Books
The Beautiful Game: A Journey Through Football History
Football, or soccer as it's known in some corners of the world, is more than just a game. It is a global language, a passion shared by billions, and a cultural phenomenon that transcends borders, languages, and ideologies. But how did this simple game with a ball and two goals become the most beloved sport on Earth?
By Abdullah khan7 months ago in History
Why the US Dollar Is Falling by Record Levels in 2025
Why the value of the US dollar is falling at an unprecedented rate in 2025 During the first half of 2025, the value of the US dollar experienced one of its most significant declines in modern financial history. The dollar has experienced its worst first-half performance in more than five decades, falling more than 10% since January. Investors, economists, and policymakers around the world are concerned due to the steep decline. Understanding the causes of this unprecedented depreciation requires examining a combination of political, economic, and structural factors reshaping global markets.
By GLOBAL NEWS7 months ago in History
Bayt al-Hikmah: The Lost Library That Once Lit the World
The House of Wisdom: Baghdad's Library Whose "Books More Precious Than Gold" Were Burned and Thrown into the Tigris This event dates back to the mid-13th century when the Abbasid ruler Al-Musta'sim surrendered after a continuous siege by the Mongol army. Many of you are likely familiar with the history that followed. According to historians, after the Caliph's arrest, the Mongol army, led by Hulagu Khan, wreaked havoc in Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. Thousands of people were killed, and several buildings were destroyed, including a library called Bait al-Hikma (House of Wisdom). This library is considered one of the greatest monuments of the Islamic Golden Age. Baghdad was so prosperous that scholars and intellectuals from all over the world, regardless of religion or nationality, came there to acquire knowledge. It is said that as a result, the city rapidly became one of the centers of scientific experimentation. However, no trace of this ancient library remains today. After occupying Baghdad in early 1258, the Mongols completely destroyed the library. According to researchers, a large portion of the books stored in the library was burned to ashes, while many books were thrown into the Tigris River. According to folklore, so many burned manuscripts were thrown into the Tigris that the river's water turned black from the ink and soot. Whether this actually happened, however, is a matter of debate. Nevertheless, most researchers agree that this library was one of the largest centers of knowledge in the world at that time. But what did the library look like before its destruction? What kinds of books were available, and how were they collected? This remains a mystery today. Who Founded Bait al-Hikma? The Arabic phrase Bait al-Hikma means 'House of Knowledge and Wisdom.' This famous library is considered one of the most important monuments of the Islamic Golden Age, which flourished during the Abbasid dynasty. According to historians, it was initially a private library of the Abbasid rulers, which was later opened to the public. An article by Adil Abdul Aziz, a professor at the Islamic University of Malaysia, mentions three different views among historians regarding which Abbasid ruler established this library. Professor Abdul Aziz, in his article titled "Impact of Bait al-Hikma on Islamic Libraries," cites many researchers who suggest that the first Bait al-Hikma was established during the reign of the second Abbasid ruler, Abu Ja'far al-Mansur. According to him, Caliph Al-Mansur, out of personal interest, began collecting books on various subjects including medicine, astronomy, mathematics, engineering, religion, philosophy, history, and literature from different places. Professor Aziz quotes Iraqi researcher S. Al-Diyazi as writing: "He encouraged Muslims to study science and develop their abilities." Some researchers also claim that during Caliph Al-Mansur's reign, important books in Greek, Persian, Sanskrit, and other languages were translated into Arabic. And thus, they claim that the foundation of Bait al-Hikma was laid during the reign of the second Abbasid Caliph. However, a second group of historians does not support this theory. According to them, this famous library of Baghdad was built much later, during the time of the famous Caliph Harun al-Rashid. Professor Abdul Aziz says: "During the reign of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, there was great intellectual