Zeena Naseem
Filed from Colombo, New Delhi, Bangkok. India–Maldives relations, Indian Ocean security, climate diplomacy. Bilingual Dhivehi/English copy.
Recent dispatches from Zeena
Gunshots fired in Philippine Senate as ICC-wanted senator takes refuge inside building
Police commandos entered the Philippine Senate after witnesses reported gunfire as authorities attempted to arrest Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, who holds an International Criminal Court warrant.
Cuba calls new US sanctions 'collective punishment' as oil blockade deepens crisis
Havana has firmly rejected the latest round of Trump administration sanctions, which target a military-controlled conglomerate and compound an existing fuel blockade that has caused widespread blackouts across the island.
South Africa's president suspends police chief over $21m contract
President Cyril Ramaphosa placed National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola on suspension, citing Masemola's critical role in fighting crime amid scrutiny over a controversial health contract.
South Africa's Ramaphosa suspends police chief Masemola over $21m health contract
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, citing Masemola's critical role in fighting crime amid charges he failed to provide proper oversight of a controversial health contract.
Virginia voters approve redistricting measure, giving Democrats a path to flip House seats
A slim majority of Virginia voters backed new congressional maps that could allow Democrats to gain as many as four House seats ahead of November's midterm elections.
Virginia voters approve redistricting measure, giving Democrats path to flip House seats
A slim majority of Virginia voters backed new congressional maps that could allow Democrats to gain as many as four House seats ahead of November's midterm elections.
Virginia voters approve redistricting measure, giving Democrats a midterm edge
New congressional maps passed by Virginia voters could allow Democrats to flip as many as four House seats and tilt the party toward retaking control of the US House of Representatives in November.
US Fed holds rates steady at 3.5–3.75% as Powell ends term as chair
The Federal Reserve left borrowing costs unchanged at its latest meeting, Jerome Powell's last as chair, while Powell said he will stay on the Board until legal challenges to the central bank are resolved.
Kremlin internet crackdowns spark Soviet comparisons and drag Putin's approval ratings down
Russians are drawing parallels to Soviet-era censorship as sweeping state restrictions on internet access disrupt daily life and push presidential approval ratings into a rare decline.
'You just didn't know': Correspondent describes confusion and fear as shots rang out at White House dinner
A man armed with multiple weapons charged security outside the dining room, police say, sending guests including a BBC correspondent diving for cover.
Virginia voters approve redistricting measure, handing Democrats a path to four House seats
A slim majority of 51.4 percent backed new congressional maps that could allow Democrats to flip as many as four House seats ahead of November's midterms.
Héctor Bellerín's injury-time equaliser hands Barcelona an 11-point La Liga lead
The former Barcelona defender scored deep into stoppage time to earn Real Betis a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid, opening the door for Barcelona to extend their title lead to 11 points with five games remaining.