Hard Numbers

87: Civilian casualties in Afghanistan from US airstrikes rose 87 percent between 2017 and 2018, according to Action Armed Violence. American forces dropped more bombs and missiles there in 2018 than in any other year on record.

9: Only 9 of the 18 most important positions in the US Department of Homeland Security are now filled following the resignation of Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen on Sunday.

1,000: About 1,000 foreigners participated in a yearly marathon in North Korea's capital Pyongyang over the weekend. We assume Kim Jong-Un took home the gold.

20: Amid an already pressing demographic crunch, 20 percent of Russians now say they would leave the country if they could.

More from GZERO Media

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Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto

The United States is back at war in the Middle East: Late Saturday evening, the US military unleashed 75 precision-guided weapons, including 14 “bunker-buster” bombs, against Iran’s Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites. Israel followed up by hitting Fordo’s access routes on Monday. US President Donald Trump is now openly contemplating regime change.

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STR/NurPhoto

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he will decide whether to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities “in the next two weeks,” a move that re-opens the door to negotiations, but also gives the US more time to position military forces for an operation.

People ride motorcycles as South Korea's LGBTQ community and supporters attend a Pride parade, during the Seoul Queer Culture Festival, in Seoul, South Korea, June 14, 2025.
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Housing shortages in the US and Canada have become a significant problem – and a contentious political issue – in recent years. New data on housing construction this week suggest neither country is making enough progress to solve the shortfalls. Here’s a snapshot of the situation on both sides of the border.