Page 188 – THE LOCAL REPORT ARTICLES

Who is Shannon M. Kent? It’s all about Joe Kent’s first wife, who died in 2019 bombing in Manbij, Syria

WORLD

March 17, 2026

Who is Shannon M. Kent? It’s all about Joe Kent’s first wife, who died in 2019 bombing in Manbij, Syria

Joe KentThe Oregon native and director of the National Counterterrorism Center announced his resignation Tuesday morning amid the ongoing U.S.-Iraq war.

Joe Kent, who lost two congressional bids, resigned as director of the National Counterterrorism Center to oppose the U.S. war against Iran. His wife, Shannon, a Navy cryptographer, was killed in a bombing in Syria in 2019. (Jo Kent/Instagram/X)

Kent said in a social media post that Iran did not pose an imminent threat to the United States.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to resign as director of the National Bureau of Statistics. Counter-terrorism Centre, effective today,” he said.

“I cannot in good conscience support Iran’s ongoing war. Iran poses no imminent threat to our country and it is clear that we are waging this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby,” Kent added.

The ongoing conflict in the region comes weeks after the United States launched a series of strikes against Iran that resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade route for oil and various other commodities.

Also read: Ali Larijani Family: Amid mass deaths in Israel, everything hinges on Iran’s security chief’s wife, children and net worth

Who is Joe Kent?

Kent, an Oregon native, graduated from Norwich University with a degree in strategic defense analysis. He dedicated 20 years to the U.S. Army, during which time he served 11 combat deployments in the Middle East and other high-risk areas. Throughout his military career, he was assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment, Army Special Forces, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command and received numerous military honors, including six Bronze Star Medals. After retiring from the Army in 2018, he served as a paramilitary officer in the CIA’s Special Activities Center.

Kent has twice attempted to win a congressional seat in Washington state’s 3rd District, which includes Clark County. He was defeated both times by Mary Grusenkamp Perez. He was appointed to his current position by President Donald Trump in early 2025.

Kent and his family are dedicated to counterterrorism efforts and keeping the American people safe.

Joe Kent’s family: It’s all thanks to his wife, Shannon M. Kent

Kent’s husband, Shannon M Kent, died in the 2019 bombing in Manbij, Syria.

Shannon was born in New York in 1983 and joined the Navy in 2003. Fluent in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Arabic, she had a burgeoning career as a cryptologist at Fort Meade, Maryland. In 2006, midway through her career, Shannon was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and was successfully treated with surgery.

In 2008, she was deployed to Afghanistan to assist the Navy SEALs.

Shannon met Kent during an Intelligence Support Activity selection course and the two married in 2014.

Shannon deployed to Syria in November 2018 as the Navy’s chief cryptographic technician. She was one of four Americans killed in a suicide bombing in Manbij, Syria, on January 19, 2019.

All four soldiers were killed in the attack, along with 15 local Syrian Democratic Forces fighters.

Last year, Kent paid tribute to Shannon in an Instagram post, writing: “6 years ago. Shannon Marie Kent set sail in Manbij, Syria, on January 16, 2019, on her fifth Special Operations deployment.”

“I am grateful for every moment we have and the life we have created. Shannon is an amazing wife, mother, friend, sister and daughter. Shannon is timeless,” he added.

Children of Joe and Shannon M. Kent

At the time of her death, Joe and Shannon’s two sons were 3 years old and 18 months old.

In 2023, Joe Kent entered into a new marriage with Heather Kaiser. Shannon Kent was posthumously promoted to Senior Master Sergeant and received various honors including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.

