Thursday briefing: Why EU​-Taliban talks have sparked outrage among Afghan women ​

• Azerbaijan's president confirmed that clandestine talks between German and Russian officials recently took place in Baku. • The meetings occur as Azerbaijan continues to balance relations by providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine while refusing to join Western sanctions against Russia.

• The head of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) warned that ongoing conflicts and energy market disruptions are threatening global progress in the fight against hunger. • These instabilities are driving up the costs of essential commodities, including fuel, fertilizer, and food, which could push millions more people into food insecurity.

• Iran has declared that military operations will persist until a sufficient level of deterrence is established to prevent further attacks. • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington remains open to diplomatic solutions, though he noted that recent Iranian missile and drone strikes are hindering progress.

• UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for increased diplomatic efforts and restraint to end the escalating conflict between the US and Iran. • The conflict has spread across ten nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE, leading to attacks on vital infrastructure.

• The World Peace Forum in Islamabad recently recognized Pakistan's proactive regional diplomacy, with international speakers praising the country's efforts to foster stability. • Senator Mushahid Hussain urged the establishment of a new "World Order" led by the Global South to challenge existing geopolitical imbalances.

• The conflict in Yemen continues to be exacerbated by the Southern Transitional Council's (STC) renewed demands for an independent southern state and a surge in attacks by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). • A severe humanitarian crisis persists, with 21.6 million people requiring urgent aid, including 11 million children.

• Iran-backed Houthi rebels have expanded their conflict by implementing a blockade on Saudi ships in the Red Sea. • This escalation follows a series of military actions, including the U.S. launching strikes against Iran for the 10th consecutive night.

• Iran has launched a series of attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in regional conflict. • The offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 3 U.S. service members and left dozens of others wounded.

The former Rudd/Gillard government minister has a plan for fighting back against populists including Pauline HansonFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe incoming Labor president, Kate Ellis, says toxicity in politics is spilling into the broader community and public debate, warning that threats against MPs’ safety are limiting how elected politicians do their jobs.Due to succeed Wayne Swan as the leader of Labor’s organisational base at this week’s national conference, the former Rudd/Gillard government minister said fighting back against populists including Pauline Hanson was best achieved by demonstrating policies that improve voters’ lives. Continue reading...

Holistic approach to care which preserves children’s identities part of Minns government reforms to broader child protection systemFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn Aboriginal family preservation program aimed at giving at-risk children space to “tell their own stories” has been launched across New South Wales after a historic investment from the state government.The program, co-designed by First Nations families, Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and the NSW government, aims to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in out-of-home care through a holistic approach to child and family protection. Continue reading...

UK resident was evacuated from Democratic Republic of the Congo where there is an outbreak of the diseaseA humanitarian worker is being monitored at a specialist hospital in London after potential exposure to the Ebola virus.The UK resident was medically evacuated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where the worker had been treating patients with the disease, the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Continue reading...

Sausalito city manager Elaine Forbes faces misdemeanor charges for allegedly trying to steal the three-story vesselA Bay Area city manager will face misdemeanor charges for allegedly breaking into a 66ft yacht while drinking and trying to steal the vessel.Elaine Forbes, Sausalito’s city manager, was arrested on the morning of 18 July after police received a call for a noise disturbance. Police say Forbes had “apparently broken into” a three-story yacht, where she was consuming alcohol. Continue reading...