Washington has raised concerns about Tehran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missiles and allied militant groups

Various militant groups who participated in a rally marking the 40th year of the Edsa People Power Revolution demanded the release of two activists arrested by police for alleged assault, resistance, and disobedience.

The worst outbreak of fighting in decades comes as Pakistan accuses the Taliban of harboring militant groups. Without a clear path towards reconciliation, the threat of protracted violence looms.

Besides wars, disease, and violent militant groups, few forces have undermined law-based states in recent times as profoundly as corruption. Nowhere is its human cost more visible than in Nigeria.

Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul on Friday, with Islamabad's defence minister declaring the neighbours at "open war". It comes after months of tit-for-tat clashes, with Islamabad accusing Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups that carry out attacks in Pakistan, which the Taliban government denies. France 24’s Douglas Herbert takes a closer look at the causes of the conflict.