progress, especially during the translation movement." It is also said about Harun al-Rashid, the fifth Caliph of the Abbasid dynasty, that he had many books translated from other languages into Arabic by many scholars and intellectuals from Arabia, Iran, and Syria. Many researchers have cited a writing by the famous 12th-century historian Yaqut ibn Abdullah. In one of his works, Yaqut ibn Abdullah mentions Abu Isa al-Warraq, a 9th-century scholar, stating that he used to prepare manuscripts of various books for Bait al-Hikma during the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and Al-Rashid al-Ma'mun. But despite presenting such evidence, there is a third group that believes that Caliph Harun al-Rashid's son, Al-Ma'mun, actually founded the library in Baghdad using the books collected by his predecessors. British historian De Lacy O'Leary also supports this theory. O'Leary says: "Caliph Al-Ma'mun established a school, which he named 'Bait al-Hikma.' Greek books were translated there." According to Adil Abdul Aziz, a similar opinion is found in the writings of American historian Will Durant and many others. Professor Aziz said: "Thus, it can be said that Bait al-Hikma existed in Baghdad long before Al-Ma'mun. But perhaps during his reign, this library became richer with more books." Various 9th-century documents indicate that Al-Ma'mun ibn Harun, the seventh ruler of the Abbasid Empire, had a deep interest in science. After assuming power, he increased his patronage, and thus the fame of Bait al-Hikma spread. Where Was This Library Located? Bait al-Hikma is mentioned in numerous works by writers and historians of that era, but not much information is available regarding its location. If it is initially considered the private library of the Abbasid Caliphs, then it would originally have been located somewhere inside the palace. Historians believe that this library was also next to the royal palace during the time of Caliph Harun al-Rashid. However, some people hold a different opinion and say that the books were not kept inside but in a large room built around the palace. But later, during the reign of Caliph Al-Ma'mun, when the number of books rapidly increased, researchers suggest the library was moved to the eastern part of Baghdad, on the banks of the Tigris River. Professor Abdul Aziz, citing some local Iraqi researchers, wrote that the library was moved to a place called Al-Rusafa, which was located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River. However, there is disagreement about whether the library was actually moved away from the palace. Some researchers believe that the new building constructed after the increase in the number of books may have been built somewhere near the royal palace. Professor Jim Al-Khalili, a physicist at the University of Surrey in the UK, told BBC Future that "a detailed analysis of where or when Bait al-Hikma was established is not really that important to us." He added that "the important thing is the history of scientific ideas and how they reached where they are today." What Was the Library Like Before Its Destruction? According to researchers, the library had a large open space inside, surrounded by several large two-story rooms. There were four large domes at the four corners of the building. In addition, the central room of the library also had a very large, high dome. On the ground floor of the building, books were placed in rows of cabinets attached to the walls. Separate shelves were made for books on every subject, including religion, philosophy, science, and literature, so that they could be easily found. In addition to study facilities, the library had separate departments for translation, copying, binding, and writing. Skilled individuals were employed for these tasks and were well paid. The Great Library of Baghdad contained many books in Arabic. However, most of the collected books were translated from other languages into Arabic. The 10th-century author and historian Ibn al-Nadim mentions at least 67 translators who worked for Bait al-Hikma in his book "Al-Fihrist." Researchers say that scholars from other religions, as well as Muslims, could work there. Accommodation arrangements for writers, translators, students, and staff were on the upper floors of the building. According to researchers, the environment around the library was also very pleasant due to its proximity to the river. What Kinds of Books Were There? Researchers say that almost all important books of knowledge written at that time were present in Bait al-Hikma. Most of these were books on medicine, science, religion, philosophy, history, and