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Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 3,145 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has claimed at least 3,145 lives, with search and rescue teams continuing to recover bodies from the rubble. The 7.7 magnitude quake, which had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and destroyed bridges.  Humanitarian aid groups are working tirelessly to provide survivors with medical care and shelter, as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The United Nations estimates that over 17 million people have been affected by the disaster, with more than 9 million severely impacted.  In response to the crisis, Myanmar's military government has declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. However, ongoing challenges, including communication blackouts and difficult-to-reach areas, have hindered the full assessment of the disaster's impact.  The coming days will be critical in d...

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U.S. and Iran tensions escalate after rocket attacks in Iraq

 

The U.S. and Iran are locked in a cycle of violence that threatens to spiral out of control, as both sides exchange rocket attacks and warnings in Iraq. The latest round of hostilities began on Sunday, when Iran-backed militias fired rockets at a U.S. base near Baghdad, killing a U.S. contractor and wounding several others. The U.S. responded by launching airstrikes on militia targets in Syria and Iraq, killing at least four fighters and injuring dozens more.

The U.S. said the strikes were a “proportionate” and “defensive” response to deter future attacks, but Iran and its allies condemned them as a “flagrant violation” of Iraqi sovereignty and international law. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman said the U.S. was “taking the wrong path” and warned of “consequences” for its actions. The militias vowed to avenge their fallen comrades and continue their resistance against the U.S. presence in Iraq.

The situation has put the Biden administration in a difficult position, as it seeks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran that was abandoned by former president Donald Trump. The deal, which lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program, was seen as a way to ease tensions and prevent a regional war. However, the deal has been unraveling since Trump withdrew from it in 2018 and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran, prompting Iran to resume its nuclear activities and increase its support for militias in the region.

Biden has expressed his willingness to rejoin the deal, but only if Iran returns to full compliance first. Iran, on the other hand, has demanded that the U.S. lift all sanctions before it reverses its nuclear steps. The two sides have not yet agreed on a format or a timeline for negotiations, and the recent violence has further complicated the prospects for diplomacy. Some analysts fear that the escalation could undermine the chances of a peaceful resolution and push the region closer to the brink of war.

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