West Bengal Assembly elections: Mamata Banerjee faces off against Suvendu Adhikari again; second round of political contest takes place in Babanipur

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March 17, 2026

West Bengal Assembly elections: Mamata Banerjee faces off against Suvendu Adhikari again; second round of political contest takes place in Babanipur

New Delhi: All set for second round Mamata Banerjee Contesting the West Bengal elections with Suvendu Adhikari. West Bengal’s chief minister and the opposition leader in the state assembly are preparing to face off again in next month’s assembly elections, this time in the Babanipur seat. In 2021, Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP won the first round by 1,956 votes defeating Mamata of Nandigram. Mamata’s failure overshadows the overall impressive shine Trinamool Congress defeated the BJP in the assembly elections five years ago. The TMC won 215 seats with a vote share of 48%, while the BJP polled 77 seats with a vote share of 38%.Mamata and Suvendu, who were once close aides of the Trinamool chief, parted ways in 2020. Accusing Mamata of corruption and electoral fraud, Suvendu left the TMC and joined the BJP. They have been bitter enemies ever since.

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From Nandigram to Bhabanipur: BJP’s Adhikari takes on Mamata Banerjee in high-stakes showdown

Mamata today announced the list of 291 TMC candidates, gearing up for a tough electoral battle with the BJP in the state. The West Bengal chief minister has expressed confidence that her party will once again gain a comfortable majority. “We will win over 226 seats in the 2026 assembly elections. The vote share of the BJP will go down in this election. Their anti-people policies will get a befitting reply,” Mamata said while announcing the party’s candidate list.The BJP, on the other hand, is confident of winning West Bengal this time and is confident that Suvendu will repeat the feat of 2021 and defeat Mamata again. West Bengal BJP president and MP Samik Bhattacharya said: “Suvendu Adhikari will defeat Nandigram and Bhabanipur by a huge margin. This is not just a matter of the BJP, it reflects the sentiment of the people.”But while Suvendu will try to keep Mamata on tenterhooks in Babanipur, he himself may face a tough situation in Nandigram, where the TMC has fielded a former BJP panchayat chief.Pabitra Kar, who is close to Suvendu Adhikari, rejoined the ruling TMC and contested against the BJP leader in Nandigram just hours before the party announced its candidate.The TMC said in a social media post that Kher was “unhappy with the anti-people stance of the BJP”. Ka, who quit the TMC to join the BJP in November 2020, was instrumental in consolidating the saffron party’s organizational structure in Boyal-1 district and is believed to have been instrumental in ensuring the BJP’s leading position in the district five years ago.In the 2021 assembly elections, Suvendu Adhikari narrowly won in Nandigram by polling 1,10,764 votes, while Mamata polled 1,08,808 votes.This time, however, it will be interesting to see who — Mamata or Suvendu — benefits from the breakdown in the alliance between the Congress and the Left.Mamata targets electoral commission, questions timing of administrative reshuffleMamata launched a blistering attack on the Election Commission, claiming that senior administrative officials and policemen were transferred ahead of the assembly elections at the behest of the BJP.Addressing reporters while announcing the list of Trinamool Congress candidates for the 2026 assembly elections, Banerjee wondered “Why were senior officials transferred before Eid? Is there any plan to trigger unrest ahead of the elections?”The chief minister claimed that the list of transferred officials was prepared by the BJP office and the decision was taken only by the Election Commission.She further claimed that some officials from outside West Bengal were brought in to assist the BJP in the electoral process. The TMC supremo accused the poll panel of acting under political pressure and said the Election Commission “played a good game on behalf of the BJP”.“They should campaign directly for the PPP,” she said.Banerjee also claimed that the transfers were aimed at facilitating the flow of funds and arms to the BJP ahead of the polls.

‘Police refused to help’: Indian-Sikh restaurant owner Harman Kapoor speaks out amid ‘not halal’ controversy after release

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March 17, 2026
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An Indian-Sikh restaurant owner in west London claims the Metropolitan Police “repeatedly refused” to help his family despite serious threats hours after he was detained and later released hours after a tense confrontation outside his restaurant.Rangrez’s boss Harman Singh Kapoor claimed in a social media post that his “outburst” was due to months of intimidation.He wrote: “Many people are unhappy with my attacks on radicals who continue to make my life a living hell.” He added: “The Metropolitan Police have repeatedly refused to help my family when a group of unruly radicals threatened to kill and rape us.”He also posted a video after his release of supporters gathering outside the restaurant and called his arrest “illegal.”