literature. Historians believe that the library contained several hundred thousand books and documents. There is no precise information about the number of books, and the claim of millions of books is also disputed. Many people believe that the library contained more official documents than books. However, according to a BBC Future report, Bait al-Hikma had as many books in the past as the British Library in London or the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris have today. In this regard, many researchers have cited the name of the Persian Muslim scholar Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, who is said to have succeeded in preserving a few book manuscripts. Approximately 47 individuals worked on translating books from Greek and Syriac languages. Notable translators of that time included Abu Mashar, Hunayn ibn Ishaq, Ibn al-Asam, Thabit ibn Qurra, Hijaz ibn Mutir, Al-Kindi, Al-Balbakki, and many others. Among them, Al-Kindi and Hunayn ibn Ishaq made their names by translating books written in Greek. In the field of science, many books on medical science were translated. One notable book is "Materia Medica" by the Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides. In addition to medical sciences, books on mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, and engineering were also in the library's collection. There were also books on religion and philosophy. This included the Quran and Hadith, as well as various commentaries and analyses related to Islam. Furthermore, it is known that the theories of other religions were also given a place in the library. Like today, common people could go to this library to read books, and in special cases, they were also lent books. Historians say that in addition to translated books, the library also housed many important original book manuscripts, architectural designs, maps, documents, and so on. How Were So Many Books Collected? Historians emphasize the role of the translation movement in enriching the great library of Baghdad. This intellectual movement actually began in Baghdad in the 8th century, patronized by the Abbasid Caliphs themselves. The purpose of this movement was to introduce Muslims to various branches and theories of science, thereby enhancing their intellectual growth. Researchers stated that as a result of this movement, several important books written in Persian, Greek, Latin, Syriac, Egyptian, Chinese, Sanskrit, and other languages were translated into Arabic. The translation movement, which lasted for about 150 years, began with the translation of a few important books from the Persian language. Along with collecting books written in Arabic, the Abbasid rulers undertook the task of converting Persian books into their native language. After that, books in other languages gradually began to be translated. In this regard, original books in other languages were bought, copied, and even borrowed, and most of them went through the translation phase. Researcher Dr. Hasan Ahmad Mahmud said: "The Abbasid rulers agreed to buy books and paid very high prices for them, especially during the reign of Caliph Al-Ma'mun." Historians also believe that some books may have been collected as a result of conquests. After translation, several copies were also made, so that if one was lost, another would be preserved. In the 9th century, during the reign of Caliph Al-Ma'mun, a new dimension was added to this movement. The number of books translated from Greek in Bait al-Hikma was remarkable. According to researchers, there are also instances of borrowing books by sending letters to those who had Greek books at that time. According to them, one reason for this was that in this era of intellectual development, Arabs were very interested in the philosophy, literature, and medical knowledge of Greek philosophers. Consequently, the Abbasid rulers hired scholars, regardless of religion or nationality, with high remuneration to translate Greek books into Arabic. Historians believe that it was possible to translate the Greek writings of numerous thinkers, including Plato, Aristotle, Hippocrates, Ptolemy, Pythagoras, Archimedes, Galen, and Euclid, within a few decades. "Books Weighing in Gold Coins" It is said that the Abbasid rulers announced a gift of gold equal to the weight of a book if a scientific book from another language was translated into Arabic. According to Professor Adil Abdul Aziz of the Islamic University of Malaysia: "Multiple sources indicate that Caliph Al-Ma'mun offered to pay the famous translator Hunayn ibn Ishaq of that time in gold equal to the weight of the book for