Writer
Shahid Ibrahim
World affairs. Based part-time in Colombo; covers the Indian Ocean from Diego Garcia to the Bay of Bengal.
Saturday, 1 August 2026
Iran talks stall as the US Senate keeps the war powers question open
Tehran calls warships approaching Hormuz 'legitimate targets'; a resolution to limit the president's war authority fails by a single vote.
Friday, 31 July 2026
Europe burns through its worst fire season in living memory
France's Gironde fire is among its largest since the war, Spain's Ávila blaze is the biggest in its recorded history, and a quarter of a million people have fled — in 42°C heat.
Saudi Arabia launches a 14-nation coalition to guard the Red Sea
The alliance, headquartered in Riyadh and formed without the United States, follows Houthi attacks that have choked traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb — the strait much of the Maldives' westbound trade must clear.
Thursday, 30 July 2026
Drone strike sets LNG ships ablaze at Egypt's Damietta Port
Cairo confirms a drone caused the fire that spread from a US-owned regasification vessel to a Greek tanker — the first attack on Egyptian soil of the widening conflict. No one has claimed it.
Saturday, 18 April 2026
The Iran war distances the Maldives from Washington, and closer to the Muslim world
Seven weeks of war have reshaped the country's diplomatic grammar.
Monday, 23 March 2026
Muizzu cancels meeting with US Ambassador Sergio Gor at the last minute
A quiet snub on a March visit; a message written in absence rather than in speech.
Sunday, 1 March 2026
The Iran war begins: US and Israel strike targets inside the country
Coordinated airstrikes on the night of 28 February open a new conflict that will reach every corner of the Gulf.
Friday, 16 January 2026
Foreign and defence ministers arrive in New Delhi for high-level talks
A recalibration of Male's tone toward its closest neighbour — and toward the rupee line that has kept the rufiyaa afloat.
Monday, 22 December 2025
Foreign ministry condemns terror attack at Bondi Beach
A statement from Male' extends sympathies to the people of Australia.
Tuesday, 16 December 2025
Government condemns Israel's approval of nineteen new West Bank settlements
A statement issued within hours of the Israeli cabinet's decision describes the move as a 'flagrant violation' of international law.