‘Non-halal’ stance sparks months of tension

At the center of the controversy is Rangrez, a neighborhood Indian restaurant in west London that has been operating for about 16 years and has announced plans to close.Kapoor said the company had been under continued pressure after publicly announcing it would not serve halal meat. A prominent sign outside the restaurant reads: “Proudly, we do not sell halal food.”Kapoor said that, as a Sikh, he prefers to serve jhatka meat, a method of slaughter that requires quick blows and which some Sikhs consider religiously permissible.According to him, the decision sparked months of backlash, including false online comments, threats and repeated confrontations.

Crowds gather and the situation escalates

Tensions came to a head on March 14 when Kapoor promoted a “non-halal party” at a restaurant, asking supporters to attend and document any disturbances.Later in the day, a large crowd gathered outside the restaurant in Hammersmith, with social media posts saying more than 100 people surrounded the restaurant. Videos shared online showed a heated atmosphere, with Kapoor describing the situation as threatening.Fearing for his family’s safety, he said he carried a “kirpan,” a Sikh ceremonial knife, for protection.

arrest and release

Kapoor said he was detained by the Metropolitan Police hours after the crowd began to disperse, allegedly for carrying a religious dagger.Police have not issued a detailed public statement clarifying the circumstances of the arrest or whether any charges will be filed.Kapoor was later released and later posted a video showing supporters gathering outside the restaurant. In another post, he wrote: “I can’t even hold a knife anymore or even eat. I could be arrested by the Metropolitan Police.”What started as a dispute over halal and non-halal food has evolved into a wider cultural and political controversy. Kapoor’s supporters claim he was targeted for exercising his religious beliefs and protecting his business, while critics say the situation has been exacerbated by provocative messages on social media and heightened tensions.

Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying for AFC Asian Cup ended by scandal

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March 17, 2026
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Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup were dashed after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ruled out two matches 3-0 for fielding ineligible players, a decision that confirmed Vietnam’s promotion from Group F.The AFC said the action was taken after Malaysia used ineligible players in the final round of qualifying. “The defendants fielded ineligible players in matches related to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup (qualifier final),” the AFC said in a statement. The Kuala Lumpur-based body also fined the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) US$50,000.After losing the game, Vietnam now leads the group with a six-point advantage, with Malaysia unlikely to catch up. The final group match between Vietnam and Malaysia on March 31 will no longer affect qualifying.“Although this match is no longer decisive for the final group rankings, it is still expected to be a noteworthy match,” the Vietnam Football Association said.The development comes in the wake of a FIFA investigation into Malaysia’s use of foreign-born players. The investigation focuses on the 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June last year and the 2-0 victory over Nepal in March last year. Both results have now been overturned.FIFA found that the players obtained their citizenship through forged documents and did not have Malaysian ancestry or ancestry. According to the governing body, three players are from Argentina, two are from Spain, one is from the Netherlands and one is from Brazil.The players involved are Hector Hever, Jon Elazábal, Gabriel Palmeiro, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Horgado, Imanol Machuca and João Brando Figueiredo.The FIFA Appeals Committee said in its findings that the offense “undermines the foundations of football’s integrity”. It held both players and FAM accountable, stating that seven players “negligently used and benefited from forged documents” and that FAM’s “inability to establish accountability reflects systemic governance shortcomings and a lack of genuine commitment”.