the translation of ancient Greek texts." However, Western researchers say that there is no evidence of this. Nevertheless, there is no disagreement that these authors, researchers, and translators were paid very generously for their work. According to American historian Will Durant, during the reign of Caliph Al-Ma'mun, the value of Bait al-Hikma reached approximately two hundred thousand gold and silver coins. Researchers say that in addition to the rulers, wealthy people who were fond of knowledge also contributed money to the library's fund. According to a BBC Future report, because of the 'House of Wisdom' or Bait al-Hikma, scholars, researchers, and scientists from different parts of the world began arriving in Baghdad, and as a result, the library gradually became a center of interest in acquiring knowledge and an unparalleled center for various types of books. At the same time, it became a symbol of freedom of expression. This is because scholars, regardless of religion or nationality, could enter there and obtain permission for study and research. After the 9th century, the library gradually became an academy. Subjects such as humanities, mathematics, medicine, chemistry, geography, philosophy, literature, and art, and even astrology, were studied at Bait al-Hikma. As a result, from an intellectual perspective, the Muslim world reached its most glorious period, known as the 'Islamic Golden Age.' During this period, the famous mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi wrote the book Al-Jabr (Algebra), which is said to have inspired many Western thinkers, including the Italian scholar Fibonacci, to advance mathematics. Al-Khwarizmi is often called the "Father of Algebra" for his outstanding contributions to mathematics. The name of the Muslim philosopher Al-Jahiz is also greatly emphasized, who wrote "Kitab al-Hayawan" (Book of Animals) on the evolution of animals almost a thousand years before the British scientist Charles Darwin. In addition, the names of thinkers like Hunayn ibn Ishaq, Al-Kindi, Al-Malik, Banu Musa, Muhammad Ja'far ibn Musa, Ibn Ali, Al-Jazari, and many others are remembered for their contributions in various branches of knowledge, including medicine, physics, engineering, and astronomy. The role of Bait al-Hikma is behind their contributions to the world of knowledge. However, the extent of this role has been debated and continues to be debated.
By Ikram Ullah7 months ago in History
Condemned by a Lie: The Ricky Jackson Story and the 43 Years That Justice Forgot
> By Umair Ali Shah Yousafzai Introduction: When Truth Becomes the First Victim What does it mean to lose not just a year or a decade, but an entire lifetime — to a lie? What happens to the human soul when it is buried alive behind concrete and steel, screaming innocence into deaf ears for 43 unrelenting years? The story of Ricky Jackson isn’t a tale told to teach children moral lessons. It is the embodiment of a real-world tragedy, where justice failed so catastrophically that even an apology decades later sounds hollow. It is not only the longest wrongful imprisonment in American history; it is the chilling dissection of a justice system that sentenced an innocent teenager to death based on the coerced testimony of a frightened 12-year-old boy. --- An Ordinary Boy in Cleveland Ricky Jackson was just 18 years old in 1975 — a quiet, thoughtful African-American youth living in Cleveland, Ohio. He had never been arrested, never carried a weapon, never even held a criminal record. He lived in a modest neighborhood, with dreams no different from other boys his age: education, work, and family. But everything changed on a day that should have passed like any other. A local businessman named Harold Franks was shot and killed in broad daylight during an apparent robbery. The incident shocked the community. In the police department’s desperation to find someone to blame, a name was offered by a 12-year-old boy who hadn’t even witnessed the murder. That name was Ricky Jackson. --- A Murder, A Lie, and A Child’s Testimony Eddie Vernon was barely out of childhood when he was approached by police and persuaded — some would say coerced — into identifying Ricky Jackson as the shooter. No physical evidence connected Ricky to the crime. No fingerprints. No murder weapon. No surveillance. Nothing but the fragile words of a frightened boy. Years later, Vernon admitted: > “I didn’t see anything. The police threatened my family, told me they’d put my parents in jail if I didn’t talk.” But in 1975, his word was gold. It was all the prosecution needed. It didn’t matter that other witnesses