Global Watch Daily – August 25, 2026
A concise summary of significant developments in Israel and the world through a grounded Christian worldview.
Israel & Jerusalem
Israeli Border Police uncovered a burial cave dating back to the Second Temple period in Silwan during an operation linked to a violent dispute between local families. Meanwhile, the British low-cost airline EasyJet announced it will suspend flights to Tel Aviv through next summer, citing security concerns. The city of Jerusalem has begun renovating Jewish National Fund property, replacing an unauthorized United Nations Relief and Works Agency compound with new academic and neighborhood facilities. Israel’s envoy to Washington emphasized that recent discoveries of Kalashnikov rifles inside mosques—contravening international law—do not indicate disarmament. Hamas claimed that kites found in Israeli border communities in recent days were launched by children in Gaza (JNS; JNS; Al Jazeera)
Wars & Security (Israel and Region)
The Taliban achieved significant gains with the surrender of dissident commander Juma Khan Fateh and the killing of senior National Resistance Front leader Hasib Panjshiri, marking notable victories amid ongoing armed resistance in Afghanistan. In the United States, Jessica Bowie was arrested on August 19 for allegedly plotting to bomb the New York State Capitol, marking the fifth Islamic State-linked terrorism case or incident in the country this year. Venezuela continues to face a difficult recovery from twin earthquakes on June 24, with rising death tolls and extensive infrastructure damage straining an already fragile economy, although oil sector sales have surged (Long War Journal; Long War Journal; Long War Journal)
Five years after Kabul’s fall, Afghanistan’s armed resistance persists and continues to expand despite lacking territorial sanctuary, overt state sponsorship, and significant international support. While not an existential threat to Taliban rule, its ongoing activity challenges their control. The United States is preparing a comprehensive sanctions blockade against Iran, aiming to curtail its economic influence. Additionally, U.S. military deployments in the Persian Gulf, including carrier strike groups, are being evaluated for their effectiveness in securing oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from the Strait of Hormuz (Long War Journal; FDD; FDD)
The U.S. has announced new sanctions targeting Iran and issued warnings to its trading partners, intensifying economic pressure. Meanwhile, the 2026 Chatham House Prize was awarded to the women of Afghanistan in recognition of their significant contributions to improving international relations. This acknowledgment highlights ongoing struggles and achievements amid Afghanistan’s complex security and social challenges (FDD; Chatham House)
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, analysts remain divided over whether Al Qaeda represents a diminished threat or is experiencing a resurgence. Bill Roggio and Will Selber of Generation Jihad interviewed Graeme Wood, staff writer at The Atlantic, to discuss the group’s uncertain legacy. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes targeted Syria’s Abu al Duhur military airbase between August 17 and 18, escalating tensions with Turkey, which has expanded its role in Syria. Syria condemned the strikes, while the United States continued diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation (Long War Journal; Long War Journal)
Global Macro & Geopolitics
UNICEF issued a warning that one million children in Afghanistan suffer from severe acute malnutrition and face life-threatening risks without immediate treatment. Nearly 40 percent of hospitalized cases are infants under six months old. In financial markets, Meghan Swiber, managing director of U.S. rates strategy at Bank of America Securities, suggested that the U.S. Treasury could reduce bond issuance at the long end of the yield curve to send a stronger signal to investors. She also anticipated remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh at the upcoming Jackson Hole symposium. In Iran, Hossein Taeb, known for his ruthlessness during a four-decade career in the post-revolution security apparatus, has returned to lead the Basij, the country’s influential volunteer militia, signaling a renewed emphasis on internal security and grassroots control (France24; Bloomberg; Bloomberg)
Additional coverage from AP News and Religion Unplugged highlights ongoing global challenges related to governance, religious liberty, and civil unrest (AP News; Religion Unplugged)
Pestilence & Global Health
Australia’s ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak has raised concerns that backyard bird feeders could become unexpected hotspots by bringing different bird species together in unnatural ways. Experts recommend ceasing feeding as the safest measure, while smaller quantities of food, avoiding hand-feeding, and thorough cleaning can reduce transmission risks. Researchers have identified that artificial intelligence may predict an individual’s vaccine responsiveness by analyzing antibody patterns in over 4,000 people, revealing markers of “immune readiness” that distinguish strong from weak responders. Additionally, COVID-19 has been found to reactivate dormant viruses within the body, including Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, and several herpes viruses. A poorly understood viral family was strongly linked to long COVID and lasting disability, offering important insights into the persistent symptoms some patients experience (ScienceDaily; ScienceDaily; ScienceDaily)
New research demonstrates a promising approach to potentially eliminate HIV shortly after infection using a single combination of three therapies. In newborn nonhuman primates treated within three days of exposure, the regimen—comprising standard antiretroviral drugs, broadly neutralizing antibodies, and additional agents—showed significant efficacy in preventing viral establishment (ScienceDaily)
Natural Disasters & Signs in the Heavens
The United States Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 1.2 earthquake near Rosemead, California. Additionally, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake occurred south of the Fiji Islands. Both events were monitored without reports of casualties or significant damage (USGS; USGS)
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck near Toride, Japan. Another earthquake of magnitude 5.5 occurred at a depth of 528 kilometers south of the Fiji Islands on August 25, 2026, at 12:12 UTC. No casualties were reported within 100 kilometers of the epicenter (USGS; GDACS)
Middle Eastern Artifacts
In February 2001, a salvage excavation was conducted at Bet Ha-Gaddi (Permit No. A-3370/2001; map reference 16334/59220) following damage to antiquities caused by infrastructure works. Another excavation (Permit No. A-3508/2001; map reference 18584/58707) was carried out on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and funded by the Jewish community, focusing on preserving and studying the site’s historical artifacts (Israel Antiquities Authority; Israel Antiquities Authority)
Excavations at Troy have revealed a Roman-era street, shedding light on the ancient city’s urban layout. Nearby, on a Turkish hillside overlooking olive-covered slopes outside Izmir, a cave known locally as the place where Homer composed “The Odyssey” continues to attract attention. In Ramat Gan, recent excavations in the Winter Stadium parking lot uncovered a 1,300-year-old industrial and commercial complex. Moshe Gilad has written about a new exhibit featuring Huqoq and related archaeological findings (BiblePlaces; BiblePlaces)