Oct 28, 2026, 04:30 AM UTC

The final American troops have left Iraq, concluding over two decades of U.S. military operations in the country. President Donald Trump praised the exit as "a great day for America," writing on social media that while "very bad decisions" initially drew the military into the region, Iraq is now capable of managing its own security.

While security experts note that Iraq is currently more stable than during the 2011 partial withdrawal, media outlets and analysts expressed differing views on the outcome. Some observers highlighted potential risks, warning that the exit represents a strategic win for Tehran and could empower local militant groups. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense is reviewing its broader Middle Eastern posture following recent Iranian strikes against American facilities in the Persian Gulf, which may prompt further force redeployments.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

Former French presidential candidate Ségolène Royal has secured the required endorsements to participate in the upcoming left-wing primary organized by the Socialist Party and Place Publique ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The two-round vote is scheduled for October 9–10 and October 16–17.

Royal joins six other declared contenders, including Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure. Despite initial pledges to avoid internal disputes, Royal drew early attention by criticizing rival candidate Raphaël Glucksmann, calling him the "media darling". Meanwhile, left-wing unity efforts remain incomplete as French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel continues a separate presidential bid outside the primary structure.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération.

French authorities have put nationwide security measures in place following protests on October 24 that resulted in 1,314 arrests and 53 injured law enforcement officers. High alert focused on Orléans, where the National Rally party held its annual congress.

Prefectural officials deployed nearly 3,000 security personnel to manage an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 counter-demonstrators. To prevent violence during Marine Le Pen's address, authorities banned all undeclared public gatherings in Orléans and established a night curfew for minors under 15. In Paris, police authorized aerial drone surveillance, with 126 individuals held in custody. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that law enforcement tactics would be "massive" to maintain order.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, RTBF Info.

Azerbaijan is continuing to champion the expansion of the Organization of Turkic States beyond its traditional cultural focus, advocating for deeper cooperation in security, energy corridors, and political alignment. Following recent remarks by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Baku is positioning the regional bloc as a pivotal Eurasian platform to coordinate strategic interests between Europe and Asia.

The initiative aims to integrate transport networks and safeguard energy security while strengthening the group's collective international standing. By linking diplomatic initiatives with interfaith dialogues, Azerbaijan seeks to establish the bloc as a key geopolitical player across the region.

Sources: Trend News Agency

A relative calm returned to French cities on Tuesday following a weekend of widespread cost-of-living unrest. French authorities established night-time curfews in parts of Paris and other municipalities after demonstrations escalated into looting, arson, and property destruction.

Nearly 2,400 people were detained nationwide over the weekend, with more than 1,000 arrests recorded in Paris alone. Dozens of police officers sustained injuries, and hundreds of businesses alongside historic sites reported damage. President Emmanuel Macron urged local officials to prohibit unauthorized weekend gatherings, though trade union rallies remain generally permitted. Lyon enacted a complete ban on public assemblies.

Concurrently, European Union regulators initiated an inquiry into online disinformation campaigns. Security officials are assessing whether pro-Russian and far-right accounts systematically amplified protest footage to encourage European instability.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.