contradicted him. It didn’t matter that Ricky had an alibi. Vernon’s coerced statement became the scaffold on which Ricky’s fate was hung. --- The Trial: Theater of Injustice The trial was swift. No physical evidence was presented. No cross-examination of Vernon’s statement truly tested its validity. Ricky, along with two friends — Wiley and Ronnie Bridgeman — were sentenced. Ricky Jackson received the death penalty. He was 18. He had not yet attended college. He had never fallen in love. He had no children. And now, the state was going to kill him. But before the execution could be carried out, Ohio overturned the death sentence to life imprisonment. The reprieve wasn’t mercy. It was a new kind of suffering — the long, slow death of a man behind bars. --- From Death Row to Life Sentence: A Prisoner of Time For the next four decades, Ricky Jackson became a ghost within America’s prison system. He was moved from facility to facility. He missed the funerals of his parents. He never saw a computer, never used the internet, never walked into a supermarket again. He watched the world evolve through metal bars and razor wire — watched new presidents rise and fall, watched the Cold War end and 9/11 reshape history, all from within a concrete cage. But while his body was confined, his mind clung to hope. “I knew I was innocent,” he would later say in an interview with The Washington Post. “I couldn’t let go of that, or I’d go crazy.” Yet hope is not armor. It doesn’t keep out the dark. The nights were long. The guiltless solitude maddening. --- The Psychology of a Stolen Life What does 43 years in prison do to a human being? Psychologists describe wrongful imprisonment as a form of chronic trauma, similar to post-war PTSD but complicated by betrayal trauma — the deep psychic injury caused when the very institutions meant to protect you, turn against you. For Ricky Jackson, this betrayal was total. The court system. The police. The media. Even his own neighbors who believed the headlines more than his voice. Everyone walked away from him, except time — and even that, it seems, walked slower in his cell. He spent birthdays alone. Holidays watching TV news flashes from a flickering screen bolted to a prison wall. He wasn’t merely doing time — time was doing him. As he later told CBS News, > "The hardest part wasn’t the food, or the cold, or even the violence. It was waking up every day knowing that no one believed me… and wondering if they ever would.” --- 2011 – The First Crack in the Wall It took 36 years before the first sign of redemption appeared. Eddie Vernon, now in his late 40s, broke down. Years of guilt had gnawed at his conscience. Encouraged by a local pastor, Vernon came forward and admitted his testimony had been a lie — a lie told under police pressure, not malice. “I was just a scared little boy,” he said under oath. This single act of courage — the reversal of a lie — shook the very foundations of Ohio’s justice system. The case was re-opened. And finally, for the first time in 37 years, someone listened to Ricky Jackson. --- 2014 – The Day the Sky Opened On November 21, 2014, Ricky Jackson walked out of prison a free man. There were no parades. No orchestras. Just a quiet Cleveland morning, the wind soft and cold, and the silence of a man tasting sunlight after four decades. He was 61. His hair was gray. His face had aged. He was no longer the young man wronged by the system — he was a living monument to how long justice can take to arrive. When asked if he felt hatred, he simply said: > “No. If I held onto hate, I’d still be in prison. Just a different one.” --- Forgiveness Over Fury Ricky’s refusal to embrace bitterness wasn’t naïve. It was radical. His strength wasn’t forged in fury, but in faith — not religious dogma, but a deeper, spiritual belief that forgiveness is freedom. Many exonerees become bitter, angry, even broken. But Ricky stood tall. He smiled in interviews. He talked about healing. He spent time with his siblings. He walked in parks and marveled at things people take for granted — the softness of carpet, the click of a smartphone, the taste of fresh fruit. He didn’t just get released. He re-learned how to live. --- The Legal Aftermath: Can Justice Be Priced? In 2016, the state of Ohio awarded Ricky Jackson a $1 million settlement under its wrongful imprisonment compensation program. But even the government admitted — no money could truly compensate for what had been stolen. As The New York Times wrote, > “This was not just the loss of years. It was the theft of a life.” That $1 million covered lost wages, emotional trauma, and punitive