic collapse has created severe inflation and devaluation, making monthly wages functionally worthless for basic survival. This reflects ongoing social unrest amid the broader humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions and destabilized the region.

A Houthi leader publicly vowed to escalate military actions if the United States and Israel resume strikes against Iran, according to an Al Jazeera report released April 10, 2026. The statement reflects rising tensions in the Middle East and signals the Iran-aligned group's willingness to expand its involvement in regional conflicts. This matters to Americans because Houthi actions directly affect US military operations, regional stability, and global shipping routes through the Red Sea. The threat comes amid ongoing discussions about potential renewed military action in the region and highlights how regional proxy groups are prepared to respond to US-Israeli military moves.

Israel conducted massive bombing campaigns against targets in Lebanon on Wednesday and Thursday, killing more than 250 people and injuring over 1,000 in what officials described as the largest attacks of the ongoing conflict. Lebanon declared a national day of mourning as hospitals became overwhelmed and rescue efforts continued in affected areas. The escalation threatens to collapse a recently negotiated ceasefire framework that the Trump administration had brokered, undermining broader Middle Eastern peace efforts. The strikes represent a dangerous escalation in the Israel-Lebanon conflict and signal potential breakdown of international diplomatic efforts.

A mother and son narrowly escaped death when Israeli forces bombed a residential building in central Beirut on April 10, 2026, one of the deadliest days since the war's escalation. The strike killed and injured multiple civilians in the neighborhood, adding to mounting casualties in Lebanon's capital. The incident underscores the intensifying military campaign and its direct impact on civilians in urban areas. International attention remains focused on the humanitarian toll and ceasefire prospects in the region.

Iranian state television broadcast a statement from newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on April 10, 2026, declaring Iran seeks "compensation, not war" while refusing to surrender what Tehran views as legitimate national rights amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel. The message represents a carefully calibrated diplomatic signal—acknowledging constraints on Iranian action while maintaining a defiant posture on core interests. This leadership transition and rhetorical shift carries significant implications for US Middle East policy, nuclear negotiations, and regional stability. The statement follows Khamenei's recent assumption of the Supreme Leader role and occurs amid broader geopolitical tensions in the region.

Michael Angok, 30, escaped from custody at Bankstown Hospital in Sydney on Wednesday while awaiting deportation from Australia. He was previously convicted of gang-raping a 14-year-old girl in a Doonside park in February 2014 and had been detained at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre. NSW Police launched an active manhunt with public warnings not to approach the escapee. The incident raises questions about security protocols at Australian detention facilities and immigration custody procedures.

The US and Iran have accused each other of failing to uphold a ceasefire agreement reached in the Middle East, with Australian Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle characterizing the arrangement as merely a "de-escalation" rather than a genuine ceasefire. The fragile agreement is already deteriorating as both parties claim violations by the other side. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced his cabinet and begun preliminary talks with Lebanon, signaling potential expansion of diplomatic efforts in the region. The breakdown threatens broader Middle East stability and raises questions about whether any sustainable peace agreement can hold between the adversaries.

Armed conflict in Iran has caused global fuel prices to spike significantly, prompting consumers worldwide to reconsider vehicle purchases. Automakers report surge in electric vehicle interest as drivers seek alternatives to expensive petrol, with dealerships experiencing increased EV inquiries during major auto shows. The price shock demonstrates how regional military conflicts directly impact consumer behavior and energy markets globally. A fragile ceasefire entered its second day as of April 10, though oil markets remain volatile and uncertain about long-term supply stability.

Germany's emissions reduction efforts stalled in 2025 as the government rolled back climate ambitions following rising oil and gas prices triggered by the Iran war, according to DW News analysis. The pullback undermines Germany's stated goal of achieving energy independence and economic stability through renewable energy expansion. For American readers, Germany's climate policy retreat signals broader European energy vulnerabilities and the geopolitical leverage energy dependence creates. This development matters as the US and Europe coordinate on climate goals and energy security amid Middle Eastern instability.

On April 10, 2026, thousands of Iranians gathered in Tehran to mark 40 days since Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's assassination by Israel, a significant milestone in Shia Islamic mourning tradition. Iranian officials claim at least 3,000 people have been killed in subsequent US-Israeli strikes, signaling a major escalation in regional conflict. This assassination represents a watershed moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics, potentially destabilizing Iran's government succession and reshaping US-Iran relations for American foreign policy. The 40-day mourning ceremony reflects both genuine grief and an opportunity for Iranian leadership to consolidate power and rally public support amid military tensions.

An explosion occurred in the sky above Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan on April 10, 2026, following reports of an unidentified aircraft and a suspected drone interception. The incident came hours after Kuwait reported a separate drone attack, raising alarm about renewed aerial threats in the region. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps denied launching anything during the current ceasefire, creating ambiguity about the drone's origin and intentions. This escalation signals fragile regional stability and risks reigniting broader Middle Eastern conflicts involving multiple state and non-state actors.

Belgium, the world's largest exporter of frozen potatoes and fries, faces an unprecedented agricultural crisis as industrial potato prices have dropped to zero due to massive harvests and intense international competition. Farmers cannot sell their surplus crops profitably, forcing many to leave potatoes unharvested or destroyed despite adequate quality. This economic collapse threatens rural livelihoods across Europe's agricultural heartland and signals broader food supply chain vulnerabilities. The crisis raises questions about market stabilization mechanisms and EU agricultural policy effectiveness in protecting farmers from global price shocks.

A German police officer was filmed covering the mouth of a woman during her detention at a pro-Palestine Gaza protest in Berlin on April 10, 2026, as she chanted slogans supporting civilians affected by Israeli military operations. The incident was captured on video and shared widely, generating significant online attention with over 20,000 views on the Al Jazeera clip. The episode raises questions about police conduct during political protests in Germany and freedom of expression protections, amid broader European tensions over Gaza demonstrations. Germany has faced ongoing scrutiny for its approach to pro-Palestine activism, with civil liberties groups monitoring protest policing practices.

60 Minutes examines why Morocco, Serbia, China, Japan, and Western Europe operate high-speed rail systems while the United States has none. California's bullet train project remains incomplete after decades of planning and billions in spending. American infrastructure policy prioritizes car-dependent systems over rail investment, affecting transit options and economic competitiveness for citizens. The comparison highlights divergent national priorities in transportation infrastructure spending.

On April 8, 2026, an Israeli military strike hit a street in central Lebanon, killing six people and wounding 13 others, according to local media reports and CCTV footage. The strike represents ongoing military operations in the region amid broader Israeli-Lebanese tensions. This incident underscores the fragile security situation in Lebanon and the risk of wider regional conflict affecting Middle Eastern stability. The strike follows months of cross-border military activity between Israeli forces and Lebanese armed groups.