Burkina Faso's military executed 223 civilians, including 56 children, in a single day in February, as part of a counter-terrorism campaign. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported the massacre, urging an urgent UN-backed investigation. The killings occurred amid Burkina Faso's pivot towards Russian military support, with no evidence of Russian involvement in the massacre. Witnesses described soldiers targeting civilians accused of collaborating with jihadists. HRW's executive director, Tirana Hassan, called for accountability for the atrocities. The Burkina Faso government has not commented on the allegations.

Adam Scott, chairman of the Player Advisory Council on the PGA Tour, discusses the ongoing debate about the impact of distance in golf, particularly focusing on the role of the driver and golf balls. He expresses skepticism about solely targeting golf balls to address distance issues, highlighting the evolution of the driver as a more forgiving club. Scott reflects on the historical shift in golf equipment, notably the introduction of the Pro V1 ball, and the increasing athleticism in the sport. Stakeholders have until August 2023 to provide feedback on a proposal that could take effect in 2026, potentially altering equipment standards to manage distance.

Tiger Woods' strategic approach at the 2006 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool involved using his driver only once, on the par-5 16th hole, due to the course's conditions. His plan focused on using irons to navigate the course, avoiding bunkers, and maintaining control over his shots. This conservative strategy, combined with his exceptional ball-striking skills, led to a two-shot victory over Chris DiMarco, highlighting Woods' golfing intelligence and precision.

The article explores the potential for European LIV Golf players, such as Sergio Garcia, to participate in the Ryder Cup despite current eligibility rules. It highlights the challenges faced by European players who have resigned from the DP World Tour, which currently disqualifies them from Ryder Cup selection. The piece discusses the implications of these rules, the relationships between players like Garcia and Rory McIlroy, and the broader context of the LIV Golf and PGA Tour dynamics. It also touches on the strategic considerations for the European team, emphasizing the importance of including top-performing players regardless of their affiliation with LIV Golf.

After 12 years, a framework agreement involving P5+1, the European Union, and Iran may lead to profound changes in the Middle East's political and economic landscape. Despite skepticism from the US Congress and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, analysts believe a full accord is likely by June 30. The deal, which includes increased IAEA inspections and phased sanction waivers, could result in significant investment in Iran's economy, particularly in energy and banking. Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia, are concerned about Iran's return to oil markets, which could impact oil prices.

Saudi Arabia's 2015 budget projections reveal a deficit of SAR 145bn ($38.7bn) due to a significant drop in oil prices. Despite this, the government plans to maintain high spending to support the economy, with substantial reserves to back its expansionary state. The budget includes increased spending on education, health, and social affairs. Analysts were surprised by the scale of the deficit, which is around 5.2 percent of GDP. The Kingdom's efforts to diversify the economy have seen limited success, and it remains vulnerable to further oil price declines. The International Monetary Fund estimates Saudi Arabia needs a fiscal breakeven oil price of $106 a barrel in 2015. With substantial capital buffers, Saudi Arabia has options to finance the deficit, including using reserves or tapping international bond markets. The Kingdom's decision to maintain oil production levels is seen as a response to US shale competition and regional geopolitical ambitions.