damages. But how do you put a price tag on never being a husband, never raising children, never hearing your mother’s voice again? For Ricky, the money was a symbolic apology. But no amount could erase the decades of injustice. --- America’s Shame: A Broken Justice System Ricky Jackson’s case is not an isolated tragedy. According to the National Registry of Exonerations, more than 3,400 people in the United States have been exonerated since 1989 — many of them Black men, many convicted based on flawed eyewitness testimony, police misconduct, or prosecutorial overreach. A study by the Innocence Project shows that false eyewitness identification accounts for nearly 70% of wrongful convictions later overturned by DNA evidence. Ricky's case adds a horrifying statistic: He spent more time behind bars than any other wrongfully convicted person in U.S. history. His story has become a textbook case in law schools, a subject of documentaries (The Guardian, BBC, PBS), and a haunting reminder that the legal system is only as just as those who operate it. --- 🕊 The Role of the Media: Silenced Then, Shouted Now In 1975, when Ricky Jackson was first arrested, the media reported it as an open-and-shut case. Local Cleveland headlines ran with phrases like “Teen Accused in Fatal Robbery” and “Quick Arrest After Shooting”. There was no in-depth investigation. No challenge to the lack of physical evidence. No empathy for a young man with no prior record. He was Black, poor, and accused — and that was enough. It took decades for the media to revisit his story. When the truth finally emerged, national outlets like The New York Times, BBC, The Guardian, CNN, and NPR covered the injustice. Documentaries followed. Podcasts interviewed Ricky. Legal journals dissected the case. But the media was late. Too late. For 43 years, it had ignored him — and that silence was complicity. In an interview with NPR, Ricky put it plainly: > “If someone had just listened back then… really listened… maybe all of this could’ve been avoided.” The media's redemption, much like the justice system’s, came long after the damage was done. --- The Innocence Projects: Saving Lives in the Shadows Ricky Jackson owes his freedom not just to Eddie Vernon’s confession, but to the relentless efforts of organizations like the Ohio Innocence Project. These nonprofits, often underfunded and overworked, have dedicated themselves to correcting wrongful convictions through new evidence, DNA testing, and legal appeals. Without their advocacy, Ricky’s case might have remained buried — like hundreds of others still lost in legal purgatory. Their work reminds us of one chilling truth: For every Ricky Jackson who gets justice, there may be ten more who never will. --- Psychological Fallout: Life After a Life Lost (Your chosen core theme — expanded further here) The release from prison did not end Ricky’s sentence. For many exonerees, life outside is a different kind of prison. The world they return to has changed beyond recognition. Technology is baffling. Old friends are gone. Social trust is shattered. The smallest tasks — using a microwave, unlocking a smartphone — feel foreign. Ricky spoke about this in a 2017 The Atlantic feature: > “I didn’t know what a debit card was. I didn’t know how to cross the street without looking over my shoulder. Even in freedom, I felt like a prisoner.” He struggled with anxiety, depression, insomnia. Prison had reprogrammed his instincts. Freedom, once longed for, felt overwhelming. Therapists describe this as institutional PTSD — the brain’s adaptation to long-term survival in a hostile environment. Years of hyper-vigilance, suppressed emotions, and rigid routines leave permanent marks on the psyche. Yet, Ricky did not let it break him. He faced his trauma like a veteran returning from a battlefield — scarred, but not surrendered. --- Faith and the Human Spirit: A Quiet Revolution Ricky never publicly aligned with a religious denomination, but his language revealed something deeper — a spiritual resilience forged in solitude. He once said: > “When you’re in a cell alone, you start talking to yourself. But if you talk long enough, you start hearing answers. Maybe they’re your own voice. Maybe they’re God’s. But they keep you sane.” Faith — whether in God, justice, or one’s own soul — was Ricky’s companion when the world forgot him. He did not turn to hatred or revenge. He turned inward, and what he found was strength. --- When a Nation Apologizes Too Late The government of Ohio issued a formal apology to Ricky Jackson. It came with a settlement check and some public acknowledgment of its mistake. But