Rajya Sabha polls: Congress accuses BJP of trying ‘poll chori’ in Haryana, warns cross voters of strict action

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March 17, 2026
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Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Karamvir Singh Boudh, who was elected to the Haryana Lok Sabha

New Delhi: congress accusation tuesday bjp There are attempts to “vote for Chauri” and “murder democracy” in the Haryana Union Assembly elections, even as the party claims to take “sternest possible action” against its own MLAs suspected of cross-voting.The onslaught came hours after a high-profile, dramatic Rajya Sabha contest ended just after midnight in Haryana state, with the BJP and Congress winning one seat each after allegations of breach of vote secrecy, invalid ballots and cross-voting disrupted the election.

After tense overnight counting, the BJP and Congress have one seat each

Sanjay Bhatia of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Karamveer Singh Budde of the Congress Party were elected to the Haryana federal assembly.Bhatia, a former Lok Sabha member from Karnal, easily won the first seat with 39 first preference votes. Budde, a retired Haryana government employee and a prominent Dalit activist who currently serves as the National Coordinator of the Scheduled Castes Unit of the Congress, secured the second seat with 28 votes.Independent candidate Satish Nandal polled 16 votes, leaving the race for the second seat narrowly contested after cross-polling diluted what the Congress could have easily counted.According to the Federal House election formula, the quota required to win a seat is 2,767 votes. Both Bhatia and Bude exceeded this standard, leaving no room for further transfer of votes.

Deepender Hooda claims to ‘vote for Chauri’, says BJP is trying to ‘murder democracy’

At a press conference in Delhi, Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda congratulated the party leadership and praised Budh’s victory but launched a blistering attack on the BJP over the way the polls were being conducted.“In Haryana, under the cover of darkness, the BJP is trying to murder democracy and indulge in poll-based elections,” Hooda said, according to the Press Trust of India.He claimed that the BJP had “no faith in democracy” and only wanted to “seize power” but said MPs and workers were vigilant to ensure the victory of Budde, whom he described as a man who worked for social justice.According to news agency ANI, Hooda said the BJP had adopted “all possible strategies” and “such unethical political behavior would not have been resorted to for just one Lok Sabha seat anywhere in the country before today.”

Congress accuses election officials of bargaining, bias

Hooda claimed that the BJP tried “various tactics”, including encouraging cross-voting and trying to win seats through bargaining.He further claimed that when the move failed, the BJP “launched its B-Team INLD” and claimed that the BJP did not clarify its position until polling day.Hooda claimed that “the INLD evaded the vote when more than 30 votes in Congress had already been cast in favor.”He later accused the BJP of influencing the Election Commission and accused election officials of bias.“The returning officer showed bias and canceled four of our votes, even though they were all valid. This was done after another returning officer had already placed the same votes in a valid tray. This shows that the BJP is obsessed with ‘voting’ in the Lok Sabha elections,” Hooda said.Furthermore, Hooda added, “The four ballots that were invalidated during our count all counted… This is a victory for democracy.”

Congress acknowledges crossover vote, says ‘strictest action’ to come

Even while attacking the BJP, the Congress admitted that some of its MLAs had cross-voted.Hooda said some Congress MLAs from Haryana had cross-voted and warned of action.“Our MLAs who betrayed their conscience and integrity – not just themselves but even their next generation will be held accountable by the people of Haryana. The Congress party will take strictest possible action against these MLAs,” he said.Hooda also said the public would not forgive these MLAs and those who remained loyal to the party despite facing “temptations and pressures” earned more respect from the people.

Five votes were invalid and INLD abstained.

There have been some twists and turns in this election.Two members of the Indian National Congress (INLD) abstained from voting, reducing the number of valid votes in the 90-member Haryana Assembly to 88 when voting began.INLD leaders Abhay Singh Chautala and Aditya Devi Lal said the party decided to abstain “keeping in mind the sentiments of the people”.Five votes were later declared invalid – four by the Congress and one by the BJP, officials said.The poll body declared Congress MP Paramveer Singh’s vote invalid after the Congress and the BJP complained to the Election Commission about breach of voting secrecy.Invalid ballots became a major flashpoint, with congressional accusations of selective targeting and procedural bias.

