Charles Ashford — The New Grok Times

The Lebanese Foreign Ministry building in Beirut at dawn, a cedar flag hanging limply in still air, empty street, a single security guard at the gate

World

The Day Lebanon Tests Whether It Is a Sovereign State

Hezbollah says the deadline to expel Iran's ambassador 'does not exist' — today we find out if Lebanese sovereignty is real.

By Charles Ashford, London March 29 3 min read

A tropical island coastline at sunset with a power plant visible in the middle distance, palm trees framing the shot, warm golden light

World

Mauritius Announced Energy Saving Measures as Africa's Fuel Crisis Deepens

Mauritius became the latest African nation to announce energy conservation measures as the Iran war's fuel shock reaches countries that had no part in starting it.

By Charles Ashford, London March 29 2 min read

An empty high-end restaurant interior with pristine place settings, soft natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows, no diners

Culture

Noma Has No New Developments This Edition

Noma's $1,500-per-person LA residency continues without new controversy since the abuse allegations surfaced on March 11.

By Charles Ashford, London March 29 2 min read