justice delayed is justice denied. No amount of money, no legal brief, no governor’s signature can return the 15,000 days that Ricky spent confined — days when he could have been a father, a friend, a free man. As The Guardian wrote in its editorial on the case: > “The apology is polite. The injustice was barbaric.” --- Lessons for the World: Truth, Justice, and the Power of a Single Lie This story is not just American. It is universal. It speaks to every nation where power overrides truth. Where the poor are expendable. Where the law serves convenience, not conscience. Ricky Jackson’s tragedy is a mirror — held up to us all. The most terrifying thing about this case is how easy it was to ruin a life: One false witness. One negligent investigation. One rushed trial. And four decades gone. It is a warning to courts, police, media, and society at large — that truth must never be hurried, that justice must never be assumed, and that no lie is ever small when it costs a man his future. --- Final Reflections: Let No Other Ricky Jackson Be Forgotten Ricky Jackson is free now. He smiles in photographs. He speaks at schools. He mentors at-risk youth. He is trying to build a life from ashes. But behind that smile is the echo of stolen time. He is not just a man. He is a symbol. Of injustice survived. Of forgiveness chosen. Of a system that must do better. We owe him more than headlines. We owe him change. Because somewhere, right now, another 18-year-old boy sits in a cell — innocent, unheard, and condemned by a lie. May we find him before it's too late. --- 📚 References & Sources: The New York Times: “Freed After 39 Years, Ricky Jackson Reflects on Injustice” (2014) BBC News: “Wrongfully Jailed Man Free After 39 Years” (2014) The Guardian: “The Longest Wrongful Imprisonment in US History” (2015) NPR: “Ricky Jackson Speaks After 43 Years in Prison” (2016) The Atlantic: “Psychological Toll of Wrongful Convictions” (2017) Ohio Innocence Project: Legal documentation and case archive National Registry of Exonerations: Official record of U.S. wrongful convictions ---
By Umair Ali Shah 7 months ago in History
Cyber Wars: The Invisible Frontline of World War 3
1. Reframing Warfare: Digital Battlefields Traditional warfare once hinged on territorial conquest, tanks, and boots on the ground. In stark contrast, cyber warfare engages adversaries across invisible networks—servers, routers, cloud platforms, industrial-control systems—often without any physical presence. These attacks may emerge silently from anywhere in the world, yet their effects—disabling power grids, manipulating elections, disrupting finances—mirror those of conventional war.
By Ali Asad Ullah7 months ago in History
Taiwan, Ukraine, or the Middle East: Which Flashpoint Led to World War III?
Taiwan, Ukraine, or the Middle East: Which Flashpoint Led to World War III? For years, global leaders warned of the possibility of a third world war. Tensions were rising, alliances shifting, and technology advancing at a pace far faster than diplomacy. But no one could predict exactly where the first spark would ignite the flames of a global conflict. In the end, three major flashpoints—Taiwan, Ukraine, and the Middle East—stood on the edge. Each had the potential to trigger a war unlike anything the world had seen before. But which one actually did?
By Ali Asad Ullah7 months ago in History
The Silent Countdown. AI-Generated.
The Silent Countdown It was a quiet evening in April 2025 when Elena, a young intelligence analyst working for a secret international agency, noticed something strange. Her job was to watch global signals—radio waves, satellite messages, encrypted data. Most days were boring, filled with routine noise and harmless chatter. But today was different.
By Ali Asad Ullah7 months ago in History
The Lion’s Awakening
In the early days of Islam, when the believers were few and oppressed, the Muslims in Makkah lived in fear of the Quraysh. Among the most feared men in Makkah was Umar ibn al-Khattab — tall, strong, and fierce in both intellect and combat. Known for his pride in the traditions of his forefathers, Umar was one of the staunchest enemies of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
By Khalid khan7 months ago in History
Midnight Thunder: The B-2 Bombers That Struck Iran’s Nuclear Heart
Midnight Thunder: The B-2 Bombers That Struck Iran’s Nuclear Heart June 22, 2025 — 1:07 AM. Above the desolate mountains of central Iran, silence ruled the sky. No engines roared, no radar alarms blinked. Tehran slept under stars it couldn't see. And then came the ghosts.
By Ali Asad Ullah7 months ago in History