Budde calls it a victory despite ‘illegal cancellation of votes’

Congress winner Karamvir Singh Boudh also questioned the cancellation of voting after his victory.ANI quoted Budh as saying, “The votes were illegally canceled but I have the blessings of the Congress party and the people. I have the love of the top leadership of the Congress party.”Congress leaders expected his victory to be politically significant, especially after the BJP leaders dismissed him as a “weak candidate”.Hooda said those who called social workers weak received an “appropriate response” and described the outcome as a “constitutional victory”.Congress’ scheduled castes unit chief Rajendra Pal Gautam, who accompanied Hooda to the press conference, said he was “extremely happy” that the party had nominated “a real Ambedkarit” for the Rajya Sabha, the Press Trust of India reported.

Fresh Assembly Flashpoint

The results of the Union House also reached the Haryana Assembly on Tuesday.In another development, MPs went on strike claiming democratic values were being undermined.Congress MP Geeta Bhukkal claimed that the House had become a “marketplace for buying and selling things” and alleged that ministers openly admitted to “buying” MPs.“The Constitution has been strangled and that is why we are resisting,” she was quoted as saying by ANI.

BJP strikes back

The BJP, however, rejected the Congress party’s charges and referred the cross-polling issue back to the opposition.BJP winner Sanjay Bhatia said the Congress party was upset because its lawmakers were not united.“The responsibility of the Congress is to unite its workers and MLAs and now they are making accusations against us because of cross-voting by their own workers, which is not right,” Bhatia said.Haryana minister Mahipal Dhanda also dismissed the Congress party’s allegations, saying independent candidates had every right to seek votes and claiming the Congress party was “holding their workers hostage”.

Congress got away with it

With five Congress MPs allegedly cross-voting, if independent candidate Satish Nandal also gets 11 second-preference votes from BJP candidate Bhatia, and if one more Congress MP cross-votes in his favor, he could tie Budh’s vote tally.The math underscores how close Congress came to losing a seat it was expected to win easily.In the end, the Congress managed to secure one of the two seats despite fierce accusations of cross-voting, invalid votes and haggling, but the result triggered a new internal crisis against dissident MLAs and a new political battle with the BJP over the vote.

Suzy Wiles’ Net Worth: How Rich Is Trump’s Chief of Staff Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?

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March 17, 2026
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The US president confirms that White House chief of staff Suzy Wiles has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer Donald Trump March 16th.

President Donald Trump confirmed Susie Wiles’ breast cancer diagnosis, praising her decision to begin treatment immediately and expressing confidence in her prognosis. (Reuters)

The President of the United States issued a statement on the social media platform Truth Social saying that Wiles will continue to perform his duties during his treatment.

“(She) decided to take on this challenge immediately rather than wait. She had a great medical team and her prognosis was excellent,” Trump said in the Truth Society post. “During her treatment, she spent almost full time in the hospital White House“.

Wiles is the first female chief of staff in the White House and has held the position since Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.

Also read: Ali Larijani Family: Amid mass deaths in Israel, everything hinges on Iran’s security chief’s wife, children and net worth

Trump calls Susie Wiles a ‘terrific warrior’

After Wiles’ diagnosis was announced, trump card The board meeting at the Kennedy Center called her “fantastic” and an “amazing fighter.”

The president faced Wiles, who was sitting on his left, and said, “You’re going to be around for a long time.”

Trump further mentioned that Wiles would address her health issues “immediately” rather than waiting, a decision he said he fully supported. “I say, do it immediately, because with this particular disease, the sooner the better. That’s the only thing I know, the sooner the better.”

He commented that the prognosis was “very good,” noting that she had just begun treatment.

Suzy Wiles ex-husband, children, and net worth

Susan L. Wiles, 68, is the daughter of the late NFL player and sportscaster Pat Summerall.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maryland, according to The Florida Times-Union, a division of the USA TODAY Network.

