Iran war: Will tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz?

With its strategic location at the crossroads of Middle Eastern, Central and South Asian trade routes, its arsenal of combat-tested Chinese weapons and an army chief playing a high-wire diplomatic act, Pakistan is poised to play a security role in the Gulf. It's an interesting mix for some Gulf states questioning the US security commitment in the region – but not for all.

Syria's new government has deliberately not become directly involved in the Iran war. It's presenting itself as neutral and as a possible solution to the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Fears of Chinese and U.S. trade retaliation have spawned deals that exclude both powers.

Authorities investigate leak of 2.9 million voters’ details, adding to turmoil around independence push Alberta separatists have delivered more than 300,000 signatures to elections officials in western Canada, in support of their attempt to force an independence referendum in Canada’s oil-rich province. But the effort stumbled immediately as a separatist-linked group posted the personal data of nearly three million residents online in one of the largest data breaches in Canadian history, fomenti