IMF upgrades global economy outlook

IMF Upgrades Global Growth Forecast — War and AI Pull in Opposite Directions

The IMF used its Bangkok annual meeting to partially walk back the downward revisions it had made to global growth forecasts since the Middle East war began, predicting a modest improvement. IMF Chief Economist Silvana Tenreyro said the economy had "shown its underlying strength, but is approaching its limits," adding that the challenge ahead is to shift from coping to rebuilding — restoring fiscal space and supply-side resilience.

BBC Economics Editor Faisal Islam, reporting from Bangkok, explained that a negative double shock and a positive shock had "cancelled each other out by more than expected." On the energy side, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has not been fully compensated for, but alternative routes have been secured. US-China bilateral trade has fallen, yet both countries have significantly expanded commerce with third nations. Beyond that, a "surprisingly" large wave of AI investment has underpinned the global economy, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, pushing back the pessimism that had taken hold. Islam cautioned, however, that the duration of the energy shock and the staying power of the AI boom both remain uncertain.

Houthi Attack Closes Riyadh's International Airport

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, has been shut until at least Saturday after coming under attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis of Yemen. Three deadly attacks were recorded over four days, and within the most recent hours alone three missiles were shot down north of the city.

Regional correspondent Hugo Bichega reported that flights to other cities, including Jeddah, have also been partially suspended, spreading disruption further. Authorities have opened an investigation into why missiles and drones were not intercepted; some air-defence systems are reported to have been redeployed to protect government palaces and critical energy infrastructure. The energy minister declared that every attack would be met with a serious response. Saudi Arabia continues to carry out air strikes in Yemen, though there are growing indications that a military solution is out of reach and a diplomatic settlement is inevitable.

Iraq's Sexual Violence Survivors — Speaking Out Means Risking Your Life

BBC Arabic's Saleh Nabil reported from Baghdad. A woman referred to by the pseudonym Amel testified that her daughter had been raped by her own father almost five years ago. She went to the police with medical documents including DNA evidence, but once her husband realised he was about to be arrested he called his relatives and told them — in words that implied they should "wipe away the shame" if he was detained. The phrase was a clear allusion to honour killing. The trial is ongoing and the father remains at large.

Prominent women's rights activist Yanner Mohammed was shot dead outside her Baghdad home earlier this year and no one has been charged. Another activist, Sara, continues to publish survivors' videos on Instagram — simultaneously exposing perpetrators socially and preserving material as legal evidence. The Iraqi government received roughly 300 sexual harassment complaints this year, though the real figure is believed to be far higher. A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry described it as "a very limited problem."

The Taliban's Caves — Testimony Twenty-Five Years On

This month marks 25 years since US forces drove the Taliban from Afghanistan. The BBC gained access to caves the Taliban used as secret bases for 20 years during their time underground. Former fighters interviewed by reporter Haun Hamoush described the caves as "hand-dug, extremely cramped dungeons." Surviving on minimal supplies to avoid detection by US and Afghan military operations, they planted IEDs and landmines around the entrances and at times took refuge in madrassas in Pakistan. Five years after retaking power, one former fighter who said he had been able to visit a city centre "for the first time" expressed hope that rural areas would also benefit — while carefully stopping short of any criticism of the Taliban.

Tennessee Execution Fails — Emergency Responders Left Confused

Tennessee authorities have released audio of emergency calls made after the botched execution of murderer Krista Pike. Two lethal injections were administered but failed to cause death, and when the prison called for emergency medical assistance, first responders could not determine whether the call was genuine or a hoax. The released audio captures exchanges to the effect of: "We're trying to confirm whether this is actually happening and whether we need to send an ambulance and police."