Wiles and her ex-spouse, Lenny Wiles, are parents to two daughters, Katie and Caroline, the Times Union reported. The couple married in 1984 and divorced in 2017.

Susie Wiles’ net worth has not been disclosed. However, her late father’s distinguished career as an NFL player and broadcaster prompted Celebrity Net Worth to estimate his estate at more than $10 million, which is likely to be divided between Wiles and her two siblings, according to Newsweek.

Overview of Suzy Wiles’ political career

Wiles has been involved in politics for more than fifty years.

She served under New York Republican Rep. Jack Kemp in the 1970s and later contributed to former President Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and administration, an early USA Today article reported.

She has since moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she held consulting and government roles while raising her two daughters.

In 1995, Wiles played a key role in helping John Delaney become Jacksonville’s first Republican mayor since shortly after the Civil War. She served as Delaney’s chief of staff until 2000.

Wiles was subsequently selected to assist Sen. Rick Scott’s 2010 Florida gubernatorial campaign as well as his campaign for governor. Ron DeSantis‘ 2018 Events.

She has been involved in Trump’s presidential campaign since 2015. After winning in 2024, Trump named Wiles chief of staff, a position she has held ever since.

Smith and Warner’s PSL plans under scanner in ‘Do Not Travel’ alert

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March 17, 2026
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David Warner, Steve Smith and the Pakistani flag

new delhi: australian stars Steve Smith David Warner faces growing uncertainty over his participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as security concerns in the region cast a shadow over the tournament.According to Australian media Codesport.com, several Australian players and coaches, including Glenn Maxwell and Marnus Labuschagne, are expected to participate in the PSL competition starting on March 26.

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Jay Shah calls 2019-2026 golden period for Indian cricket

However, rising tensions in Pakistan and surrounding areas have prompted serious discussions behind the scenes. Players have reportedly been informed of the security risks, including disruptions and travel complications related to the conflict. Flights in and out of the region have been affected, adding to uncertainty. Of greatest concern is a scheduled match in Peshawar, a city currently listed as “do not travel” by the Australian government due to security threats.Despite these risks, teams are continuing to prepare and a number of Australian players are expected to arrive in Pakistan soon. The situation leaves many people weighing the trade-offs between professional commitments and personal safety.To address concerns, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has proposed contingency measures, including evacuating players via private jets if the situation worsens. While the game remains as planned, the final decisions for players such as Smith and Warner may depend on how the safety situation develops in the coming days.

A Utah mother convicted of murdering her husband writes a children’s book about grief, ‘Are You With Me’

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March 17, 2026
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Kouri Richins, the author of the self-published children’s book “Are You With Me,” tells the sad story of being found guilty of aggravated murder of her husband, who he poisoned with fentanyl. Kouri Richins published the book a year after her husband, Eric Richins, was killed in March 2022. She spiked his cocktail with five times the lethal dose of fentanyl. The jury deliberated for three hours before announcing the verdict.Richins, a real estate agent who was deeply in debt, wanted to leave her husband but stayed because of his money, prosecutors said. She was planning a future with another man and had a life insurance policy taken out on her behalf without her husband’s knowledge. Prosecutors showed the jury text messages between Richins and Robert Josh Grossman, with whom she allegedly had an affair, in which she fantasized about leaving her husband, getting millions of dollars in a divorce and marrying Grossman.

Luxury prisons for the rich in America: What the rich search on Google

Richins’ search history included “what is the lethal dose of fentanyl, luxury prisons for wealthy Americans and what is written on the death certificate if someone is poisoned.”After poisoning her husband, she called 911, which prosecutors said was not “the sound of a widowed wife.” “This is the sound of a wife turning into a black widow,” they said. Before his arrest in May 2023, Richins self-published a children’s book about coping with the loss of a parent. During the case, the lead investigator revealed that she actually paid a ghostwriting company to write the book for her. The book, which says it aims to create peace and comfort for bereaved children, tells the story of a young boy who questions whether his father is there for him during special moments like birthdays, Christmas and the first day of school.

