HAITI: The arrests and release of five former U.S. military officers carrying a cache of weapons in Port-au-Prince has created a political uproar among Haitians already upset with President Javenal Moise, amid rising street unrest. Instead of standing trial, the Americans were removed from the country under U.S. State Department escort.

NIGERIA: With a last-minute delay of presidential elections, the leading challenger to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari accused Buhari’s party of using the postponement to create “the space to perfect their rigging plans.” Young voters are pushing for change, though the main contenders are well-known public figures in their 70s.

SYRIA: U.K. and U.S. media are obsessing over ISIS brides who voluntarily joined the jihadists and now say they want to come home.

ERBIL, Iraq—Like many living in northern Iraq, Nour Adil watched helplessly as her city filled with Syrian War refugees and Iraqis when ISIS took over and destroyed nearby cities. 

“We saw lots of ladies looking for jobs but having a hard time finding them,” Nour recalls. Her mother was skilled at sewing, and Nour had management skills from years in banking. Hopeful Hands was born. 

SYRIA: On Tuesday, more than 1,300 presumed ISIS family members fled Baghuz, where many say ISIS is fighting its last battle in Syria.

IRAN: Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution that ushered in Tehran’s theocracy under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The tumultuous events (timeline here) led to the hostage-taking of 52 Americans from the U.S.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The West should be wary of the tolerance agenda surrounding the historic visit of Pope Francis to the Abu Dhabi this week, writes Hudson fellow and religious freedom expert Nina Shea. “I see this as a process of responding to religious extremism in the region that follows up on the Marrakesh Declaration led by moderate Sunnis,” said Thomas K.