India condemns Pakistan at UN for ‘fabricated’ Islamophobic rhetoric, points to Ahmadi crackdown and Afghanistan bombings

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March 17, 2026
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India condemns Pakistan at UN for ‘fabricated’ Islamophobic rhetoric, points to Ahmadi crackdown and Afghanistan bombings

India on Monday strongly condemned Pakistan at the United Nations, saying it habitually “fabricated” Islamophobic rhetoric against its neighbor, while questioning Islamabad’s own record on its treatment of minorities during Ramzan and its actions against Afghanistan.Addressing the United Nations General Assembly to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Parvatarani Harish issued a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation while urging the United Nations to avoid formulating a framework that focuses only on one faith rather than addressing all forms of religious discrimination.

‘India’s Western neighbors’ spin Islamophobic narratives

“India’s western neighbors are a perfect example of imaginative stories of Islamophobia being created in their neighbourhoods,” Harish said.In a stinging attack, he added: “One wonders what will be called the brutal crackdown on Ahmadiyya in this country, or the massive deportation of helpless Afghans or the airstrikes during this holy month of Ramadan?”Harish’s response comes against the backdrop of Pakistan’s repeated attempts to level accusations against India in multilateral forums under the banner of Islamophobia.He also said the OIC “is systematically attempted by our Western neighbors to weaponize it against India” and has repeatedly made “false and baseless accusations” against the country.

India warns against weaponizing religion at UN

Harish stressed that the United Nations must take note of “the growing trend and danger of state and non-state actors weaponizing and exploiting religious identities to serve narrow political ends.”He warned that politicizing religion would not resolve grievances but risk legitimizing “selective, polarizing narratives” that would deepen divisions, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.“The United Nations is considered an institution that transcends religion, culture and politics. Its credibility depends on universality and impartiality,” he said.He further urges “to be wary of frameworks that focus solely on one faith without addressing all manifestations of broader religious phobia.”India also stressed that the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief remains a balanced and durable instrument as it protects followers of all faiths without privileging any one religion.

India highlights its Muslim population, Kashmiri representation

Emphasizing the diverse character of India, Harish said that India has more than 200 million Muslims and is one of the countries with the largest Muslim population in the world.He said Muslims in India, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, elect their own representatives to speak for them.“The only ‘phobia’ evident here seems to be against multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence enjoyed by all communities in India, including the Muslim community,” he said.He added that such claims were contrary to India’s “fundamental ethos” and instead reflected “the sectarian and terrorist mentality that has existed in this country since its inception.”

Afghan reference adds sharp edges

Harish’s reference to “air strikes in this holy month of Ramadan” comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.Afghanistan claimed that an airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul late Monday killed about 400 people and injured about 250 others, with a Taliban spokesman blaming Pakistan. However, Pakistani media Sama quoted security sources as denying the allegation and calling the suggestion that the drug treatment hospital was attacked “ridiculous.”Pakistani authorities insisted the attacks targeted Taliban-linked military infrastructure in Kabul and Nangarhar and caused “no collateral damage.”

Ali Larijani Family: Amid mass deaths in Israel, everything hinges on Iran’s security chief’s wife, children and net worth

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March 17, 2026
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that an attack killed Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, “one of the most senior and senior figures in the Iranian regime’s leadership.”

While Iran has yet to confirm Ali Larijani’s death; curiosity is growing about his family and wealth. (Reuters archives)

According to the Israel Defense Forces, after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Larijani “served as the leader of the Iranian regime,” taking the lead against Israel and neighboring countries.

Additionally, the Israeli military has linked Larijani to the crackdown on anti-establishment demonstrators in Iran, saying he “advanced” violent law enforcement tactics and crackdowns.

Iran has so far not confirmed Larijani’s death, with state media publishing a photo of a handwritten note purportedly signed by him that was also shared on his social media account.

The announcement of his death peaked global curiosity about not only his political power but also his wife, children and net worth. this is what we know Ali Larijani.

Also read: Is Ali Larijani still alive? Senior Iranian official’s X post sparks new speculation over Israeli death claim

Where was Larijani last seen?

Last Friday, Larijani It can be seen on Tehran’s bustling streets during the annual Quds Day rallies. He was appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council in August following the joint US-Iranian attack on Iran in June 2025. On Monday, he issued a statement aimed at Muslims around the world, urging them to support Iran’s struggle and asking Gulf leaders to justify their continued permission to allow the United States to establish military bases in their countries used to launch attacks against Iran.

Ali Larijani’s early life, family and political career

Ali Larijani was born in Najaf, Iraq, on September 3, 1958. His father was Grand Ayatollah Mirza Hashem Amoli, and he grew up in a prominent clergy family. The family moved to Iran after the 1979 revolution, which brought him into Qom’s religious circles.

He received a degree in Mathematics from Alia Meir University and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tehran. His early career included serving as editor of the Tehran Times and as deputy culture minister during the administration of President Rafsanjani.

The Larijani brothers — Ali, Sadiq (former justice minister) and others — hold significant control in Iran. The five brothers hold important positions and have established “spheres of influence” in the judicial, legislative, security and other departments.

Before the war broke out, Larijani also played an important diplomatic role alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in trying to persuade Gulf states to avoid launching attacks on Iran. In addition, he also traveled to Muscat, the capital of Oman, to meet with mediators involved in the discussions.

Larijani issued a resolute statement after US and Israeli attacks killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning Iran would ensure its opponents “regret” their actions and vowing to retaliate forcefully.

As chief nuclear negotiator, he played a major role in shaping Iran’s discussions with global powers and later supported the 2015 nuclear deal.

Although he is often seen as a pragmatist within the political framework, his stance has become more rigid in recent months as tensions with Israel and the United States escalate and diplomatic initiatives fail.

The United States has announced a reward of up to $10m (£7.5m) for information about senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including Larijani, who is part of a list of 10 people linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

According to the Guardian, if Larijani’s death is confirmed, the total number of senior Iranian officials killed by Israel since the outbreak of the current conflict will increase to ten.

Among them were five other senior military leaders, including Ali Shamkhani, who served as a close adviser to the supreme leader.

Ali Larijani’s wife and children

At age 20, he married Farideh Motahari, the daughter of Morteza Motahari, a trusted associate of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, Al Jazeera reported.

Although his family had a very conservative religious background, his children followed different paths. His daughter Fatemeh graduated from the University of Tehran in medicine and continued her studies at Cleveland State University in Ohio, USA.

Larijani and Farijani have four children: two sons, Moteza and Mohammad Reza, and two daughters, Fatmeh Ardashir Larijani and Sara.

The two sons keep a low profile in Iran and may be involved in business or religious activities. By contrast, the daughters are in the spotlight – Fatmeh has attracted attention for her career in the United States, while Sarah has been less in the public eye.

Follow Daughter: Fatemeh Ardashir Larijani

Fatemeh was a cancer specialist who trained at University Hospitals in Cleveland and worked at Emory University Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta before he was fired in January 2026.

She has been targeted by Iranian-American protests amid a crackdown in Iran, with U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter calling for her to be deported over her father’s role. After her firing, her biography was removed from Emory University’s website.

The petition, which has gathered more than 41,000 signatures, urges President Trump to revoke her medical license due to her family’s ties to violence. Fatmeh’s husband is an American who works in clinical consulting.

What is Ali Larijani’s net worth?

Ali Larijani’s net worth remains undisclosed to the public due to a lack of credible financial transparency.

Analysts and political observers reportedly estimate his wealth to be between $1 million and $5 million. However, these are unverified estimates.

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